Good points on Obnoxious1, first on the story. I was not aware that the slaves also had to inject doses of cardamine, so I can't unfortunately really provide any logical answer to your question. I will have a look at the story tomorrow. If you can provide with a suggestion I be have to implement it.
I admit I didn't really pay attention to the diplomacy list since I just copied off the RHA diplomacy due to the obvious reasons...
I agree with your statements tho and will change them right away.