Empire army

Empire army

The road is dangerous ahead, my lord...

It is my duty to protect citizens of the United Cities, my lord... / My job is to protect and serve...

Empire army

Allow me to escort you.

My squad will accompany you. / We'll join you on your mission.

Empire army

The shaved one, are they your slave?

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That's my slave, yes.

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This one? No, they're not a slave, they just had lice is all. Nasty stuff.

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I don’t think it’s any of your concern. You're on MY territory now.

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How about you turn around and leave before things start getting ugly?

Empire army

Why are they unshackled? What kind of moron lets their slaves roam freely?

Seems pretty cosy for a slave... Roaming free, left to their own devices... Care to explain? / They look like they got it pretty easy for a slave... What kind of slave has free roam? / Pretty rare thing to see an armed slave without shackles... care to explain? / Unshackled... armed... they look like fugitives to me, not slaves.

Empire army

dog shit, don't lie to me. Harboring fugitives is a serious crime... Be a good man, tell me the truth and perhaps I'll consider pardoning you for your deception...

Empire army

dog shit, don't lie to me...

Empire army

Hmmm... Next time try rubbing cactus rum on the roots. Ain't good, the slave look.

Empire army

So, you're protecting fugitive slaves? Why would you risk your own life for a worthless slave?

Is that your final answer? You won’t co-operate with us?

Empire army

Harbouring fugitives will land you in serious trouble. I’ll be back to deal with you!

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Shackles and chains are so outdated. I use other methods of control.

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A happier slave is a healthier slave. The results are worth the risk.

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Are you interrogating me?! These are MY slaves and it’s none of your business...

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I suggest you stop asking so many questions... (unsheathe your weapon)

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I'm not lying to you. And I don't want any trouble...

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Okay. You got me. Perhaps we can negotiate...

Empire army

[They glance around them]... Alright. Well, everything else looks in order here...

Empire army

It doesn't matter anyway. You've made your choice. Get 'em.

Empire army

A happy slave is a sloppy slave, fear is the most efficient method of control. You'll have a rebellion on your hands in no time...

Empire army

Stolen slaves ARE my business, savage! And stealing from AND decieving a United Cities Samurai is a serious crime!

Empire army

... Fine. Do what you want with your slaves, but you'll have a rebellion on your hands in no time...

Empire army

... So that's how it is...

Empire army

Well, you've got trouble, I warned you not to lie to me... I know a fugitive when I see one and the United Cities doesn't tolerate anti-slavery...

Empire army

... As I thought. But I'm open to work this out... You could buy their freedom. Of course, slave sympathisers are usually punished, so I'd expect some kind of compensation to cover your crime as well... As a matter of duty, I simply can't let you break the law and walk away without fine.

Empire army

...Negotiate? The United Cities doesn't tolerate anti-slavery, there is no negotiation on blatant terrorism and thievery of workers.

Empire army

That will be all.

Empire army

But they're YOUR slaves, so I'll leave you to it.

Empire army

Arrest them.

Empire army

Consider this reported.

Empire army

Let's go.

Empire army

Get 'em.

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Here...

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In other words, you want a bribe?

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I don't have much money to give...

Empire army

... And your attempt at bribery is poor...

Empire army

Glad we could work this out quickly...

Empire army

An anti-slaver terrorist calling me out on bribery? Really?

Empire army

That's too bad. but But blatant terrorism and kidnapping of workers, it's not a crime I'll stand around negotiating for dreg change.

Empire army

Carry on.

Empire army

You want to make this difficult, so be it... But blatant terrorism and kidnapping of workers, it's not a crime I'll stand around negotiating for dreg change.

Empire army

Look a little short on bodyguards there, outlander. Place is crawling with bandits, make sure to stay on your toes.

Strayed from civilization, haven't we, outlander? Travelling without bodyguards is like casting your own death sentence in this place. / Only the foolish man travels without bodyguards this far out in the outlands. stay on your toes, outlander.

Empire army

... You look half starved, outlander... You know poverty is illegal in United City land, correct?

... outlander, you look barely living, like skin and bone... You're aware that destitution is prohibited in United Cities land, right? / ... Starvation is illegal in this land, outlander... Only the wealthy are welcome in United Cities territory... / ... You look about ready for death's door, outlander... Emaciation, poverty... These things are illegal in Empire land, you know that?

Empire army

... You look as gaunt as a stick man from the hives, outlander... You know poverty is illegal in United City land, correct?

