Empire! The Second Southern Conference - Invite Only!

[PepperP.]

Gehenna (Region 35)
Marad
Spring, 1035

Springtime in Marad, nestled as it is in the foothills of the Lamagiri Mountains, was a riot of color as wildflowers set the alpine meadows above the city ablaze with red, oranges and purples. The black and silver banners that drape from the buildings that line the avenue that lead the visitors to the great ziggurat seem stark by contrast to nature's showy beauty. The golden skinned inhabitants of the city have lined up along the avenue to cheer and welcome back the foreign representatives of their southern brethren, many of who which have come to been known as friends of Gehenna along with their brother state Zhentanna.

The ziggurat courtyard was bustling with favored merchants, all plying their wares with skillful and cajoling claims of their products. Once they maneuvered past the persuasive merchants, The foreign delegates were welcomed into the ziggurat and led into the throne room. The glittering silver chamber was alight from the sunlight streamed that streamed through tall windows, and this time of year smelled of the fragrant hyacinth in bloom in the gardens above. Queen Amara sat atop the silver inlaid Divine Throne, perched in the warmth of a ray of sunshine from a strategically placed window.

Extravagantly adorned in gold and silver jewelry, and little else, she greeted each delegation warmly and personally in the common trade tongue, though her translator stood ready in the case of a misunderstanding caused by ill communication in the foreign tongue. Much had changed since the first southern conference, though she was proud that the peace had held in the south and she believed it had been due largely to the signing of the treaty those years ago. With the volatility of the north reaching fever pitch, she viewed maintaining peaceful relations with her neighbors as paramount.

Well aware of the persecution the Laskists were facing in the East, she also felt that the time was right for herself and her fellow Kunists to fully establish themselves as a legitimate doctrine. Not merely a schism to be tolerated or not at the whim of the Grand Mahangar, but as a vital piece of the Shishiyan whole. In this vein, she had invited the Grand Mahangar to the conference as well, though she knew there were those amongst her Kuni brethren who had viewed this invitation unfavorably. She did not know whether or not the invitation would be accepted, but she was confident either way that after this conference, Gehenna and all of Kunism would rise in the eyes of the world as a legitimate force in the larger world.

[Lleban]

Spring 1035

The Baali and Zenta knew only two seasons, summer and not summer, while many in Hannibal's delegation's now debate when one begins and the other ends in the presence Ghenenna's alpine climate Hannibal simply starred out into the field of wild flowers contemplating what his younger self must have thought when taking this trip 15 years prior. Marad's famous ziggurat towering over the bustling capital brought the 45 year old monarch an overwhelming sense of "deja vu". As a younger man he though the church could protect Baalbek from his northern neighbors, recent events have demonstrate that the only things protecting the country are southern diplomacy and the peoples strength.

Adorned with a oddly minimalist attire, the only identifier that'd separate Hannibal from an elder is the gold lined skull cap with the Baalbeki seal. With his chief adviser Sulayman, a tall lanky bald Zenta man, Hannibal greeted the queen like he'd greet an old friend. "Hello Amara, how have the years treated you? There is much to discuss in this beautiful spring." After a brief hug Hannibal introduce his adviser " This is Elder Sulayman he is my confidant and chief adviser, he was key in persuading the council to ratify the first southern treaty." Sulayman bowed during the greeting.

[Rain Dragon]

The four Ten Len and their Xin Len companions were almost lost among the many distractions on the way to the Conference itself. The gorgeous spring flowers impressed many in the party, especially the only one among them to have attended the First Conference. Suika leaned heavily on her staff as she closed her eyes and inhaled the various scents of the Spring garden. The Emperor seemingly had no interest in hurrying the delegation along and so it took quite some time between their arrival at the venue and their appearance before the Queen. The Xin Len bowed low to the Queen and placed between them chests and baskets filled with various goods from the Islands including a variety of teas, dyes, bamboo, paintings and a novel about a lady who was determined to one day visit the Silver Moon. The four Ten Len also bowed to the Queen, though their bow was befitting their relative status. The Emperor himself had come to the conference despite the Council urging otherwise, insisting that now was not the time for paranoia. Though he was the shortest of the group, he stood out the most with his fiery red and orange hair and matching robes.
"Greetings, Queen." The Emperor paused, unused to speaking the common language. Though he knew the words in theory and had written much in the language, actually speaking it was another matter entirely. Huan swept his long pink hair behind his shoulder and seemed about to speak, but decided against interrupting the Emperor.
Before the pause could become too awkward, the Emperor continued, "We bring gifts." He tried to keep his rising embarrassment at having skipped a more polite introduction from showing, but a slight blush gave it away. Despite his age and having known he would likely one day become Emperor, he had not much experience in dealing with foreign people.

[Mechalich]

Prince Artaln and his small retinue approached the city of Marad from the east, overland. He had undertaken the journey with a mixture of animals and conveyances, of varying size and strength, in an attempt to judge the capabilities of the trade route between their two nations. Efforts had been made to expand the passes on the Yssa side, but he had been disappointed in the efforts of Gehenna to improve her acquisition. His view of the vast and colorful alpine meadows - their prettiness a sign of limited or abandoned grazing - only confirmed this impression. He considered that this might present the possibility of an advantage. Upon seeing the market display he paused for some time. There was no rush, he had risen early in expectation of this, relying on his sister's reports from the first of these conferences. He moved through the display deliberately, mind cataloging one product after another, speaking to over a dozen merchants and assessing that state of affairs throughout the south from their commentary. One of his trusted clerks, a youth with a fantastic head for sums, was far more thorough, remaining in the market rather than proceeding onward, assembling a ledger filled with details for later review.

Artaln ascended the ziggurat accompanied by a pair of guards and his remaining clerk, an older woman who took the steps slowly. The Prince regretted that these men were merely members of his personal guard and not the vaunted Saru-Kisi. He had deemed it unwise to bring such men given the likelihood that Sheol would attend this conference. He had dressed for the occasion, wearing an exquisitely tailored ensemble emblazoned with indigo glass droplets from the province of Nasaeron. Fena had told him the people here enjoyed jewelry, so he had added a silver signet ring and two bracelets to the ensemble. When his eyes fell upon Queen Amara he was glad he had gone no further. Attempting to match that woman would have been a fool's game.

Where his sister had been scandalized at the Queen's barely-clothed presentation, Artaln simply wondered at how she avoided having so much metal chafe, or perhaps burn in the heat of this land. Silver heated very easily. The prince bowed and dropped to one knee before the Queen. "I thank your honored majesty for the invitation to this conference, and bring greetings from your friends to the west." Rising, he had one of his guards bring forth a finely-wrought birdcage. "With recollection of your generous gift of an owl from your mews, I have come bearing one to fill that gap." Pulling free the covering he revealed a sleek, slender-framed falcon, with the pale white feet found only in birds nesting in the depths of the western desert. "I hope that she will fly strong and hunt well for your majesty."

[Tentreto]

Kalus Mensus had once more returned to Gehenna. His delegation once again consisted of around 30 individuals, half of which were Calis, the other Ligians. They were all dressed in slightly teal dress, and all had scabbards shining brightly. Kalus, as usual, appeared unarmed, in his turquoise robes, with a silver ring on his tanned left hand, and his headdress covering his ears and fair hair.
http://africashamanexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC02325-1.jpg
Similaresque, except far more strands entwined.


As the delegation moved between the crowds, Kalus entertained the thought of throwing out gifts, but he knew that if anything of actual value was thrown out, chaos would quickly ensue. And at that, not many flowers or similar grew in Caligonia, and he had the distinct impression the crowd would not enjoy being soaked by seawater. Kalus ensured that the delegation looked calmly professional as they walked on. His delegation could join the crowd and partying afterwards if they wished. Kalus had the distinct impression though that after all the turmoil in the north and east, those who had ben keeping up with the news, which was everyone, as Caligonians traded across the world, everyone would be focused on the affairs at hand.

Entering the ziggurat, the majority of Kalus' delegation stayed outside, either to serve as a runner, as a last resort, or just to reduce the general clutter inside. Four men remained with Kalus, mostly advisors, though two were passable swordsmen, and the military advisor was certainly able to defend himself. After Sheol had come with a hundred men last time, Kalus was taking no chances.

Approaching the throne, Kalus revealed the silver amulet around his neck, grasped in, and gave a slight bow. He was not entirely phased by the lack of gowns on the Queen. He had already attended previously, and moreover, he was focused far more on the proceedings.

"Greetings Queen Amara, I hope we can discus much at this conference. After the success of the previous conference especially. I do have some gifts for you, mostly pertaining to the tablet trade."

A small chest is taken forward. The chest seems to be made almost entirely from silver, and by the way it is handled, is somewhat delicate. Opening it up, there are multiple pieces of paper inside.

"These are what we have found pertaining to that your highness, " continues Kalus, "it is not much, but it may come of use to you in future."

[QuintonBeck]

It had been nearly the time since the First Southern Conference that Gideon had been within the halls of Marad's ziggurat. The relationship between himself and his wife had only soured where it should have strengthened since the birth of their son, Asa. That the child might be the product of the roguish Father Arman combined with the birthing of two more divine daughters, each fathered by foreign rulers, was too much and overwhelmed any sense of happiness brought on by Asa's securing of the Ina Abahar line. Nevertheless Gideon was more than capable of setting aside his dislike for his wife for the betterment of the realm and the whole of Alade and its southern neighbors. Recent events in Celessa had only cemented in his mind the necessity of peace between neighbors and from what Jarah, by far the more religiously knowledgeable of the three ruling brothers, had told him that unity could be strengthened further through the binding of faith. Whether such would be accepted remained to be seen.

The Zhen King stood a fair distance from the Divine Throne dressed in a light short robe and bedecked with jewels on his fingers and precious metals around his neck. A thin chain of mithril suspended a Kunist star which hung over his chest, a gift from Ishael Ina Kardha. He wore a short full beard and an indigo linen wrap upon his head that hid his black hair while leaving the dark black-red curling horns of his forehead exposed.



Once all the delegations had arrived and greeted their host Gideon made Amara aware of his desire to speak to the assembled delegates. The message was dispersed shortly among the guests and an assembly was drawn to the large dining table intended to serve dinner.

"It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces returned to these halls twelve years since last they gathered and new faces as well though all here are recognized as friends and neighbors in the south," Gideon lifted a glass from the table in a toast, "Alade and its island neighbors have maintained a degree of peace and order between them unparalleled elsewhere in the world. While Celessa tears itself apart the south remains strong not because one mighty ruler has bent others to their whim but because we many southern kingdoms and republics have worked together with respect for our neighbor and friend, a respect codified over this past decade by my and many other hands now present. To peace in the south."

Gideon lifted his glass into the air and drank a swallow before placing it back on the table and remaining standing.

"Unfortunately, our peace is a unique one that those in the north find difficult to replicate. Even as malcontents rise in the east and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa the petty Destar-Kings of the Shishiyan Church march on defenseless lands and invade border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent against them. Now refugees flee the violence in the east and come south seeking safer shores, I can only imagine the repercussions from these Shishiyan crusaders will continue with new augmentation from the warriors of the Red Hand and we in the south must decide what we are to do."

"The Shishiyan Church appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying opposition to its hegemony by force. Laskists, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their preaching against the corrupt powers within the Church, are targeted for mass killings by the violent revolutionaries of Ynys y Corsydd. The Shishiyan holy lands of Shamaran and the Phoenix Estates, perhaps reticent to kill Laskists, crusade not against Laskists but against the Adlern who dared stand against the Black Duke of Slavia. I am Kunist and do not subscribe to the Church of Ananda but I believe that any who wish to retain their moral integrity must recognize and reject the Shishiyan Church as is."

"Our confederacy has stood the test of time and now as the world rocks with the northern invasions and Laskist uprisings I would see it strengthened. Let us again pledge ourselves and our realms to peace in the south. Let all here sleep easily knowing neighbor shall not kill or rob neighbor. I propose a renewal of the First Conference's agreement with two addendums. I wish to extend the period covered to twenty years and so too do I wish to propose a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion within the south, at least until the matter of Laskism is settled. Zhentanna will welcome refugees fleeing these Laskist wars and officially endorses the Laskist demand for reform, we would like to see the south join us in the condemnation of the Church's violent and suppressive acts and the encouragement of the Grand Mahangar to address these demands promptly and fully in a way befitting followers of the Exalted."

Gideon held both his arms out to encapsulate the entirety of assembled delegates, "Let us discuss."

EDIT: OOC: The Proposal



Pact of the First Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory. To ensure stability in the south Shishiyan conversion will be resisted and reversed until such a time as the Laskist schism is properly responded to.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.

So signed,
The Kingdom of Zhentanna

[lt_murgen]

Tito Nicodemo Felipe Eusebio Ventura was attending the conference at great risk. This was not a good time to be away from home. His serious mis-steps with the goblins of Gobsfull. His reluctance to put any weight behind quelling the pro-human sentiments. The embarrassment of his ‘fascination’ with the Queen of Gehenna, blown out of proportion by the numerous forgeries and interpretations of her gift to him. And the rumors, the endless rumors about the technology fair.

He knew the ruling council of Titos were meeting. He suspected they would move against him at any time. To leave for yet another pointless diplomatic meeting was essentially capitulation. Tito Octavia Calista Telma Aldina and her allies would be waiting for his return. Possibly with shackles. But he was the Tito Nicodemo, damn them. He would do as he felt best.

He arrived in style, aboard a large Cryf horse of exceptional size. Behind him were 12 pair of similar horses, with fine saddles and barding. His people controlled two of the three major exporters of them from Mi’rava. They had selected only the most adaptable to warm climates, the strongest, and those with the finest coats. They would make a fine gift.

He greeted Queen Amara and King Gideon in turn. He was all too aware of the rumors that may be portion to the tension between the two. “I have brought twelve of the finest Cryf horse mares from my stables in Mi’rava as a token of my appreciation, fair Queen. One for each year since the last great conference.” Turning to Gideon, “And 12 stallions of great strength and beauty, noble king. One for each year our people have lived in peace and prosperity. May their bloodlines serve your kingdoms well.”

[Aedilred]

It had been nearly the time since the First Southern Conference that Gideon had been within the halls of Marad's ziggurat. The relationship between himself and his wife had only soured where it should have strengthened since the birth of their son, Asa. That the child might be the product of the roguish Father Arman combined with the birthing of two more divine daughters, each fathered by foreign rulers, was too much and overwhelmed any sense of happiness brought on by Asa's securing of the Ina Abahar line. Nevertheless Gideon was more than capable of setting aside his dislike for his wife for the betterment of the realm and the whole of Alade and its southern neighbors. Recent events in Celessa had only cemented in his mind the necessity of peace between neighbors and from what Jarah, by far the more religiously knowledgeable of the three ruling brothers, had told him that unity could be strengthened further through the binding of faith. Whether such would be accepted remained to be seen.

The Zhen King stood a fair distance from the Divine Throne dressed in a light short robe and bedecked with jewels on his fingers and precious metals around his neck. A thin chain of mithril suspended a Kunist star which hung over his chest, a gift from Ishael Ina Kardha. He wore a short full beard and an indigo linen wrap upon his head that hid his black hair while leaving the dark black-red curling horns of his forehead exposed.



Once all the delegations had arrived and greeted their host Gideon made Amara aware of his desire to speak to the assembled delegates. The message was dispersed shortly among the guests and an assembly was drawn to the large dining table intended to serve dinner.

"It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces returned to these halls twelve years since last they gathered and new faces as well though all here are recognized as friends and neighbors in the south," Gideon lifted a glass from the table in a toast, "Alade and its island neighbors have maintained a degree of peace and order between them unparalleled elsewhere in the world. While Celessa tears itself apart the south remains strong not because one mighty ruler has bent others to their whim but because we many southern kingdoms and republics have worked together with respect for our neighbor and friend, a respect codified over this past decade by my and many other hands now present. To peace in the south."

Gideon lifted his glass into the air and drank a swallow before placing it back on the table and remaining standing.

"Unfortunately, our peace is a unique one that those in the north find difficult to replicate. Even as malcontents rise in the east and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa the petty Destar-Kings of the Shishiyan Church march on defenseless lands and invade border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent against them. Now refugees flee the violence in the east and come south seeking safer shores, I can only imagine the repercussions from these Shishiyan crusaders will continue with new augmentation from the warriors of the Red Hand and we in the south must decide what we are to do."

"The Shishiyan Church appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying opposition to its hegemony by force. Laskists, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their preaching against the corrupt powers within the Church, are targeted for mass killings by the violent revolutionaries of Ynys y Corsydd. The Shishiyan holy lands of Shamaran and the Phoenix Estates, perhaps reticent to kill Laskists, crusade not against Laskists but against the Adlern who dared stand against the Black Duke of Slavia. I am Kunist and do not subscribe to the Church of Ananda but I believe that any who wish to retain their moral integrity must recognize and reject the Shishiyan Church as is."

"Our confederacy has stood the test of time and now as the world rocks with the northern invasions and Laskist uprisings I would see it strengthened. Let us again pledge ourselves and our realms to peace in the south. Let all here sleep easily knowing neighbor shall not kill or rob neighbor. I propose a renewal of the First Conference's agreement with two addendums. I wish to extend the period covered to twenty years and so too do I wish to propose a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion within the south, at least until the matter of Laskism is settled. Zhentanna will welcome refugees fleeing these Laskist wars and officially endorses the Laskist demand for reform, we would like to see the south join us in the condemnation of the Church's violent and suppressive acts and the encouragement of the Grand Mahangar to address these demands promptly and fully in a way befitting followers of the Exalted."

Gideon held both his arms out to encapsulate the entirety of assembled delegates, "Let us discuss."

EDIT: OOC: The Proposal



Pact of the First Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory. To ensure stability in the south Shishiyan conversion will be resisted and reversed until such a time as the Laskist schism is properly responded to.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.

So signed,
The Kingdom of Zhentanna


"Sadly, I must agree with more of your analysis than I should like, lord king."

The Grand Mahangar approached the table, hands akimbo in a gesture of mixed greeting and apology, and a sad half-smile on his lips.

"But I would raise issue with some of your conclusions."



It was the first time Ava Jay had set foot in Alade, perhaps the first time one in his position had for centuries. There were almost certainly records somewhere but it did not seem worth the effort to check.

In truth it was strange to be outside of the holy city where he had spent almost all his life. In place of the sun-drenched fields visible from its walls, he had been subjected to the open sea (an unpleasant experience and one he was not looking forward to repeating) the arid coastline of Gehenna and then the voyage up the strange river to the city here. And the city itself was different too: its people visibly so, its architecture foreign, the babble on the street partly unintelligible. No sooner had they disembarked than some rogue had tried to sell one of his party a collection of lewd tablets purporting to depict the queen. Had he not been so glad to set foot on dry land, he would have been more shocked - but looking around, he wondered if such behaviour was indeed entirely typical of the people here.

And, of course, for the first time he was no longer surrounded by his own co-religionists. Correspondence with the Mahangar of Isin had prepared him only theoretically for the experience. Yet he had not forgotten the loyalty of the King of Yssa years before, and he suspected that in the heart of the Caligonian king dwelt a displeasure with recent events in the north akin to his own.

And the Kunists - allies, in principle, but proud and highly-strung, it seemed. He knew not precisely what had been said but it seemed they would take any criticism of the deeds of a Kunist ruler as a condemnation of the religion itself. He wondered if this was indicative of a lack of subtlety in Kunist thought: after all, one of the earliest differences between their creeds had been the acceptance by his forebears of the possibility of a common mortal and divine entity, whereas Kunism continued to insist there was no such distinction in the natures of the Chosen and the Beast. But should the Beast appear, he cared not if they believed they were fighting a god or a man, so long as they fought. If he could repair relations with this visit, then it would be worthwhile.

For the threats facing the north were dire. Vishanya had fallen to pagan rule; Nayakar’s state remained parlous. The reckless acts of the faithful in the east were tearing the continent apart, and now these new Skrilling attacks on Gleiss, the one great bastion of stability in the north-west, and Jauder, one of the few realms he believed to have acted of late out of anything other than base political motives, were a threat to all.

He hoped that the Bull, newly promulgated and putting the printing press to good use, would help to calm the situation, but he was not so naive as to place any great reliance on it. Increasingly this was becoming a war of swords, but too many of those swords were pointing in the wrong direction. If ever the Church had needed its true leader, he thought, a Chosen to act as champion and set the world back on its right path, the time was now. But then, on reflection, most likely every Grand Mahangar in history had thought precisely the same.


This will likely have circulated by the time the conference starts, but it won’t go up in the actions until later, obviously.


