War of the Final Whisper [IC]

[TiaC]

Later that afternoon, after a day of hard riding, Velion arrives at the fort. Seeing that it is in the chaos of rapid deployment, he first goes straight to administration and asks to be added to the general's schedule when he has a free minute.

However, since this will take a while, he then demonstrates his knowledge of how armies really work by searching for an NCO to tell him what's going on. He found the dwarven Staff Sergeant Maxwell Claud Hammerheim, who had found berths for his squad whenever they came this way. The Sergeant is a bit of a germophobe, so Velion abides by his oft-stated wishes and greets him without touching him. While he waits for his appointment, he asks some questions of the Staff Sergeant. He wants to know what they know of the situation in the east, the size of the force they will be taking there, what will be left once they go, the current border situation, and the disposition of other forces in the area.

If he still has time, he'll head to the officers' mess, which is amazing for army food. Therefore, it manages to be half-decent. He sits down across from one of the few others there, Lieutenant Foster, who he knows as a free-floating officer, always filling in for others when they can't take their command. He asks Foster "What do you know of the general's mood? I intend to meet with him before you leave, but he's not going to like everything I have to say."

Spoiler: OOC

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You probably should have expected the puns when you tell me to go ahead and do a bit of worldbuilding.

[Thrair]

Spoiler: OOC

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Stuff happened. Also, I'm going to make a copy of the game's chatlog and then clear the cache out. Going through it has become rather tedious and also has a noticable lag in loading it. If you want to make your own copy, you have until next saturday. I'm wiping it next saturday before the game begins.

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The guard shifts in his chair and regards Alstroemeria thoughtfully. "Very well. I shall do so. But I would be remiss to not inform certain other parties who might be interested in acquiring that object. Legally, of course. Not all have the training to... contain... that device. But those that do would have the blessing of the church and would likely be willing to generously compensate you. It will, of course, be your decision, but I am quite sure they will find suitable terms."

He departs briefly, and Alstroemeria can hear a muted conversation going on in the next room. When the man returns, he is carrying a small leaden coffer bearing the sigil of the of Abadar. Placingi it on the table, he wraps the rod gingerly in a thick cloth and places it inside. He then secures the lock and provides Alstroemeria with the key. "We do, of course, have the capability to bypass this lock. But only with the aid of the Church of Abadar. Without them, anyone attempting to open this coffer without your key will meet with... difficulties. It'll be secure until you return. I've sent a runner as asked.... but, in the meantime, might I suggest a visit to Keral's Solitude? It is a business establishment not far from here. One of the merchants would quite like to speak to you."

------------------------------------

Maxwell seems to be in rather grim spirits, as is much of the fort. "The situation is dire, sir. The coastal garrisons were taken with almost no delay, and the inland forts are ill-equipped to handle an invasion of that scale on their own. And Almas is a warzone. Reports have become increasingly incoherent. General Aldus intends to direct the bulk of this Garrison and it's surrounding outposts to retake the Capitol. He's going to compensate for the loss by diverting forces from the former Isger border and using his authority to hire auxiliary units. Some of The Walkers have already volunteered, I think. Though I overheard him mention desperation driving him to consider the mongrel clans. Hope not. I couldn't stand having to rely on those inbred filth."

He seems to notice his comments are violating the generals rule on impartiality, and calms himself with a deep breath. "It's not all bad, though. General Kutuzov was able to marshal the Eastern Command quickly enough to rebuff a cursory assault on Cassomir. He managed to route that force and is diverting what forces he can spare to delay the invasion until General Estana can bring her army down from Falcon's Hollow."

He nods respectfully, then swiftly departs on another errand. Velion is able to find Foster at the mess. His seems to have an unenthusiastic appetite, and is forcing himself to eat. He salutes promptly.

"Sir? His mood? Hm. Grim. Angry. Absalom is not weak. And this treachery was unexpected. They've been less supportive, lately. But for them to betray us like this? Decades of peace and trust have been cast aside. Doesn't help that he was born there, so that probably isn't helping his mood. You'll see, yourself. I'm noticing your brevet-insignia. He'll definitely want to speak to you. Especially since scuttlebutt is you're one of the few people with a clear idea of what's going on."

His eyes lift as Hammerheim returns and hands a report to him, which Foster then begins reading grimly, shoveling food into his mouth mechanically.



-------------------

Sekla's band arrives at the edge of the meeting ground and sees several other clan groups waiting at the outskirts for their own Chiefs to return. As per custom, the Bloodthirst group separates and waits with the others. leaving just Veras and Sekla to meet with the other clan heads.

Walking in, many of those present are engaged in minor talks amongst themselves, eying the others warily. She recognizes Walrek among them who is being fiercely spoken to by a young and powerfully-built Hobgoblin. Sekla cannot hear all of it, but it seems she's rather unhappy.

An middle-aged Hobgoblin is the first to take more than a casual not of Sekla. She approaches and nods slightly in greeting as to a respected peer. Her companion stands stiffly by her side and eyes Veras warily. He seems not to like what he sees.
"You must be Sekla Bloodthirst. Faress Ironreaver, Chieftan of Clan Ironreaver. This is Madruk Ironreaver, my Chiefsguard and mate. I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you before the Clansmoot began. See what you thought of the situation and maybe get a bit of a bead on your thoughts. We need some fresh viewpoints, here. And I've heard a lot about you. 'Fore that, you must have some questions. Ask 'em, and I'll give you an honest answer, with none of the dogf**king you've had to deal with in the human settlements."

Spoiler: OOC

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Welcome to the rather crass and informal world of upper Hobgoblin politics. Where directness is valued and euphemism is used as toilet paper.

[TiaC]

Velion considers this new information for a few minutes before going to his appointment. After the initial formalities, he begins to lay out his position. "General, what we are seeing is the actions of daemonic cults devoted to Apollyon, Szuriel, and Trelmarixian. They wish to create marks of war, plague and famine on the world. We are not sure what they would use these for, but it will be nothing good. Do not trust General Lerontus, he follows Szuriel and has taken actions to incite war. Your plans are necessary for our nation's survival, but they will leave this border weak. I intend to hold it. I have recently been traveling and fighting alongside the new Bloodthirst chieftain. I hope to lead a small force, perhaps composed of the less-mobile units, to the clan-meeting. If we can forge some sort of alliance with Clan Bloodthirst, the border will be safe. With a few members of the diplomatic corps I have hope that we could create something lasting. Does this plan meet with your approval?"

[Reltzik]

Alstroemeria knew enough about Chelish politics to recognize this maneuver. The business establishment was a new twist -- Cheliax wasn't exactly a proponent of a free market, or a free anything -- but she'd seen, at a remove, the same thing happen between the various houses that ran the various institutions of government.

Yes, we know this is our duty to do this thing you're asking for us to do. Before we do that, though, why don't you go help out this cadet member of ours with a thing that needs doing, perhaps a bit of financial help, or getting him an appointment somewhere. You know. Simply while we're getting around to it.

