Prince Aladdin Quest (Disney Villains *Almost* Victorious)

Xiang-Wu had been an exemplary trade partner and ally, and Ababwa wasn't about to sit around and let them be downed through the death of a thousand cuts. Ahmed pulled up a force of mixed riders and bowmen, including some of your Mongolian subjects, and sent them east to reinforce your trade partner's borders.

It turned out to be a fortuitous decision. The raids had stepped up from merely being small snatch-and-grabs to entire homesteads being sacked. But with the knowledge of how their opponents thought, and the most likely targets they would seek out, the force was able to intercept them at every turn. Jamukha, Gur Khan and leader of the tribes underneath Aladdin, had insisted on leading the force himself as a way to show thanks for the largesse that Ababwa had given them.

Not only that, but the forces there made contact with a group of mercenaries known collectively as the "Pub Thugs"; their leader, a garrulous fellow known only as "Hook Hand", had approached Jamukha and offered their services against the attackers. They spoke a form of German, which stymied the talks until Garth McCann, a recent arrival to Ababwa, along with his brother Hub, soldiers-of-fortune who had accompanied the expedition, turned out to be able to bridge the communication gap and helped the mercenaries coordinate with the Ababwan forces, leading to a significant increase in effectiveness. The McCann brothers impressed both the Ababwan commanders and the Pub Thugs.

The raids began to slow after the first month, and then stopped entirely as the second month ended; the warbands realized that they faced a coordinated enemy that was predicting their every move, rather than a piecemeal responsive defense. And one that was much better equipped, fed, and skilled than they were. The training to integrate the Mongolian forces into Ababwa's army had paid off in spades.

Result: Raids on Xiang-Wu stymied; Xiang-Wu Rival Report roll gains +30 due to presence of Ababwan troops securing trade routes, as well as the demoralization of the raiding parties.
Pub Thugs become hireable as a mercenary band.
Can recruit Hub and Garth McCann as heroes.


Sinbad peered at the star chart that had been produced, inspecting it minutely, and comparing it to the other piece of paper on his desk. Finally, he put the chart down, giving nods to both the engraver and print-master. "Good work, both of you. Begin production immediately." The two men nodded, before giving bows as Aladdin walked in. He waved off the bows with a smile.

"Don't mind me, just stopping by for an update." Both men nodded and took their leave as Aladdin slung himself into a chair, letting the cheery facade fade after the door closed. Sinbad shook his head.

"Still worried about the meeting with Jones?" Aladdin pressed the heels of his palms against his eyes and gave a groan before letting them fall away. The Ababwan prince was obviously tired out.

"Might be a good idea to do something to relax ahead of time my prince. As for an update, well the engravers have done good work; and the new printing presses from Xiang-Wu are working a treat. We'll be able to easily keep up with demand." The old man passed the copy he'd been inspecting over to Aladdin to look at. The Prince's tired gaze swept over it, before stopping, and focusing on the middle distance.

"Do you need this copy, Sinbad?" The former porter waved the question away with a laugh.

"No need to ask, technically it belongs to you anyway as part of the assets of the kingdom. But no, I don't need it. Why?" Aladdin smiled.

"Just had an idea to make the meeting go a little smoother." He stood, tucking the chart into his vest. "And I think I'll take your advice. It's been a while since I visited the Sirrush, and Frosting has been reminding me that if I don't get in at least some training with him soon, it'll be a lot harder to deal with after he's got his full growth."

Result: Gain 2,500 Gold income per turn. Upkeep of 150 Gold per turn, 500 Gold startup cost.
Gain +10 to Diplomacy meeting with Davy Jones.


Jose looked up from where he was sorting out reports that were coming in from the people that they'd contracted. Vetting the actual diplomats from potential spies had been an interesting experience, but thankfully there had only been a few. And those that had been paid by the EITC to gain entry to the diplomatic process had been sent in Haroud's direction. Really, when a leader was both as wise and charismatic as Aladdin, resonating with people at the lowest levels of society, how did they expect to be able to find reliable spies from the population?

He chuckled a bit at the preconceptions of people being the death of them. Or at least the inconvenience. But, now Scherezade had returned from another of her mysterious outings. "Have a good time my dear?" He smiled good-naturedly. The woman returned the smile with one of her own.

