Crone

Crone because noone would expect it.

crone bonus actually sounds super good.

A skut consisting huge warrior skuts please. We've got some conflicts to resolve/initiate.

>>638734
>We've got some conflicts to resolve/initiate.

With who?

Who can say no to a Harlot?

>>638734
I'd like to point out that our hive wouldn't be MADE of burly skuts, but rather, we'd have ONE particularly burly skut, and in general we'd be better at tactics.

A side-note; the particular abilities of the Harlot and the Soldier are, in part, specific to that individual - they'd need to be personally present (and therefore more vulnerable) in order to use them. The Crone's abilities, on the other hand, are equally (?) present in all individuals.

>>638763

One would assume that, since one option has improved reproduction as a perk, that some spans of time will be involved that a few generations of new skuts will be made and grow to usefulness.

The prime skut, therefore, will presumably increase the incidence of their traits in the skutcloud overall, since they'll be passing on those traits to their kids. Soldier will increase the amount of soldierly skuts and harlot will increase the amount of harloty skuts.

>>638763
Perhaps the crone would be a better choice based on ability alone, but personality and story wise I prefer the harlot.

Skut are typically very reclusive and shy, so playing as an extroverted skut is extremely tempting due to sheer novelty. Also, with the state Golboria is in now, a skut breaking cultural stereotypes is a very good thing.

At last that's how I feel.

>>638768
What makes you think thisss takes place in the presssent?

>>638769
An assumption on my part.

If I'm wrong, no big deal.

Harlot

Economy victory!
Harlot!

The friendly face with the numerical advantage.

Harlot.

Enemy 2015/05/07(Thu)02:40 No. 638806 ID: 9aa87b
File 143099165620.png - (5.40KB , 960x560 , 3a.png )

"Here."

Enemy 2015/05/07(Thu)02:41 No. 638807 ID: 9aa87b
File 143099166309.png - (5.99KB , 960x560 , 3b.png )

"The island of Shadal," the Oculot says.
His name is Voxen. He's a prince. His voice is soft and low. "Fifty-odd feet below the surface. The creche of the resistance."

Enemy 2015/05/07(Thu)02:41 No. 638808 ID: 9aa87b
File 143099167991.png - (9.53KB , 960x560 , 3.png )

"You are the boldest Oculot in Golboria," you say. "Or perhaps the dumbest. Or both. It's not mutually exclusive. Revolution against the Kariket."

"We're not looking to change the world," he says. "Just a small piece of it. There are places out there free from his influence already. The Free States. Gataza."

"Gataza is constantly under siege," you say.

"And they defend themselves with free hands," he says. "A shift is on the horizon, madam. In the courts my colleagues question him openly, for the first time in a century or more. And with the implicit support of the Humans."

"The Truce was Tied," you say. "This is a daring claim to make in front of a stranger."

"I dare more," he says. His bodyguard folds her arms. "A daring offer. To link the infant resistance in blood and blood debt to your hive. The cause is just."

"One monarchy replaces the other?"

"I have no interest in rulership," he says. "My home and people are shackled to the genocidal tyrant and the chains have weakened. Our time is now. Your hive is young and displaced. I've heard of Yasku's incursions. You need a home. I'm offering you free, open country. Not his, not the Kariket's, yours. The queen hive of Shadal."

1]] You have my attention.
2]] There is a catch.
3]] You're a fool. It'll never work.
4]] Do you know you're good-looking?
5]] Yasku is no threat. I will chase them from my territory and keep my claim here. I have no need for you.
6]] To win me against the Kariket you'll have to give me more than land.
7]] You need someone disposable to fight your wars for you, don't you, princeling?
8]] ______________

>>638808
7. then 6. It's always the poor bloody infantry that get the bad parts of a war.

2
there is ALWAYS a catch.

2 and 6. There's more going on here.

>>638808
1 and 2.

"You have my attention, but there must be a catch."

>>638808
"I assume there's a catch."

>>638812
This. We're interested, but he's clearly not telling us everything.

"Alright, you have my attention. What's the catch?"

1, 2.
Our curiosity is piqued, but we err on the side of caution. What aren't you telling us, Vox?

A chance to stick it to the Kariket and chisel out our own territory at the same time?

What's the catch?

1,2

>7, 2
if you really want my aid then sale me on the idea, what is it you really want from me, what's the catch

1, 2

Interest and skepticism.

Don't let him know he's actually got your attention, but he's got your attention.

>>638808
1 and 2.

His deal sounds too good to be true. There must be some strings attached. So, while he has our interest, we will not be led down the primrose path.

In short: He has our attention, now what's the catch?

2 and 6.

7, 6. I'll need things such as 'a reason I shouldn't think you're crazy' and 'having an actual plan.'

Our bargaining posture is highly dubious.