The Laskist rebels are ordered to lay down their arms.
The Adlern are condemned for their harbouring and protection of Laskist rebels and their refusal to allow crusaders to pass.
The commanders of Shamaran, Slavia and Parlayan Daglar are reprimanded for becoming distracted by Adler and wasting lives contesting a territory irrelevant to the crusade rather than prosecuting the Laskists in Gobsfull.
Following reports the Church has received from sources including Tomlin Goth, it is announced that a full-scale inquiry will take place into the conduct of the Slavian military over the last twenty years. The start of any hearings is adjourned for three years in light of the Laskist crisis and renewed Sheolim invasion, but investigations to gather evidence will begin at once.
Ynys y Corsydd is reprimanded for diverting crusader attention from the areas of overt Laskist militancy to conquer a region otherwise at peace, and appropriating troops from other crusader realms in order to do so.
The above notwithstanding, the bringing of region 60 back within the fold of the Church, and projected reclaiming of its religious centres, is welcomed.
Grand Knight Jacque of Jauder is commended for his unique bringing of Laskist rebels to battle and defeating them. Sardollah is also commended for its willingness to do the same.
Goblin King Floyd is posthumously excommunicated for his persistent duplicity, incompetence and cowardice, and specifically for his personal role in both exacerbating the crisis and failing to manage it once it began.
Goblin King Bamber is commended for finally taking up arms against the Laskists. All faithful rulers in a position to do so are urged to assist him in bringing a rapid end to the war.

[QuintonBeck]

"Sadly, I must agree with more of your analysis than I should like, lord king."

The Grand Mahangar approached the table, hands akimbo in a gesture of mixed greeting and apology, and a sad half-smile on his lips.

"But I would raise issue with some of your conclusions."



It was the first time Ava Jay had set foot in Alade, perhaps the first time one in his position had for centuries. There were almost certainly records somewhere but it did not seem worth the effort to check.

In truth it was strange to be outside of the holy city where he had spent almost all his life. In place of the sun-drenched fields visible from its walls, he had been subjected to the open sea (an unpleasant experience and one he was not looking forward to repeating) the arid coastline of Gehenna and then the voyage up the strange river to the city here. And the city itself was different too: its people visibly so, its architecture foreign, the babble on the street partly unintelligible. No sooner had they disembarked than some rogue had tried to sell one of his party a collection of lewd tablets purporting to depict the queen. Had he not been so glad to set foot on dry land, he would have been more shocked - but looking around, he wondered if such behaviour was indeed entirely typical of the people here.

And, of course, for the first time he was no longer surrounded by his own co-religionists. Correspondence with the Mahangar of Isin had prepared him only theoretically for the experience. Yet he had not forgotten the loyalty of the King of Yssa years before, and he suspected that in the heart of the Caligonian king dwelt a displeasure with recent events in the north akin to his own.

And the Kunists - allies, in principle, but proud and highly-strung, it seemed. He knew not precisely what had been said but it seemed they would take any criticism of the deeds of a Kunist ruler as a condemnation of the religion itself. He wondered if this was indicative of a lack of subtlety in Kunist thought: after all, one of the earliest differences between their creeds had been the acceptance by his forebears of the possibility of a common mortal and divine entity, whereas Kunism continued to insist there was no such distinction in the natures of the Chosen and the Beast. But should the Beast appear, he cared not if they believed they were fighting a god or a man, so long as they fought. If he could repair relations with this visit, then it would be worthwhile.

For the threats facing the north were dire. Vishanya had fallen to pagan rule; Nayakar’s state remained parlous. The reckless acts of the faithful in the east were tearing the continent apart, and now these new Skrilling attacks on Gleiss, the one great bastion of stability in the north-west, and Jauder, one of the few realms he believed to have acted of late out of anything other than base political motives, were a threat to all.

He hoped that the Bull, newly promulgated and putting the printing press to good use, would help to calm the situation, but he was not so naive as to place any great reliance on it. Increasingly this was becoming a war of swords, but too many of those swords were pointing in the wrong direction. If ever the Church had needed its true leader, he thought, a Chosen to act as champion and set the world back on its right path, the time was now. But then, on reflection, most likely every Grand Mahangar in history had thought precisely the same.


This will likely have circulated by the time the conference starts, but it won’t go up in the actions until later, obviously.




Gideon smiled a false grin of welcome as the Grand Mahangar stood and spoke. The Shishiyan holy leader had been invited as a courtesy and witness to the formal procedures and Kunist rituals to take place later in the evening under Amara's direction. Gideon had not expected the Grand Mahangar would stay silent at his proposal for the conversion moratorium but he was confident the northern holy man would not find many friendly faces among the southerners. Where Ava Jay had allowed discord and war to erupt under his watch the King and Queen of Zhentanna and Gehenna had worked hard to maintain peace among their neighbors, even those beyond the light of the Exalted. The Grand Mahangar had much to answer for if his office was to be respected.

"Your Holiness, perhaps you might share your own observations and conclusions regarding the Church you profess to lead?"

Gideon had read the bull issued by the Grand Mahangar. He had seen nothing to address the legitimate concerns of the Laskists but instead demands that they cast down their arms and be killed by Goblin King Bamber and any other crusader with stomach enough to kill the innocent. Some minor wrist slapping of the crusaders who had dallied in trying to conquer Geier while letting their supposed true foe congregate did little to bolster Gideon's belief that the Grand Mahangar truly opposed the actions of those who claimed status as holy land within the Shishiyan Church.

[Lord_Burch]

Regrettably, Gleiss was only able to make a poor showing at the second conference. Of the six ships sent to escort the crown prince Johannes and his wife, Maari, to Gehenna, four were lost to the raiders that plagued the northern coast. Luckily, the ship holding the prince and his entourage made it into port safely, if a bit damaged; on the other hand, the ship carrying the gifts intended for King Gideon and Queen Amara had been lost off the coast of Ciriya.

The group that had eventually made it to Gehenna was small, made up of only Johannes and Maari Huvendagar, as well as two red-coated Royal Guardsmen– though both were young, green, and barely deserving of the title. Johannes was a sandy haired, stocky young man, dressed in red and green clothes distinctly unsuited for the southern heat. His wife, on the other hand, had clearly been better prepared for the trip; she was a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with half a head of ivory hair, and was dressed in a light dress that would have been scandalous at court in Gleiss, but barely made remark in Gehenna.

Johannes approached the ziggurat with a great deal of trepidation– he had little training in matters of foreign affairs, and he was only sent because his father had been called away unexpectedly by matters of war. Even worse, the conference would mark the first time a high ranking representative of Gleiss would meet with their fellow Kunists in the south. By the time the royal couple and their guards had reached the courtyard, Johannes was sweating profusely and had slight, nervous tremble in his left hand.

Laying a hand on his arm, Maari said, Dear, please, let me handle introductions. I know how nervous you are, and really, they would go better were I to do so...

Yes, I, uh, think that would be wise. Indeed, Johannes replied, wringing his hands.



Upon leaving their guards behind and reaching the top, the couple first approached the Queen. Greetings from Gleiss, good Queen. Unfortunately, we have no gifts but our gratitude to present to you; the rest have been lost to pagans or the sea. WE humbly beg your forgiveness for this affront.



After speaking to the Queen, they make their way over to King Gideon. King Gideon! My father sends his deepest regrets; he had wished to be here himself, but alas, matters of state prevented his attendance.

[QuintonBeck]

After speaking to the Queen, they make their way over to King Gideon. King Gideon! My father sends his deepest regrets; he had wished to be here himself, but alas, matters of state prevented his attendance.

Gideon reached out to clasp Johannes' forearm and locked eyes with the younger man, "Your father fights to protect the many innocent followers of the Exalted from the forces of the Beast, there is nothing to regret in his absence here." he released the prince's arm and continued, "There yet remains much to celebrate of your presence however, Prince Johannes.

"It is a pleasure to lay eyes upon our closest northern allies and fellow Kunists. It is my deepest hope that Zhentanna and Gehenna may serve as a respite from the ravages of the northern coast and continue to offer as we always have our support and aid to your kingdom and its people."

"I hope you will join myself and our Kunist brothers and sisters in attending a private ritual later this evening. I am told it will reveal much that is now hidden. I do not know the details but I hope it may provide some aid in repudiating the agents of the Enemy who seem now more prevalent than ever."

[ShadowShrubbery]

The Solmarestian Delegation had never been so far from Solmarest. Under the King's orders, three high ranking members of the Crythum are sent to represent him, and hopefully speak to him about some newfound allies. The King has also elected to send his personal Kunist priest, Erytus Hekate, along with the group, so he too may participate in any discussions. Povelum, the official leader of the delegation was relieved to finally see the famed Ziggurat in person. It had been a long journey from Solmarest in the north, and he was very interested to begin the conference. The sheer beauty of Marad impressed all of the delegation, who would certainly have many stories to tell once they returned to Solmarest.

Povelum and Erytus took the lead of the delegation as they approached Queen Amara's throne. While bowing their heads towards the Queen (A Solmarestian sign of respect for higher ranking officials or people you have just met), Povelum also pulls out a marble statuette of the Solmarestian coat of arms. Once done with their bow, Povelum and Erytus step forwards, while Povelum says Queen Amara, In the name of both Mercy Tyus II, king of Solmarest, and The Exalted, the delegation of Solmarest bestows upon you this marble crest. Let it be a sign of our friendship for years to come. After presenting the statue, Povelum bows again, while Erytus says In the name of the Exalted, bless you and bless all of Gehenna.

[Tentreto]

" Sadly, I must agree with more of your analysis than I should like, lord king."

The Grand Mahangar approached the table, hands akimbo in a gesture of mixed greeting and apology, and a sad half-smile on his lips.

"But I would raise issue with some of your conclusions."



It was the first time Ava Jay had set foot in Alade, perhaps the first time one in his position had for centuries. There were almost certainly records somewhere but it did not seem worth the effort to check.

In truth it was strange to be outside of the holy city where he had spent almost all his life. In place of the sun-drenched fields visible from its walls, he had been subjected to the open sea (an unpleasant experience and one he was not looking forward to repeating) the arid coastline of Gehenna and then the voyage up the strange river to the city here. And the city itself was different too: its people visibly so, its architecture foreign, the babble on the street partly unintelligible. No sooner had they disembarked than some rogue had tried to sell one of his party a collection of lewd tablets purporting to depict the queen. Had he not been so glad to set foot on dry land, he would have been more shocked - but looking around, he wondered if such behaviour was indeed entirely typical of the people here.

And, of course, for the first time he was no longer surrounded by his own co-religionists. Correspondence with the Mahangar of Isin had prepared him only theoretically for the experience. Yet he had not forgotten the loyalty of the King of Yssa years before, and he suspected that in the heart of the Caligonian king dwelt a displeasure with recent events in the north akin to his own.

And the Kunists - allies, in principle, but proud and highly-strung, it seemed. He knew not precisely what had been said but it seemed they would take any criticism of the deeds of a Kunist ruler as a condemnation of the religion itself. He wondered if this was indicative of a lack of subtlety in Kunist thought: after all, one of the earliest differences between their creeds had been the acceptance by his forebears of the possibility of a common mortal and divine entity, whereas Kunism continued to insist there was no such distinction in the natures of the Chosen and the Beast. But should the Beast appear, he cared not if they believed they were fighting a god or a man, so long as they fought. If he could repair relations with this visit, then it would be worthwhile.

For the threats facing the north were dire. Vishanya had fallen to pagan rule; Nayakar’s state remained parlous. The reckless acts of the faithful in the east were tearing the continent apart, and now these new Skrilling attacks on Gleiss, the one great bastion of stability in the north-west, and Jauder, one of the few realms he believed to have acted of late out of anything other than base political motives, were a threat to all.

He hoped that the Bull, newly promulgated and putting the printing press to good use, would help to calm the situation, but he was not so naive as to place any great reliance on it. Increasingly this was becoming a war of swords, but too many of those swords were pointing in the wrong direction. If ever the Church had needed its true leader, he thought, a Chosen to act as champion and set the world back on its right path, the time was now. But then, on reflection, most likely every Grand Mahangar in history had thought precisely the same.


This will likely have circulated by the time the conference starts, but it won’t go up in the actions until later, obviously.



Kalus was not entirely surprised by the presence of the Grand Mahangar. From what he could see, the Kunists Kingdoms who dominated this region almost certainly needed to be convinced that the church remained in control. It seemed almost an irony that Caligonia of all nations was arguably the closest friend Ava Jay had. But Kalus had talked to the man personally, and considered him a man looking on in horror at the actions of his predecessors.
Still, the Bull seemed almost unacceptable. While it might chastise a few nations, it would not prevent any of the land grabbing, nor actually resolve the war. If anything, only Jauder could really claim to benefit from it. Most importantly, there was no actual reason for the rebels to throw down their arms. They would almost certainly be attacked, and killed en masse, especially among the Swords of Truth. These people had been fighting for years against perceived corruption. The fact that they were met with kidnappers, armies attacking those around them and claiming the land, as well as instant denunciation didn't help.
Either way, Kalus saw the Church as necessary, no matter what. To see it fall or lose all credibility would almost certainly lead to chaos across the land.

Kalus did note that almost every Kunist nation was in attendance however. He hoped this was not a sign of something.


It had been nearly the time since the First Southern Conference that Gideon had been within the halls of Marad's ziggurat. The relationship between himself and his wife had only soured where it should have strengthened since the birth of their son, Asa. That the child might be the product of the roguish Father Arman combined with the birthing of two more divine daughters, each fathered by foreign rulers, was too much and overwhelmed any sense of happiness brought on by Asa's securing of the Ina Abahar line. Nevertheless Gideon was more than capable of setting aside his dislike for his wife for the betterment of the realm and the whole of Alade and its southern neighbors. Recent events in Celessa had only cemented in his mind the necessity of peace between neighbors and from what Jarah, by far the more religiously knowledgeable of the three ruling brothers, had told him that unity could be strengthened further through the binding of faith. Whether such would be accepted remained to be seen.

The Zhen King stood a fair distance from the Divine Throne dressed in a light short robe and bedecked with jewels on his fingers and precious metals around his neck. A thin chain of mithril suspended a Kunist star which hung over his chest, a gift from Ishael Ina Kardha. He wore a short full beard and an indigo linen wrap upon his head that hid his black hair while leaving the dark black-red curling horns of his forehead exposed.



Once all the delegations had arrived and greeted their host Gideon made Amara aware of his desire to speak to the assembled delegates. The message was dispersed shortly among the guests and an assembly was drawn to the large dining table intended to serve dinner.

"It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces returned to these halls twelve years since last they gathered and new faces as well though all here are recognized as friends and neighbors in the south," Gideon lifted a glass from the table in a toast, "Alade and its island neighbors have maintained a degree of peace and order between them unparalleled elsewhere in the world. While Celessa tears itself apart the south remains strong not because one mighty ruler has bent others to their whim but because we many southern kingdoms and republics have worked together with respect for our neighbor and friend, a respect codified over this past decade by my and many other hands now present. To peace in the south."

Gideon lifted his glass into the air and drank a swallow before placing it back on the table and remaining standing.

"Unfortunately, our peace is a unique one that those in the north find difficult to replicate. Even as malcontents rise in the east and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa the petty Destar-Kings of the Shishiyan Church march on defenseless lands and invade border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent against them. Now refugees flee the violence in the east and come south seeking safer shores, I can only imagine the repercussions from these Shishiyan crusaders will continue with new augmentation from the warriors of the Red Hand and we in the south must decide what we are to do."

"The Shishiyan Church appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying opposition to its hegemony by force. Laskists, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their preaching against the corrupt powers within the Church, are targeted for mass killings by the violent revolutionaries of Ynys y Corsydd. The Shishiyan holy lands of Shamaran and the Phoenix Estates, perhaps reticent to kill Laskists, crusade not against Laskists but against the Adlern who dared stand against the Black Duke of Slavia. I am Kunist and do not subscribe to the Church of Ananda but I believe that any who wish to retain their moral integrity must recognize and reject the Shishiyan Church as is."

"Our confederacy has stood the test of time and now as the world rocks with the northern invasions and Laskist uprisings I would see it strengthened. Let us again pledge ourselves and our realms to peace in the south. Let all here sleep easily knowing neighbor shall not kill or rob neighbor. I propose a renewal of the First Conference's agreement with two addendums. I wish to extend the period covered to twenty years and so too do I wish to propose a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion within the south, at least until the matter of Laskism is settled. Zhentanna will welcome refugees fleeing these Laskist wars and officially endorses the Laskist demand for reform, we would like to see the south join us in the condemnation of the Church's violent and suppressive acts and the encouragement of the Grand Mahangar to address these demands promptly and fully in a way befitting followers of the Exalted."

Gideon held both his arms out to encapsulate the entirety of assembled delegates, "Let us discuss."

EDIT: OOC: The Proposal



Pact of the First Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory. To ensure stability in the south Shishiyan conversion will be resisted and reversed until such a time as the Laskist schism is properly responded to.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.

So signed,
The Kingdom of Zhentanna



Kalus mostly agreed with the treaty itself, as last time. However, there was one part he needed to be made clear.
" You say a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion. Do you refer to specifically to the Church of Anada, and the Orthodox and Laskist beliefs, or do you mean any branch of worship of the Exalted? I must also say that the schism could potentially last longer than the treaty, by some definitions. We would need to come to an agreement upon at what time the schism has ended. I will say though, that Caligonia will allow those who have been driven away by these wars into our lands, as long as they obey our laws. We will certainly have to provide for them, but we were once adrift as they were."


"Your Holiness, perhaps you might share your own observations and conclusions regarding the Church you profess to lead?"



That was a very, very pointed remark. It did not entirely fill Kalus with hope for the already strained Kunist relations. Gideon seemed to have his own agenda, that went beyond this treaty.

[QuintonBeck]

Kalus was not entirely surprised by the presence of the Grand Mahangar. From what he could see, the Kunists Kingdoms who dominated this region almost certainly needed to be convinced that the church remained in control. It seemed almost an irony that Caligonia of all nations was arguably the closest friend Ava Jay had. But Kalus had talked to the man personally, and considered him a man looking on in horror at the actions of his predecessors.
Still, the Bull seemed almost unacceptable. While it might chastise a few nations, it would not prevent any of the land grabbing, nor actually resolve the war. If anything, only Jauder could really claim to benefit from it. Most importantly, there was no actual reason for the rebels to throw down their arms. They would almost certainly be attacked, and killed en masse, especially among the Swords of Truth. These people had been fighting for years against perceived corruption. The fact that they were met with kidnappers, armies attacking those around them and claiming the land, as well as instant denunciation didn't help.
Either way, Kalus saw the Church as necessary, no matter what. To see it fall or lose all credibility would almost certainly lead to chaos across the land.

Kalus did note that almost every Kunist nation was in attendance however. He hoped this was not a sign of something.

Kalus mostly agreed with the treaty itself, as last time. However, there was one part he needed to be made clear.
" You say a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion. Do you refer to specifically to the Church of Anada, and the Orthodox and Laskist beliefs, or do you mean any branch of worship of the Exalted? I must also say that the schism could potentially last longer than the treaty, by some definitions. We would need to come to an agreement upon at what time the schism has ended. I will say though, that Caligonia will allow those who have been driven away by these wars into our lands, as long as they obey our laws. We will certainly have to provide for them, but we were once adrift as they were."


"Your Holiness, perhaps you might share your own observations and conclusions regarding the Church you profess to lead?"



That was a very, very pointed remark. It did not entirely fill Kalus with hope for the already strained Kunist relations. Gideon seemed to have his own agenda, that went beyond this treaty.

Gideon nodded as Kalus spoke, "I speak only of the orthodox belief of the Shishiyan Church, or whatever it is professed to be followed by the crusaders out of the Phoenix Estates and Old Shamaran. The east has served as a testing ground for Shishiyan orthodoxy pressed against non-Shishiyan neighbors but unlike the south rather than seeking agreement and cooperation the sword was drawn and thrust violently into the ribs of Adlerfirma and the innocent peoples off the coast of Ynys Corsydd. As it was twelve years ago my primary goal remains peace in the south, peace between all neighbors who share Alade and its seas. The Church with its crusades called by provincial Mahangars to justify land grabs against those who refuse to bend to tyrants is antithetical to what I wish to promote."

"Slavia has grown silent in recent years, crumbling without their Black Duke to marshal behind, but let us not forget these conquerors sought to subjugate or enthrall all they could see. Adlerfirma stood against these brutal conquerors and the Slavian puppet in Shamaran declared crusade. This alone might be forgiven and attributed to Slavian imperialism but coming to aid them were the Yadaists of Parlayan Dağlar, those who profess their first loyalty to the Grand Mahangar as well as the troops of the Phoenix Suzerain, a man recognized only a year prior to crusade as defender of the faith and guardian of the holy Shishiyan city of Shanadeer. These are men and kingdoms whose titles and powers derive from membership within the Church. The Church has become a club for despots and oppressors whose united armies will browbeat and cajole any who stand opposed."