"Yes, I actually found a most intriguing individual who managed to make his way to Ababwa while riding with two broken legs upon a horse. He's very interesting, and has quite the story to tell." Jose felt his brows rise. Two broken legs and he'd ridden all the way to Ababwa from what Scherezade indicated was a considerable distance.

"I see. Well, we've gotten several new applicants to go over. I do believe that we're going to be able to discard the plans for having rotating liaisons for Atlantis as well thanks to the new influx of people." Jose pushed the list towards her, and she scanned it with a satisfied smile.

"Oh yes, these will do wonderfully."

Result: Gain a second Diplomacy Action per turn. 500 Gold per turn in upkeep and pay.


"This has been a long time coming," Haroud idly remarked as he compiled another report. Iago, sorting the reports that were arriving by area and date, looked up from his task.

"What, you mean finally getting other people to do this stuff while we focus on the big picture?" Haroud refrained from raising a brow at the 'we'. Iago had become something of a friend after working with him for the last several months, but the bird had always tried to keep himself at least somewhat apart. Likely fallout from his independence issues after having been Jafar's lackey for so long.

"Well yes, that. But also being able to really start looking in-depth at our neighbors and enemies. This influx of manpower means we're going to be able to put people in places that we never could have dreamed of two months ago." Haroud marked off another report. Iago let out a sinister chuckle.

"Yeah, and those East India idiots are practically serving up informants on a silver platter." Haroud snorted, even as he nodded. Another report was placed to the side.

"True, but one must never trust a silver platter. And the men we've been getting are all low-placed. If we really want to get an inside look into how they operate, we're going to need to maneuver some of our own people into place." Iago scoffed.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Still, it gives us a much better starting position." To that Haroud could only nod in agreement.

Result: Gain a second Intrigue action per turn. Costs 500 Gold per turn for Upkeep and pay.
DC to infiltrate the EITC is lowered.


The expedition to Greece goes off without a hitch- ironically thanks to a mistake by one of the teachers overseeing new applicants to the university. A mixup of papers had led to a proposal for the expedition being shuffled into the exam for one Henry Jones Jr. who, upon seeing it, had thought it was a theoretical exercise on how to present a proposal; and not only went through it and corrected several items, but also added on a number of specific provisions to take, customs to observe, and areas to start searching. Thankfully the head of the Botany department was pragmatic enough to recognize good advice when staring it in the face, and not only implemented it within a revised proposal, but credited Jones with the effort that he had put in in fine-tuning the expedition and increasing the odds of success.

The herbs were brought back and immediately ensconced in one of the offset secondary greenhouse structures. Chiron consulted with Zummi, using many of the cuttings and even a few whole preserved plants to determine the ideal amount of sun, water, and even the type of soil that they're most likely to thrive in.

The results were an impressive crop of the plants being grown. Already the physicians and pharmacists in the university were clamoring to get samples for use in their experiments. And there was also a small discrete trade in the plant as well. Not the seeds or live cuttings of course, but dried, powdered, brewed into tonics; this "silphium" was a great boon.

Result: Gain 500 Gold income per turn.
Unlock new Learning actions.
Henry Jones Jr. now available for recruitment.


The Silphium proved its worth sooner than any of you had expected, Chiron gleefully reporting that the herb was working as an infusion to augment the healing properties of many of the poultices and salves that Ababwa already produces. A little seems to go a long way, and the inclusion of merely one part in ten of Silphium in some manner allows for much more potent mixtures, increasing the overall value of those concoctions that it's used in.

Chiron smiled as he held up a flask, swirling the contents for a moment before adding a few drops from another beaker. The substance began to congeal after a few moments of continued swirling, leaving a thick paste coating the bottom of the beaker. Giving the concoction a cautious sniff, his nose wrinkled at the potent scent that one could only describe as "medicinal".

"It appears that the inclusion of silphium into the aloe vera burn cream allows for a much more rapid maturation process. Instead of needing days, sufficiently agitated batches can be done in hours." The attendant doctors and students around the lab table nodded and murmured to each other; ideas and plans for what else this plant could be used for already spreading like wildfire. Chiron held back a chuckle. Honestly, while it wasn't quite on par with the physicality of training a hero, the rush of discovery and the knowledge that each new find would benefit someone was a pleasure all it's own.