We are in his base, surrounded by his forces. We are in no position to be making demands, no matter how many bodies we may have available.

Besides, his offer sounds like our best shot at the moment. If this Yasku is a larger, more experienced swarm, then challenging him may not be the best option. If we sign on with Voxen, then that means allies and the possibility of securing our own territory. Facing the Kariket and his forces is no dream come true, but we seem to be between a rock and a hard place. At the very least, with Voxen and his crew, we wouldn't be alone in the struggle.

I'd say 2 at least, but phrase it more diplomatically. Like, "are there any particular challenges you think I'd need to be ready for?"

Enemy 2015/05/07(Thu)23:30 No. 638992 ID: 9aa87b
File 143106661944.png - (9.38KB , 960x560 , 4.png )

>>638844
He is surrounded by you, not the other way around.
His bodyguard is his only retinue.

"You have my interest and my skepticism," you say. "There is a catch."

He shakes his head. "We are far too strapped for allies for there to be a catch, madam. You would be in opposition to the Kariket; surely that is tension enough to unify us."

"That in itself is a monstrous catch."

"It is," he says. "But we all know it is necessity. And with Humanity at our backs and a defensible position, we have a chance. Palms are being crossed with silver and alliances made. We'll have secrecy, for a time. Otherwise I wouldn't dare show my face on the continent. Are you with us?"

1]] I am.
2]] I am not.
3]] I need time to think about it.
4]] First you help me with my Yasku problem. Then I help you with your Kariket.
5]] Why shouldn't I capture you and tell the Kariket everything you told me? I'd be handsomely rewarded.
6]] __________________

>>638992
1.

We're strapped for options, and we could use some allies. This deal could be our best shot.

1, let's do this.

besides if things get hairy you can make it look like some of 'your skuts' chicken out and flee to make sure you don't get completely killed.

1, because why the hell not? Yasku will kill us dead if we go solo, and the Kariket is making everyone miserable. So, why the hell not?

1.
Voxen is offering supplies, equipment, weapons, and allies that we wouldn't have access to otherwise. I say refusing his offer would be the fool's choice.

1.

Our swarm needs allies, and Voxen is offering them with the addition of funding and support. The alternative is going solo, which is starting to sound worse and worse. We have more to gain by joining the prince than we would otherwise.

1. Down with the Kariket!

1.

"We're in. But we will never have blind faith in you. Freedom demands no less."

1.
"Do not make me regret this, Voxen."

>>638992
1&6 "I can't imagine fighting him with force of arms at this point of time is a good idea."

1.
"Very well. I assume you have something that resembles a plan. Or should I already be worried?"

1.

There is much to be gained from this alliance, should we succeed.

Of course, the good prince has a plan, yes?

1.
Vive le revolution!

Or however they say it in Golboria.

>>638992
1.
but as long as we have the Yasku problem we won't be able to help in full force. make that a priority.

1. You'll be seeing more of us in the future. (Heh. Li'l bit of skut humor.)
>>638995
Everyone in this dimension is reasonably versed in how skuts work. You won't be able to pull the wool over their eye so easily.

>>639023
If Voxen's resistance pays off, we should be able to avoid a confrontation with Yasku entirely, and secure ourselves a cozy little territory of our own. "Queen Hive of Shadal" sounds like a pretty good setup.

What's our yasku problem?

1, 4.5.
You have my cooperation, but if the chance to deal with my Yasku problem presents itself, I will be focused on that first.

Enemy 2015/05/08(Fri)16:30 No. 639096 ID: 9aa87b
File 143112780220.png - (5.44KB , 960x560 , 5.png )

"I am," you say. "Assuming you have something resembling a plan."
"Thank you, madam," he says. "The revolution is in your debt."

"I am the revolution," you say. "A chunk of it, at any rate. You'll be seeing more of me. Skut humor."
"Aha."
"And don't call me Madam. My name is:

________________"

>>639096
Seeing as we know so little about Golborian naming conventions, let's just shoot for something we like.

I'd suggest a smooth, sexy name befitting our Prime. Something like Naska or Priva.

Kirsma

Chuu.
Bika, Chuu!

>>639101
Seconding

>>639101
i like it.

>>639102
Or we could go the completely adorable route. Either way.

>>639101
Thirding.

>>639101
I like that.

By the by, Kirsma: very sexy sounding. Appropriate for a harlot.

>>639096
Got a little shoulder action goin' on, there.

>>639024
AHAHAHA, a good funny, yes.

>>639100
I kinda liked Naska, but Kirsma seems to be winning, which is acceptable.

>>639102
Pfffftyes.

>>639102
This!

It makes me smile.

>>639161
Thank you, but honestly I prefer Kirsma, too.

It kinda sounds like charisma if you said it really fast, y'know? I think that's appropriate considering the character we chose.