"You are right that we would need consensus on the end of the Laskist schism so perhaps this should not be the criteria. Instead let us allow the Church to return to these shores when it makes material its displeasure with these actions. Let those who would act as the Enemy would have them act be punished just so. Let us see that the Church is more than a collection of thugs and bullies feigning piety to a lapsed moral code. Then we might welcome them in our lands but until then I will not invite violence and hate into my home."

[PepperP.]

Gehenna


Spring 1035

The Baali and Zenta knew only two seasons, summer and not summer, while many in Hannibal's delegation's now debate when one begins and the other ends in the presence Ghenenna's alpine climate Hannibal simply starred out into the field of wild flowers contemplating what his younger self must have thought when taking this trip 15 years prior. Marad's famous ziggurat towering over the bustling capital brought the 45 year old monarch an overwhelming sense of "deja vu". As a younger man he though the church could protect Baalbek from his northern neighbors, recent events have demonstrate that the only things protecting the country are southern diplomacy and the peoples strength.

Adorned with a oddly minimalist attire, the only identifier that'd separate Hannibal from an elder is the gold lined skull cap with the Baalbeki seal. With his chief adviser Sulayman, a tall lanky bald Zenta man, Hannibal greeted the queen like he'd greet an old friend. "Hello Amara, how have the years treated you? There is much to discuss in this beautiful spring." After a brief hug Hannibal introduce his adviser " This is Elder Sulayman he is my confidant and chief adviser, he was key in persuading the council to ratify the first southern treaty." Sulayman bowed during the greeting.

Amara smiled warmly at Hannibal's familiar greeting.

"Greetings Hannibal, it is with joy that I welcome you back to Marad." As she embraced the Southern King, she spoke in the native Baalbek tongue. Though her cadence slow, she had clearly practiced the statement until she could be easily understood by the native speakers.

"Pardon my butchering of your language." Her lips curved in an amused smile as she switched back to the trade patois.

"Batnoam has been very patient in teaching me the Baalbeki tongue." Her attention turned towards the elder as he was introduced.

"Elder Sulayman, you have my thanks for your good work on our behalf. I am convinced that the treaty was a crucial point in securing the peace and security of the south, I will count you as amongst Gehenna's friends." The Queen embraced the elder briefly.

"As you can see, the years have been kind to Gehenna. We have seen fit to focus on our faith and culture in the ensuing years since the last conference, and we have but flourished for it. I hope that Baalbek has likewise prospered. Of course, I know you are forefront in matters of innovation thanks to the instruction of Batnoam." Even now the ship masters of Gehenna were busy meticulously replicating the carefully drawn plans the ambassador had brought with him upon their return from the Tech Fair.


The four Ten Len and their Xin Len companions were almost lost among the many distractions on the way to the Conference itself. The gorgeous spring flowers impressed many in the party, especially the only one among them to have attended the First Conference. Suika leaned heavily on her staff as she closed her eyes and inhaled the various scents of the Spring garden. The Emperor seemingly had no interest in hurrying the delegation along and so it took quite some time between their arrival at the venue and their appearance before the Queen. The Xin Len bowed low to the Queen and placed between them chests and baskets filled with various goods from the Islands including a variety of teas, dyes, bamboo, paintings and a novel about a lady who was determined to one day visit the Silver Moon. The four Ten Len also bowed to the Queen, though their bow was befitting their relative status. The Emperor himself had come to the conference despite the Council urging otherwise, insisting that now was not the time for paranoia. Though he was the shortest of the group, he stood out the most with his fiery red and orange hair and matching robes.
"Greetings, Queen." The Emperor paused, unused to speaking the common language. Though he knew the words in theory and had written much in the language, actually speaking it was another matter entirely. Huan swept his long pink hair behind his shoulder and seemed about to speak, but decided against interrupting the Emperor.
Before the pause could become too awkward, the Emperor continued, "We bring gifts." He tried to keep his rising embarrassment at having skipped a more polite introduction from showing, but a slight blush gave it away. Despite his age and having known he would likely one day become Emperor, he had not much experience in dealing with foreign people.

"Greetings Emporer, and welcome to my home." Queen Amara strained to recall her last meeting with the gentle islanders. She seemed to recall a quiet timidity and appreciation for nature.

"I would be honored to receive your gifts, though none will be as great as your presence, or the unity in which you stood with the South over the last treaty term." She smiled reassuringly at his discomfiture.


Prince Artaln and his small retinue approached the city of Marad from the east, overland. He had undertaken the journey with a mixture of animals and conveyances, of varying size and strength, in an attempt to judge the capabilities of the trade route between their two nations. Efforts had been made to expand the passes on the Yssa side, but he had been disappointed in the efforts of Gehenna to improve her acquisition. His view of the vast and colorful alpine meadows - their prettiness a sign of limited or abandoned grazing - only confirmed this impression. He considered that this might present the possibility of an advantage. Upon seeing the market display he paused for some time. There was no rush, he had risen early in expectation of this, relying on his sister's reports from the first of these conferences. He moved through the display deliberately, mind cataloging one product after another, speaking to over a dozen merchants and assessing that state of affairs throughout the south from their commentary. One of his trusted clerks, a youth with a fantastic head for sums, was far more thorough, remaining in the market rather than proceeding onward, assembling a ledger filled with details for later review.

Artaln ascended the ziggurat accompanied by a pair of guards and his remaining clerk, an older woman who took the steps slowly. The Prince regretted that these men were merely members of his personal guard and not the vaunted Saru-Kisi. He had deemed it unwise to bring such men given the likelihood that Sheol would attend this conference. He had dressed for the occasion, wearing an exquisitely tailored ensemble emblazoned with indigo glass droplets from the province of Nasaeron. Fena had told him the people here enjoyed jewelry, so he had added a silver signet ring and two bracelets to the ensemble. When his eyes fell upon Queen Amara he was glad he had gone no further. Attempting to match that woman would have been a fool's game.

Where his sister had been scandalized at the Queen's barely-clothed presentation, Artaln simply wondered at how she avoided having so much metal chafe, or perhaps burn in the heat of this land. Silver heated very easily. The prince bowed and dropped to one knee before the Queen. "I thank your honored majesty for the invitation to this conference, and bring greetings from your friends to the west." Rising, he had one of his guards bring forth a finely-wrought birdcage. "With recollection of your generous gift of an owl from your mews, I have come bearing one to fill that gap." Pulling free the covering he revealed a sleek, slender-framed falcon, with the pale white feet found only in birds nesting in the depths of the western desert. "I hope that she will fly strong and hunt well for your majesty."

Amara smiled down at the chivalrous Prince, her ego well soothed by the man's deference within her home.

"I greet you in the light of the Exalted, may it ever light your path to good fortune. Long has the agreed upon peace held between Gehenna, Zhentanna and Yssa, you are friends of your word." She embraced the Prince as he rose, though remembering his sister's reluctance for physical contact, the embrace was swift and unassuming. Her attention turned toward the gilded cage once the gift revealed and her dark eyes brightened in delight.

"She is fierce and beautiful. I accept this gift eagerly and will hunt with her proudly." Her maid Ianna took the proffered cage and set to finding an appropriate space for the bird until the Queen could devote her proper attention.


Kalus Mensus had once more returned to Gehenna. His delegation once again consisted of around 30 individuals, half of which were Calis, the other Ligians. They were all dressed in slightly teal dress, and all had scabbards shining brightly. Kalus, as usual, appeared unarmed, in his turquoise robes, with a silver ring on his tanned left hand, and his headdress covering his ears and fair hair.
http://africashamanexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC02325-1.jpg
Similaresque, except far more strands entwined.


As the delegation moved between the crowds, Kalus entertained the thought of throwing out gifts, but he knew that if anything of actual value was thrown out, chaos would quickly ensue. And at that, not many flowers or similar grew in Caligonia, and he had the distinct impression the crowd would not enjoy being soaked by seawater. Kalus ensured that the delegation looked calmly professional as they walked on. His delegation could join the crowd and partying afterwards if they wished. Kalus had the distinct impression though that after all the turmoil in the north and east, those who had ben keeping up with the news, which was everyone, as Caligonians traded across the world, everyone would be focused on the affairs at hand.

Entering the ziggurat, the majority of Kalus' delegation stayed outside, either to serve as a runner, as a last resort, or just to reduce the general clutter inside. Four men remained with Kalus, mostly advisors, though two were passable swordsmen, and the military advisor was certainly able to defend himself. After Sheol had come with a hundred men last time, Kalus was taking no chances.

Approaching the throne, Kalus revealed the silver amulet around his neck, grasped in, and gave a slight bow. He was not entirely phased by the lack of gowns on the Queen. He had already attended previously, and moreover, he was focused far more on the proceedings.

"Greetings Queen Amara, I hope we can discus much at this conference. After the success of the previous conference especially. I do have some gifts for you, mostly pertaining to the tablet trade."

A small chest is taken forward. The chest seems to be made almost entirely from silver, and by the way it is handled, is somewhat delicate. Opening it up, there are multiple pieces of paper inside.

"These are what we have found pertaining to that your highness, " continues Kalus, "it is not much, but it may come of use to you in future."


"Greetings Kalus." Amara smiled graciously at the Caligonian before she embraced him familiarly and then released him.

"Indeed there is much to discuss. All those in attendance might not be in accord, though we hope our people's passions might be put to constructive use in negotiating and compromising terms for a second successful treaty." Her normally smooth forehead bore a worrisome crease for a moment as she pondered the evening's agenda. Her expression cleared as the chest full of documents was brought forward. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, as truthfully, the tablets and ensuing celebrity that their spread had afforded her was not entirely to her disliking.

"I appreciate your realm's aid in this delicate matter." Her eyes glanced sideways at Gideon for a moment. She half suspected he himself the culprit behind the counterfeits. She certainly wouldn't put the desire for her humiliation behind him, though if that had been his goal, he was surely sorely disappointed at the outcome.


Tito Nicodemo Felipe Eusebio Ventura was attending the conference at great risk. This was not a good time to be away from home. His serious mis-steps with the goblins of Gobsfull. His reluctance to put any weight behind quelling the pro-human sentiments. The embarrassment of his ‘fascination’ with the Queen of Gehenna, blown out of proportion by the numerous forgeries and interpretations of her gift to him. And the rumors, the endless rumors about the technology fair.

He knew the ruling council of Titos were meeting. He suspected they would move against him at any time. To leave for yet another pointless diplomatic meeting was essentially capitulation. Tito Octavia Calista Telma Aldina and her allies would be waiting for his return. Possibly with shackles. But he was the Tito Nicodemo, damn them. He would do as he felt best.

He arrived in style, aboard a large Cryf horse of exceptional size. Behind him were 12 pair of similar horses, with fine saddles and barding. His people controlled two of the three major exporters of them from Mi’rava. They had selected only the most adaptable to warm climates, the strongest, and those with the finest coats. They would make a fine gift.

He greeted Queen Amara and King Gideon in turn. He was all too aware of the rumors that may be portion to the tension between the two. “I have brought twelve of the finest Cryf horse mares from my stables in Mi’rava as a token of my appreciation, fair Queen. One for each year since the last great conference.” Turning to Gideon, “And 12 stallions of great strength and beauty, noble king. One for each year our people have lived in peace and prosperity. May their bloodlines serve your kingdoms well.”

"Dear Tito Felipe." Queen Amara greeted the Islander King with a warm embrace. She lingered against him familiarly before she withdrew, smiling into his eyes, her pleasure in seeing him again sincere and plain upon her lovely face. Her distant husband more dour with every passing year, she no longer deigned to feign affection for her acerbic counterpart. She had felt his rejection of her and their beautifully perfect son as a cold dagger of pain and indignity in her gut. Not her heart. He could not injure what he had never owned. He had sent young Asa away to foster with Jarah, and though his loss grieved her, she had been perversely grateful that her son was not being raised by this cold, spiteful man she was bound to.

She forced her attention from her indignant wanderings back to a man she was actually quite fond of.

"A beautiful gift." She murmured as her eyes took in the graceful creatures he had brought to her. Her eyes roamed to a distant corner where the Court's children where being minded and frowned slightly.

"Perhaps later, your daughter will be brought to greet you. She is abed for nap time at the moment, it would seem." Her voice was almost apologetic and she bid excuse for their daughter's absence.


Regrettably, Gleiss was only able to make a poor showing at the second conference. Of the six ships sent to escort the crown prince Johannes and his wife, Maari, to Gehenna, four were lost to the raiders that plagued the northern coast. Luckily, the ship holding the prince and his entourage made it into port safely, if a bit damaged; on the other hand, the ship carrying the gifts intended for King Gideon and Queen Amara had been lost off the coast of Ciriya.

The group that had eventually made it to Gehenna was small, made up of only Johannes and Maari Huvendagar, as well as two red-coated Royal Guardsmen– though both were young, green, and barely deserving of the title. Johannes was a sandy haired, stocky young man, dressed in red and green clothes distinctly unsuited for the southern heat. His wife, on the other hand, had clearly been better prepared for the trip; she was a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with half a head of ivory hair, and was dressed in a light dress that would have been scandalous at court in Gleiss, but barely made remark in Gehenna.

Johannes approached the ziggurat with a great deal of trepidation– he had little training in matters of foreign affairs, and he was only sent because his father had been called away unexpectedly by matters of war. Even worse, the conference would mark the first time a high ranking representative of Gleiss would meet with their fellow Kunists in the south. By the time the royal couple and their guards had reached the courtyard, Johannes was sweating profusely and had slight, nervous tremble in his left hand.

Laying a hand on his arm, Maari said, Dear, please, let me handle introductions. I know how nervous you are, and really, they would go better were I to do so...

Yes, I, uh, think that would be wise. Indeed, Johannes replied, wringing his hands.



Upon leaving their guards behind and reaching the top, the couple first approached the Queen. Greetings from Gleiss, good Queen. Unfortunately, we have no gifts but our gratitude to present to you; the rest have been lost to pagans or the sea. WE humbly beg your forgiveness for this affront.


When the delegation of Gleiss was announced in the throne room, Queen Amara stood in anticipation of this first meeting between Gehenna and her Northern brethren in faith. She took in their words, thinking heavily upon their import before she responded.

"There is no affront but the indignities you have suffered to be here. It is with the greatest joy that I receive you just as you are, perfect, for you are our beacon of hope and light in the North." Greatly moved by her fellow faithful's humility, Amara embraced the pair each in turn.

"It is I who have a gift for you." Her smile turned playful as she motioned her maid, Ianna to her, who handed her Queen two small open-faced boxes. each held within then a sparkling silver mithral pendant wrought in the shape of a moon that dangled from a chain made of the same wondrous material.

"There is much to discuss between us, but first please refresh yourselves after your arduous and harrowing journey." The Queen once again motioned to the ever-faithful Ianna who brought the pair two glasses of cool water infused with citrus from the gardens above.


The Solmarestian Delegation had never been so far from Solmarest. Under the King's orders, three high ranking members of the Crythum are sent to represent him, and hopefully speak to him about some newfound allies. The King has also elected to send his personal Kunist priest, Erytus Hekate, along with the group, so he too may participate in any discussions. Povelum, the official leader of the delegation was relieved to finally see the famed Ziggurat in person. It had been a long journey from Solmarest in the north, and he was very interested to begin the conference. The sheer beauty of Marad impressed all of the delegation, who would certainly have many stories to tell once they returned to Solmarest.

Povelum and Erytus took the lead of the delegation as they approached Queen Amara's throne. While bowing their heads towards the Queen (A Solmarestian sign of respect for higher ranking officials or people you have just met), Povelum also pulls out a marble statuette of the Solmarestian coat of arms. Once done with their bow, Povelum and Erytus step forwards, while Povelum says Queen Amara, In the name of both Mercy Tyus II, king of Solmarest, and The Exalted, the delegation of Solmarest bestows upon you this marble crest. Let it be a sign of our friendship for years to come. After presenting the statue, Povelum bows again, while Erytus says In the name of the Exalted, bless you and bless all of Gehenna.

It was with delight that Queen Amara welcomed the Solmarest delegation, her far flung fellows in faith. It was the first meeting between their peoples in recent memory, and so she was anxious that they have an auspicious beginning to their relations.

"May the light of the Exalted illuminate your path, may it be as blessed as the course that led you to me today." Queen Amara smiled warmly at both the delegation leader and the priest as she returned the man's blessing.

"I am happy to receive this token of friendship, and offer you one of my own." She motioned Ianna forward, a pretty woman with large dark eyes and hair that curled down her back. She took something silver from her and held her hand out to reveal what it held. A small representation of the ziggurat they stood in fashioned cunningly from silver, an upturned crescent moon sat atop the flat step pyamid, it's curved ends much resembling Amara's horns.



"Sadly, I must agree with more of your analysis than I should like, lord king."

The Grand Mahangar approached the table, hands akimbo in a gesture of mixed greeting and apology, and a sad half-smile on his lips.

"But I would raise issue with some of your conclusions."



It was the first time Ava Jay had set foot in Alade, perhaps the first time one in his position had for centuries. There were almost certainly records somewhere but it did not seem worth the effort to check.

In truth it was strange to be outside of the holy city where he had spent almost all his life. In place of the sun-drenched fields visible from its walls, he had been subjected to the open sea (an unpleasant experience and one he was not looking forward to repeating) the arid coastline of Gehenna and then the voyage up the strange river to the city here. And the city itself was different too: its people visibly so, its architecture foreign, the babble on the street partly unintelligible. No sooner had they disembarked than some rogue had tried to sell one of his party a collection of lewd tablets purporting to depict the queen. Had he not been so glad to set foot on dry land, he would have been more shocked - but looking around, he wondered if such behaviour was indeed entirely typical of the people here.

And, of course, for the first time he was no longer surrounded by his own co-religionists. Correspondence with the Mahangar of Isin had prepared him only theoretically for the experience. Yet he had not forgotten the loyalty of the King of Yssa years before, and he suspected that in the heart of the Caligonian king dwelt a displeasure with recent events in the north akin to his own.

And the Kunists - allies, in principle, but proud and highly-strung, it seemed. He knew not precisely what had been said but it seemed they would take any criticism of the deeds of a Kunist ruler as a condemnation of the religion itself. He wondered if this was indicative of a lack of subtlety in Kunist thought: after all, one of the earliest differences between their creeds had been the acceptance by his forebears of the possibility of a common mortal and divine entity, whereas Kunism continued to insist there was no such distinction in the natures of the Chosen and the Beast. But should the Beast appear, he cared not if they believed they were fighting a god or a man, so long as they fought. If he could repair relations with this visit, then it would be worthwhile.

For the threats facing the north were dire. Vishanya had fallen to pagan rule; Nayakar’s state remained parlous. The reckless acts of the faithful in the east were tearing the continent apart, and now these new Skrilling attacks on Gleiss, the one great bastion of stability in the north-west, and Jauder, one of the few realms he believed to have acted of late out of anything other than base political motives, were a threat to all.

He hoped that the Bull, newly promulgated and putting the printing press to good use, would help to calm the situation, but he was not so naive as to place any great reliance on it. Increasingly this was becoming a war of swords, but too many of those swords were pointing in the wrong direction. If ever the Church had needed its true leader, he thought, a Chosen to act as champion and set the world back on its right path, the time was now. But then, on reflection, most likely every Grand Mahangar in history had thought precisely the same.


This will likely have circulated by the time the conference starts, but it won’t go up in the actions until later, obviously.




Gideon smiled a false grin of welcome as the Grand Mahangar stood and spoke. The Shishiyan holy leader had been invited as a courtesy and witness to the formal procedures and Kunist rituals to take place later in the evening under Amara's direction. Gideon had not expected the Grand Mahangar would stay silent at his proposal for the conversion moratorium but he was confident the northern holy man would not find many friendly faces among the southerners. Where Ava Jay had allowed discord and war to erupt under his watch the King and Queen of Zhentanna and Gehenna had worked hard to maintain peace among their neighbors, even those beyond the light of the Exalted. The Grand Mahangar had much to answer for if his office was to be respected.

"Your Holiness, perhaps you might share your own observations and conclusions regarding the Church you profess to lead?"

Gideon had read the bull issued by the Grand Mahangar. He had seen nothing to address the legitimate concerns of the Laskists but instead demands that they cast down their arms and be killed by Goblin King Bamber and any other crusader with stomach enough to kill the innocent. Some minor wrist slapping of the crusaders who had dallied in trying to conquer Geier while letting their supposed true foe congregate did little to bolster Gideon's belief that the Grand Mahangar truly opposed the actions of those who claimed status as holy land within the Shishiyan Church.