Result: Upkeep for Physician training, clinics, and hospitals cut by 500 Gold due to the increase in materials for the same price.
Gain 800 Gold per turn in sales of silphium-enhanced medicinal tinctures, salves and tonics.


Zummi pored over the books in the library, pulling some of his notes from within his voluminous cloak to reference. "Post Meculiar- ah, most peculiar. There's a gap here... and..." He flipped open one of the books he'd been referencing. "Dragons, Wyrms and Serpents: A Collection of their Habits and Habitats".

"Mmmm, yes, that's definitely a match. But where have I seen that jaw structure..." Pulling out another sheaf of papers, he shuffled through them before freezing. "Oh. Oh my oh my oh my." Gathering up his papers, he scurried towards the Prince's office. The man was supposed to be leaving for the meeting with Davy Jones soon, but this wasn't something that could wait!

"Pie Mince! I mean, my Prince!" Aladdin looked up from where he'd been meeting with Scherezade before the meeting. The woman had been adamant about going with him, and Aladdin had been just as adamant that he was not risking her life in a close encounter with Jones. Finally he'd been forced to pull rank, an act that had him feeling very uncomfortable. So the distraction was well worth it.

"What is it Zummi?" The mage stumbled to a stop, nearly dropping all the papers clutched in his hands. Panting, he shook his head slightly.
There was a flash of plum and white beneath the hood, along with the glint of glasses.
"I... I believe I've identified the dragon egg, my Prince." Aladdin and Scherezade both had their brows rise at that.

"Really? Well, don't keep us in suspense then," Scherezade spoke with a smile.

"It's a Greater Forest Dragon," Zummi said, laying out some of the papers. The illustration showed a dragon, massive in scale to the human figure beside it. It seemed to be the 'standard' shape for a dragon. Four legs, two wings, an elongated neck and tail. Some detail artwork on the side showed an up-close of the face; displaying characteristics that seemed to be caught somewhere between canine and feline, with large tusks protruding from the lower lips. The entire creature was covered with a coat of what looked like green-tinted fur, but upon inspecting some of the notes, it seemed that it was more likely more of the moss that covered the egg.

"Great job Zummi!" Aladdin looked up to smile at the mage, only to frown as Zummi shook his head. "What?"

"There's more. While I was going through the library and some notes from my, er, personal collection, I noticed something very odd." Zummi placed down a few more sketches and notes. Ones depicting a dragon of absolutely gargantuan size. Rather than a person, a ship was being used to set the scale. And not a small skiff or dinghy either. A full-on double-masted schooner of a type Aladdin wasn't familiar with.

It was outmassed by the dragon by a factor of ten.

"This is a dragon called a Foreverwing. Look at this though." Zummi placed the sheets with up-close inspections of the Foreverwing's head next to those of the Greater Forest Dragon. Aladdin felt the breath catch in his throat. There were differences to be sure. The vine-like protrusions and the 'beard' of the Foreverwing were the most obvious. But past that, the resemblance was uncanny.


"Aladdin, no one has ever found any examples of infant or juvenile Foreverwings. And now I think I know why. Because their younger forms were mistaken for full-grown dragons of another species. Greater Forest Dragons are Juvenile Foreverwings."

Aladdin took several steadying breaths. "Okay, so that's... that's a lot to process. But for it to be so big... that's gotta take a lot of time, wouldn't it?" Zummi nodded rapidly.

"Oh my yes. Probably centuries. I hope at least. But I felt that you should be made aware of this when coming to any decisions. You see, the egg is close to hatching. I estimate that we've got perhaps two months, maybe three, before it hatches."

Result: Egg identified as a Greater Forest Dragon Crit Interrupt! Zummi deduces that Greater Forest Dragons are instead merely infant and juvenile Foreverwings!
Zummi estimates that the egg will hatch by the end of Turn 10 or the beginning of Turn 11
New Stewardship and Martial options unlocked.


