Conquest Horizon

Change. It is always happening, never ending, never staying in anything. Sometimes it leads to great things, other times it lead to horrible things.

Yet despite how the world is at slight peace, there was a rising dark threat coming forth.

...No not at mount ever doom. Or at the deepest pits of Tartarus. Not even from the Void itself. No, this new threat was coming from, or rather leaving from the seas of Arabia. After making some transaction of ‘removing pirate’s merely for sake of moneys worth. As while removing pirates was consider belittle in the eyes of the future potential warlord that sits in his large captain chair?

Phobia the ‘Dreadful’, or how he see his title to be feared as, knew that in order to gain world domination itself? One must use the art of economics, influence of future pawns...and bureaucracy. That doesn’t mean he hated it.

“Grr….why must I do these simple and belittling tasks? I should be razing lands, conquering everything under my heel, and make all who cross me suffer my wrath!” then raised his prosthetic right limb high in the air and shouted. “Curse you economics for forcing me to do pirate hunting in the name of getting money!” although such forces neither exist or couldn’t hear him as he huffed.

Sitting back more in his chair as he mumble out. “This better be useful for me someday. I want to have people working for me as I gain all the benefits and none of the petty work.”

“Well sir,” spoke a mare voice as Phobia yelp as he jump in the air, turning a flintlock at the forehead of the earth mare. Wearing a business suit, looking bland and boring with those small circular glasses on her muzzle as she told on. “If you are to even do the whole world domination that you ‘asked’ me to ‘help’ you with --by which I meant you basically begged on your knees and nearly demanded-- you would understand that for every great empire?”

Giving a flat look to him as she told in a tone to belittle his intelligence. “Then you know that to sustain a large empire, is to have a large economic system and business. Then again, I wouldn’t expect you to understand that.”

Snorting harshly, he lower the weapon as he told. “Damn it Kan! What did I tell you on sneaking by me?”

“That you would of shot me in the head and make the junks clean the floor, blah-blah-blah.” dryly responded the earth mare as she told with raising a clipboard. “Now, right now everything is looking good for the budget, as well as fuel. So yes, we can go directly up north.” then enforce before the Stripe could even say a word.

“But before we go blasting and conquering everything? Learn on the enemy. That's what you Stripes do best, right? Learning on everything before you go crazy on it.” then snorts out. “Although you Stripes are crazy.”

Giving a wide grin, he told in a proud tone. “Of course we’re Racky! That’s what we are, either we do it all the way, or don’t try at all!” While Kan rolled her eyes at her ‘contractor’ enthusiasm, she did told.

“Right now we aren’t seen as a enemy to the world yet, so it would be wise if we start branching out and learn of the nations. Yes we know there are some basic knowledge, but it wouldn’t hurt to have more.”

Grunting some, Phobia sat back in his chair as he questioned. “And where do you think we should start first, or ‘smart’ one?”

A smirk rose on her face as she told. “Simple my egotistical future meal. We go to the Iron Holds, learn on them and what defenses, or potential allegiance they have. Equestria as it is? Is too strong for us, even strong enough against your...army.” eyeing the automatons with distaste, as they weren’t alive, or real to her.

Even more on the Stripe ‘friend’ as she knew that despite how strong some of them are? They weren't match to either Equestrian magic, or the might of alicorns. Still, she soon look back to the male before her as he hum in thought and remarked.

“It would be nice to see future lands to conquer...As well as their ‘great ships’ I hear about.” then told with a raise finger to the pilot gear golems. “Lackey 32! Set sail to Iron Holds!”

“Aye, aye, Dreadful One!” responded the Gear Golem with obedience, as the other Gear Golems were working on moving the ship to the Iron Holds as Phobia told to Kan with a smirk.

“Now, anything else you want to bring up?”

Snorting, she said. “Beside the lacking of souls you gave me, as well as more souls to consume from anyone stupid enough to attack you?” then added with a turn of her body, tail snapping at his snout as he flinch back by the sudden hit. “Yes. Do try to your gaze away from me. I may be a demoness of Lust, but you are a mere mortal. And my future meal. If you feel the urge to rut something like the animal you are, get it around in Arabia like the good evil warlord you claim to be.” trotting off as Phobia scowl.

Rubbing his snout as he grumble. “Stupid demoness and her noticing.”