Amara had remained attentive but impassive as Gideon had unleashed his tirade. Perhaps not as subtle as he thought, though with him it was always hard to discern his intentions. Personally, she did not seek to affront this holy man within the walls of her own home, and yet she could not disagree with her husband's assessment of this so called Bull. Aptly named, for it indeed brought to mind stubbornness and dung.

Though she thought her husband pushed the Grand Mahangar too hard, stressed as he must be from his travels and immersion into a foreign land, she did not interrupt the proceedings. She waited patiently for the man to defend himself, ready to intervene if the meeting grew too heated to be of use in continuing the discussion. In truth, Amara was in no small part pleased at the holy man's attendance and knew his witness to the later holy service would serve invaluable for Kunism and the South by extension.

[Aedilred]

"Imagine, if you would, lord king, that a legal scholar arose in Zhentanna, one who attained an uncommon amount of support among the people and the clerics, one who made the argument that the authority of the king was qualified - that it held only so long as it accorded to the satisfaction of each individual with precepts of natural law as established by ancient philosophy. On the surface, her argument would seem reasonable, yet if enacted, it would destroy any semblance of the kingdom as was, for no man within it would be bound by law save to his own satisfaction, and your own writ would be meaningless. Whatever your sympathies with the individual and her argument, you would surely have to conclude that those prepared to take up arms to defend and enact this doctrine were traitors.

"The Church with regards to Laskism is as to your kingdom in that scenario. Kunism is not a faith accustomed to institutions of leadership and instruction, so perhaps the situation is difficult to understand for one raised in its strictures. The Church is not like that: without its authority to interpret the prophecies and the will of the Exalted, it is nothing. There would remain naught to stand in the way of individualist chaos. It was on this basis that the doctrine of Laska was condemned: whether it was his intention or not, it was thought his doctrine would lead to the complete ruin of the Church as an entity. The Laskists, by their words and deeds, have made themselves antagonists of the Church, and that is why the Church has responded in the way it has.

"For my own part, I believe Laska was a well-intentioned man. I think that whatever the substantive dangers of the doctrine he proposed, there may have been better ways to deal with the situation. Yet the ways of the Beast are often subtle. Only from a position of strength does it make itself known. To have spilled its poison into the ears of a cleric and used him to undermine the Church would be in keeping with its methods and intentions. It may be that those at the council saw something that I, from this distance, and not privy to their discussions, cannot, which suggested that was the case and that their condemnation and execution of him was just and necessary.

"It is also certain that the current crisis was caused almost entirely by King Floyd and his associates. I have made my opinion on that clear, I believe. Yet if a foolish man provokes a dog into attacking him and his friends, it is not enough that the man responsible is killed in the attack. His friends must still, however regretfully, deal with the dog. I would not have called a crusade against them, as Mahangar Ragash did. I should certainly not have conducted the crusade in the manner it has been, and I believe I have made my opinion on that clear too. Yet for all that I would have acted differently, I could see no compelling reason to intercede to stop it. You must know as well as any man, lord king, that when words are one's only true weapon, one must deploy them with care, and I thought it pointless to waste them in attempting to re-fight a battle for moderation that was lost thirty years ago."

He paused and looked around apologetically at the assembled company. "As to the rest, well -" his eyes rolled slightly as he attempted to reel off from memory the words he had heard only a few minutes before. "Even as pagan malcontents rise in the east-" he gestured to the delegates from Euqeen and Khada'aldul - "and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa, the king of Sheol sails on defenseless lands and invades border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent... The southern alliance appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying all opposition to its hegemony by force. The people of Altimia, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their defence of their own lands against an allied power, are targeted for invasion and subjugation by violent Sheolim conquerors..." He stopped and shrugged in an attempt to indicate his previous words had been illustrative only.

"It is easy to stand in judgment of foreigners while ignoring or even approving of the same actions from one's friends. As I stand in this room I see a number who are engaged in much the same conduct as the northerners you condemn, and the principal difference is that those in the south do so from a position of lessened vulnerability. Were I to apply the same standards to which you hold the Church to your own allies, I should myself be condemning Kunism as a morally bankrupt doctrine, as you seem to consider my office. Yet, as the prophet Ananda once said-" he smiled openly in recognition of who he was addressing - "Before you remove a splinter from your fellow's eye, you should consider the beam in your own. I am not here to condemn or to judge. I am aware that the Church has not always been a friend to Kunists and I hope to do what I can to rectify that. My opinion of Kunism has not changed since I told King Urut in Shanadeer that I considered its congregation a natural ally of the Church. I am here in the hope that that hypothetical alliance can become a real one, united side by side against the forces of the Enemy. All I ask is the same consideration in return."

[Rain Dragon]

Once all the delegations had arrived and greeted their host Gideon made Amara aware of his desire to speak to the assembled delegates. The message was dispersed shortly among the guests and an assembly was drawn to the large dining table intended to serve dinner.

"It is a pleasure to see so many familiar faces returned to these halls twelve years since last they gathered and new faces as well though all here are recognized as friends and neighbors in the south," Gideon lifted a glass from the table in a toast, "Alade and its island neighbors have maintained a degree of peace and order between them unparalleled elsewhere in the world. While Celessa tears itself apart the south remains strong not because one mighty ruler has bent others to their whim but because we many southern kingdoms and republics have worked together with respect for our neighbor and friend, a respect codified over this past decade by my and many other hands now present. To peace in the south."

Gideon lifted his glass into the air and drank a swallow before placing it back on the table and remaining standing.

"Unfortunately, our peace is a unique one that those in the north find difficult to replicate. Even as malcontents rise in the east and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa the petty Destar-Kings of the Shishiyan Church march on defenseless lands and invade border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent against them. Now refugees flee the violence in the east and come south seeking safer shores, I can only imagine the repercussions from these Shishiyan crusaders will continue with new augmentation from the warriors of the Red Hand and we in the south must decide what we are to do."

"The Shishiyan Church appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying opposition to its hegemony by force. Laskists, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their preaching against the corrupt powers within the Church, are targeted for mass killings by the violent revolutionaries of Ynys y Corsydd. The Shishiyan holy lands of Shamaran and the Phoenix Estates, perhaps reticent to kill Laskists, crusade not against Laskists but against the Adlern who dared stand against the Black Duke of Slavia. I am Kunist and do not subscribe to the Church of Ananda but I believe that any who wish to retain their moral integrity must recognize and reject the Shishiyan Church as is."

"Our confederacy has stood the test of time and now as the world rocks with the northern invasions and Laskist uprisings I would see it strengthened. Let us again pledge ourselves and our realms to peace in the south. Let all here sleep easily knowing neighbor shall not kill or rob neighbor. I propose a renewal of the First Conference's agreement with two addendums. I wish to extend the period covered to twenty years and so too do I wish to propose a moratorium on Shishiyan conversion within the south, at least until the matter of Laskism is settled. Zhentanna will welcome refugees fleeing these Laskist wars and officially endorses the Laskist demand for reform, we would like to see the south join us in the condemnation of the Church's violent and suppressive acts and the encouragement of the Grand Mahangar to address these demands promptly and fully in a way befitting followers of the Exalted."

Gideon held both his arms out to encapsulate the entirety of assembled delegates, "Let us discuss."

EDIT: OOC: The Proposal



Pact of the First Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory. To ensure stability in the south Shishiyan conversion will be resisted and reversed until such a time as the Laskist schism is properly responded to.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.

So signed,
The Kingdom of Zhentanna


Gideon nodded as Kalus spoke, "I speak only of the orthodox belief of the Shishiyan Church, or whatever it is professed to be followed by the crusaders out of the Phoenix Estates and Old Shamaran. The east has served as a testing ground for Shishiyan orthodoxy pressed against non-Shishiyan neighbors but unlike the south rather than seeking agreement and cooperation the sword was drawn and thrust violently into the ribs of Adlerfirma and the innocent peoples off the coast of Ynys Corsydd. As it was twelve years ago my primary goal remains peace in the south, peace between all neighbors who share Alade and its seas. The Church with its crusades called by provincial Mahangars to justify land grabs against those who refuse to bend to tyrants is antithetical to what I wish to promote."

"Slavia has grown silent in recent years, crumbling without their Black Duke to marshal behind, but let us not forget these conquerors sought to subjugate or enthrall all they could see. Adlerfirma stood against these brutal conquerors and the Slavian puppet in Shamaran declared crusade. This alone might be forgiven and attributed to Slavian imperialism but coming to aid them were the Yadaists of Parlayan Dağlar, those who profess their first loyalty to the Grand Mahangar as well as the troops of the Phoenix Suzerain, a man recognized only a year prior to crusade as defender of the faith and guardian of the holy Shishiyan city of Shanadeer. These are men and kingdoms whose titles and powers derive from membership within the Church. The Church has become a club for despots and oppressors whose united armies will browbeat and cajole any who stand opposed."

"You are right that we would need consensus on the end of the Laskist schism so perhaps this should not be the criteria. Instead let us allow the Church to return to these shores when it makes material its displeasure with these actions. Let those who would act as the Enemy would have them act be punished just so. Let us see that the Church is more than a collection of thugs and bullies feigning piety to a lapsed moral code. Then we might welcome them in our lands but until then I will not invite violence and hate into my home."

Suika and Huan busied themselves straight away with notes taking while Chen leaned back in his chair and listened carefully to what was being said. Their Xin Len attendants had been dismissed and were busying themselves with the various attractions in and around the event. The Emperor sat calmly in thought, thankful that he could at least listen and understand most of what was being said, though some of the names took him a while to recognise. Unfortunately, Slavia was not one of them; news had reached even Xin Kun of their deeds and the events of recent years could be viewed as signs of more senseless violence to come given the right perspective (and one that seemed likely). That said, it was difficult for the Emperor to believe an entire faith corrupted, violent and hateful based on the actions of a few. The Emperor shared a look with Chen before standing and responding quietly but confidently with a thick accent, "It is indeed a concern, the Crusades of the North. However, that some of far away lands act in this way does not mean those nearby would do the same. What of the rulers who are Shishiyan already here? Should we potentially alienate them from the peace of the south because of this? If I remember the map (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21631039&postcount=1032) I saw a while ago right, the south has different Shishiyan leader to those who support these wars. Is the faith the problem or some of the people in power?"

((OOC - I have other responses to come, but wanted to post this one first))

EDIT - More Conference. Teaches me not to refresh before hitting reply...


"Imagine, if you would, lord king, that a legal scholar arose in Zhentanna, one who attained an uncommon amount of support among the people and the clerics, one who made the argument that the authority of the king was qualified - that it held only so long as it accorded to the satisfaction of each individual with precepts of natural law as established by ancient philosophy. On the surface, her argument would seem reasonable, yet if enacted, it would destroy any semblance of the kingdom as was, for no man within it would be bound by law save to his own satisfaction, and your own writ would be meaningless. Whatever your sympathies with the individual and her argument, you would surely have to conclude that those prepared to take up arms to defend and enact this doctrine were traitors.

"The Church with regards to Laskism is as to your kingdom in that scenario. Kunism is not a faith accustomed to institutions of leadership and instruction, so perhaps the situation is difficult to understand for one raised in its strictures. The Church is not like that: without its authority to interpret the prophecies and the will of the Exalted, it is nothing. There would remain naught to stand in the way of individualist chaos. It was on this basis that Laskism was condemned: whether it was his intention or not, it was thought his doctrine would lead to the complete ruin of the Church as an entity. The Laskists, by their words and deeds, have made themselves antagonists of the Church, and that is why the Church has responded in the way it has.

"For my own part, I believe Laska was a well-intentioned man. I think that whatever the substantive dangers of the doctrine he proposed, there may have been better ways to deal with the situation. Yet the ways of the Beast are often subtle. Only from a position of strength does it make itself known. To have spilled its poison into the ears of a cleric and used him to undermine the Church would be in keeping with its methods and intentions. It may be that those at the council saw something that I, from this distance, and not privy to their discussions, saw something in him which suggested that was the case.

"It is also certain that the current crisis was caused almost entirely by King Floyd and his associates. I have made my opinion on that clear, I believe. Yet if a foolish man provokes a dog into attacking him and his friends, it is not enough that the man responsible is killed in the attack. His friends must still, however regretfully, deal with the dog. I would not have called a crusade against them, as Mahangar Ragash did. I should certainly not have conducted the crusade in the manner it has been, and I believe I have made my opinion on that clear too. Yet for all that I would have acted differently, I could see no compelling reason to intercede to stop it. You must know as well as any man, lord king, that when words are one's only true weapon, one must deploy them with care, and I thought it pointless to waste them in attempting to re-fight a battle for moderation that was lost thirty years ago."

He paused and looked around apologetically at the assembled company. "As to the rest, well -" his eyes rolled slightly as he attempted to reel off from memory the words he had heard only a few minutes before. "Even as pagan malcontents rise in the east-" he gestured to the delegates from Euqeen and Khada'aldul - "and northern warriors, ignored before their arrival by all but Gleiss, land on the north shores of Celessa, the king of Sheol sails on defenseless lands and invades border regions held by neutral pagans to quell any dissent... The southern alliance appears complicit in dividing the north and destroying all opposition to its hegemony by force. The people of Altimia, whose only 'crime' I have seen substantiated has been their defence of their own lands against an allied power, are targeted for invasion and subjugation by violent Sheolim conquerors..." He stopped and shrugged in an attempt to indicate his previous words had been illustrative only.

"It is easy to stand in judgment of foreigners while ignoring or even approving of the same actions from one's friends. As I stand in this room I see a number who are engaged in much the same conduct as the northerners you condemn, and the principal difference is that those in the south do so from a position of lessened vulnerability. Were I to apply the same standards to which you hold the Church to your own allies, I should myself be condemning Kunism as a morally bankrupt doctrine, as you seem to consider my office. Yet, as the prophet Ananda once said-" he smiled openly in recognition of who he was addressing - "Before you remove a splinter from your fellow's eye, you should consider the beam in your own. I am not here to condemn or to judge. I am aware that the Church has not always been a friend to Kunists and I hope to do what I can to rectify that. My opinion of Kunism has not changed since I told King Urut in Shanadeer that I considered its congregation a natural ally of the Church. I am here in the hope that that hypothetical alliance can become a real one, united side by side against the forces of the Enemy. All I ask is the same consideration in return."

The Emperor winced at the mention of the Sheolim and again at the graphic metaphor, "The Sheolim have also been active raiders in the south. They however have not been conquering and stealing unified with others in the name of their faith, so it is a little different. There are multiple well respected leaders of Shishiyan justifying their wars outside Gobsfull with this crusade despite the fact it was not necessary to achieve their stated goal. It means the Laskist forces had room to grow and this violence is extended beyond what was necessary." The Emperor stopped as he recognised were he to speak longer he might become angry. He listened quietly to more discussion while ensuring he remained calm.

[Aedilred]

The Emperor winced at the mention of the Sheolim and again at the graphic metaphor, "The Sheolim have also been active raiders in the south. They however have not been conquering and stealing unified with others in the name of their faith, so it is a little different. There are multiple well respected leaders of Shishiyan justifying their wars outside Gobsfull with this crusade despite the fact it was not necessary to achieve their stated goal. It means the Laskist forces had room to grow and this violence is extended beyond what was necessary." The Emperor stopped as he recognised were he to speak longer he might become angry. He listened quietly to more discussion while ensuring he remained calm.
The Grand Mahangar turned his gaze upon the self-titled Emperor. If he was surprised that the man would speak up for the supposed ally who had raided his lands against an institution which had for centuries tolerated and even passively enabled his realm's desired isolation, he did his best not to show it.

"I did not come here to justify the specific conduct of those whom I have already reprimanded for that very behaviour. Nor did I come to condemn the present company for their own, whatever my opinion of it. My intention was simply to illustrate that the language used by King Gideon to denigrate the actions of realms in the north and consequently the Church with which he associates them, could equally be applied with simple substitution of names to the actions of those in this very room, who have acted if not in concert with others here then at least with their tacit approval, and consequently one so minded could draw the same conclusion about this present company. But I am not present with the intention of mooting such an argument seriously, or of trading tit-for-tat accusations as if between bickering children, which is surely beneath us. Rather that by recognising the commonalities in our positions, and the limitations of perspective and cognition inherent to our mortal forms and associated biases, we might be able to move past these concerns to something more productive."

[Rain Dragon]

The Grand Mahangar turned his gaze upon the self-titled Emperor. If he was surprised that the man would speak up for the supposed ally who had raided his lands against an institution which had for centuries tolerated and even passively enabled his realm's desired isolation, he did his best not to show it.

"I did not come here to justify the specific conduct of those whom I have already reprimanded for that very behaviour. Nor did I come to condemn the present company for their own, whatever my opinion of it. My intention was simply to illustrate that the language used by King Gideon to denigrate the actions of realms in the north and consequently the Church with which he associates them, could equally be applied with simple substitution of names to the actions of those in this very room, who have acted if not in concert with others here then at least with their tacit approval, and consequently one so minded could draw the same conclusion about this present company. But I am not present with the intention of mooting such an argument seriously, or of trading tit-for-tat accusations as if between bickering children, which is surely beneath us. Rather that by recognising the commonalities in our positions, and the limitations of perspective and cognition inherent to our mortal forms and associated biases, we might be able to move past these concerns to something more productive."

The Emperor replied calmly despite frustration at his own inexperience in diplomacy causing misunderstanding so soon, "My apologies if my statement seemed to be nitpicky as you say, I was pointing out that the same substitution does not work as well for Sheol and Kunism alone which undermines much of what you say of these events from a perspective that would claim your institution filled with 'thugs' and 'oppressors'. There is no doubt that peace and friendship between people is a desired outcome, but I ask what will you and yours do that will have the best chance at the prevention of more needless violence and importantly such a war from occurring again in the future?"

[Aedilred]

Ava Jay turned his gaze from his host towards the Xin Kun ruler once more, a muscle in his jaw twitching as his deeply felt anger at the shambolic conduct of the crusade and its adherents threatened to spill over, rising on a tide of new frustration at the impertinence of his interlocutor and the complete pointlessness of trying to explain such matters not only to a heathen but also a pacifist - moreover one who seemed unable to let go of the very details he had repeatedly tried to move past.

He paused for a long while, collecting himself so that he might reply calmly and simply enough to satisfy this pagan lord and return to speaking with the more enlightened host and guests. But it was not a simple question, and as the magnitude and presumptuousness of the question so casually tossed at him once again became apparent, once again he found it hard to suppress his frustration.

Perhaps his silence was taken for a haughty contempt, or a genuine speechlessness, but after a few moments it was not his voice that replied.

“He is not answerable to any here, your highness.” Ravi Kopta had stood somewhat stiffly since the Grand Mahangar took to his feet, and now addressed the Emperor directly. “Least of all you, who do not even accept the truth of creation. His Holiness has travelled here in a spirit of courtesy to offer a hand of friendship, and to demonstrate the regard in which the Church holds our hosts, not to be interrogated as though a wayward vassal.”

The visit was far from all Ravi had feared, with no screaming mob of assassins waiting to carry off the Grand Mahangar as soon as his ship made landfall - and he was somewhat glad that he had insisted on attending if only so he could have those fears relieved. But there was a danger if not to the Grand Mahangar's personal safety then at least the dignity of his office, and the trend in the conversation so far could not be permitted to continue. It was one thing for the leaders of the Kunist kingdoms, with whom he had specifically come to treat, to converse with him such, but quite another for the heathen prince of a nowhere country to try to hold the head of the Church to account. If it came to it, he would personally escort the Grand Mahangar from the meeting. He hoped for everyone's sakes it would not.

[Lleban]

To Zhentanna (pre Grand Mahangar post)
Hannibal and Sulayman approached the peeved king "Greetings king Gideon, I see you to have read the bull, I too am....similarly unsatisfied. I am willing to sign the southern pact once again. Chaos seems the rule of the land these days it's important that our region remains stable."After a brief whisper from Sulayman Hannibal realized he missed something important.."Gideon I assure you that Kunni's with in Baalbek are safe and i Pray to the Exalted this violence is isolated."

To The Church (post Grand Mahangar post)

Hannibal was shocked at the Grand Mahangar appearance,a bold move indeed. While the crusade fiasco had marred his first impression of the Elder Mahangar as a corrupt man in the shadow of the Black duke; staring at the man in person lead Hannibal to reconfigure his opinion. No instead of corrupt he was something worse in the eyes of the aged Baali man, irresolute, weak, and too cowardly to to confront the beast, both within and outside the church. He did not bow to Ava rather, tersely greeting him "I have many thoughts on your positions your holiness, but first how was your journey Alade, you look pale?."