Aladdin steadied himself as he walked out onto the pier in the early evening. The Flying Dutchman squatted in the harbor like a skeletal sea serpent, the 'maw' of the ship helping to sell the resemblance. He carried a wooden folding chair in one hand, and a burlap sack in the other. Reaching the end of the pier, he looked around. The mayor of the port had begged him not to go out without guards, but the wording of Davy Jones' missive was very clear to the former street rat. This wasn't just a demand for a meeting. It was a show of force and power, making him jump to Jones' tune. Just like a new gang taking over turf and making sure everyone else knew who was in charge. The best way to meet that was by showing that he wasn't scared of Jones, even if he respected him.

"Well, it seems that Maccus lost the bet. He was sure you wouldn't show without a full honor guard." Aladdin kept his response casual instead of whipping his head around to the bollard that had been empty just a moment ago. A figure that could only be Davy Jones was seated upon it, puffing idly at a pipe. This close, Aladdin could say with certainty that Jones was one of the most unsettling people he'd ever run across. The lobster's claw gestured towards Aladdin in a deceptively genial manner. His Arabic was tinged with an accent that Aladdin didn't recognize, but was easily understandable.

"Just to set things off on the right foot, which title do you prefer to be used, 'Captain' or 'Your Majesty'?" Aladdin kept his voice level and respectful even as he set up the folding chair, taking a seat just out of arm's reach from Jones. The infamous Pirate King raised one brow, looking at Aladdin in a more appraising manner than merely amused as he had been.

"Hmm, one of the few to ask that. Captain fits me better than all that royal claptrap." Jones gestured to the bag. "And this? A bribe?" Jones sounded amused rather than offended.

"Gifts; but I suppose that's a bribe by any other name in this situation." Aladdin opened the sack and pulled out a scroll case, lacquered and sealed against water and damp. "A star chart of the new sky, one of the first to be put together after the Upheaval." Jones took it, deftly opening the case and examining the map, before nodding.

"Aye, a decent gift. Usually they try and throw gems and gold at me during these little tete-a-tetes." Jones let out a raucous laugh full of derision. "What need have I for the likes of that? There's a thousand thousand wrecks beneath the waves that I could just as easily pillage had I the mind for it." Aladdin nodded warily, and Jones closed the scroll and stowed it away with a snap of the case closing. "Well boy? There's obviously more to be had."

Aladdin pulled out a small cezve, a flask, a tripod, and a ceramic container. Setting up the tripod he filled the cezve with water from the flask, then opened up the ceramic container, showing that it contained live coals. After a moment of assembly there was a small charcoal fire beneath the tripod, upon which Aladdin placed the copper pot. Reaching into the bag once more as Jones continued to watch with amused curiosity, he pulled out another container. This one was of ceramic, with a strip of some kind of waxed parchment acting as a seal around the mouth. Opening it, Aladdin withdrew a scoop of dark brown, aromatic powder and dumped it into the cezve.

Within moments the scent of coffee began to drift from the pot. Aladdin sealed up the container and held it out to Jones. "Ababwan coffee, grown in the lowlands of the Northern satraps." Jones took it, eying Aladdin carefully. With the coffee done, Aladdin produced two wooden cups, pouring some for Jones and then himself once the captain took the offered cup. It was hardly the old tradition of breaking bread, but it was close enough, and he took a sip of the beverage, savoring the taste.

Jones also appeared to be enjoying it, taking in a deep inhale of the scent, before taking a sip. "Well boy, you certainly know how to make a man feel welcomed." He let out a low, long warbling whistle, and the cannons on the Dutchman retracted, the ports shutting with final-sounding thuds that reminded Aladdin of coffins closing. Aladdin leaned forward slightly.

"So, I figure that we're both men that can appreciate getting down to business. What exactly is it that you want?" Jones eyed him before taking another long sip of his coffee.

"Recognition, and tribute. In return, my men will avoid your vessels as best they can, as well as speak on your behalf with the Sea Witch." Aladdin kept his expression neutral as Jones glanced at the bag at the other man's feet. "Got anything else in your little bag of tricks, boy?"

Aladdin pulled out the last item in the sack, a bottle sealed with a cork. "Date wine, the finest vintage Ababwa produces." Jones took the bottle, looking at Aladdin and chuckling.