“I heard that! I expect a double quantity of souls next time!” called out the mare as Phobia grumble more to himself as while Kan was useful at times? She was rude, annoying, and really drive hard at his nerves. Even more with constantly reminding him that she saw everything as food. Even him. Giving a harsh breath, he soon called out.

“Scrappy!” waiting for a moment until he heard movement of steel against steel, as a mechanical wolf automaton came by the chair, tail wagging as a bark came as Phobia ordered. “Sit.” the mechanical beast obey, sitting on its haunches as it felt it’s creator hand patting at its head as he sighed out. “Oh Scrappy...you’re probably the only one here who understands my pain.”

“We understand your pain too, oh Dreadful One!” spoke the Golems as Phobia snapped.

“No one asked you all!” then added lowly. “But thanks you scraps.” as while he pet the mechanical wolf head more as it gave low pants, he consider Kan words. As while they were harsh and unruly, she made a potential slight point. There weren’t that many females here, even more since he was exiled…

And he doubt Sieg want to share, or rather he knew by their arrangement deal that he couldn’t touch the mare he has. So perhaps when he had both time and money, he could head to one of the cities here and buy himself a female to be with. Maybe one who enjoys being with a potential conqueror of sorts? eh, figure it out when I got enough money. Kan will be bitching if I grab one from the next city, even more when we need to head to Iron Holds...but I will grab opportunity when it present itself. knowing that while the Stripe way is to go all out?

It was also a necessity to grab opportunity by its balls when it came. Or throat, or hand-- whichever works for him. All he needed was one thing. Patience.

And the Stripe was good at it at times. Even more when it comes to his own goals of world, or nation conquest. One to scorn those who cast him aside and make a great empire for the Stripes who will admit they were fools…

Or make a great place for himself. Doesn’t matter as long as he rules over something.

The docks they landed in were nice large and very accommodating for their rather large ship. It was a little surprising at first for Phobia to find a docking area so big for one of his ships. Or, until he had noticed the many other airships in the skies. All of which were of Minotaur make and had plenty of cannons on them-- be they small frigate, or monstrously large Battleships.

One thing was for certain, Minotaurs loved their guns. Almost as much as he did-- though they didn’t have his mechanical genius… so in a sense they did rather well on their own. Though it did tell him that conquering the Holds would be hard.

Be it either due to the overwhelming number of airships that bustled about this docking city-- most of which were just simple tradeships, or the fact the city was a huge fortress in itself. With layers of wall after all that made up a huge and confusing maze.

In short, invasion might be out of the question anytime soon in this place. Even if he did have the numbers.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it!” muttered the Stripe as he walked in the bridge with Kan walking in stride by his side.

“Damn walls, damn cannons, damn everything!” already making the problems known in his head that he couldn’t lay siege on the nation. Even less on the capital city with how defended it was. It would be a waste of ammunition, money, his golems--- even damaging his ship with their superior numbers. He knew that in order to gain total control, he would need to make more ships. Better ships. Stronger ships…

Superior ships that would make the Minotaurs look like buffoons!

But that requires money and metal. Neither of which he had as he questioned to Kan. “Kan, we need a lot more money and metal.”

Raising a brow, she remarked. “What do I look like? The demon of finances and utter greed? I can’t sprout up gold, nor gather metal like you can.” then told on. “My advice? Cut loose on Iron Holds, gather information on it, and plan another day.” then told on. “Maybe find some ways to earn the money and metals? There is opportunity around here. We just need to find it.”

Looking at the city, the striped relented with a slight grumble and figured that something could be maybe found. A something that might take time, but they’d be able to find something eventually. It just takes time he didn’t want to spend doing somebody else's chores!

Be that as it may, Phobia began to wander off the ship, his ‘assistant’ following along down the halls. Part of Phobia wondered if he should alert his other compatriot of what was going on. And while part of him figured he could leave him alone, there was also the point that unlike his half-stupid golem henchmen-- Sieg did have brains. He could be useful with at least recon or even haggling for their needs.

To which the Stripe figure he could call upon the changeling for his assistance, even more in a place like this as he called out. “Someone get me Sieg here now! I required his presence!”

“Yes oh Dreadful One!” saluted the golem as it scurried off, the Stripe sat in his chair as it took at least a few minutes, mostly on how large his battleship was. Yet the sounds of metal came as the golem carried a changeling in its arm. The changeling looking a tad annoyed as his right eye look to the Stripe as he salute with his left hoof.