And in truth, the rod wasn't of any great importance. Yes, it was dangerous, but just as much to the user as to anyone else, and such problems had a way of eliminating themselves quickly. She had mostly been employing the mission of its destruction as a way to open doors and as a source of finances. It offended her aesthetics at a deep level, and the thought of using it herself in any but the most dire circumstances made her skin crawl, but if it helped the cause against the cultists letting it loose into the world was an acceptable sacrifice.

Besides, she did have that scroll to buy. The only thing that concerned her was that the business might be a front for an intelligence operation of some sort. And even that could be worked to her advantage.

"I do have some business to conduct," she says, rising. "At least one scroll to buy, and I'm not above a bit of browsing. And a simple abjuration, known as an alarm spell, can alert me if the coffer is opened. If you can provide me directions, and a rough idea of when we can expect the Church to respond so that I might return in time, I will be glad to visit Keral's Solitude. Who might I tell the proprietor recommended them to me?"

Spoiler: OOC

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If I already have this guard's name, replace that last question with a promise that she'll say who sent her their way. And you can assume that I make the trip there... NOT by the route provided... so that we can hurry up to the next scene. Oh, and taking 10 on bluff for 18 about the alarm spell. She doesn't have that one memorized. She just wants to make them think twice about disposing of the rod while she's not there, because access. And since you weren't quite sure what my plan here is, I'm trying to get as many powerful organizations as possible -- churches, mostly -- to pledge common cause against the cultists and either give them trouble in Absolam or send high-level aid against the cultists to Ardellon. Releasing bio-weapons into the general populations near the world's greatest trade routes is NOT a tactic that... well, anyone... is going to sit idly by when they hear about. The cultists just pissed off EVERYONE, if only everyone knew it, and Alstroemeria is going to work hard to leverage that mistake.

[Thrair]

The General looks rather harried, but otherwise alert. He returns Velion's salute promptly as Velion enters and grunts in agreement as Velion pushes through the formalities as hastily as possible.

"Dammit, yes! We've got precious little information on our foes' intentions, but I've heard of this "Harbingers of Fate" cult in Absalom. And I smelt something wrong, despite all endorsements earlier this year... And lately things seem to have taken a darker route, there. Would that I was provided more up to date intelligence on Absalom. Isegar insisted that I "mind my front" and not worry about our "allies". Dammit, I suspected that man would betray us... but I'd assumed it would be in a coup for power. I was not prepared for him to mount some nihilist crusade for the hell of it. And certainly not so soon.

"So, yes, Major... You have my approval. I don't like it, but we'll need the Hobgoblin support. If nothing else it'll ensure that Cheliax doesn't use them. Dammit all... I'd almost rather have you along with us as we advance, but from the sounds of it, you've got diplomatic connections with one of the Chieftains. Do it. I'm going to link up with Miranda once she's marched her command down from Fort Gaelin. That up around Falcon's Hollow, though. So it will take a few days.

"I'll have my aide provide you with a Sending foci. It will speed up the process of sending messages to you and allow us to converse for longer periods between castings. You might be needed on the border, but that doesn't mean I don't desperately need the information you have. I'll have time to listen once we're on the march. For now, I need to make preparations. Unless you've anything else to state, Major.... dismissed. And godspeed."

---------------------------

The guard nods with a flat face, introducing himself as Captain Alher. He seems unfazed by the mention of the alarm spell and hands Alstroemeria a paper with written directions along with a small symbol. Following these directions, Alstroemeria is able to find Keral's Solitude rather easily. Located in a wealthy section of the city, it is a very large building that functions as an accounting house in addition to it's primary function as a casino and upper class resort. It appears to be an exclusive club, with little standard traffic in or out. Those that are entering and exiting are very clearly of the upper class, with personal escorts and extravagant dress.

Alstroemeria's approach is noted by the doormen, who give her a cursory inspection for overt weapons before allowing her in. They take especial notice of the paper's scrawled symbol. Once allowed inside, she is directed to a private lounge outside of the sections dedicated to financial accounting and bookkeeping. The waitress offers drink and food, and otherwise waits on Alstroemeria. Despite the nature of her job, she seems to be in very excellent physical form, and her movements have a certain manner to them that reminds Alstroemeria of Velion.

After several minutes, a man walks in dressed in a plain grey tunic that seems quite out of place compared to the typical clientele. He eyes Alstroemeria with curiosity, then sits down on a nearby couch.
"Good evening, Madam Farsighted. Your reputation certainly precedes you. My, enough so that it is the talk of certain individuals even as far to the south as Niswan. Assuredly you have rather important business in this city, to be distracting yourself from your obligations in the north. I was hoping you might tell me some of them. Perhaps in exchange for other services I can provide?"

He leans back in the chair and sips a drink Alstroemeria has noted to be non-alcholic (though many on that platter she has been offered are). He continues to eye her keenly, with some degree of focus.
"The trinket you have brought into the city also interests me greatly. I was hoping I might be able to acquire that particular item, as well as the tale as to how it came into your possession. Oh, how terribly rude of me... I have not introduced myself, have I? Apologies. I am Ilhan Hazbidan."

[Zerkai]

Sekla looked around the meeting grounds for the Chiefs and their seconds, having recognized Walrek from the other day and what must be his Chief, also a fairly new Warchief from what she's heard. She knew Walrek would be chewed out for the little altercation she and the others had with them on the way to the camp yesterday. She stopped when she noticed someone approaching her, returning the nod given to her as she wondered which Warchief this was, though that was answered fairly quickly.

"Yes, I am Sekla Bloodthirst, and this is Veras Ironhand, my companion. And I don't mind giving you my thoughts on things... I believe we've lost the war with the Dwarves when we were driven from our homelands... now it's a seperate fight for survival. We need to work together and dig in, we can't go any further south without getting caught up in another war and we can't lose here." She explained and took a deep breath, arms folding across her chest as she looked up at Faress.

"For my question though... what do the other Clans make of Clan Bloodthirst? A new chief days before the Clansmeet, and an heir that had been missing for years? I can't imagine my choice in armaments looks good either."

[TiaC]

Velion thanks the General. He spends a few minutes hashing out what troops will be remaining behind, as he won't be marching troops like heavy infantry or a company of halflings across the nation and he also requests any diplomats they have. Once the General has judged his requests, he leaves the office. He informs the staff who will be remaining of his new role, then he sits down to look at the forces he will have available to him and decide who he should bring along. While he does this, he speaks to Asdoril "I worry that I have not given him a complete enough perspective of the hidden forces at play here, but we're both too busy to spend the time it deserves. If I were to find a clerk, would you be willing to dictate the high-points of what you have seen since that first meeting with Lady Samiya? They will have plenty of time to read it on the journey. Honesty would be for the best in most things here. All that I can think of off the top of my head to avoid is mention of the Hellstone and Shozin's role in the manor's destruction."

