I realized that I somehow needed to gather information properly form the whores. I wanted the men to feel enabled by me in how we went about making things possible. Camp followers in this world didn’t have a bad reputation or basis. They were just a fact of life. The sad truth was that many of these men would never go home. They were NPCs and a sword in the stomach would take them out of this world and regeneration wasn’t in the cards.
The world here is not cut and dry or black and white. I post war Iraq, American soldiers were patronizing Iraqi women for eight dollars. There were many stations like CNN and publications like Newsweek that brought these items to light as another war crime. But is that truly a war crime? One quote I remember laughing at surrounded the thought of the a westerner founded organization for the liberation of Iraqi women. She hinted that she would marry off her 13 year old daughter instead of letting her enter into prostitution.
There is simply no understanding the idiotic notions people create. Life is what it is an we must strive to provide the greatest amount of freedom juxtaposed next to the greatest amount of protection. The church and other non-governmental entities are best suited to preparing and establishing societal protections without unnecessary bureaucratic and governmental constraints. This is what I was thinking as I walked up to a particular endearing whore…
Exiting the tent I realized that my young friend was already unoccupied and sitting speaking with several other farmers. I called them farmers because they had that same wide eye look shared by Jeb.
“Mason! this is the man I was speaking to each of you about.” He looked at me with a wide grin and I returned it unabashedly as I wasn’t worried about what just happened. It was a natural progression of the military. Especially in a world where women were not cultivated for their martial prowess but their marital prowess.
I really needed followers and these boys seemed to fit my bill. “How are each of you doing gentlemen?” I looked each one of them in the eye to make certain they felt my stare properly and were competent enough to return the look.
Several grunts were my response and hardly any actual eye contact. Maybe there is something in this society about eye contact. I had heard about other civilizations in the real world that utilized posture and hand gestures to represent societal customary greetings. I made my disarming smile even greater and spoke to the smallest boy or man. “How have you enjoyed the ladies of the camp?”
He blushed violently and mumbled something about not having the coin. “Whats your name boy!” I spoke firmly and absolutely in a drill instructor like tone.
“Adman- sir.” He spoke clearly, but i still didn’t get the desired eye contact.
“Anyone else still a boy because they were missing a few coppers?” I received two other half-ass responses and I knew I hit the jackpot. I pulled out my small moonshine or somekind of rudimentary liquor and passed it to Adman. “Do you want to be a man boy?”
He looked up hopefully and gave a curt nod. When my eyes shifted to the other two, I received a yes and a HELL YES to my delight. They were hooked.
Jonathan finely joined us and I realized that I needed to take my time more next time. I must have been excited about my first time in virtual reality or something. “Gentlemen” looking around again to everyone for effect, “I need some men to protect me and further a holy cause for the lord. The lord rewards his followers with wives, sons and strength. Are you prepared to earn these items from the lord?” There was discerning looks at the change in subject, but Jeb took my speech with a shout at the top of his lungs. AIIIIHHEHEEEEE.
I was a little astounded, but what the hell because the entire group broke out with AIIIIIIIHHHHHEEEEEEE.
To save a little money I only paid one lucky lady to handle all the boys. Remaining with just a few coins, I realized that I needed to get rid of the vest as it was a dead man’s. Jonathan and I walked over to an armorer and we discussed selling the vest to him.
“Hello kind sir.” I smiled politely and he smiled right back. We probably both though the other was a sucker. Gotta love capitalism where the one who can’t see a sucker is the sucker.
“Right back atya boss.” I didn’t bother to engage in banter, but eyed his wares and noticed a few pieces that garnered my interest.
First and foremost I wanted a shield. It would provide me with the ability to defend myself. “What type of shield would you recommend for a man unaccustomed to one. It would also be nice if I could find something for my knife like a boot sheath or belt.
He pondered the question for a moment and dug out a strangely small shield. It was only about the size of my forearm or roughly 18 inches. It was wooden and light. I was conceder about its ability to actually block a sword blow. “Buckler?”