... goddamn, outlander, you look as bony as a bug man from the mud hives... You know poverty is illegal in United City land, correct? / ... outlander, you look barely living, like skin and bone... You're aware that destitution is prohibited in United Cities land, right? / ... Starvation is illegal in this land, outlander... Only the wealthy are welcome in United Cities territory... / ... You look about ready for death's door, outlander... Emaciation, poverty... These things are illegal in Empire land, you know that?

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...

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Not everyone can afford the luxury of hired mercs.

Not all of us have the spare Cats to buy bodyguards. / You really think we're out here alone by choice?

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I'm no helpless victim, I can protect myself.

Trust me, I can handle myself. Save your concern for someone else.

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... Wasn't asking for your advice.

... Did I ask for your advice?

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...

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*Cough*

*Wheeze* / ... Help... me...

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Me? I'm fine... Skinny is my style.

I'm perfectly healthy. Just a fast metabolism is all. / How rude. Better to be skinny than to be a fat Empire guard. / ... I just have angular bones, that's all.

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So arrest me.

Then throw me in prison already. / So hurry up and arrest me. / Well, at least I'll be fed in prison...

Empire army

I've found some tragic sights out here on my patrols. And trust me, I don't enjoy finding the bloodied bodies of innocent travellers. I became a soldier to protect, not to uselessly prance in uniform...

A few years back I found the remains of a down-and-out family, half eaten by varmints, half beaten by bandits. If I can avoid it, I'll do everything in my power not to dig the graves of more fallen travellers again. / Finding the mangled remains of slaughtered travellers leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it happens nevertheless. And far too often at that. But no-one gets hurt on my watch if I can help it... / It's my duty to make sure people are safe travelling outside United City walls. Whether you're a noble or a peasant, it makes no difference to my job...

Empire army

I suppose not... But not everyone deserves to meet their end to bandits in the outlands either. Why don't you stick with us while you're travelling in United Cities land? Me and my men will protect you here at least.

I suppose not... But not everyone deserves to meet their end to hungry beasts in the outlands either. Why don't you stick with us while you're trekking in United Cities land? / You'd be wise not to admit your poverty in United Cities lands, outlander. But, wealth aside it's dangerous here for lone travellers... How about you stick with me and my patrol while we finish our rounds? / A word of advice, outlander: keep your money problems to yourself while you're in Empire territory. Now, if you can't afford guards, why don't you let me and my men escort you while we're on our patrol?

Empire army

... If you say so, outlander.

Empire army

Suit yourself, outlander. I'll give you no more of it.

Empire army

...

*Sigh*... The nobles would have my neck for this but... / ... / ... I can't believe I'm about to do this... / *Sigh* / [They shake their head] / ... *Sigh*... I'm risking my neck doing this but...

Empire army

Uhuh, right...

I see through you... / Think me stupid?...

Empire army

... I'm not going to arrest you.

*Sigh*... I won't arrest you.

Empire army

So, why don't you let me and my men escort you while we're on our patrol?

So, how about you tag along with me and my patrol while we do our rounds? / So, how about you stick with me and my squad while we finish our patrol? / So, why don't you join our patrol while you're in our territory? We can keep you safe for a while at least.

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... What's the catch?

... I don't trust you.

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Sure, thanks. Appreciate your help.

Okay, thanks. Appreciate the help.

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Thanks, but no thanks.

Empire army

Safe travels

Travel safe / Stay safe / Be safe / So long / 'Til we meet again

Empire army

Just don't go getting yourself killed

Just don't be another victim

Empire army

Take this. Eat. And I suggest you lay low while you're in this place. Other Empire guards won't be so merciful if they find you like this.

Take this, eat. And don't get caught. If other Empire guards find you in this state, I can't promise they'll show you the same mercy as I have... / I have plenty of rations spare, take them, god knows you need them more than I do. But stay on your toes, I can't vouch that the other guards will show you the same charity as I have let alone mercy. / Take my rations and hide. Don't get caught. / Take this food and leave these lands. This place isn't for you, outlander. You stick around, you'll end up in a cage.

Empire army

There's no catch, you can trust me. It never hurts to have a traveller or two follow along during our rounds anyway.

Empire army

Stay close, you'll be safe with us

Empire army

Well, just don't go becoming another victim to the bandits. I've buried enough bodies in my time already.

Empire army

... stay on your toes, outlander

Take care of yourself, outlander / Pay it forward, outlander / It's a dark world we live in, outlander. Survive. Pay it forward.

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... Okay, thanks.

Empire army

Are you aware that destitution is illegal in United Cities land, outlander?... That bony carcass of yours tells me you're breaking the law...