[Reltzik]

"Thank you for the invitation... Master Hazbidan?" Alstroemeria made it a question, seeing if she had the correct form of address. She declined a drink with a minimum of flourish and rudeness. "I honestly wasn't aware that I had much of a reputation to precede me, save for a few war tales garbled to the point of incoherence. I would be curious to know what you have heard and how you have heard it. In any event, my main mission in this city is to make contact with certain organizations that might make common cause with us in the North, and also to spread a warning regarding threats to... well, every city on the Inner Sea. My main obstacle is that I am unlikely to be granted prompt audiences with the appropriate individuals, and I have little time to delay." She wasn't going to spell out what she wanted in exchange for the rod more clearly than that, and if Hazbidan didn't already know that she was getting access to ONE organization in exchange for it, he probably couldn't help her gain access to the others.

"Captain Alher, the guardsman who recommended me to this establishment, suggested that you might legally buy the trinket, but couldn't say much beyond that. I should warn you that it is quite dangerous... as much, or more, to its owner as to anyone else. While I might be willing, within the bounds of law, to part with it in exchange for something I dearly need, I would much prefer to see it destroyed for the safety of all. And while it might make for a game that is... entertaining to some, that sort of entertainment would be a bit lowbrow for an establishment such as this. Not to mention potentially harsh on the teak paneling. What could possibly possess you to desire to possess it?"

[Thrair]

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry this went up late. I've had a cold coming on for the past day or so and am trying to sleep it off so I don't have to call off sick from work.

Velion is nearly done with preparations for his diplomatic mission when a runner arrives carrying a pair of small armbands. "Major Thornsen, sir. This is the sending foci the general requested be provided to you. For proper function, wear the brass one on the left wrist, and the bronze one on the right." He then salutes and departs.

Velion is able to assemble a sizable force of about 40 men, many of them familiar with either hobgoblin society or another military culture. Several of them are ill-pleased to have been selected for a diplomatic mission to hobgoblins, given the rampant racism present in northern Andorans towards that race. However, these men are those that the general has deemed capable of placing their duty above such sentiments. Though, of course, not without some grumbling. Several members are also intimately familiar with the terrain, which aids immensely as the march begins in earnest.

After some hours, Velion takes note of a heavy smoke in the distance, though they are still many hours from the clansmoot. One of the officers walks up, her expression wary. "Sir, we're not at the clansmoot, yet. And that smoke doesn't look to be a signal fire of any kind. And it's big. There was a pretty big clan up that ways, too. It doesn't look good." Velion, too, is reminded very much of the smog clinging to the horizon following a large battle.

Spoiler: OOC for TiAC

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As to what Velion has been authorized to provide in exchange for their service:
-Offers of a long-term contract as auxiliaries, including potentially acquiring citizenship after 4 years of service. The general doubts they'll accept this, but feels the offer might be considered.
-Stores of material that scouting reports indicate the Hobgoblins direly require. No armaments, however.
-Some ill-desired and undeveloped land close to the north edge of the Chelish border. The terrain is too rough for large-scale farming, and the civilian population does not want to be that close to the Chelish border. Otherwise it is perfectly livable, and the rough terrain might even be a desirable trait for Hobgoblin fortification.
-Offers of eventual transportation to the south.

More minor offers have been authorized under Velion's judgement, though with the stern warning that he not commit fully to anything beyond this general scope without sending back for approval. He is also forbidden to offer ANY form of military aid regarding their war with the Dwarves.

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Falress turns to look behind her as a commotion between two minor clan representatives breaks out. It has not yet come to physical blows, but many of Chiefsguards present are keeping an eye on it. For her part, she merely mutters and nods to Sekla, before heading over and joining her voice to the argument. Another chief and his guard exchange a look with one another, before heading towards it, as well. The rest pay it little mind, besides the occasional glance to ensure weapons are not being drawn.

Veras walks up and sighs. "Yeah. You can tell we've gotten desperate. These tantrums shouldn't be this common. And they wouldn't be tolerated, either. We're in rough shape. Because the clansmoot is on our territory, we're close enough that we can head back to camp while we wait for the stragglers to arrive. Or you could start talking to more of the chiefs. Your choice.

"Strange, though. I don't see the Grimsteel clan. That's very odd. Their Chief's known for high discipline and is never late to any of these meetings. Wonder if he decided against coming. He might also have gotten caught up in some BS to the south. The Chelish have been harassing his clan, from what I hear. Some **** about territorial claims and not following procedure."



-----

Hazbidan smiles in an almost predatory manner. He looks at the ceiling and mutters a command word in undercommon. Alstroemeria feels a faint tingle, and the air takes on the smell of Ozone. "So.... we are in agreement that you are, in fact, willing to sell that device. Now it merely is a question of price. Very good, very good. It is, of course, a sideboard to our primary exchange, but still.... I can see you are a rational being. We can surely reach an accord. I have activated this room's security devices. Rest assured our negotiation will be quite private.

"Now, then.... We are aware of your conflict with the new order in Absalom. This cult, if you will. We.... do not care for their methods. To say nothing of their goals. They are an unaccountable and destabilizing element in a world we prefer to be kept somewhat predictable. As such, we have put no small amount of effort into researching them for potential weaknesses. We have found several. And these we would be willing to impart to you. And perhaps a trinket or two that might better enable you to exploit said weaknesses.

"But, now comes to it OUR demands. Of which we have two primary, and potentially several secondaries. It depends entirely upon how much of our aid you are willing to purchase. The wonderous rod you have, of course, is the first. The second are items you have not yet in your possession. And, perhaps, never will. We only demand you to make best efforts to acquire it if you encounter the beasts.

As to which beasts I refer... we have, in the course of our research and at great cost, discovered that this cult requires the sacrifice of several ancient beings from a number of powerful species. So ancient, in fact, that we suspect they are trying to obtain the eldest living representative from each. We do not yet know how many they have already sacrificed, but we have discovered they still seek two. The first is the eldest Roper. A Sigil Crag of immense age and power that, according to rumour, once devoured a high priest of Nethys. We desire a piece from it. Specifically, it's lodestone core.

The second being they still seek is the world's eldest dragon. It is either the Gold dragon Amanaxys... not seen for several decades, mind you... Or a Red by the name of Selmorak, also rather reclusive. Both beings have weakened from age, and from prior engagements with this cult. Whichever of the two it is, we care little. We require an eye from both. How and why are our business."

The man leans forward with a glint of menace in his eye. "So.... are you interested? It is a high price, to be fair. But, again, we only demand you make best efforts. Should you be incapable of acquiring them, we will at least have learned from the failure. And, ask yourself, are you capable of refusing our knowledge? I think what I have said in the course of this bargain is sufficient to whet you appetite when you realize it is but a fraction of what we can provide. I would think duty compels you in this matter."

[Reltzik]

"May I?" Alstroemeria asks. Then without waiting for an answer, or even clarifying what she is asking about, she casts Detect Magic and begins examining the protective spells around the area, much in the manner of a master craftsman judging the quality of another craftsman's work.

"I understand your need to be circumspect," Alstroemeria says as she examines the magic. "I understand that it is as much for my protection as for your own. After all, once certain types of information have been let slip, the only ways of permanently containing it are, tautologically, permanent. But as you say, I'm a rational individual. I thank you for the compliment, but I wonder if you know what it means. I intend no slight towards you in wondering... it is simply that so many people use the word without truly comprehending its meaning, and I have know way of knowing whether or not you are such a person.

