Vercingetorix, Lord of Dalpok!

[FirstAmongstDaves]

You are standing in a wooden hut.
Carved on the wall is some writing. It reads “Throne Room of the Lord of Dalpok." A ostentatious throne made from red and purple silk pirate shirts backs onto a harem lounge. A smaller sign reads, "Only the Lord of Dalpok may enter the harem.”

Here you can see battlemore.

Vercingetorix says “Ah, battlemore, how nice of you to join me in my throne room. New to Dalpok? I'm in charge here. By popular demand. Or appointment of the skygods. I get those two muddled.”
Vercingetorix gives a machete to battlemore.
Vercingetorix says “Here's some kit. Watch out for pirates around here. Those scurvy outsiders want to take our women! Can't have that. The women are mine! All mine!”
Vercingetorix says “I need a harem master. Feel up to the job? No touching the stock, though.”
Vercingetorix belches and scratches his stomach.

azuma says “Nice, very regal. Considering my present non-castrato status I'll skip the tour of the harem room. ” (2010-02-20 06:11)
azuma says “Very long day, picking up Bb's trace and tracking him down to lop off his head perked thgings up though. Sent him off to see his ancestors. An ersatz make-a-wish fulfiller, I am.” (2010-02-20 06:13)
azuma grins (2010-02-20 06:14)
azuma says “...and how goes the suzerainty?” (2010-02-20 06:14)
azuma says “Time to ramble on. See you soon.” (2010-02-21 19:42)

[Euphenics]

I happen to know that Dalpok's official government has always been an anarchy. Why disrupt the status quo McMonarch?

First order of business: starting a local wildfire. All of Dalpok's tourism is going to Durham for barbecued rhino. Too many native industries have been relocated in the East to afford such losses. If we get our own underway, our better crosstraffic might even have us doing better than before.

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Those suggestions sound like they involve some sort of responsibility. I'm not sure the Lord of Dalpok is into that.

[Vetari]

Hmmm! They've got civilization now, eh? If the cannibals attack, will there be another battle of Gergovia? Hmmm!

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Ahnaom walks into the throne room and bows slightly "Greetings, Lord. I see you managed to find yourself a residing hut and even got some silk to make another room here." Looks around. (2010-03-01 13:28)
Ahnaom continues "Not bad looking, not bad... I hope you do not hold any grudge about the recent events in Raktam. We.. we might have a different view on some things you are... (looks at the curtain) (2010-03-01 13:31)
Ahnaom says "...you might be used to in this village. Nothing personally selected for you. In these days kings, lords, princes and descendents from the gods are common, so one has to be wary. (2010-03-01 13:33)
Ahnaom says “In fact, there are more kings than thrones. And one really has to wonder, how can this be... Anyway, I decided to stop in this village briefly, before continuing my journey around the mountain.” (2010-03-01 13:35)
Ahnaom says “I hope your memories of Raktam are not bitter. Should you choose to study some scrolls about politeness, you are always welcome to visit our beautiful village.” (2010-03-01 13:36)
Ahnaom looks at the lounge behind the throne "May I ask what is that concealed place. Is there another lord inside, ruling his own kingdom? (2010-03-01 13:38)

ClickClick enters the 'Throne Room.' He gazes at the figure occupying the ragtag chair and a sneer twists his face. "Lord? The Dalpoki have no lord." (2010-03-01 19:15)
ClickClick says “We obey the will of the ancestor spirits and the ways of the people. To set a mortal between the spirits and their descendants is a blasphemy.” (2010-03-01 19:18)
ClickClick says “A blasphemy almost as great as allowing the heathen white devils to defile our sacred village with their loathsome presence. Devote yourself to ridding Dalpok of their infestation, brother...” (2010-03-01 19:22)
ClickClick says “...and forget this-" He gestures contemptuously "-presumptive obscenity. You risk the spirits' wrath if you do not turn your feet from this path.” (2010-03-01 19:23)
ClickClick turns on his heels and stalks from the so-called royal chamber, his face rigidly disapproving and his every movement exuding cold anger. (2010-03-01 19:25)

You say “Eh, everyone's a critic. Skygods trump ancetors spirit will, so I win. ”
You say “So, welcome, Raktami. My time in your kingdom was entertaining if not interesting. Raktam and Wiksik sit to the east: we sit in the west. Our cultures are different. While you people fish in the lake,”
You say “make reed musical instruments and make love in the moonlight, we smash pirates, use thier skulls for bongo drums, and sheath their cultasses where the sun doesn't shine.”
You say “Two sides of the coin. The people of Raktam are a lovable, romantic lot. We burp and fart. It does not mean there can be no understanding between our nations.”

