Fall from Divine Intervention II: Mercenary for the Gods
- Thread starter PaulusIII
- Start date
PaulusIII
Unholy Warlord
Turns 101 - 150: In the Court of the Warrior King
"I wish to speak to Tasunke!"
"Will the King of the Hippus grant me an audience?"
"Could you offer Tasunke our help if he helps me?"
Several strange-clothed people were standing outside the palace and trying to get Tasunke to listen to them, only to be held outside by the Hippus Royal Guard. Embarrassed, the head of the Royal Guard had to tell them that 'their lord was not at home, and we don't know where he's gone or what he's up to.' According to him, the foreign visitors just had to wait. Where did Tasunke go? Nobody knew. Some said he was reclining at the sea south of Altheriol, others said he was out to train his fighting skills, and a wise-ass suggested that he had been sipping a little too much Deruptus ale.
Tasunke did return though. It took him a few days, but eventually he returned, while the strangers grew more and more impatient by the day. When he returned he was immediately pelted by questions from all sides of the form "What kept you so long, Tasunke?"
"Business." the Hippus leader grunted to his Royal Guard. His tone carried a clear notion of 'none-of-your-damn-business'. The Royal Guard knew better than to ask questions when he was in such a mood. The various visitors were eventually granted speaking time with Tasunke, who heard out their various stories.
One of these visitors was Dora Viconia, refugee from the Svartalfar royal family and on a quest to find back her lost countrymen. She managed to find two groups of them. A scouting party, near the Illian lands...
and a more advanced hunting party, also near the Illians.
The Illians had become remarkably uneasy with Dora running around. One day, a pale-looking Illian scouting party arrived at Tasunke's borders, and without any prior warning declared their intent to conquer the Hippus' lands by force.
The Hippus border guard took another look at the Illian troops. A few warriors leading scouts...
".... pffff ha HA HA HA HAAAA!!! That is what you Illians are declaring war on us with?"
The pale-ish scout went even more pale. "Truly, our lord Auric has some designs in mind for which we are useful. Do not think that we are all there is to the Illian forces... obviously another group will be right behind us to lend us some support. We will be victorious! Mulcarn will return!"
The scouts attacked, and were all cut down swiftly by the much more powerful Hippus forces. The promised Illian warriors never came, and to this day this were the only
Illian forces seen at the Hippus borders. Tasunke himself found the Illian declaration a small bother; they were too far away, and once scouting reports from Dora Viconia had come in that Frostling Archers were guarding the gates of the most powerful Illian cities, he knew that Bhall's dreams of conquering the Illians were likely impossible.
Does that mean that there was no fighting on Illian ground? Of course not.
Nuk-Gab's troops were stationed on a far outpost near Illian lands, because Tasunke was less than sure about their loyalty to him and the Hippus - he feared that with the signs of winter showing all around, the orcs would soon lose their patience and return to the savagery of Bhall's regular minions. He made sure that the orcs would first head to Illian territory if that happened, rather than turn against him instead. Time however managed to cool the orcs down a bit, and they reaffirmed their (at least temporary) loyalty to Tasunke. And when the Illians came to attack, Tasunke was quick to send a message to Nuk-Gab that he had to wait no longer. War had come to him and he was free to attack the Illians.
Nuk-Gab jumped at the occasion. Finally he could carry out his goddess' will and bring destruction to their ancient foe. He and his orcs could not attack the inner core of the Illians directly, but they could bring destruction to the Illian countryside. A city was burned and groups of warriors were slain by Nuk-Gab's hand, carrying out the ancient vendetta against the Illians.
After Nuk-Gab's victory against the Illians, the state of war went on, but no more battles were fought. The war went on in name only, to this day.
When Sailing was discovered, the Wind Waker of Tali could fulfill his quest as well. He was to retrieve the Staff of Winds from the Isle, defeated the wolf guardians, and acquired the staff for Tali's benefit. While the old system of ruling in Tali's name had been abandoned in favour of the more pragmatic approach of having cities decide their own fate, Tali was still held in high honour. Especially when his artifact had been retrieved from the isle.