“Hail Herr Phobia.” germane accent in the changeling tone as he requested. “Please make this piece of scraps release me, Herr Phobia.”

“Let him go on his hooves.” order the Stripe as the golem salute and dropped the changeling that let out a winded sound, Kan rolled her eyes as Phobia groaned with a facepalm with his organic hand. As the military tactician got on his hooves and dusted himself off, he saluted again.

“Herr Phobia, I request on why you felt it was necessary for the golem to push open my door so suddenly.”

Phobia eye twitch as he berated at the golem. “You idiot! What did I say on not to do?!” the golem saluted.

“Apologies oh Dreadful One! I followed orders of your immediate need!” Phobia groaned as he muttered.

“Idiots. I’m surrounded by idiots.”

“Now you know how I feel.” remarked Kan with a bland tone as the Stripe grumble more as he look to Sieg and told.

“Sieg, we’re in the Iron Holds. We need information gathering and haggling of items to acquire-- even on…” saying with utter distaste in his words. “Assisting others with jobs.”

Perking his ears, the military bug thought over and nod firmly. “I understand perfectly now Herr Phobia. I shall leave post haste on gathering information on what you need.” already working out a plan in his mind as he asked. “How long shall we stay here for, Herr Phobia?”

“A week.” told the Stripe as Kan clear her throat and reminded.

“Its a big city, we may not find everything in a week, sir.” getting the Stripe grumble more as he corrected with a raised finger.

“Two weeks at best. I expect you to gather what you can, Sieg.”

The changeling stood with straight attention and a quick salute. “Yes Herr Phobia! For the glory of the New Dread Empire, I shall not fail you!” turning as he shape shifted into a pegasus of orange coat and yellow eyes as he trotted off. When he was out of the room, Kan remarked.

“For a supposedly genius, you seem to forget certain details on things, mortal.”

Snorting harshly he said. “Shut up, Kan. Why don’t you go out and gather information too? See what things you can gather that Sieg might not.”

There was a smirk as she said nonchalantly. “You mean business opportunities or prodding at the right mortals to gain things you need for world domination?” then raise her snout. “Easily done. But I expect to have some souls of something when we leave this city.” then snap her tail at his nose as she turned. “So long mortal, try not to blow your cover here. Or cause the minotaurs to rain down on you.”

“I may be ambitious, but I’m not that stupid!” called out a annoyed Stripe as she jab back.

“Said the hyena that made his entire Clan kick him out.” hitting a sore spot as he growled and shouted.

“OUT!” there was a unseen smirk on her face as she trotted off, as she let the Stripe bristle in anger he commanded. “SCRAPPY!” waiting for a moment until the mechanical beast to come by with a panting tongue as he ordered. “Activate protocol ‘Calm down’!” perking it’s ears it rolled onto its back with its belly expose as it gave a whine, to which the Stripe began to play with the gears as Phobia took out some tools to work on the mechanical wolf.

The thing didn’t mind that it was worked on by its creator, it was designed to be his companion and forever loyal as Phobia began muttering to himself, putting his thoughts on working on the mechanical beast, as it spoke. “There, there Phobia. Do not let the she-beast anger you.” sounding monotone as there was a small smile on the Stripe, as the wolf beast spoke in assurance to its creator.

“One day you will rule everything, and I will be by your side on the path you take. Stay strong and stay resolved.”

Phobia let out a small breath as he work more on the loyal mutt as he said. “Oh Scrappy, you’re my greatest creation.”

“But...we thought we were your greatest creation.” spoke out a hench-golem as Phobia glance up in annoyance as he told.

“Third greatest! My ship was second and Scrappy is my greatest creation! You all are idiots compare to Scrappy!”

“That really hurts.” said another as Phobia scoffed.

“Said the golems that screwed up a simple job of getting Sieg without knocking down his door! Which reminds me, you lot need to get fixing on that!”

“Aye, Aye Dreadful One.” obeyed golems as he sighed and look to Scrappy as he said.

“Scrappy, you’re the only one I can truly rely on.” there was a happy wag on the tail as the beast replied.

“Thank you Master. I will do all I can to remain reliance on, perhaps speak more than monotone, Phobia.”