Ahnaom says “Indeed. Your words hold much wisdom. Yet, we must not forget, that which suits for life in the waters might get easily lost in the jungle. So with our two villages.” (2010-03-03 11:14)
Ahnaom says “It is not smart to carry one's customs over the mountain. Should you choose to walk the shady cool paths of Raktam again, you are welcome to burp as much as you wish. But remember that our women” (2010-03-03 11:16)
Ahnaom says “do not live in harems or locked huts. There is no place for heads and tails on the same side, there never was.” (2010-03-03 11:17)
Ahnaom says “I feel we shall meet again, Lord. For now, I have to depart. Farewell. (bows slightly)” (2010-03-03 11:18)

Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:29)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai attacks you with a knife for 1 damage. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai uses a healing herb on you and restores 10 health. (2010-03-04 22:30)
Is'Kai uses a healing herb on you and restores 10 health. (2010-03-04 22:30)

Vercingetorix starts acting very strangely. (2010-03-05 01:51)
You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “Ropata is not my uncle. How could I have thought that?” (2010-03-05 01:51)
You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “Am I right to sit here while pirates prowl the village?” (2010-03-05 01:51)

A spectral figure growls and Vercingetorix looks up as the spirit manifests in front of him (2010-03-05 01:53)
A spirit whispers “I AM NOT YOUR UNCLE.” (2010-03-05 01:59)
A spirit whispers “I am healer. I am hunter. I explore and preserve the jungle, both by killing those who fell it senselessly, and felling it when a tree needs to pass on to the next stage in the circle of life.” (2010-03-05 01:59)
A spirit whispers “I have traded. I have done many glorious and inglorious things. Some may ascribe madness to my actions, but my actions are as much planned as unplanned.” (2010-03-05 02:00)
A spirit whispers “You claim me as a mentor, but there is nothing that you do that I would approve of.” (2010-03-05 02:01)
A spirit whispers “You sit here now, when there is so much that you have the potential to do.” (2010-03-05 02:02)
A spirit whispers “You. And only you can decide what you wish to do.” (2010-03-05 02:02)
A spirit whispers “If you want recognition, earn it.” (2010-03-05 02:03)
A spectral figure laughs loudly and vanishes from the hut (2010-03-05 02:04)

You say “Eh. Uncle Ropata has had a bad head day. ”

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Chapter 3: The Lord of Dalpok Goes Medieval On Asses

The herb hut:

Vercingetorix says "I'm guessing we have a spirit problem here?"

Strength of a Bear says “Vlad the spirit is doign us all a favour by taking our HP down, so we can gain XP by healing each other while he collects XP for wailing. I say leave him here. ” (2010-03-19 09:24)
Strength of a Bear says “...........and thanks for the crab ” (2010-03-19 09:25)

oofoo performs a successful exorcism ritual and casts 1 spirit outside and away from here. (2010-03-19 09:39)

Mrs. Jack Cudgel uses a healing herb on you and restores 2 health. (2010-03-19 11:21)

A spirit whispers “S of a Bear is right, I won't kill anyone. Plus exorcising moves me an average of about 6 spaces, so really not worth it” (2010-03-19 15:54)

 Mrs. Jack Cudgel performs a successful exorcism ritual and casts 1 spirit outside and away from here. (2010-03-19 22:46)

oofoo carves something onto the wall. (2010-03-20 02:33)
oofoo makes a gesture that you take as "Just saying it. Quicker to make XP by hunting Elephants and Tigers" (2010-03-20 02:33)

Maunder steps inside and lets his eyes adjust to the dimness. (2010-03-20 03:04)
Maunder says “Ah, indeed. My brethren, it has been many moons since I have seen you. A few of you were but children when I last left our trainquil village.” (2010-03-20 03:05)
Maunder says “My heart is full of warmth to see the old familiar walls and paths.” (2010-03-20 03:06)
Maunder smiles broadly. (2010-03-20 03:07)
Maunder says “How happy I am that we have so far avoided the new threat of angry fire that the outsiders have brought. But that surely will not remain so.” (2010-03-20 03:08)
Maunder says “Remain vigilant, my brothers, to keep our hunting grounds and gardens safe. I hesitate to add that some of our own cousins,” (2010-03-20 03:09)
Maunder says “perhaps enjoying a little too much the outsider's strange beverages, have forgotten their respect for the island and have unleashed the angry fire on our own home.” (2010-03-20 03:10)
Maunder says “It makes them forget their place in the world, that stuff.” (2010-03-20 03:10)