When Tasunke first met the Malakim and their leader Varn Gosam, it came as no surprise to him that Lugus' people were not very popular with the Calabim, seeing the feud between Lugus and Aeron. Yet things had gotten more and more out of hand, with the Calabim declaring war and even managing to conquer a city from them. It did not come as a surprise either that Varn went looking for allies after that defeat, and seeing as how Auric did not think much of him Tasunke was the only option.
Days after the fall of his city, a Malakim messenger arrived in Altheriol with the simple message one would expect. Tasunke's response was as simple...
"... I accept."
The messenger looked at Tasunke in amazement, but also in admiration. He had thought it much more difficult to convince Tasunke, even while he was still at war with the Illians and having other difficulties to attend to. "You just come to help us without expecting anything but the Malakim's friendship?"
Briefly, Tasunke got a flashback. A pale man at his court. Himself giving a speech, and placating a throng of angry Hippus by beheading the man and promising him vengeance to his people.
"It is not just that. Long ago, a Calabim emissary came carrying the heads of fallen Hippus to my court. I killed him, but promised him that this would not be all the Calabim would suffer because of that disgrace."
"Well, you see, you are not the only one with an ancient grudge against the Calabim. Long ago, they killed a pr-"
Tasunke cut off his words. "Enough talk. While some would have me believe a man of many words, I prefer to think of myself as a man of war with swords rather than words. Varn will have my aid, and the Hippus' - you can tell him we will honor his request. Now it is time to repay the Calabim for all the grief they have caused, and bring Flauros to his knees. Run back swiftly and tell Varn he had better hurry, or we'll beat him to Prespur!"
Later that day, two men on horseback left. One to the Malakim with the good news, the other to the front with the good news. The Hippus were headed for war... and this
And the Hippus were far superior to the Calabim on the battlefield. The inherent warrior culture of the Hippus was a good way to train the warriors of the Hippus, a culture the Calabim did not have - only their very best warriors in the aristocracy received that amount of training. Add to that that many heroes fought among the Hippus, add to that that Hippus smiths had discovered the secrets of using copper for weapons and now sent warriors into battle armed with crude swords and axes rather than clubs, and it would not come as a surprise that the battle of Nubia was easily won by the Hippus forces.
With all that warring Tasunke had been delaying one of the most important decisions, however.
Early on it was clear that Tasunke held enough respect among the various Hippus tribes to keep them all together under his rule and have them follow his rule. Questions of his morality on the other hand... he had dodged a fair few of those. He knew that various people at his court had tried to push him towards a way of ruling - the man/demon only known as the Servant of Agares had commanded him to impose rule through fear, which was at least slightly supported by Dora Viconia whenever she was around at the capital. On the other side of the debate stood Sera and Thessalonica, wishing to see Tasunke rule through wisdom and care for his people and not necessarily doing what was best for himself. Tasunke himself formed the 'third' side of the debate, being first and foremost pragmatic and taking the side that would help his cause best at the moment, not as an ideology. In his heart he knew that this stalling would not be tolerated for long by the gods, and that he had to take a side.
"Have I ever thought about what made an able ruler? A ruler is just as strong as his people. While surely they have their champions such as you and me, in the end we would not be able to turn the tide of a battle if our people did not follow us. But now what makes them follow us?"
Sera's clear voice rang through his head. "The Hippus will keep on following you if you show genuine leadership in leading your people, so that they are convinced that our nation is something to fight for even when the odds are against us. If your decisions are for the good of the people, and you give them a proper life, you will see that they are willing to fight for you - perhaps even die for you. Make decisions based on wisdom, and the people will reward you for it."
The grating voice of the Servant of Agares now took over. "Rule through fear, Tasunke. Make the people even more afraid of the countless methods of torture and death at your disposal, and they will fight for you to the death because they are either trying to get higher up and away from the danger, or desperately trying to die. While the lives of the people are miserable, they will still follow you because they dare not disobey your orders because of the threat you pose. Surely it is a wicked way, but effective nonetheless."
"But what then is better, to be feared or be loved? Tasunke slightly straightened out as he realized he was talking to himself. Was this a decision he could just make in the heat of the moment?
Possibly not. That decision still lay ahead of him.