“One day Scrappy, one day.” sighed out Phobia as he felt himself relaxing more, as working and hearing the mutt praises and assurance words always calm him down. Even more once he put his mind to work on the mechanics of the mechanical wolf. Truly he was one of the few Racky Stripes who ever live, for who else could craft Golems as advance like these?

If there was one word to describe the streets that belonged to the city, it had to be tight. The paths were just big enough to allow two-way paths for carriages and carts, and barely enough room to move between them all. Shops and homes were made directly into the walls themselves, a feat of compact engineering that even Phobia had to slightly appreciate.

Space was not wasted, though this was just due to how tightly packed everything just was. It was hard to move around freely, even more with a group. To some thanks, carts and carriages were not used too often in the many roads, meaning there was enough space to walk around without being crowded.

That was to say, until there was a cart found parked someplace and cutting some room or hallway off. Then you found yourself needing to go around. And the guards? Well, normal minotaur civilians were towering in themselves. The guards and troops were almost like mountains with hard plated armor. Boy did they like their armor almost as much as their cannons for this ships! That was not mentioning the many maces, axes and pikes they had. Swords being a little less common place.

The Stripe also had to admit that his golems will have a difficult time fighting against these minotaurs, yes the golems themselves were made for war purpose, but he had a limit amount of 600 with the added crew of the grunts. The city might as well have a thousand to fight against him, maybe more if they rally together. So he would need to increase his forces and his ships.

After all, he can’t really conquer anything if his main battleship was destroyed by multiple numbers. He also had to put in the fact that the spacing of these streets would give his golems trouble, their bulky forms would cause them to move slow, or unable to move with things in their way. He had to give the demoness props once more, as the invasion of Iron Holds had to be on hold.

Mostly out of the fact he’ll lose more than anything else.

With a ragged breath, he kept walking, taking everything in around him as both Kan and Sieg were still out in the city, telling that they haven’t found anything yet, but would return to the ship once they gain something. This made the Stripe annoyed even more, as the city itself could hide things or people-- even arms of weapons that he wouldn’t know. Even set up a resistance of sorts when he conquered the city.

The more he learn of the city and of the Iron Holds, the more he was getting annoyed that he was being set back more and more. The only bright side to this entire thing? He was gaining knowledge of something he could outdo the Minotaurs at. He could create effective golems and stronger metal than what the Minotaur had. Although the later part was a bit of a stretch as no other could beat the Minotaurs in smith making…

He certainly could beat them in runic craft.

If there was one thing for sure, the only reason the Minotaurs were around was due to all of this. Their overwhelming defences. Conquest of a place like this might take years of fighting and possibly even more careful planning-- just to get into a city!

It was with this in mind that he reflected that attacking some other nation or group would just be more easier and inexpensive. Yes the Horses were rich and their cities spread out over the desert-- but they were at least conquerable! This place? He would need maybe a way to cow the Minotaurs into submission than actually fight them into it.

But that wasn’t likely. The last few times he met minotaurs, they were bull headed and stubborn. You didn’t force a minotaur to do anything easily. And the King of the Holds? It was likely no amount of doomsday devices or ultimate weapons would make him bow.

If anything, the fool might see it as a challenge! Maybe. It was hard to tell since he didn’t actually know the King.

Grr, I can’t do anything right now with the Minotaurs. Not with how strong they are as both a people and in their defenses. The best I could is fire from the sky-- if I could get any shots in before getting hit myself. I would need to plan of a actual sure-fire way to win, and even then that might be a utter failure with how stubborn these minotaurs are! At best they’ll laugh and taunt me to bring it on.

So stubborn like those damned Spotted and gnolls! irritation filled him as he place the invasion of Iron Holds on standby and onto the side. There was no way he would be able to achieve it, not with how strong the minotaurs were in both bodies and defense tactics. Hmm...might try to take another place...maybe the griffons territories? Or maybe some parts of Iron Holds so I could make a foothold? the plan held some merit, but it was going to be a long time until he could actually conquer anything here.

Even less with their...superior smithing of their metals. It made him agitated that here he was, in a city of Iron Holds-- and he wasn’t able to do a single thing! Talk about a rough start in his campaign.

Hrm...maybe scope around more, try to see what they got in terms of goods, maybe see what Sieg couldn’t find? while the thought was appealing...first he would have to get to any marketplace with how cramp the streets were at times.