To Calagonia (Post Grand Mahangar post)
Sulayman bowed at Kalus and spoke quietly "Hello Elder Kalus, I am Sulaymen The Younger grand vizer to Hannibal, thank you for the printing press, documents of all sorts have began to circulate throughout the cities of Baalbek from dissertations on philosophy to news for sailors and merchants, your innovation has been a godsend. May the prophet Aqua, son of Varda, bless your endeavors with the Baalbeki junk. Do remember that any port in Baalbek is open to Caligonia for oceanic adventures." Sulaymen paused to recollect his thoughts "It seems the Grand Mahangar is accusing us of conspiracy, I question whether he can be trusted given recent events. "


To Xin Kun (pre Grand Mahangar post)
"Greetings young emperor" Sulayman nearly mumbled, "Many stories on the streets of Tyris claim that Xin Kun is the land of miracles where the rain never stops. Hopefully we can have a productive conference."




Elder, Grand adviser both work

[Rain Dragon]

Before the Conference...


"Greetings Emporer, and welcome to my home." Queen Amara strained to recall her last meeting with the gentle islanders. She seemed to recall a quiet timidity and appreciation for nature.

"I would be honored to receive your gifts, though none will be as great as your presence, or the unity in which you stood with the South over the last treaty term." She smiled reassuringly at his discomfiture.

"Thank you." the Emperor smiled warmly and genuinely at the greeting. "Our people hope to stand with the South for the next as well. This time of peace has brought prosperity to many and it is our hope it will continue."


To Xin Kun
"Greetings young emperor" Sulayman nearly mumbled, "Many stories on the streets of Tyris claim that Xin Kun is the land of miracles where the rain never stops. Hopefully we can have a productive conference."

Huan and Suika were the only two who remained with the Emperor at the time, Chen having had other business to attend to. While Suika leaned on her staff, Huan's was purely for decoration. The Emperor and his companions bowed to the Baalbeki, "Greetings to you as well, Elder." he paused briefly, shaking his head slightly, "As beautiful as Xin Kun may be, one can hardly claim it the land of miracles though certainly there is no lack of rain! It is my hope as well the conference will be productive."

[ShadowShrubbery]

After paying their respects to the Queen, the Solmarestian delegation stands off to the side of the hall, unsure of what to do next. They had limited to no contact with all of the lands present, and were eager to begin friendships with them in the name of the king. However, in Solmarestian culture it is considered rude to introduce yourselves to a person or group when you haven't any idea of who they are. After some discussion, Povelum decides that they shall wait and hope for delegations to introduce themselves. Erytus says to Povelum If we are ever so unfortunate and no groups introduce themselves, what do you deem the best course of action Povelum?

We must represent the King to the best of our abilities, including the customs of our land. We shall not be making an impression other than what we Solmarestians are unless absolutely necessary. In that vein, I think we must continue to wait and hope for these introductions.

Very Well

[Mechalich]

Prince Artaln found the whole exchange between Emperor and Mahangar depressingly frustrating. Throwing around accusations of harms in the form of vague generalities, positing equivalencies that only existed for lack of detail, speaking in principle rather than fact, he found it all irksome. He considered speaking up and intervening, but given the clear emotional strain upon both parties decided better of it.

Casting about for something else worse pursuing, he noticed the detached presence of the delegation from Solmarest, lingering at the edge of the hall. Artaln had noted their presence among the invited parties and had studied the group accordingly, but had not actually expected them to attend. The dignitaries were not members of the royal family, but were a priest and a member of some sort of council – the Crythum – his memory supplied.

Carefully, the Prince approached. “Light of the Exalted upon you,” he offered, smiling gently. “I am Prince Artaln, of Yssa. I offer my greetings, and extend our friendship to another who calls the mountains home. I must note, I find the idea of a mountain realm to the north quite fascinating and would very much hope to visit as some point in the future.” Noting the somewhat puzzled expressions he’d seen on these delegates when they’d approached, he added. “While Yssa is not part of the heartland of Alade in the manner of some of the other delegations, we have done our best to know our neighbors. I am accounted some measure of a scholar and would be happy to answer any questions or manage any introductions as best I may.”

[QuintonBeck]

Gideon was silent as the Xin Kun Emperor interceded and traded exchanges with the Grand Mahangar. Gideon could not suppress a smile when the young Emperor asked what exactly it was the Grand Mahangar planned to do but that smile quickly soured as the GM's bodyguard spoke up for the first time, words dripping with condescension for the foreign ruler whose faith was not his own.

"Emperor Lei asks a relevant question. What do you plan to do? In fact, it leads me to the question that filled my mind as you attempted to draw parallels to the independent actions of southern kingdoms to the unified brutality of Shishiyan crusading. What do you do, Grand Mahangar?"

Gideon looked Ava Jay directly in the eye as he spoke, "If the question offends you I assure you offense is not my intent though perhaps there is a reason fire lights in your belly to be asked. You are correct when you say my Kunist upbringing makes my understanding of your church's hierarchy difficult but I had always believed the Grand Mahangar led the Church and directed the actions of the faithful, that the word of the Grand Mahgangar was most holy and most respected among the Shishiyan Church. Now you claim you should not speak against these crusaders for the battle has already been lost. You claim your hands are bound by the murder of Laska by your predecessor. You argue that you must silence your conscience for fear of angering the violent men of the east. You attempt to cast the Southern Pact, an agreement of non-aggression that has kept its signatories in a relative peace for a decade, as the equivalency to an armed coalition who have precipitated a refugee crisis that now bleeds into our lands."

"The Southern Pact may not be perfect and all its members may not ascribe to those same values and beliefs I adhere to but I have never claimed to speak for all its members. The 'individualist chaos' your Church fears is the freedom to choose which my heart holds dear. Now, the right choice may not always be made but the choice shall be made by the one and he shall need to convince others if he wishes them to join him. In this way no frightening bloc of power coalesced around the teachings or preachings of one man may emerge."

"You asked what I would do if some legal scholar challenged my rule with grounded reason, I can tell you with confidence I would not do as the Church has done. I would not invite them to my home and have them killed. I would not condemn those who saw their reasoning to be killed. I would speak with them and I would try to find a compromise. You might posit a hypothetical where no compromise is to be found but I have read the tenets of Laskism from books brought west from the University in Caligonia and what I have read were not the unreasonable demands of a madman. Laska may be dead but there is a reason so many still cling to its tenets. It is because the Church refuses to bend, refuses to consider it may be wrong and those such as yourself who are supposed to have the power to do something instead remain silent."

Gideon looked away from Ava for the first time as he looked out over the other guests and addressed them as well, "Until the Church proves itself to be more than a veneer of righteousness over a band of conquerors I do not believe we should welcome its expansion in the south. Should it prove itself the noble institution it claims to be let me be the first to welcome its return but for so long as reformists are grouped with Gadists and silence reigns over good in the supreme halls of the Shishiyan Church I for one will not welcome it and ask others to consider the same."

He turned back to the Grand Mahangar, "Perhaps you can prove me wrong. Perhaps you can answer the question. What do you plan to do to prevent more 'crusades' against those who do not bend to the Church?"

[Aedilred]

He laughed.

It was involuntary, but he did not regret it. For nearly twenty years he had tried to forge the middle path, protecting the institutions of the Church, maintaining vigilance against the Enemy, and restraining the faith's warmongers, three balls he had struggled to keep in the air, and yet he failed to see how any man could have done better. Barely ten years ago, many in the south were bemoaning that he was an ogre, a warmongering fanatic set on destroying all that would not bend to his will. Now those selfsame folk stood before him and accused him of weakness, of inaction - of doing nothing.

If he could not laugh now, then when?

"They say that men fail to appreciate what they have until it is gone. From where you stand, shielded from the world by your wife, it appears to you that I do nothing. So when you ask me what I shall do, my answer is simple. I shall act in reality as I have in your perception, and do nothing. Perhaps in years to come you will come to wish that when I extended my hand in offer of friendship, you had not slapped it away."

He turned and made his way to leave without further comment.

[QuintonBeck]

Gideon watched the man leave for a moment before turning to address the other assembled dignitaries loud enough he was confident the Grand Mahangar could still hear him.

"Look now as the purported head of the Shishiyan Church flees mere questions regarding his office and its authority. Let us fear not the idle threats of a passive man sat upon an empty chair of office who holds no sway even among those who profess to follow his word. The Grand Mahangar will sacrifice decency and the good of his heart to compromise and capitulate to evil men swayed by promises of power from the Beast. Look upon this empty bull and see the Church does not wish to anger the violent men who claim allegiance. Listen to Ava Jay's empty excuses for himself and his predecessor and hear the coming excuses when next the Church's attack dogs turn upon a dissenting voice."

"I ask you all, implore you, let us not allow the cancerous institution that has become the Shishiyan Church to grow in these lands so long now held at peace by the good lords and ladies of this assembly. The teachings of the Church are not foul, the beliefs of Ananda while not my own still teach to follow the Exalted's lighted path, but what the Church has allowed itself to become is no longer an instrument of the Exalted's will. No, what now stands is an instrument for the will of conquerors headed by weak, silent men who will not struggle against the corruption now so deeply seated in its foundation. We cannot allow this Church to grow or it will consume the world and then itself. It must be checked, it must be stopped. We must raise our voice as one and say the Church as is will not be tolerated."

"Let the Church reform, let it grow beyond this regressive state, and let it be welcomed back among those allies of the good and decent but until that time we must do what we can to prevent it from consuming the diversity and freedom that makes Alade great."

[ShadowShrubbery]

Prince Artaln found the whole exchange between Emperor and Mahangar depressingly frustrating. Throwing around accusations of harms in the form of vague generalities, positing equivalencies that only existed for lack of detail, speaking in principle rather than fact, he found it all irksome. He considered speaking up and intervening, but given the clear emotional strain upon both parties decided better of it.

Casting about for something else worse pursuing, he noticed the detached presence of the delegation from Solmarest, lingering at the edge of the hall. Artaln had noted their presence among the invited parties and had studied the group accordingly, but had not actually expected them to attend. The dignitaries were not members of the royal family, but were a priest and a member of some sort of council – the Crythum – his memory supplied.

Carefully, the Prince approached. “Light of the Exalted upon you,” he offered, smiling gently. “I am Prince Artaln, of Yssa. I offer my greetings, and extend our friendship to another who calls the mountains home. I must note, I find the idea of a mountain realm to the north quite fascinating and would very much hope to visit as some point in the future.” Noting the somewhat puzzled expressions he’d seen on these delegates when they’d approached, he added. “While Yssa is not part of the heartland of Alade in the manner of some of the other delegations, we have done our best to know our neighbors. I am accounted some measure of a scholar and would be happy to answer any questions or manage any introductions as best I may.”

Bowing their heads in respect to the Prince, all 4 of the delegation couldn't help but smile. Povelum's head raised while the others' were still bowed; "May the Light of the Exalted be upon you and the land of Yssa. I am Povelum, the leader of this delegation. The thought of friendship between our lands is one that would make our King very happy. He believes that our isolationist past must come to an end, and usher in an era of friends and allies. Almost all Solmarestians agree. We are hoping after this Conference to split up and see the lands' of the other delegations. Maybe the land of Yssa will host one of us? Of course, the offer for you to come and visit Solmarest is always open, the King would be happy to have you in his palace. Please, take this white marble pendant from our quarry in the west of Solmarest as a sign of our friendship to come."

[Tentreto]

To Calagonia (Post Grand Mahangar post)
Sulayman bowed at Kalus and spoke quietly "Hello Elder Kalus, I am Sulaymen The Younger grand vizer to Hannibal, thank you for the printing press, documents of all sorts have began to circulate throughout the cities of Baalbek from dissertations on philosophy to news for sailors and merchants, your innovation has been a godsend. May the prophet Aqua, son of Varda, bless your endeavors with the Baalbeki junk. Do remember that any port in Baalbek is open to Caligonia for oceanic adventures." Sulaymen paused to recollect his thoughts "It seems the Grand Mahangar is accusing us of conspiracy, I question whether he can be trusted given recent events. "




"The Junk is certainly a marvel of Engineering Elder Sulayman replied Kalus, "We may in fact seek out the ocean in time ourselves, once our home is more stable."
Kalus frowned slightly, "I honestly do not think that he is accusing us of conspiracy though, especially as the first conference pre-empted all this conflict. I have met him and talked to him both publically and privately in the past, and I have not found him unwise or craven. I believe he can be trusted, though the actual question lies around if he will be listened to."




Gideon watched the man leave for a moment before turning to address the other assembled dignitaries loud enough he was confident the Grand Mahangar could still hear him.

"Look now as the purported head of the Shishiyan Church flees mere questions regarding his office and its authority. Let us fear not the idle threats of a passive man sat upon an empty chair of office who holds no sway even among those who profess to follow his word. The Grand Mahangar will sacrifice decency and the good of his heart to compromise and capitulate to evil men swayed by promises of power from the Beast. Look upon this empty bull and see the Church does not wish to anger the violent men who claim allegiance. Listen to Ava Jay's empty excuses for himself and his predecessor and hear the coming excuses when next the Church's attack dogs turn upon a dissenting voice."

"I ask you all, implore you, let us not allow the cancerous institution that has become the Shishiyan Church to grow in these lands so long now held at peace by the good lords and ladies of this assembly. The teachings of the Church are not foul, the beliefs of Ananda while not my own still teach to follow the Exalted's lighted path, but what the Church has allowed itself to become is no longer an instrument of the Exalted's will. No, what now stands is an instrument for the will of conquerors headed by weak, silent men who will not struggle against the corruption now so deeply seated in its foundation. We cannot allow this Church to grow or it will consume the world and then itself. It must be checked, it must be stopped. We must raise our voice as one and say the Church as is will not be tolerated."

"Let the Church reform, let it grow beyond this regressive state, and let it be welcomed back among those allies of the good and decent but until that time we must do what we can to prevent it from consuming the diversity and freedom that makes Alade great."


"And what reforms do you propose King Gideon?" Kalus' response was almost instantaneous. " It is fine to condemn those who use the church for their own measures, but it is naught but talk. From what you say, you appear to support the tenants of Laska being adopted, at least in part."
Kalus took a deep breath, and then exhaled. The church needed reform, yes, but for it to be dictated by a Kunist King, who was not even in his own house to a group, of whom most of which did not even follow Anada or even the Almighty? It was a little rich. There were dangerously few Shishiyan nations here anyway, so it fell to him to prevent Gideon from rabble rousing too much.

"Either way, as I was going to point out, with the conflict in the north, the actual point raised is moot. Any here would resist any other nation attempting to spread their doctrine unallowed anyway, almost as a matter of principle. Furthermore, to my knowledge, no one in the south has actively attacked any in the north, or attempted to impose themselves in anyway, apart from the incident with Sheol, which was resolved, so anyone actively trying to convert uninvited would likely find a large opposition anyway, without the need for such a moratorium."

Kalus gave a quick look around at the delegations who had been mostly quiet, especially those from pagan lands.
" Anyway, this conference is essentially a continuation of the previous one, not a debate on Shishiyanism. A pact of non-aggression and non-interference. I would assume simply by presence that the majority here would be willing to sign it?"

[QuintonBeck]

"The Junk is certainly a marvel of Engineering Elder Sulayman replied Kalus, "We may in fact seek out the ocean in time ourselves, once our home is more stable."
Kalus frowned slightly, "I honestly do not think that he is accusing us of conspiracy though, especially as the first conference pre-empted all this conflict. I have met him and talked to him both publically and privately in the past, and I have not found him unwise or craven. I believe he can be trusted, though the actual question lies around if he will be listened to."



"And what reforms do you propose King Gideon?" Kalus' response was almost instantaneous. " It is fine to condemn those who use the church for their own measures, but it is naught but talk. From what you say, you appear to support the tenants of Laska being adopted, at least in part."
Kalus took a deep breath, and then exhaled. The church needed reform, yes, but for it to be dictated by a Kunist King, who was not even in his own house to a group, of whom most of which did not even follow Anada or even the Almighty? It was a little rich. There were dangerously few Shishiyan nations here anyway, so it fell to him to prevent Gideon from rabble rousing too much.

"Either way, as I was going to point out, with the conflict in the north, the actual point raised is moot. Any here would resist any other nation attempting to spread their doctrine unallowed anyway, almost as a matter of principle. Furthermore, to my knowledge, no one in the south has actively attacked any in the north, or attempted to impose themselves in anyway, apart from the incident with Sheol, which was resolved, so anyone actively trying to convert uninvited would likely find a large opposition anyway, without the need for such a moratorium."

Kalus gave a quick look around at the delegations who had been mostly quiet, especially those from pagan lands.
" Anyway, this conference is essentially a continuation of the previous one, not a debate on Shishiyanism. A pact of non-aggression and non-interference. I would assume simply by presence that the majority here would be willing to sign it?"


Gideon nodded quietly as Kalus of Caligonia spoke his piece. Once he had finished Gideon answered.

"Perhaps I have been overly ambitious or paranoid in including this clause for as you say prevention of Shishiyan proselytizing would be likely to occur with or without its inclusion. However, it was my hope that we in the south, who have succeeded in maintaining peace between Kunist, Shishiyan, Pagan, and Laskist might raise our voice as one and use that unity to speak openly in opposition to the actions taken by the Shishiyan Church in recent years. The Grand Mahangar preached silence in the face of evil men, to allow them to upend and destroy opposition without so much as a word against them. I speak for the opposite. I encourage agitation and a demand for accountability and change."

"I do not wish to be arbiter on what constitutes reform in the Church there are many more qualified than myself to judge such things, among them no doubt the Laskist scholars and learned men of Caligonia, but I do consider myself able to recognize corruption and coercion. I will stand against these tools of the Beast and invite others to join me. However, if the inclusion of this clause threatens the stability and safety we have created let it be removed. Zhentanna will put its name to such a condemnation but will not ask its neighbors to do so if they do not desire to."

"You are correct that I propose a continuation of our Pact signed over one decade prior and too do I encourage the members of this Pact to seek allies here among neighbors and friends. This is to be a celebration of the peace and prosperity brought on by our southern actions and cooperation not a critique of the ever-turbulent north. If all present here are amenable to a twenty year renewal of our previous Southern Pact I shall consider this gathering a grand success."

[lt_murgen]

She forced her attention from her indignant wanderings back to a man she was actually quite fond of.

"A beautiful gift." She murmured as her eyes took in the graceful creatures he had brought to her. Her eyes roamed to a distant corner where the Court's children where being minded and frowned slightly.

"Perhaps later, your daughter will be brought to greet you. She is abed for nap time at the moment, it would seem." Her voice was almost apologetic and she bid excuse for their daughter's absence.

"I would be delighted. In the deeds of Kings and Magahars, naught compares to parenthood. She is blessed to be brought up in your wise court. I know you have much planned for the leaders attending this conference, but I will make time for the child, I swear."




"They say that men fail to appreciate what they have until it is gone. From where you stand, shielded from the world by your wife, it appears to you that I do nothing. So when you ask me what I shall do, my answer is simple. I shall act in reality as I have in your perception, and do nothing. Perhaps in years to come you will come to wish that when I extended my hand in offer of friendship, you had not slapped it away."

He turned and made his way to leave without further comment.

He stood and followed the Grand Mahangar out, though he could hear King Gideon behind him. As a true believer, he looked to the man for guidance and wisdom. But he seemed to have mis-played his hand. Yes, the isles were hardly bastions of faith. Theological discussion was a favored past-time of certain wealthy traders. But perhaps he could be, as always, a broker. He waited until they were out of sight of the main hall before speaking.

"Grand Mahanger, before you leave. What had you hoped to accomplish here? You spoke of friendship, but came without understanding how Southerners view relationships. Did you come to seek help with the northern invaders? You took the lead where you should have stood in support of Prince Johannes, and allow him to call the South to his aid. You condemn their silence in the light of Sheolim agression, yet I stood as a guest in your home and watched you stand for caution and discussion instead of confrontation.

One night think you were being deliberately provacative. Now that the Lakists are gone, a Kunist affront could be a new crusade. But the northern water-demons are about to consume your greatest armies. So you would be a fool to start a conflict now.

So which one is it?"

[PepperP.]

Gehenna

Queen Amara watched the Grand Mahangar contemplatively as he turned and left. How a man of such thin skin had managed to maintain power for so long was baffling. Perhaps he was the sort who surrounded himself with fawners and sycophants. She could merely speculate by the impression he had given thus far, which was far from favorable. Her three year old toddler took criticism better. But then, she was not the Grand Mahangar's Mother, nor Gideon his Father. She stood and raised a hand to Gideon in a halting motion, bidding her husband to give others a chance to speak their minds. She descended a couple of steps down from the raised dias of her throne.