"I wish to speak to Tasunke!"
"Will the King of the Hippus grant me an audience?"
"Could you offer Tasunke our help if he helps me?"
Several strange-clothed people were standing outside the palace and trying to get Tasunke to listen to them, only to be held outside by the Hippus Royal Guard. Embarrassed, the head of the Royal Guard had to tell them that 'their lord was not at home, and we don't know where he's gone or what he's up to.' According to him, the foreign visitors just had to wait. Where did Tasunke go? Nobody knew. Some said he was reclining at the sea south of Altheriol, others said he was out to train his fighting skills, and a wise-ass suggested that he had been sipping a little too much Deruptus ale.
Tasunke did return though. It took him a few days, but eventually he returned, while the strangers grew more and more impatient by the day. When he returned he was immediately pelted by questions from all sides of the form "What kept you so long, Tasunke?"
"Business." the Hippus leader grunted to his Royal Guard. His tone carried a clear notion of 'none-of-your-damn-business'. The Royal Guard knew better than to ask questions when he was in such a mood. The various visitors were eventually granted speaking time with Tasunke, who heard out their various stories.
One of these visitors was Dora Viconia, refugee from the Svartalfar royal family and on a quest to find back her lost countrymen. She managed to find two groups of them. A scouting party, near the Illian lands...
Spoiler :
and a more advanced hunting party, also near the Illians.
Spoiler :
The Illians had become remarkably uneasy with Dora running around. One day, a pale-looking Illian scouting party arrived at Tasunke's borders, and without any prior warning declared their intent to conquer the Hippus' lands by force.
The Hippus border guard took another look at the Illian troops. A few warriors leading scouts...
".... pffff ha HA HA HA HAAAA!!! That is what you Illians are declaring war on us with?"
Spoiler :
The pale-ish scout went even more pale. "Truly, our lord Auric has some designs in mind for which we are useful. Do not think that we are all there is to the Illian forces... obviously another group will be right behind us to lend us some support. We will be victorious! Mulcarn will return!"
The scouts attacked, and were all cut down swiftly by the much more powerful Hippus forces. The promised Illian warriors never came, and to this day this were the only
Illian forces seen at the Hippus borders. Tasunke himself found the Illian declaration a small bother; they were too far away, and once scouting reports from Dora Viconia had come in that Frostling Archers were guarding the gates of the most powerful Illian cities, he knew that Bhall's dreams of conquering the Illians were likely impossible.
Does that mean that there was no fighting on Illian ground? Of course not.
Nuk-Gab's troops were stationed on a far outpost near Illian lands, because Tasunke was less than sure about their loyalty to him and the Hippus - he feared that with the signs of winter showing all around, the orcs would soon lose their patience and return to the savagery of Bhall's regular minions. He made sure that the orcs would first head to Illian territory if that happened, rather than turn against him instead. Time however managed to cool the orcs down a bit, and they reaffirmed their (at least temporary) loyalty to Tasunke. And when the Illians came to attack, Tasunke was quick to send a message to Nuk-Gab that he had to wait no longer. War had come to him and he was free to attack the Illians.
Nuk-Gab jumped at the occasion. Finally he could carry out his goddess' will and bring destruction to their ancient foe. He and his orcs could not attack the inner core of the Illians directly, but they could bring destruction to the Illian countryside. A city was burned and groups of warriors were slain by Nuk-Gab's hand, carrying out the ancient vendetta against the Illians.
Spoiler :
After Nuk-Gab's victory against the Illians, the state of war went on, but no more battles were fought. The war went on in name only, to this day.
When Sailing was discovered, the Wind Waker of Tali could fulfill his quest as well. He was to retrieve the Staff of Winds from the Isle, defeated the wolf guardians, and acquired the staff for Tali's benefit. While the old system of ruling in Tali's name had been abandoned in favour of the more pragmatic approach of having cities decide their own fate, Tali was still held in high honour. Especially when his artifact had been retrieved from the isle.