The United Cities land is a place for the rich elite, outlander, not for the starving mutt. And you, my friend, look like you could desperately use a dustwich and a couple of Cats right now... / Empire land is for the wealthy elite, not for the desperate needy to drag it down, outlander. Destitution is a crime this side of the world and by the looks of your scrawny frame I'd say you're breaking that law... / [They slowly look you up and down]... Do you know that destitution is considered a crime in the United Cities, outlander?... You look the epitome of a beggar right now...

Empire army

You look as bony as a stick man from the mud hives. I mean, really, you look like hell, outlander. You know it's illegal to be starving and destitute in United City land, right?

Hell, you look like as skinny as a bug man, outlander, when did you last have a decent meal? You're aware that destitution is a crime here in United Cities land, right? / The United Cities land is a place for the rich elite, outlander, not for the starving mutt. And you, my friend, look like you could desperately use a dustwich and a couple of Cats right now... / ... You look like death, outlander, can't you even afford to feed yourself? Destitution is a crime in United Cities land, we can't be overrun with desperate beggars.

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... Have pity...

... *Wheeze* / ... Please... so... hungry...

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So arrest me.

Then arrest me already. / So throw me in prison already.

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I'm not poor. Just out of rations.

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Do I look like I give a shit?

Empire army

Trying to guilt me? It won't work. You've bought this fate on yourself, dreg. Destitution finds it's way only to the weak and the foolish. Unless you can show me your worth, I'm going to have to arrest you.

I've no sympathy for beggars so don't bother trying to win my pity... Any last words before I arrest you for destitution?

Empire army

It will be my pleasure. At least the prison guards will fatten up your sorry carcass when they throw you in the cage...

Empire army

Then I'll need to see proof of that, rules are rules after all, outlander. So, show me some Cats and prove yourself.

You LOOK moneyless to me, outlander. Prove yourself and show me some coin if you really want to protest your affluence. / I'll believe that when I see it with. Show me some credits and convince me otherwise, outlander. I've laws to uphold and keeping the nation from being overrun by beggars is one of them.

Empire army

Tch. I guess you're not willing to play nice, are you, outlander? Then I'll treat you how I treat all disobedient mutts...

Well, if you won't play nice then I'll treat you the same way I treat all deadbeats... / Tch. Rats... They refuse to co-operate and they plague the cities like stinking vermin...

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...

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... Wait. (Bribe 2000 Cats)

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You're a callous scumbag.

*Spit*

Empire army

I'm arresting you for beggaring on Empire land

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Here. (Give 2000 Cats)

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I've got no Cats on me...

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... Are you seriously threatening me for being hungry?

Empire army

Nothing to say in your defense? Then so be it.

As I thought, a penniless sponger in United Cities? So be it.

Empire army

Proof enough. Now, clean yourself up, you look a mess.

Proof enough. Now, sort yourself out, you look a state.

Empire army

Okay, you're free to go... But first, here, take this. You look like you're about to drop dead from malnutrition. This should last you until you restock at an outpost.

Empire army

Then you've bought this fate on yourself, dreg. Destitution finds it's way only to the weak and the foolish.

Empire army

Poverty leads to hunger.. hunger leads to desperation.. and desperation is a dangerous thing, outlander. We see it in banditry, gang warfare and petty murder... You let yourself get in this state and you endanger the rest of society.

Hunger and poverty lead to desperation, to selfishness... and that's when the rest of society gets dragged down along with it, not unlike an overcrowded ship in the water...

Empire army

Go.

Empire army

But, eliminate the weak links and the stronger may still live in peace... The elite worthy.

But, eliminate the weak links and the stronger may still live in peace...

Empire army

... Well, everything looks in order...

Empire army

...

Empire army

No fugitives... no illegal activity...

Empire army

That one over there...

Empire army

That's a start.

Empire army

They look like a slave.

Empire army

Now how about a warm welcome?

Empire army

Harbouring escaped slaves is a serious crime...

Empire army

... Somebody gonna come greet us or what?

Empire army

... Who's in charge here?

Empire army

Most of the other farmers give us snacks and grog...

Empire army

...

Empire army

Kch...

Empire army

No-one's gonna step forward, uh?

Empire army

...

Empire army

Then I'm arresting this party for anti-slavery activity!

Empire army

Then I'll be reporting this to the Slave Traders.

Empire army

Dregs these days... no respect.

Empire army

Arrest him!

Empire army

Let's go.

Move on.

Empire army

Those anti-slavers will be punished.

Empire army

Let's go.

Empire army

...

Empire army

Hoy, hope you got enough food here for the rest of us. It's a hungry job guarding these lands from bandits, you know?

It's a tiring job, guarding these lands, you know... Rogue slaves, hungry wolves, they all breed like rats... But somebody's got to do it. We don't want the outlands littered with devoured outposts, eh? / It's hungry work patrolling the outlands, keeping outposts like your's safe, you know?