"The Grand Mahangar came to Marad in good faith and is a guest in my home." Her eyes fell upon her husband, her expression neutral even as she mildly chided him with her tone. She favored her husband with a rare smile, a gentle thing to soften the sting of her criticism.

"Just as you are all guests here." She turned to encompass the entire room.

"We have Shi followers amongst us, as well as Laskists, Kunists, Pagans. Heathens he would call you. Scarcely worth the air you breathe in his mind it would seem." She began to pace as she spoke.

"I have called you all friend since the last treaty term, and I tell you that I do still." She gestured towards the Xin Kun Emporer,

"Have I not welcomed you despite our different beliefs?" She looked to Hannibal,

"Have I not welcomed your ambassador into my lands and home?" She pointed at the Yssan Prince,

"Have I not ridden the ceremonial Ibex in friendship?" She turned her attention back to the assemblage,

"The Grand Mahangar claims diversity in the North makes him weak. I say it's what makes the South strong. We are not gathered here today because of some ephemeral sense of divine duty, we are here by choice. Ten years ago we made a choice to have peace in the south. Now it is time to make that choice again, because I promise you it is a choice." She focused on Kalus of Caligonia as he voiced his concerns and nodded as he finished and her husband replied with a more moderate tone.

"Unlike the Northerners, the South stands unified but independently so." She turned to her husband,

"It is not for us to dictate what autonomous people do within their own realms. We hold no power over each other but that which we choose to allow. It is this fundamental difference that I fear the Grand Mahangar does not, or perhaps can not understand." She turned back to the crowd,

"However, I would ask you all to consider very carefully before spreading the Shi faith within your lands, for in doing so you might fall under sway of that man. And we have seen what happens to those kingdoms who allowed themselves to be swayed by those ruled by fear, by his own admission. Are any of you beholden to anyone to do as we ask?" She raised her empty palms in a supplicating gesture.

"No and you never will be, for this is the way of the South. We come together and discuss our differences. Our ways are the old ways, as we are the kingdoms of the ancient people and as such have not been impervious to pride ourselves, which is the burden of all men." Her smile grew wider.

"And women. I will personally speak with the Grand Mahangar this evening. I am confident that if he a reasonable man, we can come to an accord, if not in friendship then in mutual tolerance." Her eyes passed again to her husband, her expression ambivalent.

"Let our discussion turn towards the signing of the treaty once more." She looked out to the gathered delegates once more as an invitaiton for others to speak their minds.

[Aedilred]

He stood and followed the Grand Mahangar out, though he could hear King Gideon behind him. As a true believer, he looked to the man for guidance and wisdom. But he seemed to have mis-played his hand. Yes, the isles were hardly bastions of faith. Theological discussion was a favored past-time of certain wealthy traders. But perhaps he could be, as always, a broker. He waited until they were out of sight of the main hall before speaking.

"Grand Mahanger, before you leave. What had you hoped to accomplish here? You spoke of friendship, but came without understanding how Southerners view relationships. Did you come to seek help with the northern invaders? You took the lead where you should have stood in support of Prince Johannes, and allow him to call the South to his aid. You condemn their silence in the light of Sheolim agression, yet I stood as a guest in your home and watched you stand for caution and discussion instead of confrontation.

One night think you were being deliberately provacative. Now that the Lakists are gone, a Kunist affront could be a new crusade. But the northern water-demons are about to consume your greatest armies. So you would be a fool to start a conflict now.

So which one is it?"
The Grand Mahangar paused and turned, listening to the man speak. He was oddly touched, regardless of whether the conversation was appropriate, that there was at least one person here concerned enough to try to counsel him. Close to, Ava Jay looked exhausted, the ten years since Shanadeer weighing on him more like twenty, and whatever energy he had mustered for the conference hall was clearly deserting him.

"My greatest achievement in office was securing the freedom of the congregations of Kumlasaf without a war," he said, sadly, "and for that, it seems the Kunists name me warmonger. I have never desired war, never sought it, but it seems to find me all the same. I came in the hope I could repair whatever damage was done in turning back the Sheolim invasion and improve relations with a faith I have always held in high regard. I have always considered Kunism a natural ally of the Church - until today. In Shanadeer I thought King Urut proud, but reasonable. Yet today King Gideon appeared determined to condemn the Church on whatever grounds he could find. Laskism, reform of the Church? Why are these concerns of Gideon's, a man who rejects the very premise of the Church itself? How could I possibly justify making reforms to the Church on the basis of his opinion? And yet I believe that had I done anything but that, or undertaken never again to raise arms against a foe without his approval, there was nothing I could have said to change his course.

"The war against Adler is foolish, and unnecessary, and wasteful, and I wish it had not happened, but it is not unwarranted. It was their choice to harbour sworn enemies of the Church, no shrinking violets neither, but armed warriors who have succeeded in toppling a Shishiyan monarch; it was the choice of Adler to lie about doing so, and then to deploy troops in protection of those heretics. On what grounds should I have interceded to defend Adler? They brought this fate upon themselves. Sheol, meanwhile, has sent forth its armies on the stated grounds that its foes had the temerity to defend themselves against attempted conquest. The Adlern are bemoaned as victims; the Altimians, no less blameless, receive no sympathy. For failing to speak up in defence of my enemy, I am called weak and ineffective; the Sheolim invasion passes without comment. The hypocrisy is breathtaking. Yet even then it was not to condemn the Sheolim that I raised the subject but merely to acknowledge that neither of us came to this meeting with clean hands. That by accepting and moving beyond our common failings we could find shared ground, yet it would seem we cannot move past them.

"So to answer your question, I do not desire conflict with the south, nor anyone, save for agents of the Enemy. Yet nor can I, in my position, shy away from conflict if it is foisted upon me. And to answer his question, of what I do -" he said it with a hint of sarcasm. "I protect the interests of the Exalted and the Church. And I shall defend those interests against any who threaten them, with or without his help, and with or without his approval. And should he threaten them himself, he shall find me no less prepared to raise the sword against him, though I do so with regret."

He seemed to become somewhat re-energised as he spoke, as if, while unwilling to answer to the heathen lords in the hall, he had discovered some renewed certainty in addressing the question.

[Geckus]

As the Khada’s ambassador to the lands of Gehenna and Zhentanna, Thriti had of course taken it upon herself to act as their delegate to this second conference of the southern nations; the last had earned her her twelfth ring, making her one of the most powerful and influential individuals within the Realm of the Godly, answerable only to the Khada themselves. She had chosen a seat to Gideon’s left, close enough to show her support even in silence.

Standing just behind her mother with a hand resting on the back of her chair, Artunis watched the initial byplay between King Gideon and the Grand Mahangar with interest; both were powerful men, each prideful in their own way (rightfully so, in her regard) and adept with words and thoughts. A delighted grin crossed her features with each jab thrown at the northern pontiff, clearly marking which viewpoint she favoured, though fear of a reprimand from her mother kept any words from crossing her lips.

As Queen Amara urged the delegates back to discussing the treaty, Thriti coughed lightly and spoke up for the first time. “The pagan malcontent of the east,” said with a barely perceptible smile, “is inclined to agree to a continuation of the terms of the treaty; they have served the realms of the south admirably to this point, and we anticipate they shall continue to do so. By the time this year is out, the Realm of the Godly will be made whole once more; let the coming years be ones of unity for the rest of the south as well.”


http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj579/Geckus/Thriti%20and%20Artunis.jpg

[Lleban]

To all

Seeing the...admittedly justified criticism took Hannibal aback, it now seemed highly unlikely he would get the reassurances he saught. Eager to Move the conference forward he projected his gravely voice " Friends, rivals, Southerners, lend me your ears there is a danger we have forgotten. As we argue the SEA DEMONS take their bloody hands and are wiping a swathe of destruction across over a thousand miles of coastline. The delegation from Gleiss can attest to their ferocity. As the Sea demons have been spotted as far south as Jaunder, so I ask you all here. How should we assist Gleiss and what can be done to destroy these Sea demons as soon as possible? After all if the went as far as Jaunder, what stops more raiders from going further south?

Its quite clear a political entity north of us has set its sights on our lands, we must be prepared."

[Lord_Burch]

When the delegation of Gleiss was announced in the throne room, Queen Amara stood in anticipation of this first meeting between Gehenna and her Northern brethren in faith. She took in their words, thinking heavily upon their import before she responded.

"There is no affront but the indignities you have suffered to be here. It is with the greatest joy that I receive you just as you are, perfect, for you are our beacon of hope and light in the North." Greatly moved by her fellow faithful's humility, Amara embraced the pair each in turn.

"It is I who have a gift for you." Her smile turned playful as she motioned her maid, Ianna to her, who handed her Queen two small open-faced boxes. each held within then a sparkling silver mithral pendant wrought in the shape of a moon that dangled from a chain made of the same wondrous material.

"There is much to discuss between us, but first please refresh yourselves after your arduous and harrowing journey." The Queen once again motioned to the ever-faithful Ianna who brought the pair two glasses of cool water infused with citrus from the gardens above.


Some small amount of tension leaves Maari's shoulders as she accepts the gifts, looping one over Johannes' head before donning her own. Thank you, good Queen. Your hospitality and generosity gladden me in these troubling times.


Gideon reached out to clasp Johannes' forearm and locked eyes with the younger man, "Your father fights to protect the many innocent followers of the Exalted from the forces of the Beast, there is nothing to regret in his absence here." he released the prince's arm and continued, "There yet remains much to celebrate of your presence however, Prince Johannes.

"It is a pleasure to lay eyes upon our closest northern allies and fellow Kunists. It is my deepest hope that Zhentanna and Gehenna may serve as a respite from the ravages of the northern coast and continue to offer as we always have our support and aid to your kingdom and its people."

"I hope you will join myself and our Kunist brothers and sisters in attending a private ritual later this evening. I am told it will reveal much that is now hidden. I do not know the details but I hope it may provide some aid in repudiating the agents of the Enemy who seem now more prevalent than ever."

Smiling, Johannes replied, Thank you, good King. My father will be pleased to hear of our fine reception. Growing somber at the mention of the raiders, Johannes continued in a graver tone. Whatever support you can lend, it will be welcome. My father has stretched our forces thin– he has had a notion to attempt to defend Medved as well as Ciriya– and I fear for his safety and the safety of our nation.

Will you mind if I join my husband, my lord? I do not hold to your religion– though not for lack of trying of my dear Johannes– but I would dearly like to see what you have in store.


To all

Seeing the...admittedly justified criticism took Hannibal aback, it now seemed highly unlikely he would get the reassurances he saught. Eager to Move the conference forward he projected his gravely voice " Friends, rivals, Southerners, lend me your ears there is a danger we have forgotten. As we argue the SEA DEMONS take their bloody hands and are wiping a swathe of destruction across over a thousand miles of coastline. The delegation from Gleiss can attest to their ferocity. As the Sea demons have been spotted as far south as Jaunder, so I ask you all here. How should we assist Gleiss and what can be done to destroy these Sea demons as soon as possible? After all if the went as far as Jaunder, what stops more raiders from going further south?

Its quite clear a political entity north of us has set its sights on our lands, we must be prepared."

For most of the proceedings, Gleiss' representatives had been standing aside; southern politics mattered little to them in the best of times, and with thousands of raiders threatening Ciriya, no effort could be spared for issues so far from home. Hearing Hannibal speaking, however, Prince Johannes stepped forward.Hannibal has the right of it! These raiders may seem distant now, but if Gleiss or Jauder were to fall, it would be like the first in a set of dominos. Who knows how far the demons could reach? Please, I beseech you– send whatever aid you can. We must confront and defeat the threat now, as one, before they can divide us all.


As she sees the Grand Mahangar turn heel and leave, Maari leaves Johannes side and attempts to make her way through the assembled dignitaries. Upon making her way outside, she briefly feared that she had lost the man– before hearing his voice, apparently speaking to the Tito Nicodemo. Maari hoped she could convince the man to intercede on behalf of Ciriya, if not Gleiss– the kingdom and its rulers may not follow the Orthodoxy, but those in Ciriya had always held true to the faith.

Grand Mahangar! If I could have a moment, please. I know that, right now, you hold little love for Kunists. I do not beseech you on behalf of Gleiss or Kunism, however, but on behalf of those in Ciriya. Long have the people of the City been faithful to the Orthodox Church. I beg of you, good man. Send whatever aid you can. I fear that it will be sorely needed in the coming days.

[Rain Dragon]

After what had happened and regrettably having played a large part of it, the Emperor was hesitant to speak again. At some quiet urging from Huan in their native language as well as a glance from Suika, the Emperor spoke once more, "Xin Kun would also be interested in the continuation of the current treaty. Furthermore, we have not heard much of these 'sea demons' and would know more before deciding upon appropriate action. From what we have heard, however, something must be done. The tales of these people paint them as ruthless, selfish fiends who would if left alone devastate Celessa's coastlines."

[Mechalich]

Bowing their heads in respect to the Prince, all 4 of the delegation couldn't help but smile. Povelum's head raised while the others' were still bowed; "May the Light of the Exalted be upon you and the land of Yssa. I am Povelum, the leader of this delegation. The thought of friendship between our lands is one that would make our King very happy. He believes that our isolationist past must come to an end, and usher in an era of friends and allies. Almost all Solmarestians agree. We are hoping after this Conference to split up and see the lands' of the other delegations. Maybe the land of Yssa will host one of us? Of course, the offer for you to come and visit Solmarest is always open, the King would be happy to have you in his palace. Please, take this white marble pendant from our quarry in the west of Solmarest as a sign of our friendship to come."

The Prince smiled. "I thank you for your gift. Of course Yssa would be only too happy to host a member of your delegation. Regrettably I cannot promise an audience with my father, I fear he is like to be in the field extensively until this crisis of seafaring northerners is resolved, but I assure you that Yssa need not be defined only by matters martial. Your offer to visit Solmarest is most welcome. I shall endeavor to make the trip in due course."

"Let our discussion turn towards the signing of the treaty once more." She looked out to the gathered delegates once more as an invitaiton for others to speak their minds.

The Prince turned to the Queen, bowing deeply. "Once before, your highness, Yssa expressed our regret at our inability to sign this agree, and today I must again express my deep sympathies to yourself, to your honored husband, and indeed to all those assembled. Our state retains an ongoing dispute with Sheol and we dare not bind our hands in the face of their actions, which may touch our citizens beyond the shores of Alade. I hope this choice does not give offense to any present, and I am happy to entertain diplomatic discussions from any and all who have come otherwise."

Turning to the King of Baalbek and the representatives from Gleiss he continued. "I share your deep concerns regarding this overseas invasion. My father has personally directed me to relay his desire to meet this enemy in battle and aid the defenders. However, we are presently limited by the tyranny of distance. Yssa stands further than all others from the advance of this foe, and as such I am forced to appeal to others in the hope of working together in order to make a meaningful contribution."

[QuintonBeck]

As the Khada’s ambassador to the lands of Gehenna and Zhentanna, Thriti had of course taken it upon herself to act as their delegate to this second conference of the southern nations; the last had earned her her twelfth ring, making her one of the most powerful and influential individuals within the Realm of the Godly, answerable only to the Khada themselves. She had chosen a seat to Gideon’s left, close enough to show her support even in silence.

Standing just behind her mother with a hand resting on the back of her chair, Artunis watched the initial byplay between King Gideon and the Grand Mahangar with interest; both were powerful men, each prideful in their own way (rightfully so, in her regard) and adept with words and thoughts. A delighted grin crossed her features with each jab thrown at the northern pontiff, clearly marking which viewpoint she favoured, though fear of a reprimand from her mother kept any words from crossing her lips.

As Queen Amara urged the delegates back to discussing the treaty, Thriti coughed lightly and spoke up for the first time. “The pagan malcontent of the east,” said with a barely perceptible smile, “is inclined to agree to a continuation of the terms of the treaty; they have served the realms of the south admirably to this point, and we anticipate they shall continue to do so. By the time this year is out, the Realm of the Godly will be made whole once more; let the coming years be ones of unity for the rest of the south as well.”


http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj579/Geckus/Thriti%20and%20Artunis.jpg




To all

Seeing the...admittedly justified criticism took Hannibal aback, it now seemed highly unlikely he would get the reassurances he saught. Eager to Move the conference forward he projected his gravely voice " Friends, rivals, Southerners, lend me your ears there is a danger we have forgotten. As we argue the SEA DEMONS take their bloody hands and are wiping a swathe of destruction across over a thousand miles of coastline. The delegation from Gleiss can attest to their ferocity. As the Sea demons have been spotted as far south as Jaunder, so I ask you all here. How should we assist Gleiss and what can be done to destroy these Sea demons as soon as possible? After all if the went as far as Jaunder, what stops more raiders from going further south?

Its quite clear a political entity north of us has set its sights on our lands, we must be prepared."




After what had happened and regrettably having played a large part of it, the Emperor was hesitant to speak again. At some quiet urging from Huan in their native language as well as a glance from Suika, the Emperor spoke once more, "Xin Kun would also be interested in the continuation of the current treaty. Furthermore, we have not heard much of these 'sea demons' and would know more before deciding upon appropriate action. From what we have heard, however, something must be done. The tales of these people paint them as ruthless, selfish fiends who would if left alone devastate Celessa's coastlines."


For most of the proceedings, Gleiss' representatives had been standing aside; southern politics mattered little to them in the best of times, and with thousands of raiders threatening Ciriya, no effort could be spared for issues so far from home. Hearing Hannibal speaking, however, Prince Johannes stepped forward.Hannibal has the right of it! These raiders may seem distant now, but if Gleiss or Jauder were to fall, it would be like the first in a set of dominos. Who knows how far the demons could reach? Please, I beseech you– send whatever aid you can. We must confront and defeat the threat now, as one, before they can divide us all.




"Let our discussion turn towards the signing of the treaty once more." She looked out to the gathered delegates once more as an invitaiton for others to speak their minds.

The Prince turned to the Queen, bowing deeply. "Once before, your highness, Yssa expressed our regret at our inability to sign this agree, and today I must again express my deep sympathies to yourself, to your honored husband, and indeed to all those assembled. Our state retains an ongoing dispute with Sheol and we dare not bind our hands in the face of their actions, which may touch our citizens beyond the shores of Alade. I hope this choice does not give offense to any present, and I am happy to entertain diplomatic discussions from any and all who have come otherwise."

Turning to the King of Baalbek and the representatives from Gleiss he continued. "I share your deep concerns regarding this overseas invasion. My father has personally directed me to relay his desire to meet this enemy in battle and aid the defenders. However, we are presently limited by the tyranny of distance. Yssa stands further than all others from the advance of this foe, and as such I am forced to appeal to others in the hope of working together in order to make a meaningful contribution."


As the conversation moved forward Gideon sat back down and observed the dignitaries. When Thriti spoke of her realm as one of pagan malcontents Gideon tried to suppress a grin at hearing his own words now from the lips of his lover and reached out a hand to cover one of her own as a sign of apology. Thriti had been serving in his court as ambassador for the Realm of the Godly for as long now as the Southern Pact had been observed. The two had been almost constant companions on most evenings though the lack of pregnancy kept matters from becoming too tense with Amara and those within the court who held more religiously conservative views. His momentary distraction in the touch of Thriti was ended however as the Baalbek representative voiced his concern regarding the Red Hand. Gideon was quiet a moment as the others voiced their thoughts and took a moment of relative quiet to interject his own.

"Though Gleiss received its invitation for reasons relating to the ritual to be performed by Queen Amara I expected when the news arrived of the Red Hand invasion that our conversation might turn to its advancing danger. I have never been minded for battle tactics or warfare and I do not claim to know what course of action might aid us. Perhaps, Sheol or Khada'aldul as major military powers might offer some advice? Prince Johannes, what might your realm desire as aid? As Prince Artaln rightfully points out, distance prevents many assembled here from sending troops as aid."

"I do however encourage those concerned with the northern invasions to aid in any way you can. Zhentanna is built on trade and investment and seeks now to use our profits to aid the cause of Gleiss in defending the coast from hostile invaders by buying the daggers and swords of these foreign soldiers to turn upon their leaders. Perhaps others with the capability might do the same."

"While I may have my differences with the Grand Mahangar and the more violent members of his flock I have heard only of noble deeds by the goblins of Jauder and their leader, the Grand Knight. My agents in Gleiss speak of a Medved turned away from its barbarous past by its new ruler now set upon by far more vicious barbarians. Let us show the world that not only does the south stand united with itself but that we will support Gleiss, Medved, Jauder, and all who will stand and fight these foreign slavers."



Smiling, Johannes replied, Thank you, good King. My father will be pleased to hear of our fine reception. Growing somber at the mention of the raiders, Johannes continued in a graver tone. Whatever support you can lend, it will be welcome. My father has stretched our forces thin– he has had a notion to attempt to defend Medved as well as Ciriya– and I fear for his safety and the safety of our nation.