Spoiler :
When Tasunke first met the Malakim and their leader Varn Gosam, it came as no surprise to him that Lugus' people were not very popular with the Calabim, seeing the feud between Lugus and Aeron. Yet things had gotten more and more out of hand, with the Calabim declaring war and even managing to conquer a city from them. It did not come as a surprise either that Varn went looking for allies after that defeat, and seeing as how Auric did not think much of him Tasunke was the only option.
Days after the fall of his city, a Malakim messenger arrived in Altheriol with the simple message one would expect. Tasunke's response was as simple...
"... I accept."
The messenger looked at Tasunke in amazement, but also in admiration. He had thought it much more difficult to convince Tasunke, even while he was still at war with the Illians and having other difficulties to attend to. "You just come to help us without expecting anything but the Malakim's friendship?"
Briefly, Tasunke got a flashback. A pale man at his court. Himself giving a speech, and placating a throng of angry Hippus by beheading the man and promising him vengeance to his people.
"It is not just that. Long ago, a Calabim emissary came carrying the heads of fallen Hippus to my court. I killed him, but promised him that this would not be all the Calabim would suffer because of that disgrace."
"Well, you see, you are not the only one with an ancient grudge against the Calabim. Long ago, they killed a pr-"
Tasunke cut off his words. "Enough talk. While some would have me believe a man of many words, I prefer to think of myself as a man of war with swords rather than words. Varn will have my aid, and the Hippus' - you can tell him we will honor his request. Now it is time to repay the Calabim for all the grief they have caused, and bring Flauros to his knees. Run back swiftly and tell Varn he had better hurry, or we'll beat him to Prespur!"
Later that day, two men on horseback left. One to the Malakim with the good news, the other to the front with the good news. The Hippus were headed for war... and this
Spoiler :
And the Hippus were far superior to the Calabim on the battlefield. The inherent warrior culture of the Hippus was a good way to train the warriors of the Hippus, a culture the Calabim did not have - only their very best warriors in the aristocracy received that amount of training. Add to that that many heroes fought among the Hippus, add to that that Hippus smiths had discovered the secrets of using copper for weapons and now sent warriors into battle armed with crude swords and axes rather than clubs, and it would not come as a surprise that the battle of Nubia was easily won by the Hippus forces.
Spoiler :
With all that warring Tasunke had been delaying one of the most important decisions, however.
Early on it was clear that Tasunke held enough respect among the various Hippus tribes to keep them all together under his rule and have them follow his rule. Questions of his morality on the other hand... he had dodged a fair few of those. He knew that various people at his court had tried to push him towards a way of ruling - the man/demon only known as the Servant of Agares had commanded him to impose rule through fear, which was at least slightly supported by Dora Viconia whenever she was around at the capital. On the other side of the debate stood Sera and Thessalonica, wishing to see Tasunke rule through wisdom and care for his people and not necessarily doing what was best for himself. Tasunke himself formed the 'third' side of the debate, being first and foremost pragmatic and taking the side that would help his cause best at the moment, not as an ideology. In his heart he knew that this stalling would not be tolerated for long by the gods, and that he had to take a side.
"Have I ever thought about what made an able ruler? A ruler is just as strong as his people. While surely they have their champions such as you and me, in the end we would not be able to turn the tide of a battle if our people did not follow us. But now what makes them follow us?"
Sera's clear voice rang through his head. "The Hippus will keep on following you if you show genuine leadership in leading your people, so that they are convinced that our nation is something to fight for even when the odds are against us. If your decisions are for the good of the people, and you give them a proper life, you will see that they are willing to fight for you - perhaps even die for you. Make decisions based on wisdom, and the people will reward you for it."
The grating voice of the Servant of Agares now took over. "Rule through fear, Tasunke. Make the people even more afraid of the countless methods of torture and death at your disposal, and they will fight for you to the death because they are either trying to get higher up and away from the danger, or desperately trying to die. While the lives of the people are miserable, they will still follow you because they dare not disobey your orders because of the threat you pose. Surely it is a wicked way, but effective nonetheless."
"But what then is better, to be feared or be loved? Tasunke slightly straightened out as he realized he was talking to himself. Was this a decision he could just make in the heat of the moment?
Possibly not. That decision still lay ahead of him.