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Then here's a gift, for your hard work.

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...

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Get to the point. What do you want?

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And thank you for the hard work.

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(Roll your eyes)

So what. What do you want, a medal? / Do I look like I care?

Empire army

Good for you, chumbo. Keep the gifts coming and I'll be sure to direct any savages away from your little abode, eh?

Empire army

Well? Got any gifts of appreciation for your local Empire guard, dreg?

Silence? Is that the thanks I get? As protector of the elite Empire? You should know better than to disrepect our authority, dreg. Gonna show me some appreciation, a donation? Or do I need to teach you fear?

Empire army

Some appreciation... But more importantly, some respect, savage. How about you try being a little more polite to your protectors? A donation wouldn't go amiss either...

A bit of appreciation for your protectors sweating in the outlands. A donation.

Empire army

How about a tip to back up that appreciation, eh, peasant?

How about a gift to show your thanks, eh, peasant?

Empire army

Is that the thanks I get? As protector of the elite Empire? You should know better than to disrepect our authority, peasant. Gonna show me some appreciation, a donation? Or do I need to teach you how to fear?

Empire army

Respect the army.

Respect the Empire. / *Wink*

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Me, respect you? No. You show ME some respect.

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Dreg?.. Do you even know who I am!?

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I can't afford a donation...

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I'm not paying you anything.

Empire army

Who the-... Then if that's how you wanna play, that's how we'll play.

Empire army

Enlighten me.

Empire army

... Well ain't that disappointing. Then I suggest you lick my boots and show a little more gratitude to me to make up for the lack of gifts...

Empire army

Well ain't that disappointing. People don't make a habit of setting up shop on Empire land when they don't even have a Cat to their name, peasant. And I certainly didn't wander all the way over here to your shithole outpost to walk away with nothing...

Empire army

No? Nothing?...

... Not gonna bite, eh? / Well. Guess that's my entertainment over from you...

Empire army

Beat him down.

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I'm a noble lord of the Empire!

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I'm a noble lady of the Empire!

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I'm the Bugmaster slayer!

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I'm the girl who took down the Phoenix!

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I'm the girl who took down the Stone Golem!

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I'm your worst nightmare.

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Draw your sword and I'll show you...

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I'm the girl who took down Tinfist!

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Yes... (Lick their boots)

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(Spit in their face)

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...

Empire army

If you can't look after your local guards... well, I can't promise we'll look after you.

Empire army

Looks like we'll have to search for a donation ourselves...

Empire army

Allow me to teach you some respect!

Empire army

ha haha ha, don't look much like a noble to me! ha haha, just look at this dump! It looks like a starver shanty town... You think a noble would live in a shack like this?

Empire army

I serve the nobles, I know the face of every last one of 'em... and you're not one of 'em. So, just for lying to me, I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson...

Empire army

...

Empire army

[They look to their comrade. They exchange worried nods]...

Empire army

Bugmaster slayer? That was one man, try taking on a samurai army! ha haha, you're just a has-been now...

Empire army

[They look to their comrade. They exchange worried nods]...

Empire army

Phoenix slayer? That was one man, try taking on a samurai army! ha haha, you're just a has-been now...

Empire army

[They look to their comrade. They exchange worried nods]...

Empire army

Queen slayer? That was one woman, try taking on a samurai army! ha haha, you're just a has-been now...

Empire army

Pah!... ha haha ha!

... Cocky for a dreg, aren't you?

Empire army

A fool's move... Then show me what you've got!

Empire army

[They look to their comrade. They exchange worried nods]...

Empire army

Tinfist slayer? That was one skelly, try taking on a samurai army! ha haha, you're just a has-been now...

Empire army

Good chumbo.... Now, make sure you've got some spare Cats next time, eh? Ain't got a lot of patience round here for deadbeats...

Empire army

You little-...

And now I'm pissed.

Empire army

Useless dreg.

Empire army

ha haha ha!

Empire army

Crush him. Beat him bloody for lying to me!

Empire army

I... I'm sorry, sir, please forgive me!

Empire army

Well, uh... Bugmaster slayer, huh... I, uh... Should never have called you a dreg, I was mistaken, see...

Empire army

Show the has-been who's champion these days!

Empire army

Well, uh... Phoenix slayer, huh... I, uh... Should never have called you a dreg, I was mistaken, see...

Empire army

Well, uh... Queen slayer, huh... I, uh... Should never have called you a dreg, I was mistaken, see...

Empire army

Well, uh... Tinfist slayer, huh... I, uh... Should never have called you a dreg, I was mistaken, see...

Empire army

Sorry... sir... Good day to you.