Imperious George barwuh cuthiuhyun thi Varingthixar. (2010-03-20 16:33)
Imperious George says “ING cumun wuhthi ar gerfor.” with a slight accent. (2010-03-20 16:33)
Imperious George says “AR gerfor for thi gerar karnuh orr Duputh.” with a slight accent. (2010-03-20 16:33)
Imperious George gives you a rifle. (2010-03-20 16:33)
Imperious George gives you a rifle bullet. (2010-03-20 16:34)
Imperious George gives you a rifle bullet. (2010-03-20 16:34)
Imperious George puthcu ar lunger rarlun ing Varingthixar'shur humdu. (2010-03-20 16:34)
Imperious George says “Varrar, varrar puthethuh wuhputh.” with a slight accent. (2010-03-20 16:35)
Imperious George says “Ing wuhlun karlun yunuh ethethingshur.” with a slight accent. (2010-03-20 16:35)
Imperious George says “ING humputh ING'mun nuh orr orr thieth!” with a slight accent. (2010-03-20 16:35)
Imperious George lunger nuhvarshur. (2010-03-20 16:35)

Chibz uses a healing herb on you and restores 8 health. (2010-03-20 23:07)

Darth Bobo says “ING cumun thi thidu nuh thi humrar ar arshur aruh thi du fororr yunuh puthshur.” with a slight accent. (2010-03-21 18:51)

Graagh kills Darth Bobo with a machete. (2010-03-21 20:07)

Admiral Akbar says “What a cry baby.” (2010-03-21 20:17)

Graagh turns his attention from the dead pirate at his feet to the remaining outsider (2010-03-21 20:28)
Graagh collects the head of Darth Bobo. (2010-03-21 21:20)

Vercingetorix puffs out his chest. "I am Lord of Dalpok! The shipwreck to the north" and he points south " is our property! Some Raktamis are planning a wedding bash-heads fest there. I say we get there first!"

oofoo hands a bundle of poison to darts to Vercingetorix (2010-03-22 01:59)
oofoo smashes a large number of empty outsider bottles (2010-03-22 02:03)

A spirit whispers “new recod, exorcism moved me 12 spaces” (2010-03-22 12:51)

You hear Bahl whisper “hello” (2010-03-22 16:10)

Bahl kills Graagh with a machete. (2010-03-22 16:13)

Shama-Lama-Ding-Dong uses a healing herb on you and restores 10 health. (2010-03-22 16:37)
Shama-Lama-Ding-Dong uses a healing herb on you and restores 10 health. (2010-03-22 16:37)
Shama-Lama-Ding-Dong performs a successful exorcism ritual and casts 1 spirit outside and away from here. (2010-03-22 16:38)

Maunder says “farewell, my brothers. until the island smiles upon our meeting again, may your feet be sure and the game plentiful.” (2010-03-23 04:24)
Maunder steps out and into the light. Dust motes swirl briefly. (2010-03-23 04:24)

A spirit whispers “someone heal Chibz” (2010-03-23 14:19)

You hear a banshee wail coming from all around you. (2010-03-23 14:19)

gridflay performs a successful exorcism ritual and casts 1 spirit outside and away from here. (2010-03-23 15:46)

Shama-Lama-Ding-Dong uses a healing herb on you and restores 8 health. (2010-03-23 16:11)

Blackbeard kills Admiral Akbar with a cutlass. (2010-03-24 00:17)

Vercingetorix says “I, Vercingetorix, Lord of Dalpok, by the grace fo teh skygods, have kiled blackbeard. And some other pirate too. Thus Dalpok sleeps soundly. Shame I can't spell today. Never mind!”

***

In schwerve's hut:

Vercingetorix says "schwerve, is Broomhead a friend of yours?"

happy trauma carves something onto the wall. (2010-03-25 15:19)

schwerve says “Not that I know of, Vercingtorix. He did give me darts and a gem though...maybe he likes the cut of my jib.” (2010-03-25 15:39)
schwerve says “You just can't figure the pale ones out. Best to just cull them all from the herd when the opportunity presents itself.” (2010-03-25 15:40)
schwerve says “...and Happy here has healed me on more than one occasion when I was down in health and surrounded by tigers. If I haven't already thanked you H.T., Thank you!” (2010-03-25 15:42)

happy trauma says “Any Dalpok is a friend of mine, brother” (2010-03-25 16:00)

Broomhead kills schwerve with a machete. (2010-03-26 00:54)

Vercingetorix says, “So much for goodwill.”