Slipping past another pedestrian, Phobia was at least happy that not many noticed him. If anything, he was sure that they thought he was a Diamond dog-- like so many other races. Though in this case, it was working to his advantage. They would never ever suspect him to be a Striped!

Still felt slightly insulting to be associated with the idiot mongrels and their great stench.

Moving past a few goats, and another towering minotaur, he eventually found himself in one of the market places. Though it seemed to be mostly a food market of all things. Almost like a miniature bazaar like in Arabia-- but less chaotic, and more crowded.

While he further slipped in, trying to keep some distance of others, the hyena wondered if he could maybe slip and take a bag of coins off a nearby bull. It would help a bit with funding. If he could do it without being caught, that is.

That was placed on the side when he had to move out of the way of some rushing kids-- a rather angry guard chasing after them for some prank. It had to be a prank since the guard was covered in what looked to be bread dough.

Backing and moving aside for the much taller and no doubt stronger beings to run on by, he bumped into another person. They in turn moved and glanced back saying, “hey, careful!” Sounding a bit annoyed, but otherwise calm.

Snorting, he told. “Not my damned fault everything so pack you have to watch your step!” seeing the running off guard moving farther as he moved back from whoever he bumped into and glance back as he couldn’t tell what species the dark cloak wearer was. Even more with the hood and cowl, all he could gather was the person he bumped into was a female and glowing purple eyes as he felt reminded of Kan when she was in her demonic form.

As well as having a staff made out of metal as while he may not know much of the Iron holds yet, he knew a practitioner of magic when he saw one. They always give out the ‘I’m magically superior than you are!’ vibe. Still he didn’t bother with her as she was another stranger like he was, as he glance back at the passing civilians as he mused. Now...to knick or not to knick? That is the question with how crowded this place is.

With a slight shifting of her eyes, the female before him told, “you could be less rude. I’m just saying, be careful. Not many people here like being bumped into.” Then looked him over quickly before observing, “you look a bit lost. Out of area?”

Glancing back, he remarked. “What give it away? Me looking everywhere at once, the fact I dressed differently-- or the fact that I’m annoyed with how cramped things are here?”

Leaning on the staff some, she pitched in, “add in the fact you’re not a Diamond dog and you’ve more or less hit the nail on its head.”

Turning his attention to her with focused eyes, he observe her as he asked with a low smirk. “It’s the fact I don’t smell like those mongols, isn’t it?”

With a shake of her head, she said, “no.” Then pointed to his person, “you’re too lean. And too hunched at the shoulders. You look like a dog, but I’ve lived near the packs. You look nothing like the dogs I’ve seen.”

Giving a low chuckle, he raised his right arm as the prosthetic limb moved its fingers as he added. “Add in the arm, as no dogs would be able to afford, much less have a replacement arm.”

While her eyes focused on that, she returned her focus to him and said, “You don’t get prosthetic like that unless you’re from the west. First time I’m seeing one.”

A wide grin on his face as he proclaimed. “What you see is a custom made arm, made by yours truly!” lowing the arm as he said. “Although a surprise that the Minotaurs don’t got prosthetic limbs-- unless its behind development, not everyone could easily craft, much less make sure it work properly like mine does.”

Shaking her head, the female told, “it’s expensive. You also need a expert’s in smithing, healing and runic crafting, or someone with all three. They have steel here and healing-- but magic isn’t a hugely focused on subject. Most get by without it. Unless you’re looking for specific people? Don’t expect too much magical knowledge.” then rolled her eyes, “well, unless you count enchanting. But that’s a little uncommon if you’re not a smith.”

Ah-ha! So they don’t have magical knowledge! One thing that's great for me. However the smithing and enchanting is annoying, but small steps for victory for me! thought Phobia as he said with a snort. “Oh I think I’m starting to see it.” then remarked. “So what's a mage like you doing in a place like this? Unless you’re out of the area like I am?”

“Journeying.” was all she said. “You?”

“Oh….just traveling too.” said the Striped with a grin. “Just seeing the sights before leaving on my vessel to explore the Iron Holds...sight seeing and all that.” giving a half-lie as it was true...enough for him to scope out potential weakness and exploiting things. By the Markings, he loved seeing things, almost like seeing a present before his eyes as his soon to conquering of the land itself under his rule.