"Well boy, this has been an... interesting meeting. Normally, the tribute I require is souls. Bodies to be put to work before the mast." Aladdin didn't bother hiding his frown, and Jones chuckled. "Normally. But you managed to come at things from an angle I wasn't expecting, whelp. So instead of your people, I'll be having tribute in that coffee and wine. A half ton a month of both, to be picked up at this port by the Dutchman, or one of my underlings."

Aladdin hid a wince. That was a considerable sum of money in trade goods. But the goodwill of the Brethren Court, and any intercession that he could get with the Sea Witch was worth it. Still... "I don't suppose that you'd be interested in further negotiating terms."

Jones paused, regarding Aladdin with a suddenly baleful gaze. "Watch your tongue whelp. Be grateful that I've been as generous as I have. And a word of warning for you, boy. I've heard from men alive and dead that yer one of those that can't help but feel like being a hero. I suggest you keep your business out of mine; lest we have to have another chat in less civilized circumstances. Understand?"

Aladdin licked suddenly parched lips and nodded. "Yeah, I understand."

"Good whelp. You've got a month to arrange the first tribute." Jones gathered up the gifts in a bag that he'd procured from behind the bollard and stood. Aladdin stood as well, and then Jones moved to the side, letting the setting sun he'd obscured shine directly into Aladdin's eyes. Aladdin was forced to shut his eyes for a moment, throwing up a hand to shield them. When he did... Jones was gone, as was the Dutchman. Aladdin blew out a breath, picking up his chair and putting away the coffee brewing equipment. It hadn't been as successful as he'd have liked, but it still went incredibly better than he'd expected.

Results: Meeting with Davy Jones completed. Aladdin managed to make an overall favorable impression on Jones. Jones' tribute demands are 500 Gold worth of coffee and wine per turn rather than people or some other more esoteric demand.

Aladdin has revealed a new trait!

"Thick as Thieves - Aladdin's knowledge of how the underworld and the minds of those that skulk through it work gives him a +10 to Diplomacy when directly speaking to a pirate, bandit, or thief."


Aladdin eyed the Sirrush warily as he approached. The draconic beast pretended to ignore him, even while Abu watched fearfully from a tree overlooking the recessed pit that made up the creature's habitat. Frosting had installed a moat around the interior boundary in order to make it that much more difficult for the Sirrush to pull off another trick like it had last time. There were a large number of civilians looking on as well, and Aladdin tuned out their worried murmurs.

Finally, he got up to the Sirrush, examining him. The proto-dragon had grown even further and was now just a bit shy of being the size of an Arabian stallion. His scales were a burnished bronze, while his claws gleamed like sickles of obsidian. Aladdin set down the saddle and tack gently rather than startling the creature. Or at least giving it an excuse to act startled.

"We both know you're awake, so at least give me enough credit to stop faking it." The Sirrush gave what could only be a petulant growl, before rising to his feet. "Good. First thing I want to do is see how you do with tack and a saddle. If the one we've got here doesn't work, Frosting and I will be taking measurements to make a custom saddle that will fit you comfortably. Along with that..." Aladdin knelt down, picked up a piece of equipment and stood again. Bending down would be exposing his neck and back to the Sirrush, a sign of submission from what Frosting had told him.

"The other thing we're going to work on is a bridle." He held up the simple set of leather straps and loops. "No bit, that's insulting and uncomfortable for you anyway; and it would mean you wouldn't be able to really put your teeth to work in a fight." The Sirrush nodded, examining the bridle critically.

The training went fairly smoothly after that. The saddle apparently was uncomfortable, but adding several blankets helped as a temporary measure. Aladdin would have to get with Frosting in order to have a properly fitted saddle made.

Results: Aladdin's stress levels reduced.
Aladdin has begun training with the Sirrush.
DCs to train the Sirrush as a combat mount are reduced.


Will smiled at Aladdin. The man had personally flown him down here to see him off. The two of them stood at the dock in the Caspian Sea, waiting for the delegation from Atlantis to arrive. He watched the water for a long moment, joined in friendly silence by Aladdin. The prince was the first one to break it.

"Just keep in mind, if you and Elizabeth ever need someone to help protect you personally? Don't hesitate to call us. I'll be there with Carpet as fast as they can fly." Aladdin chuckled and held out his hand. Will returned the smile and clasped Aladdin's forearm in the oldest of shows of camaraderie. Both of them turned as they saw the large transport "Martek" breach the surface, and made their way down to the pier.