"At its root, rationalism is about gauging costs against benefits, risks against rewards. Each is calculated by careful formula, and then the ratio of cost to benefit, risk to reward, of each option is gauged against all others. The option or options with the most favorable ratios are selected... hence the root of the word, ratio. In circumstances where the costs or benefits are not fixed but instead a matter of chance or probability, the calculations become more difficult and less reliable. When even the probabilities become difficult to do more than speculate on, the calculations become magnitudes more difficult and less reliable. And when one supposes agents engaged in active deception about these elements of the formulas... which I do not assume in your case, but as you suggested that you understood in your question about distrust, I also cannot rule out... well, one must employ an interdependent matrix of greatly complicated formulas instead of a single, already-complicated formula, with a further reduction in the reliability or surety of the results.

"Ironically, as these calculations become more difficult and less reliable, their ratio of cost to benefit exceeds that of other philosophies of decision, and rationality itself becomes irrational.

"So let us examine your offer rationally. First, the benefits. You offer detailed information on assassins, which could no doubt be useful in evading or pre-empting them. However, we have fared well against assassination attempts to date, and some of them have even provided useful information upon capture. It would be a great benefit, but not a tremendous one. You offer extensive information about the cult we are interested in, information which is essential... and yet I was already moderately confident that the necessary information might be found elsewhere, albeit with greater difficulty. Again, you offer a great benefit, but again, it is less of a benefit relative to the alternatives than might initially be imagined. This is further ameliorated by the fact that you do not reveal the details of what I am purchasing until I make the purchase... nor can you, lest you give it away for free. You hint at further services you might offer, and yet hints are not offers and cannot be listed among benefits.

"In ratio to these benefits, let us consider the costs. First, there is the rod. You do not wish it destroyed. If you did, you would have never contacted me at all, but instead sat back and let my mission take its course. Instead, you wish to employ it, or sell it to those who would employ it, or at the very least hold it against some future contingency in which you would wish to employ it. The vagueness of your purpose in acquiring it makes rationality much more difficult, especially as your reluctance to even suggest a use for it suggests that you believe I would not much be enamored of that purpose. Not to mention that you seem to be reasonably rational yourself, which suggests a hidden rationality to acquiring the object that cannot be accounted for. This may carry with it additional, hidden costs to myself, my House, and my nation, and I must regard it with some measure of wariness, as I am sure you realize.

"But the rest! A monster that can consume a high priest of magic itself? The two most ancient dragons on the entire material plane? I am certain you realize, having no doubt contemplated the tasks yourself before being reduced to revealing your desire for them to someone outside of your obviously-secretive organization, that dragons only grow in power as they age, rather than sink into infirmity as we do. I should gauge that any one of these tasks might even exceed in difficulty that of confronting the cult, even absent your aid. And you wish me to undertake all three, on an uncertain basis -- recall, of course, that uncertainty is the bane of rationalism -- and to do so not for the benefit of simply eliminating a single, roughly equal task, but simply for its reduction.

"So at first examination, taking your offer does not seem rational. For the cost of the rod, maybe, but not for the rest. The benefits, while quite great, may well not exceed the costs, and there is much uncertainty about the whole matter. Either the benefits would need to increase, or the costs decrease, or the uncertainty decrease, or my alternatives must prove equally lackluster. WITHOUT a hint of us working at cross purposes. For any rational deal to be viable, there must be the potential of mutual profit, and such happy circumstances cannot arise from an adversarial, zero-sum scenario. The mathematics of rationality are quite unforgiving, and if none of these parameters can be adjusted, then neither can the result."

Spoiler: OOC

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OMG AL SHUT UP! You just overthought overthinking things to prove that being rational is irrational! THEN YOU KEPT ON DOING IT!

Though I guess this IS how you haggle with int rather than cha.

Taking 10 on Spellcraft to identify what magical defenses are in place. 33. Let's see if I can't figure out what magical items this man's carrying as well... though I imagine I can't identify them outright without being rude about it. Also, I'd like a check to see what I should be looking for in order to further narrow down this man's affiliation. Can I make perception checks to see if he has a certain tattoo in a certain place? A linguistics check to notice certain accents or turns of phrases or word choices common to one group but not the other? Anything like that? Also, I'm arbitrarily adding "cult of horseman of death" to the list of possible organizations on the grounds that this guy is absurdly well informed about our conflict (meaning, close to it) and seems to have some pretty inside information on what both assassins and cults are up to.

[Thrair]

Spoiler: OOC

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Detect Magic cannot be reliably used to identify worn items if there are other auras present. That requires inspecting the item individually, as the overlapping magical auras muddle any attempt to discern the nature of an item. It is akin to identify a species of bird while the sun is directly behind it. You can get some idea of what auras are present, and some idea of how many. But it's limited.


However, your taking 10 on Linguistics checks results in a score of "wtf", so you're able to peg this guy as having traces of an Okeno regional accent underneath a more dominant Qadiran accent. As to his appearance, it's quite plain. Possibly deliberately so. His hair is salt-and-pepper, closely croppped. He is wearing a plain grey tunic with no obvious markings or signs of high station. Indeed, his attire is that of most accountants in the building, save without any badges identifying specific branch. You can make a Perception check to try and see if you can spot more. He does have a very large number of auras on his person. On par with Velion or Sekla.

Lastly, you are able to detect a number of abjuration and conjuration auras on the room itself. There's three spots in the room that have a cluster of minor abjuration and evocation auras that overlap too closely to be certain of without a careful examination from different angles. These seem to be the source of the ozone smell, though it's hard to be sure. The spells that are strong or clear enough to be identified from your position are:
-Mage's Private Sanctum is in effect over the room, and it's aura has been strengthened. Presumably with Permanency. You have strong reason to suspect this spell has been up the entire time.
-Dimensional Lock is also in effect. Again, likely to have been in place before you entered the room. From the strength of the aura, it has been cast recently. Within the day, at the most.
-Arcane Lock applied to the door.
-Finally, emanating from the table in front of you is a curious Abjuration spell that appears to be a variation on the Expend spell; one that can selectively exclude specific individuals from it's effects.

The gleam in Hazbidan's eye softening somewhat, though not entirely, as he patiently listens to Alstroemeria's lecture. As she finishes, he applauds gently.
"An admirable analysis, if perhaps needlessly verbose. And, inconveniently, all too astute. You confirm the great injustice visited upon us by not having you in our employ. Ah, were you not already claimed for your house, I might very well extend such an offer. I suppose, then, that I must make greater assurances and tokens of good faith than I might normally be inclined. Ah well. Such is haggling."

He shifts in his seat and extends his palm outward to Alstroemeria to ward off further speeches. After making himself more comfortable, he nods behind Alstroemeria, where she can hear the waitress lean against the wall.
"There are, that all said, some elements in which your analysis is... not quite accurate. I must see these corrected before we may have further negotiation. Firstly, we merely require you to make best efforts to acquire the items from the beasts if encountered. We do not demand you to go out and attempt to destroy the beasts in a suicidal frontal assault. Indeed, you may not even encounter them in the course of dealing with these cultists. And, even assuming you do, the cultists may have already slain them. They, after all, seem unconcerned with the physical remains of these sacrifices, being more focused upon their essences. If this were the case, it would make taking the desired items from the corpses quite simple, once the cultists were dealt with.