Measuring him for a moment, the female thought for a moment before shifting her stance a bit and asked, “Any direction in particular you’re heading?”

“Oh, a bit of north, a bit of south, a bit of east-- maybe west if I need to. Right now I’m just moving around, seeing things...might leave the Iron holds to new places, maybe across the ocean, or back south. Hard to say at this point.” said Phobia as he asked with a wide grin. “Whats the sudden interest? Looking for a means to travel beside on foot?”

“Curious.” Was her short response. “I find it almost funny you’re here traveling, but have no destination.”

“Strange...I find it funny that a stranger would be curious of another person intents.” remarked the Stripe.

With a shifting of her cowl, she told in an amused tone, “when you travel alone, you tend to make due with traveling with others for safety reasons. The road can be dangerous with bandits, slavers or just general danger.”

Giving a laugh, Phobia told. “Ha! Let them try facing against me! They’ll rue the day when they thought they could attack against the likes of me!” then snort out with that smirk as he told on. “Beside, I’m more curious on your perspective eyes. Not many could quickly notice those small facts like you did.”

“When you can see and hear, it’s best to use such gifts to learn.” She told almost cryptically. “I find it common knowledge. I’m just pointing out what I think is obvious. Facts are facts, no matter how small.”

Laughing a bit lowly, he said. “Ah yes, the wonders of facts and science.” then told on with a roll of his left hand. “But as much fun as it was to talk with you, I have things to do, places to see, and things to spot at. I doubt we’ll meet each other...” then add with a grin and shrug. “Unless, you somehow do find me, or decided to join up with me in my vessel, either way goes, mysterious mage.”

“A vessel?” She asked quickly. “You mean a airship, right?” A renewed interest in her voice and eyes.

Snorting he told. “Yes, like I mentioned before. I have a ship. A airship in the docks.” then raise a brow as he asked with a grinning tone. “Why do I have the feeling you want to join up with me now due to me providing a means to travel in the air?”

“Practical reasons.” She told smoothly back. “Traveling by foot takes time. I can only go so far so fast. And like I said, the road can be dangerous. A airship would make traveling more convenient on my end.” thinking for a moment, she added, “I can confiscate you for safe passage to the next city.”

Humming he then said. “Alright...maybe a bit of basic magical knowledge? Sure I might not be a mage myself-- but knowledge is power, mage.” then grin wide as he lift his prosthetic hand up. “My name is Phobia.”

Looking at the hand, she seemed to deliberate on what to do before raising her own hand, one that was covered in dark wrappings that only exposed the dark furred fingers. “Ash.” Shaking the hand almost gently before letting go and rephrasing, “and when I meant confiscate… I meant I have something of monetary value to give.”

Hrm...money or knowledge? Money or knowledge? hrm...money. thinking that over a bit as he soon shrug and said with a smirk. “Money works too, certainly help in keeping my ship all fueled up in travel.” then asked. “So need to grab your stuff from the local hotel, or want to follow me to my mighty ship that you’ll be traveling on?” already figuring that it would be best to allow her to come to the ship, since they’re going to be staying here for a good while. Plus allow her to give more money to him in the future.

With a nod, Ash said, “where should I meet you, since I don’t know where your ship is located?”

Scoffing, he told. “I don’t know, docking area 15 is where my ship is at. At best we can meet at some pub or…” glancing around quickly as he tried to recall that one pub he visit. “The Watering hole, or something like that. Its decent enough place for me to enjoy a quick bite, and tolerable enough with its services.”

She rose a brow and told, “I’ll just go to your ship and wait by it.”

Laughing a bit, he said. “Alright, see you in docking area 15 then!” turning to start walking off in another direction, wanting to search more of this place...and knick any scraps or goods if able to. Sure he may be a Exiled...but he was still a stripe dammit!

After some time searching, as well as ‘borrowing’ a few coins and things that he got away with, did Phobia returned back to docking area 15. As he felt a wide smile on his face, feeling the large bag of coins shifting in place as things to use for future works! All within the matter of a few hours worth of work.

However once he reach to his ship, he saw Ash sitting outside the ship, kneeling position with her staff by her side. Her hood being low enough to hide her eyes and looking as if she was meditating. Something he figure it was a mage thing, as he moved by her and clear his throat. Looking down to her as he said. “Ready to come into my ship, Ash?” then added with a wide grin. “Isn’t she a fine sight compared to most other ships?”