***

Back to the throne room:

Carved on the wall is some writing. It reads “Th-on- R-om o- the L--d of D--p-k." It looks like it was a lavish throne room. The throne is in multiple pieces, scattered. Torn body and cloth lie behind throne bits. In the wall is scratched "Oops.”
Here you can see Eyesburn asnd an outsider.
 
Vercingetorix kills Broomhead.
Vercingetorix says “Got this miscreant. Imagine, hiding in my own throne room. The gall.”

[Billfred]

The GYF supports Vercingetorix, Lord of Dalpok. Officer Food was foolish to declare it's independence without single or democratic authority (?)
We hope that Dalpok prospers as it always has done.

(though Daves, PHC and leader of Dalpok, cutting it close no?)

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Both are never actually in town together, and the PHC spends much mroe time in Rakmogak than Dalpok.

Chapter 4: the Lord of Dalpok Prepares to Mediate in the Wiksik Civil War

A shaman has been busy preparing healing herbs and has left plenty of small bundles of herbs hanging from the ceiling whilst they dry out.
Carved on the wall is some writing. It reads “Dalpok Medical Hut: You know what to do. Heal. Exorcise. Wanna farm XP? Hunt Elephants.”
Here you can see Strength of a Bear, oofoo (62 of 70 HP), Wicked Mystic, The Goat, Eyesburn (42 of 50 HP), and Dart Shooter (52 of 60 HP).
Your sixth sense tells you there is 1 spirit here.
You say “Men, we march to Wiksik to mediate in their civil war. Courage in our hearts, fire in our loions and smart-ness in our brains! for we are the men of Dalpok, and small children sing our praises!”
You say “And yes, a "loion" is just like a "loin", but bigger. Lets ride.”

Chapter 5: The Lord of Dalpok meets a hot chick on the way to Wiksik

You are inside a rather dishevelled looking hut.
Carved on the wall is some writing. It reads “I am a peaceful trader, please don't attack me.”
Here you can see Sha Ka Ree.

You say “Rejoice! for I am Lord of Dalpok. And are you really Shakira? Because that would be awesome"

[snico]

Playing today, I found two completely different characters who's only kill is Vercingetorix.  I know I heard someone talking about that around here too... Do you turn people off killing with your death??

[Bobby the Hatchet]

Playing today, I found two completely different characters who's only kill is Vercingetorix.  I know I heard someone talking about that around here too... Do you turn people off killing with your death??

The mere sight of him makes their swords flacid.

[CyAdora]

Playing today, I found two completely different characters who's only kill is Vercingetorix.  I know I heard someone talking about that around here too... Do you turn people off killing with your death??

The mere sight of him makes their swords flacid.

    
Vercingviagra ?

[CyAdora]

We need you, My Lord.

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “Listen here, mate, the Colonies are here to stay. The King will send soldiers, money, and guns. Your village life is the way of the past.”

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “What are you going to fight us with? Sticks and rain dances? ”

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “Now don't you worry, Dalpoks, because you do have a place in the Empire. You'll be our laborers, and you'll produce fine crops which will be valued both here, and at ports abroad. ”

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “In exchange, you'll be given parcels of land, good clothes, and a white man's education. You'll speak the King's english in no time. But know your place.”

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “You keep up that jibber-jabber and walk around with your dart guns and monkey charms - well you'll see find that colonists won't like that. ”

You feel an unknown force take control of your body. You say “So when you see a soldier in these parts, you bow and pay respect - and give up your gold - and we'll let you work the land in exchange.”

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Sorry, been on an extended sojourn in the US and Italy.

Vercingetorix shall sort this out.

[FirstAmongstDaves]

Vercingetorix has moved the Citadel to the double hut in the south-east.

