Chrysalis

The Folk are, to some extent, an insular people. They hold a firm belief in relying on one's own strength to accomplish a goal, and as such, don’t like solving their problems through the power of coin. If they are lacking a particular resource, then by far the more honourable course of action is to go out and acquire it for themselves, yet, in a complex world, such simple solutions do not always present themselves.

Since the Coalition was formed, that is, the united front of all the disparate clans that went on to be known as the Folk, they have engaged in an often clumsy and frequently error-ridden walk toward diplomacy. Early alliances were formed with the bruan’chii, yet their nature as a people remained generally warlike and suspicious.

After becoming entangled in battles they could not win, namely against the Legion and the Empire of Sand, the leaders of the Coalition decided a different approach needed to be sought. Ever since, we have witnessed the gradual opening of Freehill to trade, and a warmer, if still somewhat chilly, approach to diplomacy.

Excerpt from “An Outside History of the Folk” by Wassal

[What have you been doing?] Eran Thouris demands. [I’ve been fielding all sorts of enquiries about ‘the giant ant monster’ instead of negotiating prices like I should have been doing.]

I was called back to the temporary nest by some ant messengers during my twelfth fight. A seemingly never-ending line of challengers appeared over the course of my first few bouts, and I was worried it would be rude to decline the challenges, so I ended up stuck there for a while.

Fortunately, nobody too tough showed up, and the summons gave me a graceful means of retreat. Of course, when I get here, I find a rather annoyed brathian negotiator waiting with her family and the rest of the delegation.

[I’ve just been fighting in the pits,] I defend myself, holding up my front two legs in a ‘cool out’ sort of motion. [I haven’t been able to go anywhere without getting challenged by a bevy of sword-wielding Folk. I got through twelve this morning, and there were probably another twenty in line when I got your message.]

She’s annoyed, I can tell she’s annoyed, but I can also tell she doesn’t want to yell at me. I’m a valuable business partner after all.

[I shouldn’t be surprised,] she eventually mutters to herself. [The Folk are obsessed with fighting, always have been, and the chance to prove themselves against a rare, mythic monster is like throwing gold in front of a brathian. They can’t possibly resist.]

exactly what they’re like, they just don’t care what anyone else thinks about it. So long as it doesn’t interfere

all my contemporaries want to discuss is the exciting monster that came with us. If you’ve been beating high-ranked swordsmen and women in the pits, I shouldn’t be

is on Amazon without permission from the

beat the heck out

[Who are they?]

went back to the… place… thing, or whatever, to get stronger

[Of course they did.]

negotiate with them while I’m fighting. If I keep beating up on strong warriors, then it should only serve as a good for the

sends Eran deep into thought, until she eventually

could be a workable strategy.

never far away. I could probably line up at any arena in the city and get a bout in five minutes. I

done has Eran buzzing with excitement, so she rushes off to

the Folk?] he asks. [Do you know the ranks

I’ve not fought a blademaster yet, but I’m guessing it won’t be long.

shakes his fuzzy

I do not draw my blade for the

one in this

doesn’t deign to reply and Marzban taps

and monster-slaying ability. If you really do manage to find yourself in the pit