Will you mind if I join my husband, my lord? I do not hold to your religion– though not for lack of trying of my dear Johannes– but I would dearly like to see what you have in store.

Gideon had only skimmed the most recent report from Ishael, having seen mention of Medved vassalage but not having had time to delve further. He decided now might not be the best opportunity to discuss the northern situation but he would be sure to speak to the prince privately before he departed to return home.

"Of course, it is my and my wife's hope that all here who walk in the light of the Exalted might serve as witness to this ritual." Gideon paused as he realized he was unsure of Maari's faith, "We welcome pagans as well to witness but fear it may not hold as great an impact upon believers in foreign faiths."

[lt_murgen]

"So to answer your question, I do not desire conflict with the south, nor anyone, save for agents of the Enemy. Yet nor can I, in my position, shy away from conflict if it is foisted upon me. And to answer his question, of what I do -" he said it with a hint of sarcasm. "I protect the interests of the Exalted and the Church. And I shall defend those interests against any who threaten them, with or without his help, and with or without his approval. And should he threaten them himself, he shall find me no less prepared to raise the sword against him, though I do so with regret."

He seemed to become somewhat re-energised as he spoke, as if, while unwilling to answer to the heathen lords in the hall, he had discovered some renewed certainty in addressing the question.

Felipe nodded his head in understanding. "Sheol is something the south must address, now or later. History has shown them to be expansionist and bloodthirsty. But it is in the name of history and perceived birthright, not in the name of the Exalted. The first Southern Conference did nothing to temper such ambitions." He said sadly.

"But that isn't what drives those here today, your Holiness. It is fear. While the south has exercise restraint, the north has seen a decade of war and crusade. Territorial ambition and devout conversion has been muddled to the advantage of certain aggressive lords. The armies tied to devout followers in the north outnumber the Kunists in the south by over 3 to 1. Is it unreasonable for them to fear being seen as another target? With invaders to the north, would they not sit idle and allow those armies to bear the brunt of the assault, at least initially?

"Truly, I think your Bull was seen as timid in light of those fears. King Aldus in particular, I believe, had hoped for a stronger condemnation from you. In the least, a gently-worded demand that crusades in the name of the church be blessed BEFORE they happen. But when challenged on what you would do to to prevent more crusades, your reply was that you would do nothing. Assuredly, words spoken in the heat of debate. Yet unsettling to the Kunist lords who fear becoming a target."

[Tentreto]

As the conversation moved forward Gideon sat back down and observed the dignitaries. When Thriti spoke of her realm as one of pagan malcontents Gideon tried to suppress a grin at hearing his own words now from the lips of his lover and reached out a hand to cover one of her own as a sign of apology. Thriti had been serving in his court as ambassador for the Realm of the Godly for as long now as the Southern Pact had been observed. The two had been almost constant companions on most evenings though the lack of pregnancy kept matters from becoming too tense with Amara and those within the court who held more religiously conservative views. His momentary distraction in the touch of Thriti was ended however as the Baalbek representative voiced his concern regarding the Red Hand. Gideon was quiet a moment as the others voiced their thoughts and took a moment of relative quiet to interject his own.

"Though Gleiss received its invitation for reasons relating to the ritual to be performed by Queen Amara I expected when the news arrived of the Red Hand invasion that our conversation might turn to its advancing danger. I have never been minded for battle tactics or warfare and I do not claim to know what course of action might aid us. Perhaps, Sheol or Khada'aldul as major military powers might offer some advice? Prince Johannes, what might your realm desire as aid? As Prince Artaln rightfully points out, distance prevents many assembled here from sending troops as aid."

"I do however encourage those concerned with the northern invasions to aid in any way you can. Zhentanna is built on trade and investment and seeks now to use our profits to aid the cause of Gleiss in defending the coast from hostile invaders by buying the daggers and swords of these foreign soldiers to turn upon their leaders. Perhaps others with the capability might do the same."

"While I may have my differences with the Grand Mahangar and the more violent members of his flock I have heard only of noble deeds by the goblins of Jauder and their leader, the Grand Knight. My agents in Gleiss speak of a Medved turned away from its barbarous past by its new ruler now set upon by far more vicious barbarians. Let us show the world that not only does the south stand united with itself but that we will support Gleiss, Medved, Jauder, and all who will stand and fight these foreign slavers."



Gideon had only skimmed the most recent report from Ishael, having seen mention of Medved vassalage but not having had time to delve further. He decided now might not be the best opportunity to discuss the northern situation but he would be sure to speak to the prince privately before he departed to return home.

"Of course, it is my and my wife's hope that all here who walk in the light of the Exalted might serve as witness to this ritual." Gideon paused as he realized he was unsure of Maari's faith, "We welcome pagans as well to witness but fear it may not hold as great an impact upon believers in foreign faiths."

A ritual? Kalus was tempted to speak up about this, but he held his tongue. He would ask afterwards; their had already been enough bickering between the followers of the Almighty, and no reason to continue it.

Kalus was worried about the raiders however. They appeared to be at least northern, as the south had been untouched, but they could easily come down here, to less defended areas. More importantly however, these raiders might provide some clue to the homeland of the Calis, which would be a great discovery for his people. He hoped.
"Caligonia may not have a large military, but we do have some minds focused on discovery and innovation at the University. If we had access to the ships, we could attempt to understand them ourselves: find their range, strengths, and use that to fight them."


just to note, Caligonia may be Laskist, but does portray itself as Shishiyan mostly, so calling Caligonia Laskist will not go down well with Kalus.

[Geckus]

Perhaps, Sheol or Khada'aldul as major military powers might offer some advice?

In her years as ambassador to the courts of Gideon and Amara, Thriti had come to care deeply for the foreign rulers, and though she could not admit it, even to herself, her bond to the handsome King had grown beyond simple passion; just the touch of his hand upon hers, a simple gesture, sent a thrill through her body and she wished nothing more than raise that hand to her cheek and feel the warmth of his skin there. But her heart and body bent now, as always, to her will; it was this more than anything that had carried her to the heights of power among the talrud, and so she reacted with nothing more than a slight inclination of her head to acknowledge the contact and took the invitation to address the Baalbeki leader and the gathered delegates.

“What would you have us do, Hannibal? We could send our legions north to meet these so-called Sea Demon’s in battle, but at what price? To support an army worthy of the name at such a distance would be costly in men and supplies both. The most direct route would have us cross through territory held by the dogs of Slavia and the fanatics of Shamaran; do you think they would allow such a crossing or that we would risk their revoking such passage once our brave mharvad were trapped in the far north? To go by sea would require both more and better vessels than we possess, not to mention that we would be forced to engage those raiders assaulting the…creatures…of Jauder, or risk attack or interference from a strong force at our back.”

“If these raiders come to the south, we are willing to stand with those of our friends and neighbours who have proven their trustworthiness to repel them, but barring some great change in circumstance, I see no reason to throw away the lives of thousands of my countrymen for the sake of those who are all but unknown to me.”

Edited for extra characterization.

[Lleban]

Scanning the crowds reaction Hannibal added "Logistics prevent many of us from delivering direct aide though, the nation of Baalbek will provide Gleiss with some support. Weather military or no is still within question and can be addressed later."

Ill devote either a military or intrigue action to helping, I'm not sure which if you have a specific suggestion PM me.

To Khada'aldul

Sulayman searched for Thriti within the crowd, politely weaving between emissaries and whispered to the woman "Perhaps it'd be beneficial if Baalbek and Khada'adul exchanged ambassadors, after all as our closest neighbors it seems we should be in closer communication."

[Lord_Burch]

Gideon had only skimmed the most recent report from Ishael, having seen mention of Medved vassalage but not having had time to delve further. He decided now might not be the best opportunity to discuss the northern situation but he would be sure to speak to the prince privately before he departed to return home.

"Of course, it is my and my wife's hope that all here who walk in the light of the Exalted might serve as witness to this ritual." Gideon paused as he realized he was unsure of Maari's faith, "We welcome pagans as well to witness but fear it may not hold as great an impact upon believers in foreign faiths."

Laughing, Maari replies as the couple turns away to take their place for the meeting. Oh, don't be afraid, Gideon. We in Ciriya are not so far from the blessing of the Exalted as to be pagans.


As the conversation moved forward Gideon sat back down and observed the dignitaries. When Thriti spoke of her realm as one of pagan malcontents Gideon tried to suppress a grin at hearing his own words now from the lips of his lover and reached out a hand to cover one of her own as a sign of apology. Thriti had been serving in his court as ambassador for the Realm of the Godly for as long now as the Southern Pact had been observed. The two had been almost constant companions on most evenings though the lack of pregnancy kept matters from becoming too tense with Amara and those within the court who held more religiously conservative views. His momentary distraction in the touch of Thriti was ended however as the Baalbek representative voiced his concern regarding the Red Hand. Gideon was quiet a moment as the others voiced their thoughts and took a moment of relative quiet to interject his own.

"Though Gleiss received its invitation for reasons relating to the ritual to be performed by Queen Amara I expected when the news arrived of the Red Hand invasion that our conversation might turn to its advancing danger. I have never been minded for battle tactics or warfare and I do not claim to know what course of action might aid us. Perhaps, Sheol or Khada'aldul as major military powers might offer some advice? Prince Johannes, what might your realm desire as aid? As Prince Artaln rightfully points out, distance prevents many assembled here from sending troops as aid."

"I do however encourage those concerned with the northern invasions to aid in any way you can. Zhentanna is built on trade and investment and seeks now to use our profits to aid the cause of Gleiss in defending the coast from hostile invaders by buying the daggers and swords of these foreign soldiers to turn upon their leaders. Perhaps others with the capability might do the same."

"While I may have my differences with the Grand Mahangar and the more violent members of his flock I have heard only of noble deeds by the goblins of Jauder and their leader, the Grand Knight. My agents in Gleiss speak of a Medved turned away from its barbarous past by its new ruler now set upon by far more vicious barbarians. Let us show the world that not only does the south stand united with itself but that we will support Gleiss, Medved, Jauder, and all who will stand and fight these foreign slavers."





A ritual? Kalus was tempted to speak up about this, but he held his tongue. He would ask afterwards; their had already been enough bickering between the followers of the Almighty, and no reason to continue it.

Kalus was worried about the raiders however. They appeared to be at least northern, as the south had been untouched, but they could easily come down here, to less defended areas. More importantly however, these raiders might provide some clue to the homeland of the Calis, which would be a great discovery for his people. He hoped.
"Caligonia may not have a large military, but we do have some minds focused on discovery and innovation at the University. If we had access to the ships, we could attempt to understand them ourselves: find their range, strengths, and use that to fight them."


just to note, Caligonia may be Laskist, but does portray itself as Shishiyan mostly, so calling Caligonia Laskist will not go down well with Kalus.


At Gideon’s invitation to respond, Thriti addresses both the Baalbeki leader and the room at large.

“What would you have us do, Hannibal? We could send our legions north to meet these so-called Sea Demon’s in battle, but at what price? To support an army worthy of the name at such a distance would be costly in men and supplies both. The most direct route would have us cross through territory held by the dogs of Slavia and the fanatics of Shamaran; do you think they would allow such a crossing or that we would risk their revoking such passage once our brave mharvad were trapped in the far north? To go by sea would require both more and better vessels than we possess, not to mention that we would be forced to engage those raiders assaulting the…creatures…of Jauder, or risk attack or interference from a strong force at our back.”

“If these raiders come to the south, we are willing to stand with those of our friends and neighbours who have proven their trustworthiness to repel them, but barring some great change in circumstance, I see no reason to throw away the lives of thousands of my countrymen for the sake of those who are all but unknown to me.”

Stepping forth once more as Thriti finishes, Johannes moves to address his concerns.

I do not ask you to deploy your legions in full force, good man. I recognize how a journey so far and so arduous would be burdensome to your armies. A significantly smaller force could be moved much easier, however. Even a thousand men could make the difference in the battle– and they would at a lesser risk than if you deployed your entire army. Nor would their absence leave you defenseless, should some other threat leave you in need of an army. Or, if you'd prefer, a few well-placed knives in the night could be worth an entire army by themselves; leave the raiders leaderless, and their armies will quickly fall.

Turning to address Kalus, Johannes makes a deep bow to the man.

And my thanks to you, Kalus. If you can send some of your famed scholars, they will be given a warm welcome and whatever materials they need.

[ShadowShrubbery]

Deciding to step forward, Povelum makes his voice heard.

The delegation from Solmarest regrets that we are still too small a Kingdom to offer much assistance to these efforts. You have welcomed us so openly that we already feel a strong bond between all of your lands and ours. If we are able to help in any way, please let us know. While we may not be able to provide brute force, if there is any way that we can be of use please do not hesitate to ask. The Exalted has shone down upon all of us, and the Kingdom of Solmarest will provide any assistance that we can. When we report back to the king it will be with stories of your kindness to our small land shown to us for no reason other than the good in your hearts.

[Rain Dragon]

Huan was appalled at the phrase 'foreign slavers' and as soon as the shock subsided he stood and said as loudly as anyone had heard a Ten Len say anything, "Did you say they are slavers on top of all of their other crimes? Is it not enough that they... they... force their young to fight with them? How awful they are... F-"
"Please excuse Huan for this uncharacteristic outburst." the Emperor interrupted Huan's speech, "He is an Alchemist who works with people in need. Xin Kun's army is small and we are unlikely to be able to send military aid. Our connections are weak as well, so sowing discord within the raiders' ranks is out of reach for us. We can however send people to assist those affected by the raids if you wish. They could treat the wounded and the ill and assist in repairs and restoring order to affected villages."

[QuintonBeck]

Gleiss, Caligonia, and Baalbek

"If the enemy's tools such as their advanced ships could be turned against them I suspect Gleiss could ensure these strange invaders did not return to Celessa," Gideon nodded his head respectfully to Prince Johannes.

"King Hannibal, your offer of aid is a gracious one. Perhaps you might aid the Caligonians in uncovering the secrets of these foreign ships?"


Tentreto I think investigating the ship and trying to reverse engineer would probably fall more under Intrigue than Economy. With that in mind, lleban you can probably see about helping since neither of you have great Intrigue scores. To be honest I didn't even think of trying to reverse engineer it myself. Kind of wish I'd rolled a natural 12 on that instead of an assassination :smalltongue:




Huan was appalled at the phrase 'foreign slavers' and as soon as the shock subsided he stood and said as loudly as anyone had heard a Ten Len say anything, "Did you say they are slavers on top of all of their other crimes? Is it not enough that they... they... force their young to fight with them? How awful they are... F-"
"Please excuse Huan for this uncharacteristic outburst." the Emperor interrupted Huan's speech, "He is an Alchemist who works with people in need. Xin Kun's army is small and we are unlikely to be able to send military aid. Our connections are weak as well, so sowing discord within the raiders' ranks is out of reach for us. We can however send people to assist those affected by the raids if you wish. They could treat the wounded and the ill and assist in repairs and restoring order to affected villages."


Gideon favored Huan with a sympathetic nod of understanding at his outburst. While Gideon had not reacted quite so openly when it became clear the raids along the northern coast were intent to take captives and upon the revelation of the Despoiler's child slave army he had shared the island delegate's distaste.

"You are kind to offer your healing and aid services, Emperor. I have no doubt the brave soldiers who fight against these evil men would welcome the support in the field hospitals and back home where their families must carry on after each noble sacrifice."



Deciding to step forward, Povelum makes his voice heard.

The delegation from Solmarest regrets that we are still too small a Kingdom to offer much assistance to these efforts. You have welcomed us so openly that we already feel a strong bond between all of your lands and ours. If we are able to help in any way, please let us know. While we may not be able to provide brute force, if there is any way that we can be of use please do not hesitate to ask. The Exalted has shone down upon all of us, and the Kingdom of Solmarest will provide any assistance that we can. When we report back to the king it will be with stories of your kindness to our small land shown to us for no reason other than the good in your hearts.


Gideon appreciated the Solmarest delegate's kind words but considered the man with some caution. From what little he knew the man's kingdom was largely Kunist, a fact that had garnered him this invitation, but what had made a greater impression upon Gideon was Solmarest's recent economic activity. The newly opened to trade kingdom had pushed into the northern markets shared by Zhentanna and Saralyn without so much as a word to any of the north coast's major players. Their delegate seemed friendly but perhaps overly so. It would do well to keep an eye on this kingdom's future.

"Thank you for your kind words. It fills my heart with joy to hear that you feel comfortable here among us. It is my great desire that those who venture south in peace find themselves welcomed openly and without reservation. I regret my geography is a bit outdated so I do not know what hardships it might put upon you but if you are capable of offering substantive military aid in Ciriya or Medved you would earn my personal appreciation. I hope Prince Johannes might vouch for the merits of Zhentanna's favor."

[Geckus]

Sulayman searched for Thriti within the crowd, politely weaving between emissaries and whispered to the woman "Perhaps it'd be beneficial if Baalbek and Khada'adul exchanged ambassadors, after all as our closest neighbors it seems we should be in closer communication."


The younger woman standing just behind Thriti glowers at the man who had the temerity to approach and speak as if to an equal. “It is improper for…” She is cut off by a wave of the ambassador’s hand.

“All is well, my daughter; this man’s name is known to me.” Thriti studies the Baalbeki emissary for a moment before inclining her head in greeting. “You are Sulayman, Grand Vizier to the King of Baalbek, yes? I am afraid your line is unknown to me, but your presence is welcome none the less.” Gesturing to the chair beside her in invitation, she continues, “The khada’haz not engage in such activities lightly; my appointment to the courts of Zhentanna and Gehenna is the first in nearly two centuries, and is only due to…unique circumstance. Still, your King held to the compact forged at the first conference, and so has begun to prove his reliability.” She considers for a moment, before finally coming to a decision. “I will accept a man or woman of your choosing as a guest in my house, under the protection of my line. Any words your King has for the Khada, he may speak to the head of the house and be sure that those words will reach them. I believe this will suit the need you wish addressed, will it not?”

Short answer is yes, only in a slightly different format than usual.




Stepping forth once more as Thriti finishes, Johannes moves to address her concerns.

I do not ask you to deploy your legions in full force, good woman. I recognize how a journey so far and so arduous would be burdensome to your armies. A significantly smaller force could be moved much easier, however. Even a thousand men could make the difference in the battle– and they would at a lesser risk than if you deployed your entire army. Nor would their absence leave you defenseless, should some other threat leave you in need of an army. Or, if you'd prefer, a few well-placed knives in the night could be worth an entire army by themselves; leave the raiders leaderless, and their armies will quickly fall.

Made a quick edit regarding Thriti's gender on the presumption of an honest error rather than a deliberate goad.

“Those who send knives in the night soon learn to live in fear of their return.” Thriti replies with the sound of one quoting a proverb. “While I do not argue that removing the raider’s most effective leaders could provide a short term advantage, one must be cognizant of the risks involved – who can say whether such a removal will clear the way for an even worse enemy.”

“I spoke of the difficulties of sending an army to assist; you have implied that a smaller force would be easier to transport, but failed to note how that would mitigate the difficulty – the distance grows no less, the obstacles no different. But more importantly, you perhaps missed my point; why should we assist you?” She locks a steady gaze on Johannes. “Many here have already offered their aid, in their own ways, but none offer the men needed to turn the tide of battle. At my word, four legions can be made ready to march within the month, if you can make a clear path across the continent or provide the vessels for their transport. But I must answer to the Khada for this, so I ask again – why should we march?”

Leaning back in her chair to await his response, Thriti wonders to herself what sort of man Johannes would prove to be...

[TheDarkDM]

Sheol

The High King returned.

Once again, the golden chariot of the giant lord crossed the border from Sheol into Gehenna, its Nehir Kiliclari escort and army of hangers-on following with a dull roar. As before, they trailed wealth in their wake, secure in Marad's prosperity and more concerned with that of those who gave them shelter on the road. Some might have called the gesture insincere, seeing the extent of churn and chaos left in the wake of the grand entourage, but Urut was insistent they leave no ruination in their wake. He was a king a decade older than he had been before, older and he hoped wiser in the ways of the wider world. His final, desperate success in quelling his people's growing discontent had perhaps skirted the edge of the peace he held dear, but this second conference offered the opportunity to set things right. As his pale eyes fell once more on the city of the Holy Queen, Urut could not help but feel hope.