By the time they arrived, the ship-fish had already docked, and was being unloaded. Elizabeth Swann disembarked, meeting Will halfway and giving him a kiss that had Aladdin turning away for a moment to give them privacy. When he turned back the two were still in a loose embrace, but no longer so passionately distracted. Elizabeth blushed a bit as he came closer, moving out of Will's arms, but keeping hold of his hand.

"Prince Aladdin... Thank you so, so much for taking care of William." Aladdin waved off her thanks and the attempted bow.

"It was no problem. Honestly Will's been a good friend. I'm sad to see him go, but I understand why and fully approve. Just, one thing?" He raised a finger. Elizabeth cocked her head to the side.

"Yes?"

"If I don't manage to make it to the wedding, name the first boy after me?" Aladdin waggled his eyebrows before dancing back from the playful punch that Will threw his way. Elizabeth's whole face went red, before she gave in to some giggles.

"Oh, I can see why you and William got along so well. I also have something for you. Or rather someone. As thanks from myself and in the spirit of further cooperation between Ababwa and Atlantis, I'd like you to meet our Ababwan attache." She gestured towards the interior of the Martek, out of which stepped:

[ ] A beak-nosed man with black hair, a match between his teeth like a toothpick, and a pack that seemed to be bulging with something or other. His expression is skating the line between stoic and bored.

[ ] A haughty looking yet beautiful woman in a shirt and pants much like Elizabeth. Her blond hair is tied back in a functional braid, and her eyes are assessing as she looks at Aladdin.

{Yes, I'm giving you guys a choice. No, I'm not going to show their character sheets, this will be purely based off of what you know of their characters. Vote closes after the Rival Report goes up. No Moratorium.)


Tai Lung sighed heavily as he nursed his drink (goat's milk, he didn't trust himself with alcohol anymore). While he had been well received in Ababwa proper; the rest of the territories that the Princedom controlled were quite a bit less familiar with a... a cat man. His offers to assist with plowing, carrying lumber or rebuilding a bridge had all been met with shock, followed quickly by fear that was then covered up with overt politeness and declarations that they didn't need any more help; thank you for your time!

After several weeks of this he'd gotten disheartened and retreated back to Ababwa. Perhaps another time.

Results: Failure - Tai Lung is considered too strange and unnerving for those who haven't been exposed to him on a regular basis; and his own self doubts cut the trip short. Tai Lung takes a -5 on all actions next turn as he deals with this.

-
Leah felt like her eyes were glued shut. She gave a groan as she nuzzled into her pillow, attempting to dive back into sleep. For once the nightmares hadn't plagued her. Then her pillow breathed. Gummy or not, Leah's eyes shot open even as she went still. There was a light pressure across her shoulders, and she was definitely dressed; as was who or whatever was under her.

Then she recognized who it was. The scent of freshly turned earth, clean skin, and some other scent that defied classification. Bound together there was no question that it was Cavin she was laying on. Or rather "Cade". Sometimes she wondered why they kept up the pretense anymore, the Prince had been nothing but kind and accepting, not pressing any of them for their backstories. He'd even trusted her at his back with a lethal magical weapon!

The weapon she'd used to- her thoughts cut off as the pressure on her shoulders increased. Cavin's voice, no longer the high tenor of youth but settling into a pleasant baritone as he put on height and muscle in equal measure, rumbled through her.

"Still thinking about it?" Gently, the two of them sat up from where they'd fallen asleep on one of the couches in the quarters they shared with the others. Someone had draped a blanket over them as they slept, likely Grammi. She nodded, not trusting her voice, and then stiffened as Cavin gently carded his hands through her unbound hair.

"Take your time. I'm here for you, and so are the others." As soon as she'd gotten back to Ababwa and made her report, she'd wandered to their suite of rooms in a bit of a daze. She'd stumbled into a seat and merely sat there staring blankly into the fire as the memories of the witch's upper body flying apart in a splash of red replayed in her head, each time with a more accusatory and anguished look in her eyes, somehow managing to meet Calla's own gaze.