"Secondly, these beasts are not so insurmountable as you claim. The Sigil Crag is unlikely to have devoured a high priest. I ascribe that to rumour and legend, as we've little evidence of a Nethys high priest being slain in such a manner at any point in the last thousand years. As well, we are prepared to give you an item that is designed specifically to cripple the strongest powers that it would have, by virtue of disrupting it's unique form of magic. It's attunement to runic energies presents an exploitable point of weakness.

"In your assessment of these dragons, you also reveal a small misunderstanding. Are these creatures not, while exceedingly long lived, still mortal? The slow ravages of time touches even these mighty beasts, eventually. You have heard of the legendary Raveners, yes? What Dragon would submit to such a fate, if not for fear of mortality?

"Yes. These beasts are old and powerful. But their strength has begun to wane. We had expected the Red to throw itself into a self-destructive rage, common to it's kind when faced with death, whereupon it would be slain and our agents could claim what we seek. Alas, it has not done so. The Gold, similarly, withdrew from it's own machinations as it's strength began to fade. It's last known action was to bequeath many of it's possessions to 'noble' beings before departing to spend it's twilight days in contemplation. And this is to say nothing of the ills the creatures have suffered from the cultist's attacks. Both have been dislodged from their lairs, which both strips them of their greatest asset and demonstrates their vulnerability."

He leans forward and eyes Alstroemeria with an air of patience.
"You wish to hedge your bets before committing to a bargain, and this is wisdom. Yet it is poor business sense for me make concession after concession until you are quite satisfied. So I would hear your own counter-proposal."

[Reltzik]

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception check: (1d20+11)[26]

"Quite a task," Alstroemeria mused. "You have sought to ensure that I discern little of your affiliations or purposes, and you have been overly successful. Unfortunately, this means I have little hint of what other services you might offer, or which of the items you request of me you might value most, or what other boons might satisfy you in their place. This makes it difficult to formulate a counteroffer. Allow me just a few minutes to think on it in silence, if you would."

She closed her eyes under the guise of contemplation, holding up her own warding hand to indicate that she was thinking. In fact, she'd already decided her next avenue of probing. But she wanted a moment of silence as deep as she could manage. Silence in which she might listen with keen elven ears for the sound of a shuffle, a stirring, or just a breath from one of those ensorceled pockets scattered about the room.

Spoiler: OOC

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If I get 2 minutes, I can take 20 on my perception check for 31, with whatever modifiers to DC might be appropriate.

Finally, she raised her head. "From the level of penetration of the cult that you suggest you have achieved, I infer that you have significant assets in the city of Absolam. Might they be induced to provide aid and succor to an external power, which might make war with Absolam generally but more specifically with the cult that controls it? Doing so would, of course, advance your own goals of eliminating the cult."

[Zerkai]

Sekla's eyes scanned the room as she listened to Veras talk, also eying the minor confrontation between two clans with narrowed eyes. After a moment of nothing happening she turned her attention back to the other hob. "Right... I suppose I could spend some more time talking to the other Warchiefs... then again the... 'Grimsteel' clan? If they are as you say... I'm not exactly a perception Hobgoblin, but the areas around here have gotten pretty crazy. I'd imagine some clans... not making it, what with the demons, plagues, cults and the warring humans. Depending on how far it is I'd say we should head in the direction of their camp." She speaks up. It was a good excuse to delay diplomacy with the other clans, probably not wise but she also didn't want to risk the lose of another clan.

Spoiler: OOC

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So if it won't take days, Sekla will leave with Veras and her troops to march in the direction of the Grimsteel Camp.

[Thrair]

Alstroemeria is able to hear a faint hum from the direction of the pockets, akin to a wire pulled taut and then plucked ever-so-slightly. It suggests the spellwork to resonate faintly with something to which it is attuned. With time and study, it might be possible to discern how and why. Alas, little more can be discerned simply from the noise alone.

The maid behind Alstroemeria can be heard to shift several times, and Alstroemeria can faintly hear metal brushing metal underneath the thick cloth when she does so. Her breath remains steady and even, betraying focus.

As to Hazbidan, he can be heard to sigh lightly several times, and when Alstroemeria opens her eyes, he is giving her a look of resigned exasperation.
"As before, very astute. Absalom has long been a central hub of commerce, legitimate and otherwise. We had many investments there, both monetary and political. Among them are those that would oppose this new order, if they were able. Indeed, it is our goal to align as many as possible against these degenerates, that we might return to some semblance of peace. War can be immensely profitable. But is, as with many such things, best taken in moderation. These cultists lack such... restraint.

"As our conversation carries great risk of tangents to which you have not as yet payed for, I must be direct. As you say, this is as much for your protection as our own. So I will tender one of the few remaining pieces of information I am willing to divulge for the sake of good faith. Absalom is under martial law, as is becoming known throughout the trade networks even now. They have evicted almost all foreigners from their isle. What fewer know is that said martial law is causing almost all dissenters to be... disappeared. And one of our deepest contacts was, before themselves 'disappeared', able to inform us of powerful black magics being used upon the slain to animate their corpses with fel daemonic energies using their very souls as a catalyst. It is, by best guesses, not unlike magicks using elemental essence to animate golems. The conclusions which can be drawn are many.

"And, so again with my desire to be direct now that you have some manner of guess as to our goals, let me state it plainly: We are unable to ignore this great threat. As such, we will be quite fair and even in our bargains with you. But we are not willing to weaken our position allying with you against them without some recompense. You seek to gain as much of our aid for as little cost to yourself, known and unknown, as possible. We understand and respect that. But it bears some emphasis that straining our good will too strongly in such an endeavour will make an enemy of those whom you can ill-afford to lose as allies. It would, of course, sorely hamper us. But we are in a greater position to weather this blight than your own nation. After all, our interests have been greatly... diversified."

Hazbidan leans forward and his face is exceptionally calm, but his voice carries a fine edge.
"So, 'farsighted', consider now if you are looking not too far down the path, causing your own goals to suffer damage beneath your very nose. You are stalling for time and squeezing me for information. Information most would pay dearly for. I have entertained you up til now only out of a desire to have our partnership be one to which we both stood to gain and had, if not trust, at least an understanding of mutual reliability. But press me further, and you will find the most favourable result to be our deal cast aside as impractical and your name blacklisted by the various factions to which we have great influence. At worst, you will force me to utilize one of those 'permanent', if distasteful, solutions to the difficulty you begin to present yourself as. Are we clear, madam?"



----------------------

A few looks are cast as Sekla exits the meeting grounds with Veras, but most are busy minding their own concerns. In addition, Sekla's appearance (and, thus, significance) is not widely known to the clans. She is able to begin marching her troops Southwest with little obstruction from the rival clans beyond a few scouts following behind, obviously so as to signify lack of hostile intent. The clans are clearly taking great care to have only their more restrained members approach the clansmoot.

