Captured bows were few. All were self bows and none too powerful.

The General and Baron Worley have moved to keep support for the Advance Guard close enough to be able to intercede quickly.
Given our limited quantities of ranged weapons, we will keep them with the infantry as protection.

The "Army" is able to move quickly without the bother of the enemies scouts and You recognize some changes in the terrain, farms beside the roads and for a long ways in each direction with many little farms.  The Mucky ground has given way to plowed ground on both sides and the desert is now a league or so off to your right. Your direction of march has changed to a slightly more northerly direction as well.
Come late afternoon you find a place to camp with water, protected by angry farmers. The wells are not deep, but it takes some talking to get them to believe you don't want to poison the wells too.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 901):

Have all bows used, with new users trained by more experienced members. Keep our scouts out and active and engaging with the local farmers, assisting if there are enemies that would harrass them by recruiting, poisoning wells or killing/capturing livestock. Offer to buy any food to supplement supplies (but offer, not force).

It appears Kenyan, via translation, may have success in talking the farmers around. Maybe not hearts and minds but getting there. He asks also, "Is there anything that the shiek's men have been doing lately that is unusual?" then adding, "If we were to be able to trade with you longer term, what things would be interesting to you? What might you be able offer back in trade?"


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OOC: 09:55, Today: Baron Kenyan Worley rolled 7 using 3d6.  Diplomacy 10.
Kenyan's trying to insinuate that his folk are not here to conquer the farmers and that he can be a siginificant friend long term.

They grow grains, fruits, some nuts and also raise Sheep & Goats (lots) and some cattle (few).
They produce a fair bit of wool, but are not very good at combing it out in any quantity.

The farmers are all against the Sheik as he grabs people, and produce with promises of some future payback.
Nobody has ever seen any pay back, just more pain nd suffering.  As for trade, they had a fairly active trade with Catheran until this Sheik showed up [one of the main reasons you were sent! ].

Fine, we camp here, rest both folks and horses, gather a little strength, and tomorrow make a good push towards the shiek.

Close to sundown a Party arrives in front of you with a parley flag [white flag...whatever]

They close to a bout 15meters and stop.

The General is quick - Baron, only you speak to them, no one else. You may speak with us and we will let you know if we need to speak to you.
 I expect that at least one of them speaks perfectly good English, but they will only converse with us in Arabic through a transator if they can force that. Then they can blame everything on the translator's misunderstanding.

"Very good. Let's be at it then. Is it appropriate to offer them something? Food? Water? Clothing?" he asks, checking that his clothing is appropriately fastend and tucked in.

In reply to Baron Kenyan Worley (msg # 907):

"I can translate..." offers Mustafa.

Please don't, just remember what they say... we want them to have to speak in English.

"They want to speak so it will be in Anglish," directs Kenyan. "None of you with me are to contradict me. That shows division and weakness. If fact none of you are to adress them. You shall signal to me if you wish to advise me. Is that clear? General? Mustafa?" He looks around at faces. "So, advise me now. Is it appropriate to offer them something? Food? Water? Clothing?2

In reply to Baron Kenyan Worley (msg # 910):

Mustafa smirks.

"And if you are being culturally inappropriate?"

"That is why I asked all of you to advise me now," answers Kenyan. "I am a foreigner. They know that. We're emphasising that by forcing their dialogue with me in Anglish. So, any advice now? If you signal me, the number of numbers, from 1 to 4, is the level of importance and urgency."

The General nods his agreement. I see no reason to offer anything, we are not using diplomacy, we are presenting a military demand.

There are two translators besides Mustafa.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 913):

Mustafa shrugs.

"Up to you. I can't predict what you will do, though, so I can't prepare you for every situation."

"So no advice from you. Fine," says Kenyan who then looks to each of the others in turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:49, Fri 16 Sept 2022.

You may always confer with your subordinates and advisers  The General said.

"Fine. Let us be about it then." Kenyan advances towards the flag waver.

Whe they ar withing appropriate speaking distance he calls out, "WHo speaks for you?"

They all seem to look back and forth and speak in Arabic. One finally speakstoward you a little louder in Arabic... you guess he's asking if you don't speak Arabic... then he asks the same thing again and points to the folks behind you.

Kenyan repeats, impassively, pointedly not looking at any of his people. "I ask again, who speaks for you?"

They make a show of chattering to each other, after a bit they call a fellow forward from a group further back.
He speaks halting English at best - Wish we make treaty of peace. You agree?

"That would be a good thing," replies Kenyan trying to keep his body language to a minimum. He tries to spot any whose eyes show comprehension before the translation into arabic. "I do not yet know your culture and customs so if I use words or ways that might be considered impolite then I tell you now it is not so intended. It is very inportant that you make sure that is totally understood. Can you do that?"

When that appears to have been translated, Kenyan adds, "So that I might understand propely, I may need to consult with my associates to check my understanding. Nothing improper or dicourtious is intended by that. It is very important that what is understood is the same as that intended. Do you agree?"

Again pausing for translation, Kenyan starts on the actual discussion, by introducing himself and then asking, "So please delight me with your name and also that of he for whom you speak."

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OOC: 13:34, Today: Baron Kenyan Worley rolled 10 using 3d6.  Perception 13 (to spot understanding prior to translation).

Two of the original group likely understood everything you said. This translator is struggling, as he is not even close to fluent.
He babbles in Arabic... there is some discussion and he turns back.

This our land, We, you us, not fight, you go back, Sheik give you best deals in trade.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:47, Sun 18 Sept 2022.

"You speak with the shiek's voice? Is his second in command here?" asks Kenyan.

After iatening to the reposnsehe says, "I need to consult my advisors."

Pulling back some yards the baron syas quietly to his general and Mustafa, "Don't let on but I'm certain two of them understand Anglish perfectly.." (He indicates the pair by verbal description). "..so, dethroning the newcomer, the shiek, was required. Please now advise me on how best to proceed."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:12, Sun 18 Sept 2022.

In reply to Baron Kenyan Worley (msg # 923):

"Me too, but remember why we came. Be careful of giving legitimacy to one who is not legitimate. Peace with the farmers, yes, but are you sure the Duke wants peace with the sheik to continue the things he is doing? Dethroning him has to be clear and honest condition of peace."

Kenyna hears Mustafa, nods, and then looks at his general to see if he has any contribution.