Surprisingly it had been Gruffi that had helped to break her out of the fugue, the rough-edged Gummi brusquely shoving a cup of warmed mead into her hand and ordering her in no uncertain terms to drink. He'd sent all of the others out of the room, except for Cavin, who had practically dared Gruffi to try and throw him out. The bear had sighed in exasperation before turning back to Calla.

"It's alright kid. You need to let it go. Just tell us what happened. No judgment, no criticism. We'll hear you out to the end."

That was all it took for the dam to break. Calla began crying as the mead worked its way into her system, breaking down the fragile emotional barriers she'd managed to erect. The battle, the killing, the fact that she saw the woman's blood on the blade every time she closed her eyes. Her first time actually killing a person rather than an animal for food. Cavin had sat down next to her, looping an arm around her shoulders, while Gruffi remained stoic as he sat on his stool; listening and saying nothing. When she finished pouring out how wretched she felt... she'd seen approval in his eyes; mixed with sympathy.

"Calla, it's horrible that you had to do it. But she was dangerous. More dangerous than any ogre or bandit or even Igthorne. I only know what Zummi was willing to share, but what that woman could do, and what she did do? You didn't have a choice. If you didn't kill her she'd have killed you or worse. I'm sorry that I don't have the words to make it feel better. But I've got the words for this." His paw gently patted her cheek, the hardened pads and soft hairs tickling the skin.

"No mater what, we all still love you Calla. You're not a monster, or a villain, or a murderer. You're an incredibly brave young woman that risked her life to help us preserve our race's legacy; and who kept our secrets even when she had no reason to beyond friendship. And in the morning, we're still all going to be here. Got it?" Call had nodded, the mead and the emotional exhaustion dragging her mind down into a dark, dreamless sleep. That was the last thing she'd remembered before waking up.

"Calla?" Cavin moved them slightly apart, his hand on her shoulder. She already felt colder... "Calla no matter what happens, I'll be there for you. Even if I can't protect you physically, I'll always be willing to take on the burdens of the heart and-mph!" Cavin's eyes went wide as the princess-in-exile leaned in and gave him a brief kiss, before pulling back. Her eyes were clear.

"Thank you Cavin. That means... so much to me." Then her face colored as she realized what she'd just done. A rough chuckle from the doorway had them turning to see Grammi coming in with a tray piled with fruit and other light breakfast items.

"Well, it's about time. But take it slow you two, alright?" Both teens nodded mutely; before the Gummi matron reached up and caressed Calla's cheek in much the same way that Gruffi had.

"And Cavin's right that we'll always be here for you Calla. If not all in the same way," a teasing glint entered her eyes as her gaze flickered to Cavin before locking with Calla again. Calla hiccuped, hunching slightly as she started to shake. Grammi's teasing grin dropped at that. "Calla, honey are you-"

And that's when she realized that Calla was giggling. With a maternal smile, Grammi patted her head, giving Cavin's knee a pat in passing. "Enjoy breakfast you two."

"Leah" is no longer at risk of depression and has begun to deal with the trauma of having taken a life.
Zummi, "Leah", "Cade" and the rest of their clique are considering revealing the truth to Aladdin.
Rift between Calla and Cavin has been mended and their bonds have strengthened.


Selous looked about himself as he strode through the menagerie. He wasn't certain what he'd expected. Small cramped cages of iron bars with no thought to the comfort of the animals within? Instead there were individual pit enclosures large enough to give the creatures room to roam and even places to get away from the view of the people if they tired of it. The variety was also astounding for the area. Lions, tigers, a few bears even. There were some cages, but they were large airy things that contained foliage and brush for birds to perch upon, nest within, and feed on.

Honestly the place felt like it was hundreds of years ahead of its time. And all around him were the general populace of Ababwa. The young, the old, workers, merchants. All of them admitted at no fee; though the vendors taking advantage of the crowds to peddle their wares were making out like bandits as they sold refreshing drinks, savory foods, and even a few small knick-knacks like carved animals being bought for gap-toothed children who laughed in glee at getting their own "personal lion".