The outset of the march is uneventful, barring a few hobgoblin runners spotted moving in various directions. Indeed, is it perhaps too uneventful, and many of the Bloodthirst grunts appear to grow uneasy, spending time in the vicinity of a chief to whom they have little experience. After two hours, a mounted runner can be seen riding hard towards the clansmoot. Veras expresses some concern, but this quickly is cast aside as the group draws near to the Grimsteel clan's encampment. A thick and heavy smoke can be seen in the distance, growing in size. Veras's expression draws back into a grimace.

"That ain't good. That much smoke means the fire's big enough to light up a good chunk of forest. They wouldn't have let a wildfire grow out of control that badly. Their alchemists are better than that. Something's hitting 'em."

She barely has time to turn to her Chieftain when heavy shouting can be heard forward of the main column. It is soon joined by the sound of steel on steel, and Sekla's troop surges forward. The fight ends even as Sekla is able to arrive. One of the forward scouts is seen slitting the throat of a humanoid. He kicks it and rolls it over onto it's face, revealing a dwarf in light armor. Veras grabs an insignia from the corpse and snarls viciously.

"ARGH! F**king scout! I know this emblem! That group of stunted was spotted going around us into the southern lands. Last we heard they were deep in the southern interior. F**kers must've come back up. Chief," she says, turning to Sekla, "this is bad. That was no recon group. This bastard's attached to part of their main army. Grimsteels are tough, but they can't take that much power on their own."

[Reltzik]

Alstroemeria took a moment to digest what was happening. The man's guard was... not down, exactly, but not entirely up either. That was an improvement. He was revealing much about his fears and assumptions. He saw her as an agent primarily of Cheliax, not of House Leroung (itself diversified) or even of Ardellon. He wielded the "farsighted" monicker against her as if she should think it a source of pride, rather than a student's joke at her poor eyesight. And he had grown understandably concerned about what he might reveal unwittingly... to the point where he thought even a casual suggestion was a deep probe. None of these things were greatly alarming alone, but together they painted a picture of desperation.

She was not his first choice, nor one he had time to consider at length. She'd barely been in the city for an hour, after all, and none could have predicted her coming... short of precognitive magics, of course, but if those had been employed he would have been better prepared than this. Maybe he'd had time to confer with a central authority, or maybe he was a central authority, but in no way was this a carefully orchestrated gambit. He'd seen an opportunity and thought it great enough to jump at. He was winging it.

Her priorities, in order, were:

1) Extract herself from this meeting intact and unharmed, in
2) A state such that she could continue her missions in this city, while
3) Not entangling herself, her companions, or her House overmuch in excessive obligations and concessions, and
4) Obtaining as much information as possible.

"It was not my intention to probe overmuch into your affairs in Absalom," she told him, trying as best she could to keep her tone soothing. She'd never been a thespian, but a century of slavery had given its practical lessons in placating those with power "I honestly was looking just for a basis for a deal, and a simple no would have sufficed for that. I could look further for some counteroffer to make, but you would take it unkindly. The information you did provide is, of course, valuable. In acknowledgement of the forfeit it represents I can offer some in return, which may not have penetrated through your network just yet. Absalom has launched an attack on Andoran's capitol within the past twenty-four hours. The coastal defenses were overwhelmed swiftly in a manner suggesting treason and there is fighting in the city itself. I do not know if you are already aware of this, and even if you weren't it is quite likely you would have learned of it soon, but I hope you will take my free offering of it to mean that I do not regard us in a competition to see who can gain the most information from one-another while still releasing the least. I would rather think of any deal between us in terms of mutual gain."

She leaned back in the chair, trying to project the same sense of relaxing. She probably failed at it. For her, relaxation involved books and deep philosophical pondering, not high-stakes negotiations. "I must inform you that undertaking significant risk, either myself personally or with the rest of my companions, is not equal to the information you offer. The capacity to evade assassins or even thwart the cult ceases to be of utility if we are too dead to do either. Weakened or not as they might be, these monsters are not so weak that the cult has been able to finish them off, and the cult is of at least comparable power to us. As such, we shall make no special effort to kill them should we encounter them. I must also stipulate that neither I nor any of my companions are prepared to betray our nations or benefactors, or their interests. However, if we should encounter their corpses as you suggest we might, I would be willing to undertake moderate risk and delay to harvest the items you desire, and moderate risk and delay should be all that the task would need. We would also undertake all practical effort to obstruct the cultists in their attempts to harvest those essences, hopefully leaving the creatures alive and still in play, so to speak. Would a deal be possible under those stipulations?"

[Zerkai]

Sekla mostly kept quiet during the long march to find out what happened to the Grimsteel clan, though occasionally she's sing a marching song for the troops when she noticed some of their unease. Though that soon stopped when she saw the large pillars of smoke growing in the distance, narrowing her eyes. "Well... guess-" She muttered a curse under her breath at the sounds of conflict coming from the column in the front, arriving with Veras to see the executed Dwarf scout. "Huh... shame, maybe we could have interrogated him... I was really hoping we wouldn't have to deal with them during this Clansmoot... but I expected it. It seemed like the worst time for this all to happen. No need to alert the other clans, that runner we passed is probably delivering the news." She removed her pack and kneels on the ground for a moment, sifting through it as she listened.

"I should start as close to the front as I can, the faster I can get into the fight the better." She removed her gauntlet and glove underneath, pulling a platinum ring from her pack and pulling it on before putting her glove back on and armoring it. Then she stood up and pulled her pack back on before walking up to Veras holding up an identical platinum ring and holding it out to her. "Here, a focus for some divine magic, put it on and aside from some protection, your wounds will only be half as severe." Once she's given the ring to Veras, she's looked over Serena as she drew her. "Sorry again for getting you involved in this..." She mumbled.

"Right! The Dwarves are attacking the Grimsteel and we're the only force close enough to help! I hoped the dwarves enjoyed hunting and chasing us because it stops now, and I'll fight every dwarf out there myself if I have to! Let's chase them off of OUR land!" She calls out to the soldiers presents before ordering the march to resume, but to keep an eye out for any more Dwarf Scouts.

Spoiler: OOC

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I think Veras should probably make a Religion or Spellcraft check? Whatever it is to identify the spell she's talking about, it's a specific focus, 'Shield Other'. What Sekla isn't telling Veras is that she'll take the other half of her injuries.

Also Sekla can take 10 for the Perform Sing for the marching songs or just roll. Will roll if she can't take 10 anyway
Perform: Sing (1d20+20)[39]

[TiaC]

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry about the slow response, life happened. Nothing big, just a lot of little stuff eating up time and energy.

Velion turns to the officer, one Lieutenant Rockhammer, who he had met a time or two in the officer's mess, but never talked to. He says "It's a ways out yet, ask the scouts what make of its position relative to the clansmoot and our options for avoiding it. When we get a bit closer I want some of them to get eyes on it. In the meantime, keep them on a perimeter to warn us of hostiles. As to the rest of us, weapons out and eyes sharp. Try not to start a fight, especially with the hobgoblins, but be ready to finish one. I know many of you are not fond of this mission, but we can't afford a hostile force of this size sitting on our border. Also, I don't think the chieftain I'll be mainly dealing with is like any hobgoblin you've ever seen before."