Dumanios
Hakugyukurou Gardener
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2008
- Messages
- 4,914
Once again,the messenger of Junil returned.
"I hath cometh for thy ruler of the Hippus."
"Yes,I'm here."
"You hath a holy crusader to aid you in your war against the forces of evil."
"Who's he?"
"He's a man of the snow,what you mortals would call a frostling."
"A frostling?"
"Yes,he hath a way with animals.".Then the messenger left the palace and the Frostling came in with a griffon.
"What's a griffon doing in my palace?!"
"Relaxsh,he'sh my pet."
"You have a pet Griffon?"
"Yesh,I acshually do."
"How?!"
"Like Jonash shaid,I hash a way with animalsh."
Not for the eyes of thy human child named Tasunke
The File.
"I hath cometh for thy ruler of the Hippus."
"Yes,I'm here."
"You hath a holy crusader to aid you in your war against the forces of evil."
"Who's he?"
"He's a man of the snow,what you mortals would call a frostling."
"A frostling?"
"Yes,he hath a way with animals.".Then the messenger left the palace and the Frostling came in with a griffon.
"What's a griffon doing in my palace?!"
"Relaxsh,he'sh my pet."
"You have a pet Griffon?"
"Yesh,I acshually do."
"How?!"
"Like Jonash shaid,I hash a way with animalsh."
Not for the eyes of thy human child named Tasunke
Spoiler :
The File.
Ribusprissin
Warlord
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2009
- Messages
- 114
hmmm, that's weird
for gods:
Near the city of Nubia is a well-fed herd of pigs. Workers suggest driving them to Murousbane or another Hippus settlement.
Quest for mortal:
for gods:
Spoiler :
Near the city of Nubia is a well-fed herd of pigs. Workers suggest driving them to Murousbane or another Hippus settlement.
Quest for mortal:
Spoiler :
Diamondeye
So Happy I Could Die
Tasunke did not notice Dora as he sat mubmling to himself. He jolted when she spoke up from just behind his back:
"It is true that we Svartalfar rule with fear more often than love, but allow me to elaborate my thoughts on this subject, Saviour of the Winter Court."
Tasunke turned around to see Dora. Her face was merely inches from his face, and she was... Beautiful. He showed no expression as he nodded and gestured for her to sit opposite him:
"The fear that we, the elves of the winter, command, is not the fear of which this Servant speaks. What he wants you to do is to have your people cower in fear by threatening them with the might of demons."
A long pause was made, before she added: "You are a fool if you think you can control demons, Tasunke. No-one can control demons, not even the Sheaim. Do not take this approach, or I will be disappointed in you." Tasunke noted her argument down inside his mind, as well as the fact that having someone who is disappointed in you and who can sneak up on you unnoticed running around your court is not a wise move if you intend to live for more than a couple of days. And Tasunke intended to live for a lot longer. Dora continued.
"We Svartalfar rule by the fear of the unknown. The fear of the secrets, the darkness and the dangers it hides. We never threaten anyone in the open. If people critisize the Queen, they are not consumed in the eternal flames of hell. They just disappear.
That leaves us in control, not the demons. I hope you do see the reason in this."
Tasunke nodded. Dora looked as if she was quelling a yawn: "I am tired and need to sleep. I will tell you more on this later, if you wish for it, and want my advice. I trust you have heard of Esus, the god of Shadows. I bid you goodnight, Milord."
Dora bowed and exited the room, followed by Tasunke's eyes. He noticed she began to undress before having completely left the room, while walking. He was quite sure it was on purpose.
"It is true that we Svartalfar rule with fear more often than love, but allow me to elaborate my thoughts on this subject, Saviour of the Winter Court."
Tasunke turned around to see Dora. Her face was merely inches from his face, and she was... Beautiful. He showed no expression as he nodded and gestured for her to sit opposite him:
"The fear that we, the elves of the winter, command, is not the fear of which this Servant speaks. What he wants you to do is to have your people cower in fear by threatening them with the might of demons."
