Preparing to overrun the enemy (3)

I do indeed come to regret this random thought I've just had. Responding to my thought, my assessment skill immediately attempts to give me an answer. The thing is, my brain really doesn't have the capacity to process that kind of information. Glowing was fine but suddenly complex bundles of information on each skull goblin's intellect is pushed into my mind, resulting in a horrible head ache.

I quickly think about not wanting to know about any of that stuff and the pain subsides as the flood of knowledge disappears to whence it came from. Still, my brain feels like it collided with a fright train at full speed.

A double-edged sword then. I suppose I should be careful. However, at the same time, I should also train the skill as much as possible to make full use of it.

Now, concentrate and let me see the 50 smartest skull goblins. Navi, can you ask Vespasian if I can have some items of clothing to distinguish my captains from the rabble without needing to use my skill?

Is that a thing?

As much as the idea seems appealing, I don't think it's good to mess with preconceived impressions of monsters. I wouldn't want my red caps to be weaker than the real deal. I'd prefer a scarf or bandana in a different color if that is doable.

Good, in the meantime I will single out my chosen ones.

I'm just having fun. Now go ask Vespasian about those things I need.

Ignoring the teasing voice in my head, I walk into the skull goblin crowd and get each of the fifty glowing individuals to follow me. By the time I am back in front of the crowd, I already find a neat pile of blue bands of cloth with a purple one on top.

Is there a reason for the purple one?

What the hell? Following Naviʼs words I hear Vespasian begin to launch into something that feels like it will end in a lengthy explanation.

"Guy, thanks for giving me this phenomenal idea. Why didn't I think of this sooner? Yes, I suppose genius takes time. Anyway, what you see before yourself now is known as a focale, generally translated as a scarf. It was worn around the neck by roman soldiers to prevent their armor from chafing their necks. My legions don't need them but who wants utility when you can have authenticity? The ones worn by legionaries are red as that color symbolizes war and the favor of the god Mars. However, since you specifically requested something not red - I can imagine the whole confusion problem with the red caps - I let my genius mind rummage around a bit. In ancient Rome, blue was a color that often symbolized public servants. I thought it rather fitting since the Kobaloi aren't part of my legions but still serve the dungeon. As for the purple one, Tyrian purple represents aristocracy and more directly the Emperor himself or his close subordinates. The color is made by extracting the purple hue from a specific species of mollusk that are crushed in the process. To get just small portions of this color, thousands of mollusks had to be harvested. Wear it with pride, my friend!"

I can't decide whether this purple cloth should be seen as a show of Vespasian's deep pockets, his ability to brag, or as an unthinkable case of animal cruelty.

Only now do I notice that all the skull goblins I brought are staring at the purple cloth with undivided attention. They seem almost hypnotized.

Couldn't the soldiers attacking this dungeon dress in purple then and be unbeatable?

Would they really react like that?

Questionable comparison but a fair point. I would go berserk if that happened like any other good husband.

Well then, time to practice my drill instructor impression some more.

I take the purple band of cloth and tie it around my neck like a short scarf. Since it's made to avoid chaving your skin from armor the cloth isn't long and barely allows one good wrap around the neck. It also doesn't feel particularly warm or comfortable but I suppose that's due to the authenticity Vespasian keeps going on and on about.

After wearing the scarf, the way the skull goblins look at me changes. Before they mainly did what I told them because I was loud and domineering enough to make them submit. Now, I can see a hint of reference in their gazes. That might just make my job easier.

I hand each of my 50 proxy skull goblin leaders a blue scarf and end up helping almost all of them put theirs on.