The Lord of Dalpok sits in the Citadel with his concubine, Kikuya.

your last move:
A shargle bites you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 06:40)
A shargle attacks you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 08:51)
A shargle bites you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 12:37)
A shargle attacks you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 13:24)
Kikuya uses a healing herb on you and restores 8 health. (2010-06-17 14:23)
Kikuya says “welcome back, my Lord.” (2010-06-17 14:23)
Kikuya carefully gives part of her stores of poison darts to Vercingetorix. (2010-06-17 14:27)
Kikuya bows to her Lord. (2010-06-17 14:27)
Kikuya says “I do hope those will be useful to you and your endevors.” (2010-06-17 14:27)
Kikuya stands up tall with pride and shows off the skull from her first kill. (2010-06-17 14:28)
Kikuya holds up a creepy skull. (2010-06-17 14:28)
Kikuya says “I have killed, Tripleday, on your command to rid our noble village of evil creatures.” (2010-06-17 14:28)
Kikuya says “at first I was curious as why a paleskin was so close to our village. Then I saw him stealing our fruits. As I questioned him, I saw he hd slain you and at that I killed him where he stood.” (2010-06-17 14:29)
Kikuya lowers her head slightly. (2010-06-17 14:30)
Kikuya says “I do think I need to be disciplined.” (2010-06-17 14:30)
Kikuya says “my curiosity seems to be very strong. I need to learn to control that.” (2010-06-17 14:31)
Kikuya says “with your inspired words and teachings, I hope to overcome my desires.” (2010-06-17 14:31)
Kikuya says “with the advent of this foul smelling beast, I have learned and earned more knowledge. ” (2010-06-17 14:33)
Kikuya says “you have given me gifts of words, inspiration, valour and experience. I owe you much for that.” (2010-06-17 14:33)
Kikuya bows again, very low, slow and with great control. (2010-06-17 14:34)

A shargle attacks you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 15:37)

Red Will strides in through the door, looks around, makes a brief and sudden movement as though attempting to leave and deciding it's too late to pass off his presence as coincidental, then bows deeply. (2010-06-17 15:50)
Red Will says “Hallo O Great and Noble Savages of the glorious and unspoilt plains of the magnificent island of Hispaniola!” (2010-06-17 15:51)
Red Will says “I come bearing rum and --!” (2010-06-17 15:52)
Red Will shakes a dice cup and spills them onto the floor. They show a six and a three. (2010-06-17 15:52)
Red Will says “Are ye familiar with Liar's Dice? Famous throughout the Caribbean for its propensity for ruining livelihoods and tempers of all peoples!” (2010-06-17 15:56)

ClickClick kills Red Will with a blowpipe. (2010-06-17 19:30)
ClickClick kareth baring thi bardu, duaringger ar cuethnuhlun duger. Hum puthuhgershur ing ingthi thi duar orrshureth'shur cushur, ar wuhthi ar wuhnuh, cucu orreth thi rar cuger. (2010-06-17 19:32)
ClickClick cuvar orr thi humrar ar shurnuh, hum gerrar puthzith humlun arfor ing ar cuingshurnuh forshur. Barorr thicueth duwuh hum ar, thi duing fororr hum ethorr thi thi arrararyun-shurdu forrarrar. (2010-06-17 19:32)
ClickClick says “Yunuh karnuh ar nuh wuhlunorreth ing thiing puthcu, wuhthi duing. Barorr! ar du nuh raruh, for orrlun duthi aring yun humrar.” with a slight accent. (2010-06-17 19:32)

A shargle attacks you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 22:05)
A shargle attacks you for 2 damage. (2010-06-17 23:07)

You kill the shargle.

You say “Sorry, I got a little tired of being attacked by this thing. A pet almost as dangerous as an outsider.”

INTERLUDE: an extract from Neil's Travels, for consistency...

A Lord calls for a visit and talk

Vercingetorix says “Greetings, Mr Tathers. Please feel free to visit me and my concubine, Kikuya, in the Citadel Precinct to the south-east.”

Inside a room with five granite thrones
You say “You seem to wish to talk to me Vercingetorix, is something an issue?”

A gift
Kikuya bows and takes her leave to gather up supplies.
Kikuya walks in and carefully empties her sleeves of darts and herb packets into a modest wooden cupboard next to the western facing window.
Kikuya takes a large bunch of well-dried herbs and presents it to Neil Tathers.
Kikuya gives you a healing herb.
Kikuya bows to Neil Tathers and takes 3 small steps backwards, her arms folded back into her long-hanging sleeves.
Kikuya says “welcome, Neil Tathers, to the Citadel of the Dalpok Crownlands if you need anything during your stay, I would be happy to assist you.”
Kikuya bows again and takes a seat on the floor at the foot of Vercingetorix's granite throne.

Longing
Neil Tathers looks longingly at the door, "Thank you for the gift, that will do fine."