A long pause was made, before she added: "You are a fool if you think you can control demons, Tasunke. No-one can control demons, not even the Sheaim. Do not take this approach, or I will be disappointed in you." Tasunke noted her argument down inside his mind, as well as the fact that having someone who is disappointed in you and who can sneak up on you unnoticed running around your court is not a wise move if you intend to live for more than a couple of days. And Tasunke intended to live for a lot longer. Dora continued.
"We Svartalfar rule by the fear of the unknown. The fear of the secrets, the darkness and the dangers it hides. We never threaten anyone in the open. If people critisize the Queen, they are not consumed in the eternal flames of hell. They just disappear.
That leaves us in control, not the demons. I hope you do see the reason in this."
Tasunke nodded. Dora looked as if she was quelling a yawn: "I am tired and need to sleep. I will tell you more on this later, if you wish for it, and want my advice. I trust you have heard of Esus, the god of Shadows. I bid you goodnight, Milord."
Dora bowed and exited the room, followed by Tasunke's eyes. He noticed she began to undress before having completely left the room, while walking. He was quite sure it was on purpose.
Spoiler Quest for Paulus' Eyes :
Spoiler Changes (need someone else to do those!) - NFPE :
Seon
Not An Evil Liar
@Dumnaios
Spoiler :
kenken244
Grammar Nazi
Got it. looking at it now.
kenken244
Grammar Nazi
While in his war tent, Tasunke heard whispers from Agares.
"I see you are using angels in your army. I understand you are a practical man, and you must use everything at your disposal, but I also note you have not equipped my servant for battle, despite having the funds to do so. It would also appease me greatly if you would capture the Pyre of the Seraphic, and sacrifice those angels there, bringing them to me. I assure you will be compensated for their loss. I have sent some of my minions to help you with that task, but if you are to use them, you must pledge your people to me. You may think this to be a bad idea, Probably due to some Svartalfar trick, I assure you that people fear a known, painful death than what they suspect is a quick death. That Dora Viconia is simply misguiding you, She fears my power just as your people will, You will never command people with tricksters like that, I will put you in control, And you can be sure there will be no-one slitting your throat while you sleep. If you choose to serve me, I ask you to remove that pathetic disciple of Sucellus from the Sepulcher."
What the Squishy-flesh-bag must do:
Comment on the save not for Hippus warmonger's eyes:
Changes not for killable-life-form's eyes:
"I see you are using angels in your army. I understand you are a practical man, and you must use everything at your disposal, but I also note you have not equipped my servant for battle, despite having the funds to do so. It would also appease me greatly if you would capture the Pyre of the Seraphic, and sacrifice those angels there, bringing them to me. I assure you will be compensated for their loss. I have sent some of my minions to help you with that task, but if you are to use them, you must pledge your people to me. You may think this to be a bad idea, Probably due to some Svartalfar trick, I assure you that people fear a known, painful death than what they suspect is a quick death. That Dora Viconia is simply misguiding you, She fears my power just as your people will, You will never command people with tricksters like that, I will put you in control, And you can be sure there will be no-one slitting your throat while you sleep. If you choose to serve me, I ask you to remove that pathetic disciple of Sucellus from the Sepulcher."
What the Squishy-flesh-bag must do:
Spoiler :
Comment on the save not for Hippus warmonger's eyes:
Spoiler :
Changes not for killable-life-form's eyes:
Spoiler :
PaulusIII
Unholy Warlord
@ Sucellus: Sera has been a regular at Tasunke's court, like some of the other visitors (only Dora Viconia and Nuk-Gab have spent most of their days roaming the wilds of the continent, Dora to find her countrymen and Nuk-Gab to wage war against the Illians) and has been advising him. Most of her time has been spent in Altheriol, though she is now studying the Sepulcher.
which evidently Agares does not like...
which evidently Agares does not like...
Seon
Not An Evil Liar
@ Gods
Spoiler :
thomas.berubeg
Wandering the World
A blaze of light pierces through Tasunke's room at dawn, and he hears a voice:
"Do not listen to the nay-sayers and the crows of lies. Agares will decieve you. Mammon will deceive you. DO not let yourself be weakened."
"Do not listen to the nay-sayers and the crows of lies. Agares will decieve you. Mammon will deceive you. DO not let yourself be weakened."
Rystic
Turtle Wizard
Similar threads