>>639174
Yeah, that sounds fitting.

"Kirsma, Queen Swarm of Shadal."

I like the sound of that.

Bika Chuu I chose you!

>>639102
This seems too funny to not vote for.
Chuu away~

You cannot resist the Krisma!

>>639212
It's actually K-i-r-s-m-a, but yes!

You cannot resist! Her sexy, little, red dress commands you!

Enemy 2015/05/09(Sat)19:29 No. 639269 ID: 9aa87b
File 143122495333.png - (10.40KB , 960x560 , 6.png )

"We will be in touch, Lady Kirsma," Voxen says. "Within the month."
"I look forward," you say.

Voxen bows out of the room.
His bodyguard stalks after him.

Your two guards unfurl a heavy map and lay it out across the table.
Your prime runs her fingers across it.

From miles away, the thought has fizzed across your matrix, perking every ear in the network.
Yasku on the horizon. The eastern rim of your territory, that damn ridge they love so much.
You should knock it down. That would take him down a peg.
But to be hasty in these things is dangerous, especially considering their size.
If Bika had stayed; if you'd had the numbers;
But half of you had wanted to go and half of you had wanted to stay and in true Skut fashion the division grew into a physical one. And the loss of the voices, getting louder and fractious and then fading away, held too tightly so they drained and husked out. It still gnaws at you.
Some days you wonder how she's doing.
Focus:
It might well be time to act. Now that you have recourse and allies and a place to pull out if the heat is too bad.

1]] You know of a Yasku burrow nearby. Moving quickly before he can bring reinforcements, and fighting wisely, you can shift the numbers game into your favor.
2]] Meet with him. Tell him that with this revolution the paradigm is shifting. See if you can get him to let up for the month you have.
3]] Next time he's on that ridge, skirmish with him. Send a message.
4]] Call on Voxen to give you extra muscle. Yasku won't be counting on allies.
5]] Take the month to breed. You need more numbers for the revolt and soon your meager territory won't be an obstacle to growth. It'll be difficult, but you have the stores to hold out for long enough, provided you trust Voxen and a migration really is happening.
6]] _______________

>>639269
6]] Seduce Vasku

>>639269
>1]] You know of a Yasku burrow nearby. Moving quickly before he can bring reinforcements, and fighting wisely, you can shift the numbers game into your favor.
give yourself some breathing room, we may have new allies now but with that we also have new enemies. Best to set up as many advantages as we can now before the shit storm hits.

Oh, hey. We're Bika's sister. Mother. Uh, however the divisions priority works. (I'd think sister since they're both young, and they diverged over a difference of opinion, rather than a nascent desire to start over, or for independence).

Interesting idea, in practice. Skut don't need to think about alternate dimensions where they made a different choice. If a decision is important enough, they literally choose both.

>Some days you wonder how she's doing.
There's no inter-dimension mail service? Phone line?

I wonder if skut 'siblings' could communicate over distance by just trading messenger-drones back and forth from one swarm to the other. Not feasible with a dimensional divide in play here, but.

>what do
Five. You're committed to this, now. You've already committed treason by agreeing to rebellion. You're already dead if you can't trust Voxen. So you might as well trust him.

>>639269
>Kirsma is Bika's parent.
DUN DUN DUN!!!

But seriously, 5. It's time to hunker down and prepare for the "Big Leagues". Yasku's nothing compared to the Kariket, and we're going to need a lot more skut to bolster the revolution. Besides, if Voxen pulls through, we're going to be moving into our cozy, new territory soon enough. Yasku can have our old dump if he wants it so badly.

Man, knowing that would have made Chuu even more fitting. Oh well. Go with 1: Divide and conquer.

Send a small team to Yasku on recon. Focus on breeding, while your scouting party spends most of the conscious time finding a base to launch an attack on Yasku later; this should allow you to participate in world events while increasing your numbers.

>>639298
A scouting party is an excellent idea.

While it keeps a lookout, the rest of us can focus on reproducing.

5. More numbers, more resources, more capabilities.

Enemy 2015/05/11(Mon)00:40 No. 639609 ID: 9aa87b
File 143133002143.png - (9.95KB , 960x560 , 7.png )

You get down to the messy business of running a hive, picking out four or five of your numerous libidos fortunate enough to sate themselves with the Prime this evening, with a few other fertile females for good measure.

There are currently 96 of you. By the month's end that number will have broken the triple digits handily, although your Prime's hourglass figure will be compromised for two weeks while the pups gestate.

While that's going on you send a small scouting party out to the ridge and carefully past it, to near the megabeast resonators.

An unnerving discovery:
The resonators, the humming bulwarks against the gargantuan megabeasts that freeroam the continent, have been destroyed. Thick industrial tubes spill out from them like carrion guts, leaking sludgy coolant down the ridge. You don't have the know-how to fix these: Yasku's left your entire hive vulnerable to roving monsters until you lodge the proper reports with who knows who and they send someone into the micro-hive sticks. It could take months.