[Thrair]

-------
OOC Summary: Buncha crap went down. Will explain later. No... there is too much. Will sum up. But later.
-------



Alstroemeria arrives at the manor and is quickly directed past the notably heightened security. She notes that many of the new guards are Kelesh and bear tokens of the Dawnflower. Samiya's trusted butler promptly meets with Alstroemeria and reports that, while the prisoner has already provided a good amount of information, two things are clear: Firstly, that he exaggerated his importance and breadth of knowledge. Secondly, he is dragging his feet somewhat in providing information on his own cult. He hands her a summary of the current intelligence, prepared personally by Samiya.

Highlights, some of which will need to be verified independently:
-Deacons are extremely powerful beings infused with Daemonic energy and difficult, though admittedly not impossible, to truly kill unless certain rituals are followed. The exact rituals are, of course, not widely known amongst the cults.
-Each cult has one Deacon, with the exception of Szuriel's, which has two representing different aspects of the cult. As such, theirs are arguably the weakest, though still very dangerous. One is believed to be a child.
-The cult of Charon has not joined willingly, and has been subverted through force, with the aid of a treasonous arch-priest. The high priest was sacrificed and Charon's powers bound. Though the Archdaemon himself has not yet been claimed, as his strength in Abbadon is still great, he IS contained has been severed from his domain.
-The cult of Szuriel likewise is not fully commited to the overall cause, though they support it loosely because their interests are served by the strife.
-The Church of Pharasma was working in concert with the worshippers of Charon to attempt to prevent the takeover, which greatly confused the other cults and also caused them to direct much focus towards slaughtering her clergy.
-Several key members of various governments have been subverted, a few of which he has identified by name. He notes that while many of these have willingly betrayed their own, others have been bound in the same manner as Vectus. Usually the binding is focused through an object of great significance to the bound party, as it allows for easier manipulation of the soul when the binding item in question has a deep personal connection. In the Chelish sector, he notably claims Lord Edwin Sarini is one such person, bound through his own focusing crystal.
-Most of their subversions are focused within the Inner Sea, but lately an opportunity has been seen in the Dwarvern crusade, and some members of their forces have been subverted or assassinated in order to increase discord. At one point, a captured Hobgoblin chieftain was allowed to escape by such operatives in order to unwittingly prolong the conflict.
-Satrap Xerbystes II, while refusing to deal with the cult as a whole, was convinced by clandestine operatives to sell out Amanaxys the Gold, as his support of the more peaceful dawnflower sects directly opposed Xerbystes' goals for military expansion.

The drow is still in the process of divulging further information, but the Butler reports Samiya is growing impatient.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry again for the delay. I assume you're checking the prisoner's report first. What are you going to focus on next?

[Reltzik]

Alstroemeria notes the presence of numerous Dawnflowers with alarm -- she'd been promised that their representation would be kept to the minimum required not to give them insult. That does not bode well.

She skims the prisoner's report, and then, since Samiya wants to see her, goes to her office. Samiya is definitely due a report, but Alstroemeria is eager to get the promised report and then teleport to Cheliax.

[Thrair]

Spoiler: OOC

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Alright, this was supposed to be a generic one-off, but scheduling issues have made it a roadblock to the IC stuff up next. Especially since neither Reltz nor I can make it on this saturday, owing to Halloween/Move/Work/etc, I'm ruling this as these schmucks getting an attack of brains and booking it. I'll be keeping a close eye on the IC thread for the next couple weeks. Hoping to get some IC stuff out of the way.

------------------------------

As the party teleports into Almas, they quickly find themselves at the site of a pitched battle. Four insectoid creatures are bearing down on a contingent of Andoran infantry, while a sinister Jackal-headed fiend directs them from safety. Alstroemeria and Velion quickly identify them as Derghodaemons led by a Meladaemon. The scene if filled with gore, as the deadly creatures carve into the soldiers with ruthless efficiency. The battle is not, however, entirely one-sided, as one of the beasts has already been felled, and the rest show signs of injury.

As the heroes get their bearings and ready weapons, they are spotted by the Meladaemon, which quickly barks out orders to retreat back to the Cathedral. With a glare at the group, it flickers away... followed shortly thereafter by the surviving beasts.

The soldiers begin to reform ranks and enacting triage of the wounded. As they begin to do so, a faint voice can be heard...
"Of course.... Why would I expect any different?"


An Andoran Sergeant looks over the group with alarm, but relaxes as he spots Velion in an Officer's field jacket.
"Sir? Thank you. Great timing. Who are you, and these you've brought with you? If you're in battle-ready condition, we need you, sir. Captain Parsel was killed by those things as soon as they came in. We managed to take a few down a couple blocks from here, but we've lost half a centuria defending this district, today. They've been hitting us hard lately, and with the fighting around the docks taking priority, we've been unable to get more than a few stragglers for reinforcements. Communications were starting to get a handle on this latest push when these damn things started appearing at locations throughout the city. We don't have the resources to secure any but the most critical of sites from teleportation. We've managed to bring down a few dozen of the things, last I've heard. But we're paying for it."

[TiaC]

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry to vanish, life happened excessively.

As the daemons retreat, Velion slowly relaxes from his stance. "Well met, Sergeant. I am Colonel Velion Thornsen, of the irregular corps, currently unattached. With me are two powerful civilian mages and the fruits of my last mission. This is our new ally, Chief Bloodthirst, leader of the clans and her bodyguard. As you saw, we are well enough known to these fiends that they show some sense when faced with us. Now, I would speak with area command to determine where we are most needed."

[Thrair]

"Well, sir. That's complicated. You see, the main headquarters was taken out immediately by the traitor, Isegar. Senate building was next, within minutes. We retook them both, partly because the sonuvabitch fell back to the main docks after setting fire to the district, but that area isn't in any shape to run things. Sad thing is, the Senate and HQ buildings both included our biggest stores of scrolls for our battlemagi. With them gone, we're at a serious disadvantage in spellwork.

"Now... the Admiralty HQ is still intact, but it's right there next to the heaviest action, so they shifted command and materiel over to the capital shipyards on this side of the city. Not the best position, defensively, but it's furthest from the main fighting. We've also got a few heavy frigates and Admiral Courvar's flagship trapped there, serving as a local battery."

The soldier takes a moment to clutch his side and steady his breath, then continues.
"Alright, so... the fighting. Heaviest on the southern docks, for obvious reasons. They're under Absalomi control, both sides of the city. We're holding em right up near the first locks, but the trouble is losing those would split the city in half. Both sides know it, too... It was the first place Isegar attacked after making a mess of the Senate district. We've held their forces at bay, but as I said... we've got some key ships trapped. If we lose the locks, brass intends to scuttle the bigger ships trapped inside the city and pull back in the boats capable of going upriver.