He smiled and nodded. “As you know my lord this here is for blocking swords and not necessarily missiles or arrows. In particular this one has a sheath for a dagger. Lend me yours for a moment please.” He was in full sale mode now.
Taking out my dagger I handed it over carefully. It was kind of a moment to me. “Wow this is impressive” he looked at it intently and I tried to do the same.
Elite Guard Dagger Type:MeleeDurability:07/24Quality:HighQuality Dagger that boosts the Agility (+8) and Stamina (+4). Attack of 9-50.
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I decided to try something before spending coin. “Jonathan do you have a dagger or weapon?” He seemed startled as he too was starting at my dagger. He pulled out a knife that was considerably smaller than my dagger, but would probably get the job done if used properly. I took it into my hands and concentrated on it.
Crude KnifeType:MeleeDurability:04/07Quality:poorPoorly made knife that is made from metal ore with many impurities. Attack of 4-10
"Dear heavily father, We, your humble servants seek your blessing as we bring forth the faith into this sinful world." There was a slight flash of light as the blade seemed to glow slightly.
I decided to try something before spending coin. “Jonathan do you have a dagger or weapon?” He seemed startled as he too was starting at my dagger. He pulled out a knife that was considerably smaller than my dagger, but would probably get the job done if used properly. I took it into my hands and concentrated on it.
Humble Servant's Knife of faith Type:Melee/FaithDurability:99/99Quality:poorA Poorly made knife that is made from metal ore with many impurities. It has been gifted with the power of faith and grants the user plus +5 to all stats. Utilizes 10 Mana per use. Requires relationship with Christ to utilize. Attack of 24-30
Wow that is impressive. Everyone seemed to be speechless at the result. “Your an enchanter my friend!” the shopkeeper was astounded. “Is that impressive?”
I raised the question awkwardly and I don’t think that he actually bought it for a moment, but he humored me adequately. This was definitely elite stuff. If that garbage managed to increase in purpose exponentially, then what would it do to my team of followers or his lords team of followers. This was getting exciting. Furthermore, my ordain stat would really make my army beastly.
"Yes, enchantment is not something seen often in this region. I am not familiar with anyone, but nobles affording a knife like that." This means my army would be unstoppable. Hmm. I can't mess this up.
"Whats your name sir?" He wasn't taken aback at my change of topic and he extended his hand amicably which I returned.
"Bronson is the name and I specialize in short swords like the one on your side." I subconsciously ran my hand along the Sergeant's short sword. "Are you a man of faith and if so to which god or goddess do you pray." I visibly cringed at this, but responded kindly.
"I follow the one true god who sent his son, Jesus Christ, to be our savior." He seemed confused as he clearly had never heard of this god. Before he could ponder anything further I continued with, "other guards are, but men and demons with limited capabilities." He nodded politely and I had probably offended his honor or religion. "You will learn more of him over the next few years as his name shall rein above all others." I said this deadpan in such a way as to brook no argument or doubt on such an outcome. "Don't let the other priests hear such words as they may take affront."
"Anyway my friend and brother, how would you like to learn about my faith and join Jonathan and myself as we spread the lord's word. We could use a quartermaster. We already have eleven members of the faith and we could use another."
Bronson clearly wasn't one to jump into anything. "Are you asking me to work for free?" This wasn't unexpected and I nodded in understanding.
"Of course not brother. You will be compensated properly by our lord. In the interim, you may request assistance from two of my missionaries for the lord. Do you accept?"
Yes
You have reached a level to open the religion overview tab
Religion Name:Followers:Religion Level:WealthChristianity104Infancy150 G 30S 13CThis is a brand new religion. Widely chosen by Travelers it has been in existence for less than a day
Where on earth did all that gold come from? this is amazing. I wonder if I can spend that gold. "Bronson, do you know how to access gold from the religion?" Bronson grinned stupidly and I couldn't help but smile.
"Why of course my friend. There are bankers who accept and give out letters of credit against large organizations. I believe the requirements are 1000 followers or members to receive credit. This put a damper on my mood, but maybe all wasn't lost.