Heritage
Vercingetorix says “Hello Neiltathers. You were once Grand Vizier to my mother. Crazy Uncle Ropata's story about my parentage is quite correct. The French pirate was seduced by your former queen, my late mother. And so here we all are.  Thus the Hummingbird dynasty lives on. I understand my aunt died and has been transformed into... Something else. So I am the sole descendant of the great Queen. But the lineage does not continue in Raktam but instead here in the western crownlands. And I am but one lord of five. Behold the other thrones, belonging to the other lords of Dalpok. ”

Vercingetorix waves at the granite thrones surrounding the open fire.
Vercingetorix says “There is no Monarchy here: instead, an oligogarchy. The other lords may not sit on their thrones but they each rule in their own way, and the thrones sit here waiting and in recognition of their authority." Vercingetorix nods at Tathers. "We have our own way of doing things here. You befriend the aliens in a way we cannot. Raktam does not have our history of resistance.  We do not encourage outsider traders here. But I've come to recognize that we have need of driftwood mainly because of our religious rites of mounting the heads of the slain. So, if you pass back this way, seek me out and I will pay you, or any native trader, a good fee for the wood. Perhaps you can find such things in the outsider lands. That is all I really wanted to see you about, Neiltathers. You are otherwise always welcome in Dalpok.”

More gifts
Vercingetorix says “We did have a pet shargle here but he kept trying to eat us so I was forced to kill it. So instead take this pet as a gift...”

Vercingetorix gives you a poisonous snake.

Vercingetorix says “The pet's name is Dappled Shadow. I entrust her to your care. It seems to me you are best fit to guard her. You might ask, is this the former warlord given the form of the symbol of treachery?  But unlike the soft people of the Wiksik tribe, we do not tolerate sorcery here. At the end if the day it does not matter: the allegory is what is important. The truth is not.  Be safe in your travels, former Grand Vizier of Greater Raktam.”

A short discourse about culture
You say “Interesting tale Vercingetorix. Who knew such things were occurring in Dalpok.”
Vercingetorix says “Tales belong to the people of the Wiksik tribe. We don't deal in superstitions and illusions. We have two currencies: tradition and survival. Being in a constant state of siege doesn't give a culture much time or opportunity to develop folklore. I was raised here because my mother wished me to be strong. And yet, I am the least of the lords of Dalpok.”
You say “Culture is what you make of it young king, perhaps being under siege is your culture.”

The gift, Denied
You say “As for this snake that is named Dappled Shadow, I think I have a more fitting place for it.”
Neil Tathers lets the snake go, and as it slithers towards the door, Neil throws a knife through it, skewering the snake.
Neil Tathers watches dispassionately as it dies, "That's what I think of the former warlord who tried to ruin my, and Raktam's, name.”
Vercingetorix stares at the dead snake. "I see."
Neil Tathers grabs the knife off the floor, "I will be off and spread the word for you, maybe someone will respond."
Vercingetorix says “I don't judge wisdom. But that was a unique thing to do. I think it might revisit you. And, I am no king. Farewell.”
Neil Tathers leaves, the snake on the floor twitches its final death twitch.

***

Aftermath

Vercingetorix turns to Kikuya. "Did you see what he did to the snake?"
Kikuya nods to her Lord. "Yes, Vercingetorix, I did see him act very emotionally at the gift you gave him." (2010-06-19 12:37)
Kikuya raises from the ground gracefully and seemingly glides to the doorway. (2010-06-19 12:42)
Kikuya scoops up the slain serpent and carries it outside to give it a proper burial. (2010-06-19 12:43)
Kikuya returns and sets her new shovel in the gap behind the open door. (2010-06-19 13:01)
Kikuya approaches Vercingetorix and bows. (2010-06-19 13:11)
Kikuya extends her arms and offers a very sedate and calm baby snake to Vercingetorix. (2010-06-19 13:41)
Kikuya gives you a poisonous snake. (2010-06-19 13:41)
Kikuya bows and steps backwards then sits back in her spot at her Lord's feet. (2010-06-19 13:42)
Kikuya looks up and says something quietly to Vercingetorix. (2010-06-19 20:56)
You hear Kikuya whisper “you did however, ask him for wood. Maybe he was expecting something else?” (2010-06-19 20:56)
You hear Kikuya whisper “Laurence Clarkson, a non-killing Durhamite is in the Traders Hut.” (2010-06-20 01:47)


Vercingetorix leaves the Citadel, and kills Zakano.
You say, "Ah, Ahnoun of Raktam. We do not tolerate the roaming ones here. They assist pirates."

[Ahnaom]

I guess my name is unspellable Maybe I should start collecting the variations of how people write it.