Hm. Word is, we've got reinforcements coming down from Falcon's Hollow and the Fort Aspodell, but holding out that long might not be in the cards, sir. Not with how they've been hitting us. They've been making a hard push since early this morning. And there's reports coming in that there's a big force coming in from the southern coasts towards the western side of the city. We might be forced to cede the capital."

The soldier looks tired, worn out, and in pain. But his jaw is set and there's a cold anger in his eyes.

[Reltzik]

Alstroemeria schooled herself to relative brevity.

To Vellion: "We may have to worry about the same situation here that we faced in Brastlewark."

To the sergeant: "What remains of the political leadership here? The Chelish crown wishes to negotiate a formal alliance against Absolam."

[TiaC]

Velion starts in surprise and gives Alstromeria a concerned look. "I would doubt that, it sounds like they haven't had enough success yet to implement that. Still, it's something to look out for."

Then, to the Sergeant, he says "Well, we have quite a bit of magical and physical might here, but we really do need to meet with some form of command to properly coordinate with your forces. I heard General Vectus was headed here, has he arrived? If not, who holds command on this bank?"

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm not going to try to take command in a large battle that has been raging for days when I've just arrived. If there really is no one else, I'll try to assemble a team of lower-ranking officers and civilian fighters(such as my family) who understand the shape of this battle.

[Thrair]

As Alstroemeria mentions the Chelish crown, the Sergeant starts, seeming to notice her for the first time. He eyes her brand and attire, and his face contorts into a savage snarl. Without breaking eye contact, he turns his head to speak to Velion.

"I'd heard something about that, sir. Apparently he's back from the dead, but I'm not sure if he's actually in the city or just agents of his. He was an Intelligence Officer, and there's a bunch of spooks crawling around near the old market district. If he's in the city and not with the rest of the brass, he might be there. Or maybe with the surviving senators down by the shipyards."

Setting his jaw, he returns his full attention to Velion.
"As for this bank, you'll want to talk to Colonel Telpëhen. It's damn near impossible to see from here through this ungodly fog, but they're right near to that bell tower over there, in a merchant warehouse." He points to the west, and Velion can indeed faintly make out a tower, several blocks distant. "Couple of black marketeers had a smuggler's den built into it and gave us the use of it before rejoining their old units. Funnily enough, nobody seems to have gotten their names for the magistrates."

[TiaC]

Velion slightly inclines his head to indicate Alstromeria and gives the Sergeant a 'what can you do' look. "Thank you sergeant, it's always impressive how fast paperwork disappears when faced with real battle." He looks at the others and continues "Since teleportation will be sharply curtailed to prevent Daemonic ambushes, it sounds like we should start with Colonel Telpëhen to get the lay of the battle."

Spoiler: OOC

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How close are we to House Thornsen?

[Thrair]

The Sergeant nods, sharply, then looks back to his group of soldiers. "Very good, sir. While you're there, I'd appreciate it if you could inform 'em of the Captain's death. Simple truth is that there's not time to mourn. We need a replacement CO for this district." Saluting, he grimly returns to his soldiers.

"Competent, if lacking initiative. What I would pay for such among our ranks."

Spoiler: OOC

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First off, you ready for me to move ya to the Colonel? Secondly, Velion knows this area well, and House Thornsen is only a few blocks away. It is, however, the opposite direction from the Bell Tower. Unless you've got a description for me, I'ma improvise one, assuming a fairly gothic-style manor. And a big one, considering the family's wealth and close inter-personal ties. If so, hit me up in the OC thread.

Oh, and on that note, because Velion knows the area, you're free to improv some descriptions and locations, if you like. If you want it in the area, but aren't certain I'd OK, just ask. Or post it anyways and then ask forgiveness. :P Worst possible outcome is I beg you to edit the post slightly. Best outcome is you do some of my job for me.... I mean, er.... add flavour to the campaign.

All joking aside, you should all feel free to be proactive and add world details. It'll speed things up and give me possible hooks. Well worth the cost of me possibly having to adjust things because it'd throw them off the theoretical rails I've given up building. :P

I'll probably approve just about anything short of "Old friend in royalty, who's ready to declare me their heir. Also I head to the stockpile of 3 million gold and +5 Vorpal Holy Unholy Sword. Which is also on fire."

[Zerkai]

Sekla adjusted her helm as she listened to Vellion speak with the Sergeant, this was his domain and his people so she just stood back for the most part. She looked at the wounded sergeant heading back to his men and the older soldiers that were tending to their injuries and preparing for the next battle. She's approach the group and let out a small sigh, placing a placing her gauntlet on her own chest as she channeled positive energy in an area to heal as many of them as she could at once.

"There, that's about all I can offer for the time being. Be careful Sergeant." She nods to him and his troops before turning to rejoin her group.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry about that, Halloween and Birthday stuff keeping me away, anyway, Sekla will spend 2 lay on hands to channel positive energy to heal the injured troops.

Channel: (8d6)[30]

[Thrair]

The Sergeant's eyes widen as the holy energy bathes the area. Eyeing Sekla's armor with curiosity, he bows with some deference. Around him, the infantry seem much healthier, though some have bones broken that will need proper treatment beyond restoration of the flesh alone. A pair of medics are already seeing to this, though they nod gratefully towards Sekla.

Caedor walks up to Sekla, steadying himself with a polearm scavenged from the field.
"Quite a sight to behold. It is no wonder many are flocking to you. Paladins of your level of your stature are exceedingly rare. Few develop such a powerful bond to the planes. I, myself, have only met perhaps a dozen such beings over the course of my life. And my interactions were invariably quite short. Mmmfh. Rugh."

Stopping for a moment to cough up some vile-smelling slime, he clears his throat.
"Bah. Now, then.... Maximillian is the city. That old gnome is, if I recall, a cleric of some standing with Sarenrae's flock. He certainly waxes heavily on their tiresome philosophy. I've never had the patience for such study, and less so hearing him drivel on about it. ...Woolgathering. My point is that he is likely to have attached himself to one of the groups providing aid. To the wounded and the sick. We will start our search there, I think?"

He begins rummaging through his satchel, and as he does so, Sekla is able to hear a faint voice again. It is nearly a whisper in the fog and wind.
"You are unaware? Dotard. Your survival is a testament to their insanity and incompetence, and little more."


Pulling a vial out of the satchel and downing it in a single gulp, Caedor grimaces and sniffs several times. He turns to Alstroemeria and Velion, giving them both a mocking grin.
"Well, Elf. To have such an underdeveloped sense of smell... It is a blessing, is it not? The stench in this air is enough to mask even that of the Tiefling. Have you plans, either of you? For how to deal with this army the cultists have assembled? Tell me, I am most curious. Go on, then... don't be shy..."

[TiaC]

Velion turns down the street and gestures for the others to come along. "As yet, we still lack information. Are those daemons typical of their forces, or are most of their forces more conventional? Do they have leadership, or are they ravening hoards?" To Alstromeria, "What success did you have seeking allies? Can we expect the priesthoods to come to our aid?" He continues "From what I know so far, I would favor a decapitation strike against the Absolomi fleet to break their attack on the locks, but with more information, that could change."