Positioning and gripping the staff, Ash seemed to next to pull herself up and land on her paws nimbly before turning around to look at the ship. “It’s a warship.” Mostly making an observation. “I can tell by that much. But this will be my third time actually traveling by airship. So I can’t compare it to trade ships I’ve ridden on much.”

Looking a bit insulted, he said. “A warship? Oh no, no, no, no! This is a one of a kind battleship! One that I crafted with my two hands,” and muttering lowly. “And lots of grunts.”

Turning her head and raising a brow, Ash asked, “was it made for battle?”

“Yes, but that's beside the point! A warship is smaller, this isn’t a warship!”

As if to point out something, Ash pointed at the ship and said, “if it’s made for battle and fights, it’s a ship of war. So by definition, a War Ship.”

Staring at her with a annoyed gaze, Phobia took a deep breath in and soon said. “Something tells me you’re going to enjoy pointing out things along for this trip.” then called out. “Open the door!” in response one of the hatches opened up as he walked in first, mind already working on placing his stolen goods in their separate places.

On their way up, he heard a tinge of amusement, “just to be clear, you know I was talking about what kind of ship it was, not it’s classification.” Going on to add while looking around, “because it is large enough and I guess armored enough to be a battleship. Hard to tell, since all I traveled on we're trade ships.” Innocently looking to him. “I can’t say I know that much of a difference for ships of war.”

“....suuuuuure.” was all he said as he grumble and said. “Anyway, I’ll be taking you to the guest quarters. Don’t expect much, its all basic really.” moving forwards to some stairs as the Stripe was leading the mage more into the ship, as there were clanks and sounds of gears moving as automatrons with drills on their hands were looking over some parts on a wall as one turn its head and stood straight up with its hand saluting.

“Greetings oh Dreadful One! This one reports that repairs are nearly finish and will resume in repairing other things.”

“Good, good, keep up the good work engineer bot 55.”

“I am a good golem.” to which another golem told back.

“Shut up 55, you are not that special.” it sagged down as it said.

“Affirmative.” moving back to work as Phobia more or less ignore his golems chattering as this was one flaw he couldn’t fix, them having such dysfunctional programmings within them. No matter how much he look over or fix them-- they still somehow seem to act like...like...idiots half the time when not doing their objective programming!

Watching on, Ash didn’t seem to make any comment for a moment. But eventually she said, “well isn’t that just encouraging.” The sarcasm was not lost to the striped.

“On what, my golems speaking, their looks, or them tipping them off on what I am?” snark the Stripe a bit.

“The fact they might have your bad manners.” She seemed to say offhandedly. “You said something somewhat nice and the first thing the other does is talk down on the other. Kinda mean, don’t you think? Reminds me how we met.”

“Eh, faulty programming. Sometimes no matter what I do, they seem to pick up those bad manners.” waved off the Stripe as he told on. “Anyway, don’t expect us to leave yet, we’re going to stay here for a good two weeks before heading out, so take your time in exploring the city before we head out, Ash.” then went on. “As for directions to this place? Asked one of the golems for directions of places you need to go like the mess hall. They’ll lead you-- although some are a bit literal-minded in their simplistic minds. So be sure to be specific, otherwise they’ll do something utterly stupid like carrying you from one place to another.”

Glancing, she nodded, “I’ll keep it in mind.” Turning her eyes front again, Ash asked, “is it just you and the golems?” Idly wondering if it was just them.

“No, there's also three others, but two are already out and the other tend to go with one of them. So right now it’s us. Oh beside Scrappy there is.” replied the Stripe with a hint of pleasant feeling as he mention the added name.

“Scrappy?” Questioned his quest.

Clearing his throat, Phobia raise his left hand up to his muzzle as he soon called out. “SCRAPPY!” waiting for a few seconds before there was a sound of rushing metal against metal as the mechanical wolf slid behind the two and before the Stripe. Tail wagging and panting as it sat on it’s haunches and spoke in a slight tone of happiness. If one could detect it from its monotone voice.

“Yes Phobia? How may I serve you?” then glance to Ash as it spoke on. “Hello, you are new. Did Phobia brought you on as a temporary guest aboard the ship?”

While Ash was carefully looking over the artificial wolf, she said with a touch of weariness, “yeah. I figured if he had a ship available, I could have a easier time getting around.” Then turned to ask, “where am I going to be staying? I’d like to settle in if I’m going to be here for a while. Maybe go out and gather a few things I might need later.”

