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.]

It’s almost refreshing how open her people are with their own greed. They know exactly what they’re like, they just don’t care what anyone else thinks about it. So long as it doesn’t interfere with business… of course.

[I’ve been trying to establish business partnerships all morning, but 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 surprised.]

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[I beat the heck out of Phil and Pete.]

[Who are they?]

[My guards. Well, they were. They went back to the… place… thing, or whatever, to get stronger guards.]

[Of course they did.]

[Look, if this is getting the Folk excited, then I say we should lean into it. Bring your trading partners along to the pit and negotiate with them while I’m fighting. If I keep beating up on strong warriors, then it should only serve as a good advertisement for the Colony’s goods, right?]

This sends Eran deep into thought, until she eventually nods.

[This could be a workable strategy. When will you be fighting next?]

[From what I understand, in Freehill, your next fight is never far away. I could probably line up at any arena in the city and get a bout in five minutes. I can’t leave until my next set of guards arrives, though. Not supposed to move around without them.]

The possibility of getting some trade done has Eran buzzing with excitement, so she rushes off to make preparations. Her brother-in-law, Marzban, sticks around to talk for a bit.

[You’ve been battling against the Folk?] he asks. [Do you know the ranks of those you’ve beaten?]

[Of course. The highest was eighth. I’ve not fought a blademaster yet, but I’m guessing it won’t be long. Still not interested in fighting, Grey?]

The wolf-Folk shakes his fuzzy head.

[No. I do not draw my blade for the entertainment of others.]

[Are you, like, the only one in this whole city who holds to that?]

He doesn’t deign to reply and Marzban taps me on one leg.

[It’s impressive you’ve been able to fight so well. The Folk are renowned for their duelling prowess and monster-slaying ability. If you really do manage to find yourself in the pit with a master, be exceptionally careful. They have special protections in this city that you do not enjoy.]

[I have a carapace and they have fur. I’m pretty sure I’m protected well beyond what they can manage.]

The brathian warrior rolls his eyes.

[Legal protections. They can kill in the pits and not be prosecuted. Duels with blademasters are taken very seriously, and they don’t like bloodless fighting. Much like your friend here, when they draw swords, it's serious.]

Well, that’s something to think about. So if I end up in a duel with one of them, they’d be forgiven for killing me, but not the other way around? That hardly seems fair.

[Blademasters are the honour of their school, their family and their clan,] Grey speaks up. [When we fight, there is a great deal on the line. Pride, prestige, standing. For this reason, duels between blademasters are often private, with a few witnesses. To keep blades sharp, frequent practice is a must, but having one's clan undermined due to a few losses in a row is less than ideal.]

He sends me a sharp look.

[To fight a monster such as yourself in the Dungeon, even blademasters would hesitate to attack alone. Duelling one on one against you in a public arena is a tremendous risk.]

[So this is what you meant when you said you don’t draw your sword for entertainment.]

[Practice is valuable, necessary. Public accolades are not.]

Well, even if the big bosses won’t come out and fight, there’s absolutely nothing stopping eight and nine sword fighters from giving it a go. With a little luck, it’ll help our trade mission as well. What could go wrong?