One exhibit that was particularly crowded was that of the Sirrush. An incredible animal, and one that he'd often heard some scholars speculate had been an ancient interpretation of a Rhinoceros. Inside, the Prince was very carefully and deliberately setting a saddle on the creature's back. Every move was that of someone who was intimately aware that they were dealing with a predator. Even if it was a vastly more intelligent one than most that Selous himself had ended. Granted, the stories he'd been hearing out of Africa and his own experiences in India had him wondering how much of that experience he could still safely draw on when dealing with predators.

Speaking of predators... the place's head caretaker, a man who went by the ridiculous name "Frosting" was moving into a newly erected building. He'd been meaning to speak to the man, and this was an opportune time. Making his way into the building however, he found himself stopping in his tracks as he was faced with what at first he mistook for massive blocks of ice, with perfectly, impossibly preserved creatures trapped inside.

Then a weak flicker of energy, starting at the bases, and moving up the crystals sank into the bodies of the animals. He blinked as he saw a sign posted, but scowled as he realized that he couldn't read the blasted thing. He needed to see to properly learning Arabic script and speech while he was here, having Ms. Scherezade or Ms. Leah willing to translate for him at need and making due with his broken understanding and a bit of charades, was no longer a real option.

"Amazing aren't they?" Selous raised a brow as he turned, seeing Frosting leaning against the wall in his blind spot. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise, before he gave the other man a respectful nod; one hunter to another.

"Very much so." Frosting moved up beside Selous, hands clasped behind his back.

"They're going to be even more incredible once we get the enclosures for them done. I imagine that that one's likely to give us the most trouble." He pointed at the saber-toothed cat. "Of course mama cats of any size tend to get pretty cranky when dealing with people around their cubs." Selous looked at the indicated animal, and then blinked. Yes, it was most definitely a pregnant female. And then the rest of what Frosting had just said registered.

"Enclosures?! You mean to tell me that they- That those-" Frosting nodded at the older man.

"That they're alive? Yup. Prince brought em back after dealing with those Sand Bitches, and Leah confirmed it. She set up something to sort of trickle feed energy to them, but until we get enclosures that are up to dealing with bears three times the size of our current ones; let alone figuring out how far and high the cat can jump for a safe enclosure, we're going to keep them as is. If an emergency happens Tai Lung said he'd be able to break them out before they died."

Selous blinked in astonishment, before looking at the preserved animals. A spark entered his eyes as he turned to look back at Frosting. "Tell me more about these enclosures and how you plan to design them..." Perhaps Ababwa wasn't nearly the place he'd thought it had been. Perhaps it was time to start properly giving back.

Result: Selous gains +10 Loyalty. Selous's loyalty can now be raised, and he can be assigned to Adventures.
Selous gains a +5 bonus to actions that involve the menagerie.

RER
45

Tiny Tykes Terrorizes Taxmen

A crime spree of epically miniature proportions has broken out in Ababwa. A pair of young girls have been seen throughout the city moving like lightning and leaving emptied pockets and purses in their wake. Haroud had tallied up their total take and had been both impressed and infuriated to see that the two children had managed to steal an amount that adds up to an impressive 300 Gold.

New Personal Action unlocked for Aladdin.

Turn Start City Funds: 14,734
City income: 21,500
Income Reduction removed.

• 8,000 Medicines, plants, rare animals, pelts and dyes
• 500 Increased trade from housing expansion
• 500 Increased Tax Revenue
• 1,500 Trade with Xiang-Wu
• 500 Taxes from integration of Mongols.
• 3,000 Salt harvesting
• 3,500 Crossbow sales
• 4,000 Trade with Atlantis
• 2,500 Star Chart Sales (Turn 10)
• 500 Silphium exports (Turn 10)
• 800 Silphium Enhanced Medicines (Turn 10)
• Current Upkeep costs:
  • 3000 Greenhouse
  • 1,000 Salt Harvesting
  • 500 Night Fighters Facilities
  • 500 Crossbow manufacturing
  • 150 Map Production (Turn 10)
  • 500 Diplomatic corps (Turn 10)
  • 500 Intelligence Apparatus (Turn 10)
  • 500 (Tribute to Davy Jones) (Turn 10)
    • 5000 Upkeep total
      • 6,650 Upkeep Turn 10
• Actual Income: 16,500
  • Turn 10 Income: 25,300

Turn Expenditures: 10,500 Gold
Turn End City Coffers: 20,734 Gold