“Like I said, the guest quarters.” said Phobia as he ordered. “Scrappy? Lead Ash here to the guest quarters at once!” the mechanical wolf perk its ears as it responded.

“Yes Phobia!” then got on all four as it told. “Please follow me, guest Ash. I shall lead you directly to the guest quarters for you to settle and will lead you until further notice.” turning to take the lead while the Stripe left off to drop off his own things as it seem that the owner of the ship was making it clear that Scrappy was going to be Ash guide instead of himself.

Taking one last glance, Ash eventually followed the mechanical dog for her place of stay and leaving Phobia to finally get to his own room to place things away. Though he had to wonder what he should do about telling the others about the new guest.

Hrm, maybe tell them that a mage is going to stay until we head to the next city? That we’ll get paid too? Better make sure Sieg little mare is close to him. Don’t know how these lot view slavery like in Arabia. Maybe keep quiet of Sieg being changeling? Who knows what might happen if she find out...maybe try to kill him, or try to kill Kan with her being a demoness in disguise?

Granted part of him wouldn’t mind Ash killing Kan...but he did need her alive for her uses of making sure his plans of world, or nation conquest are in full effect. Can’t do that with a dead demon, now can he? Granted he could get a new demon...but he didn’t want to risk it. It was a pain to get Kan on his side, and he doubted the next demon or demoness will be ‘generous’ in not taking his soul. He did like to have his soul after all.

Though he did have to also consider what to do about the mage afterwords. She might just leave once they got to a destination and then bygones be bygones…. But what if she was useful too? Granted, he had no inkling of her skills in magic. That’s even assuming she was all that skilled in magic. But there was no real sure way to know unless he either asked or saw her use her said magic. And if she was strong and powerful or even useful?

However this lead to a new problem if he try to gain her uses. Keeping her loyalties-- or at least making sure she won’t stab him in the back. Or put a hex on him. Or use a spell to destroy him and his golems. Really there was no question in mind that didn’t pop up in the chances she will try to kill him. Even more once she learns of his intent of domination. For all he knew?

She could be a ‘potential hero’ to strike at him. And unlike Equestria with it’s heros? Who to say that she’ll let him live at all?

It was all one huge risk...but one he consider. If he played it right...perhaps if she was strong enough, and perhaps be persuaded to join his cause? She could be useful down the line...but it all hinges on if she will blast him or not once she learns of his true intent and those of his ‘follower’s. Even more if she just won’t teleport and warned the minotaurs of him? Ruined things before he could have a chance, and therefore warned other nations of him? Removing the threat before it had a chance to rise up?

So, that left two options realy to ponder over. If she’s useful, find a way to make her loyal to him and his cause-- preferably in a manner that won’t result in him having to spend money to keep her around. But if she’s a possible problem? Then he had to make sure she either was kept in the dark-- or he had some way to deal with her.

But again… that all depended on how strong, skilled or knowledgeable she was. Which he knew nothing about.

Right now? Set up a few things, talk to the two...and figure out things from there. If she could be persuaded to join us, then find her potential price or a means to not spend more than needed. If shes a problem? Keep her in the dark or remove her...maybe ask Sieg and Kan to warp her mind some. Make sure she won’t notice. thinking it all over as he head into his room, which was large for the captain quarters.

Walls filled with boxes of scraps, gears, gizmos of things to be built or deconstruct, blueprints on a wall near a workbench table, alongside with a large map with plans and ideas for areal domination or wide-spread rule. As well as a large bed he ‘borrowed’ from a Arabian horse that was asking to be stolen. He also had other things, like furniture, cabinets of cloths-- even a good sized bathroom with a large bathtub.

Considering he crafted this ship, it was no wonder he made this entire room just to make himself be great, or at least important as the captain of this ship.

Still, he set aside the coins he stole, the items of goods into a box as he thought over. when the those two come here, tell the golems to bring them here, need to get their...advice. as much as he hate to admit it, he needed their help with this mage. Unlike Kan who came to him in a contract and Sieg who wanted to lead in battle and have a mare to himself, Ash was a wildcard. Who knew what she could do?

He only hope that things will rise in his end, or at least give him a head start to run off if she proven to be a threat.