This was nothing hidden. Yasku wanted you to see this.
He'll deny it to your face, of course. All flattering grins and bows.
Bastard.

1]] Get a delegation to the nearest town, find someone, and convince them to fix this.
2]] Strike back. It's time you did something.
3]] Gird the hive and start emergency prep for the beasts to come.
4]] Open negotiations with him.
5]] Dig his resonator out in the middle of the night and steal it. It'll take a lot of manpower but manpower you have.
6]] _____________

>1
>3
we're good talkers, so I say play to our strengths. We didn't make more of us just to throw them away in a petty battle. Find help and dig in. We're just playing the waiting game anyways and even if our "allies" don't pull through for us we'll at least have the numbers to really hurt Yasku.

>>639609
1 and 3.

Don't panic. Get someone down here to repair that thing as soon as possible, and get the hive ready for what may come.

If he's willing to go this far, I think we're past the point of diplomacy. Yasku wants us gone.

the resonators are everyone's problem, a wild megabeast could come crashing through the weak point.

also, put 5 on the back burner. our resonator doesn't need to be repaired in a way that lasts, just until we get bigger. then we will have more then enough power to not only dig up his resonator but more.

Yasku's either crazy or stupid. If a megabeast got inside the defenses, it wouldn't be long before it made it's way to a town. The destruction it could wreak would be catastrophic!

This situation may actually play into our favor. If people see Yasku as a threat to public safety, they'll be more willing to take action against him, making our life far easier.

>>639609
haha 5 would be clever.

you're going to need to do 3 anyhow though, are the beasts tracked? do you know approximately where the nearest ones are? how long do we have?

1 and 3. Mo' allies, mo' problem-solvers!

I would also like to point out that Yasku apparently has very poor foresight. Even if he drove us out or eliminated us this very day, he'd still have the busted resonators and a bunch of horrible monsters to deal with. Not to mention the fallout he'd experience when someone found out about his little stunt.

1 and 3.

I really really want to do 5 but If you thought of it then Yasku thought of it and probably set an ambush. So lets wright up a note asking for help with our monster problem and sent a skut off in the general direction of town. I doubt even a lone skut can fail to deliver a letter if we tape it to his head.

I like five. Just be VERY sure he didn't think of it first.

I wonder: does Voxen have access to any engineers?

If we can get in contact with him, this may be an opportunity to see if he's serious about helping us. We are a major chunk of the revolution, after all.

6) Destroy all your neighbor's resonators except for Yasku's and then team up on him.

After being so blatant, he'll be prepared for any aggressive action. Never do what your enemy expects unless you have no other choice. I'd say option 4, but do it in an open way, with observers. As such a sneaky bastard, making such a visible play should catch him off-guard.

Ask, as a neighbor, to borrow repair supplies, just until you can bring in your own. What reasonable person could refuse? If he asks any significant price, act shocked, but polite, at such lack of charity. I'm sure we can get community opinion on our side much more capably than he, as it plays to our social strengths. As a young hive, sympathy should be easy to get, so long as we're not too obvious. Doing it with a visibly pregnant prime could even enhance the effect.

In the meantime, since we want to bring up our numbers, how's our genetic diversity? Are there any other skut clouds nearby who you could borrow or trade a little more gene pool depth from? We might be in worse position to do the same later.

>1, 3
The delegation to the town shouldn't be to beg for help.

It should be to apologize, and warn them of the hole in their defenses. A megabeast could run freely across your land, building up momentum, and come crashing into their area before local resonators deterred it! (Play to their interests, not ours. We got social-fu, we can do it).

>6
I want to leave a... going away present for Yasku when we retreat. Trap or poison the territory we leave him somehow. Make him taste the ashes of defeat, crammed down the jaws of victory.

We might want to contract Voxen for this. He has the reach and resources to get us what we need, for that. We can send one last message. We're more than the harlot- we're the fem fatale. Good rep to start a rebellion on. Better than cringing defeat and retreat.

>>639744
>I want to leave a... going away present for Yasku when we retreat.
Yeah, something nice and flashy.

Like a bomb.

I fail to see how five is not the best answer.

Wait, no.

It is not the best answer because we could be going to the locals and telling them how yasku has endangered us all, but you have a plan to help stop the problem.

Maybe even barter a bit of help while you are at it; its their lives at risk too.

WERK THAT POLITICS.

>Trap or poison the territory we leave him somehow.
Weren't Skuts immune to just about any poison?

1. Send delegations to the nearest three towns. Offer up some of your extra bodies as meatshields, while the local towns offer up some engineers and vehicles. Reason that if the megabeasts plow through the area, you all risk dying.