The tent city of the Sheolim added another slash of color to Marad's natural beauty, a symbiotic growth of silk and bamboo that would feed the city even as the city provided succor to weary feet. Against the advice of his bodyguard, Urut ascended the ziggurat alone as he had a decade prior. Near the summit he turned, scanning the river for the gift he hoped to impart on the northern king. It was difficult, even for his eyes, but eventually he found the Sheolim ships and smiled. The smile endured as he entered Amara's throne room, its ivory brilliance a fine accent to the High King's bronze skin. The diadem of his office gleamed dully on his brow, the wrought ruby at its center seeming to ensnare the image of the Holy Queen in its depths. His robe was not the white of years before, but a stunning red, though he retained the draped mantle of the canyon lion, slain by a forefather's forefather and a treasured relic of his house. Golden gauntlets adorned his arms, these engraved with scenes of ships upon storm-tossed seas, but they were the only accouterments of war girding the High King's frame. His white tunic was engraved with golden tears, the effect undermined somewhat by the leather belts hanging from his waist. One might have wondered at the need for such a sacrifice, until he drew forth a leather waterskin and bowed to a queen he knew intimately.

"Queen Amara Salsu Isten Varda, I rise from salt and sand to greet you in the warmth of twilight. I, High King Urut Ellil ra-Hadad, am come in friendship, that we might sup as our ancestors did beneath younger stars. As it times past, since first Sheolim and Gehennan sat beneath the flag of friendship, I bring the waters of Kutsamak to quicken the silt of holy Ufratu."

Later...

Xin Kun

Having sighted the delegation from Xin Kun, the High King waited for an opportune moment when the Emperor seemed undisturbed. When the time came, he strode towards the foreigners with the purpose of a stormcloud, only stopping when he had knelt to look the Emperor in the eye. Speaking slowly and carefully in the man's own tongue, Urut held out a graven waterskin much the same as the one given Amara.

"Emperor Lei. Never before have we met, yet I do not doubt you know me as High King of Sheol. In our desperation, my people visited violence upon your land, seizing that which we desperately needed with no thought to the cost. This mark of shame shall ever haunt my legacy. Yet I bring you water, that which is most precious to us, from the mother river Kutsamak in the hope that you might accept it. That it might quicken the fields of your island, and you might find it in your mercy to forgive my people."

Gleiss

His audience with the prismatic emperor completed, for good or ill, Urut sought out the delegation from the northern kingdom. He had been informed that they would attend, in defiance of the storm that assailed them, but he knew of them only through report and rumor. It took several minutes of deduction to narrow in on the delegation he thought might be the right one, and with some small consideration given to his pride were he wrong Urut approached Johannes Huvendagar.

"Crown Prince Huvendagar? Know me as Urut Ellil ra'Hadad, High King of Sheol. Though many miles separate us, I have listened with horror to the reports of the enemy on your shores. I would help you, if you would allow."

Reaching beneath his robe for the last leather belt above the golden one, Urut drew a long scroll case heavy with rolled papers.

"These plans, Crown Prince, are one copy of very few for my people's great weapon. In the harbor below wait three ships laden with powder and shot, and what bombards we could spare from our own arsenal. So armed, it is our hope you might turn back the northern storm with one of southern fire."

He smiled, though it was tinged with sadness at the ugliness driving this first meeting.

"But I am not blind to the antipathy with which my people are viewed by many of your neighbors. I would not have you reveal the source of these weapons, lest such a revelation harm you. The ships can merely disappear, and these plans with them."

[PepperP.]

Gehenna



"Let our discussion turn towards the signing of the treaty once more." She looked out to the gathered delegates once more as an invitaiton for others to speak their minds.

The Prince turned to the Queen, bowing deeply. "Once before, your highness, Yssa expressed our regret at our inability to sign this agree, and today I must again express my deep sympathies to yourself, to your honored husband, and indeed to all those assembled. Our state retains an ongoing dispute with Sheol and we dare not bind our hands in the face of their actions, which may touch our citizens beyond the shores of Alade. I hope this choice does not give offense to any present, and I am happy to entertain diplomatic discussions from any and all who have come otherwise."

Queen Amara's face remained carefully neutral as the Yssan Prince struck down her hope for a fully unified South as once again, Yssa declined to join their treaty.

"Though regretful, Yssa's stance is not unexpected. It is my hope that we may continue our private treaty amongst ourselves and Zhentanna despite your stance on a wider treaty here today." Their lands caught in the middle of Yssa and Sheol, peace with her neighbors was of paramount importance to Amara if she could not have peace between them.



Sheol

The High King returned.

Once again, the golden chariot of the giant lord crossed the border from Sheol into Gehenna, its Nehir Kiliclari escort and army of hangers-on following with a dull roar. As before, they trailed wealth in their wake, secure in Marad's prosperity and more concerned with that of those who gave them shelter on the road. Some might have called the gesture insincere, seeing the extent of churn and chaos left in the wake of the grand entourage, but Urut was insistent they leave no ruination in their wake. He was a king a decade older than he had been before, older and he hoped wiser in the ways of the wider world. His final, desperate success in quelling his people's growing discontent had perhaps skirted the edge of the peace he held dear, but this second conference offered the opportunity to set things right. As his pale eyes fell once more on the city of the Holy Queen, Urut could not help but feel hope.

The tent city of the Sheolim added another slash of color to Marad's natural beauty, a symbiotic growth of silk and bamboo that would feed the city even as the city provided succor to weary feet. Against the advice of his bodyguard, Urut ascended the ziggurat alone as he had a decade prior. Near the summit he turned, scanning the river for the gift he hoped to impart on the northern king. It was difficult, even for his eyes, but eventually he found the Sheolim ships and smiled. The smile endured as he entered Amara's throne room, its ivory brilliance a fine accent to the High King's bronze skin. The diadem of his office gleamed dully on his brow, the wrought ruby at its center seeming to ensnare the image of the Holy Queen in its depths. His robe was not the white of years before, but a stunning red, though he retained the draped mantle of the canyon lion, slain by a forefather's forefather and a treasured relic of his house. Golden gauntlets adorned his arms, these engraved with scenes of ships upon storm-tossed seas, but they were the only accouterments of war girding the High King's frame. His white tunic was engraved with golden tears, the effect undermined somewhat by the leather belts hanging from his waist. One might have wondered at the need for such a sacrifice, until he drew forth a leather waterskin and bowed to a queen he knew intimately.

"Queen Amara Salsu Isten Varda, I rise from salt and sand to greet you in the warmth of twilight. I, High King Urut Ellil ra-Hadad, am come in friendship, that we might sup as our ancestors did beneath younger stars. As in times past, since first Sheolim and Gehennan sat beneath the flag of friendship, I bring the waters of Kutsamak to quicken the silt of holy Ufratu."

High King Urut's arrival commanded Queen Amara's attention just as it had ten years ago.Then, she had taken the chance to tease her husband, but today, even if he had chosen to sit by her side, any playfulness their relationship enjoyed at the time had long since died between them. And so she graced the giant with her full attention, her lips curved into a welcoming smile as Urut approached and she arose from her Throne to greet him warmly.

"It is with honor that we will join the Ufratu with the Kutsamak, and your people too shall be gifted with the life giving waters of Gehenna. May our people's vows of friendship never again wane from full. With the joining of our holy waters once again, Varda will bear witness to this vow renewed. May our friendship, sanctified beneath Her light, shine as a beacon of faith and hope for those who work in the name of peace." She accepted the waterskin from High King Urut's large hands herself, though she passed it to Ianna to free her hands to embrace the great King. Once again, she stood on tiptoe as she embraced the Sheolim closely. She lingered, momentarily distracted by the safe harbor of his massive arms. Perhaps this is what it might have been like with a husband who did not despise me. The sad thought drifted away only vaguely acknowledged within her mind as she drew away at last.

[Rain Dragon]

Before the Conference
(At least, I think it is. Please correct me if I'm wrong! :smallredface: )


Xin Kun

Having sighted the delegation from Xin Kun, the High King waited for an opportune moment when the Emperor seemed undisturbed. When the time came, he strode towards the foreigners with the purpose of a stormcloud, only stopping when he had knelt to look the Emperor in the eye. Speaking slowly and carefully in the man's own tongue, Urut held out a graven waterskin much the same as the one given Amara.

"Emperor Lei. Never before have we met, yet I do not doubt you know me as High King of Sheol. In our desperation, my people visited violence upon your land, seizing that which we desperately needed with no thought to the cost. This mark of shame shall ever haunt my legacy. Yet I bring you water, that which is most precious to us, from the mother river Kutsamak in the hope that you might accept it. That it might quicken the fields of your island, and you might find it in your mercy to forgive my people."

The delegation seemed to collectively stiffen at the High King's approach except for the Emperor himself and the Ten Len beside him with flowing pink and blue hair. As the High King began to speak however, the group relaxed and listened with curiosity. It wasn't clear what the Emperor thought of the unexpected act until the King had finished speaking. Bowing his head slightly in respect, the Emperor smiled quickly, "Greetings, High King of Sheol." he spoke slowly in his own language in return before switching to the common one, "In Xin Kun's past, I do not know of any other time Sheol has done anything against us. Furthermore, it was a surprise to learn of... this considering how of recent years Sheol has sought to avoid major conflict, especially with neighbours." Hesitating slightly, the Emperor nonetheless reached for the waterskin respectfully, "I hope that in the future, Sheol and Xin Kun remain at peace. We thank you for your kind gift, High King." The Emperor wondered if he had made the right decision, considering the Sheolim had begun to march once more. This time, they had set their eyes on regions relatively near Xin Kun, but still the Emperor hoped to make peace with these conquerors. A silver haired Xin Len in silk robes decorated with lightning disappeared briefly and returned holding a small pot containing a small bamboo plant. "We had not expected to meet with you, however we would in return offer to you something that might brighten your home. With proper care, this bamboo might be kept small so it may draw positivity wherever you wish." The Emperor passed the water skin to the pink haired Ten Len so he could offer the potted bamboo with both hands to the King.

[Lord_Burch]

Deciding to step forward, Povelum makes his voice heard.

The delegation from Solmarest regrets that we are still too small a Kingdom to offer much assistance to these efforts. You have welcomed us so openly that we already feel a strong bond between all of your lands and ours. If we are able to help in any way, please let us know. While we may not be able to provide brute force, if there is any way that we can be of use please do not hesitate to ask. The Exalted has shone down upon all of us, and the Kingdom of Solmarest will provide any assistance that we can. When we report back to the king it will be with stories of your kindness to our small land shown to us for no reason other than the good in your hearts.


Huan was appalled at the phrase 'foreign slavers' and as soon as the shock subsided he stood and said as loudly as anyone had heard a Ten Len say anything, "Did you say they are slavers on top of all of their other crimes? Is it not enough that they... they... force their young to fight with them? How awful they are... F-"
"Please excuse Huan for this uncharacteristic outburst." the Emperor interrupted Huan's speech, "He is an Alchemist who works with people in need. Xin Kun's army is small and we are unlikely to be able to send military aid. Our connections are weak as well, so sowing discord within the raiders' ranks is out of reach for us. We can however send people to assist those affected by the raids if you wish. They could treat the wounded and the ill and assist in repairs and restoring order to affected villages."


Gleiss, Caligonia, and Baalbek

"If the enemy's tools such as their advanced ships could be turned against them I suspect Gleiss could ensure these strange invaders did not return to Celessa," Gideon nodded his head respectfully to Prince Johannes.

"King Hannibal, your offer of aid is a gracious one. Perhaps you might aid the Caligonians in uncovering the secrets of these foreign ships?"


Tentreto I think investigating the ship and trying to reverse engineer would probably fall more under Intrigue than Economy. With that in mind, lleban you can probably see about helping since neither of you have great Intrigue scores. To be honest I didn't even think of trying to reverse engineer it myself. Kind of wish I'd rolled a natural 12 on that instead of an assassination :smalltongue:




Gideon favored Huan with a sympathetic nod of understanding at his outburst. While Gideon had not reacted quite so openly when it became clear the raids along the northern coast were intent to take captives and upon the revelation of the Despoiler's child slave army he had shared the island delegate's distaste.

"You are kind to offer your healing and aid services, Emperor. I have no doubt the brave soldiers who fight against these evil men would welcome the support in the field hospitals and back home where their families must carry on after each noble sacrifice."



Gideon appreciated the Solmarest delegate's kind words but considered the man with some caution. From what little he knew the man's kingdom was largely Kunist, a fact that had garnered him this invitation, but what had made a greater impression upon Gideon was Solmarest's recent economic activity. The newly opened to trade kingdom had pushed into the northern markets shared by Zhentanna and Saralyn without so much as a word to any of the north coast's major players. Their delegate seemed friendly but perhaps overly so. It would do well to keep an eye on this kingdom's future.

"Thank you for your kind words. It fills my heart with joy to hear that you feel comfortable here among us. It is my great desire that those who venture south in peace find themselves welcomed openly and without reservation. I regret my geography is a bit outdated so I do not know what hardships it might put upon you but if you are capable of offering substantive military aid in Ciriya or Medved you would earn my personal appreciation. I hope Prince Johannes might vouch for the merits of Zhentanna's favor."




Made a quick edit regarding Thriti's gender on the presumption of an honest error rather than a deliberate goad.

“Those who send knives in the night soon learn to live in fear of their return.” Thriti replies with the sound of one quoting a proverb. “While I do not argue that removing the raider’s most effective leaders could provide a short term advantage, one must be cognizant of the risks involved – who can say whether such a removal will clear the way for an even worse enemy.”

“I spoke of the difficulties of sending an army to assist; you have implied that a smaller force would be easier to transport, but failed to note how that would mitigate the difficulty – the distance grows no less, the obstacles no different. But more importantly, you perhaps missed my point; why should we assist you?” She locks a steady gaze on Johannes. “Many here have already offered their aid, in their own ways, but none offer the men needed to turn the tide of battle. At my word, four legions can be made ready to march within the month, if you can make a clear path across the continent or provide the vessels for their transport. But I must answer to the Khada for this, so I ask again – why should we march?”

Leaning back in her chair to await his response, Thriti wonders to herself what sort of man Johannes would prove to be...

Spreading his hands and turning slowly to face the entirety of the room, Johannes first addressed the assembled delegates. I must give thanks to all here assembled who have offered their aid in the face of this menace. Truly, I did not come here expecting this outpouring of support; I thought my part today would be a purely religious one, and a small one at that. My thanks, again, for the support you have offered on this day.

With that said, I will now turn to address your concerns.

Squaring his shoulders and standing a bit taller, he first turned to address Thriti. For a possible route, I would propose following the southern coast until the Grasping Isles, then proceed to follow the peninsula until Aerok, where your troops can– hopefully– disembark, to make an overland journey through Gleiss, finally arriving in Ciriya. Of course, this plan relies on the generosity of Seloris– my hope is that they will be faithful enough to listen to the Grand Mahangar, and provide access on that basis. You could, of course, rely instead on the tender mercies of Slavia and Shamaran and cross the land there– but, personally, I'm not sure those qualities exist.

As for ships– regrettably, Gleiss holds little stake in the famed shipyards of Ciriya. Those that do, however– namely Caligonia, Thule, and Jauder– would be happy to share their spoils, I'm sure. If not– or if the shipyards of Ciriya are rendered unusable– I believe Zhentanna has some influence in the shipyards of Grau Kuste? Not as good as Ciriya's, of course, but still serviceable.

My proposed route: 39-67-38-37-43-20-6-5-16-52-51.




Sheol

Gleiss

His audience with the prismatic emperor completed, for good or ill, Urut sought out the delegation from the northern kingdom. He had been informed that they would attend, in defiance of the storm that assailed them, but he knew of them only through report and rumor. It took several minutes of deduction to narrow in on the delegation he thought might be the right one, and with some small consideration given to his pride were he wrong Urut approached Johannes Huvendagar.

"Crown Prince Huvendagar? Know me as Urut Ellil ra'Hadad, High King of Sheol. Though many miles separate us, I have listened with horror to the reports of the enemy on your shores. I would help you, if you would allow."

Reaching beneath his robe for the last leather belt above the golden one, Urut drew a long scroll case heavy with rolled papers.

"These plans, Crown Prince, are one copy of very few for my people's great weapon. In the harbor below wait three ships laden with powder and shot, and what bombards we could spare from our own arsenal. So armed, it is our hope you might turn back the northern storm with one of southern fire."

He smiled, though it was tinged with sadness at the ugliness driving this first meeting.

"But I am not blind to the antipathy with which my people are viewed by many of your neighbors. I would not have you reveal the source of these weapons, lest such a revelation harm you. The ships can merely disappear, and these plans with them."

Johannes turned away from his conversation with his wife to greet the High King of Sheol. It good to fianlly meet you, good King; I only regret that it must come under such stressful circumstances. And thank you for your offer. Any help at all would be much appreciated. Smiling suddenly, he continued, And I have no idea where any such plans might have come from. These ships? Why, they followed me home.

So I didn't realize where exactly the conversation with Sheol was meant to be. I have tried to rectify that with a quick edit; my apologies to anyone who has read this before the edit.

[Tychris1]

The Viyashanka Confederacy

Many years had passed since Rajmata Arudra had left her homeland and trekked far from where the oppressive sun forever scarred her. She had idly considered not attending the conference, her grasp on her homeland grew shakier by the week, and a few of her advisers suggested she send a delegate instead. But Arudra was a woman of personal investment, and so she believed it would be a dishonest gesture to send someone in her stead. She was dressed in leather armors and studs, a beautifully and masterfully crafted bronze pauldron draped over her left shoulder, and a khopesh dangled at her waist. Her traditional sun backed mask was preserved as well as it could be over the span of 10 years, but the erosion of combat was unavoidable and a scrape was evident coming down the left side of it in a haphazard pattern, as if the assailant's knife became stuck and her hand was snapped violently. She carried no delegation, no sycophants or guards save a deathly silent hooded individual in orange robes following her about, and her arrival was a muted affair. So casual was her travel that she even stopped to enjoy the uncluttered lives and joys of the simple citizens of Gehenna. Entering Queen Amara's throne room, Rajmata Arudra bent herself backward, flipped herself, and then unfurled her arms pointing towards the floor in a crouched position. Where once upon a time she needed the aid of a translator to speak, now Rajmata Arudra spoke on her own, her hissing and almost sing-songy accent still thick despite the years spent learning Amara's native tongue.

"Queen Amara, time has not eroded your beauty. This one apologizes for her lateness and asks what she can do to repay you."

[m9p909]

The Kingdom of Euqueen

King Gelgas along with a small company of around thirty servants and scribes arrives. King Gelgas holds his head high as he enters the throne room, undeterred by the fact that most of the delegations have already arrived. He is wearing a robe with flowers, a silver crown sits atop his head along with a wooden staff in his hands as he sits atop a large pillow carried by his servants using a wooden base. The God King is looking more rugged than previously, his hair turned slightly white from the stress of the throne, his sombre eyes peered around the room. As he glanced around the room a warm friendly smile spread across his face. He sat up straight, looking more and more gracious as he approached the throne. Upon arriving in front of the throne, in one swift motion he hopped from lotus position on the pillow onto the ground with his staff hitting the ground first sans making a sound. He kneels on one knee and his servants do the same.

"It is an honour to be here once more, and an honor to see you again Queen Amara. As a gift I've brought some exotic flowers from The Forever Isle"

Several servants came forward and placed at the feet of the Queen several flowers in pots.

"These flowers represent us, they are our thoughts, our dreams, and our inspirations. I trust that you will treat them kindly."

[PepperP.]

Gehenna



The Viyashanka Confederacy

Many years had passed since Rajmata Arudra had left her homeland and trekked far from where the oppressive sun forever scarred her. She had idly considered not attending the conference, her grasp on her homeland grew shakier by the week, and a few of her advisers suggested she send a delegate instead. But Arudra was a woman of personal investment, and so she believed it would be a dishonest gesture to send someone in her stead. She was dressed in leather armors and studs, a beautifully and masterfully crafted bronze pauldron draped over her left shoulder, and a khopesh dangled at her waist. Her traditional sun backed mask was preserved as well as it could be over the span of 10 years, but the erosion of combat was unavoidable and a scrape was evident coming down the left side of it in a haphazard pattern, as if the assailant's knife became stuck and her hand was snapped violently. She carried no delegation, no sycophants or guards save a deathly silent hooded individual in orange robes following her about, and her arrival was a muted affair. So casual was her travel that she even stopped to enjoy the uncluttered lives and joys of the simple citizens of Gehenna. Entering Queen Amara's throne room, Rajmata Arudra bent herself backward, flipped herself, and then unfurled her arms pointing towards the floor in a crouched position. Where once upon a time she needed the aid of a translator to speak, now Rajmata Arudra spoke on her own, her hissing and almost sing-songy accent still thick despite the years spent learning Amara's native tongue.

"Queen Amara, time has not eroded your beauty. This one apologizes for her lateness and asks what she can do to repay you."

Amara smiled, her vanity sated by the Rajmuta's praise. Indeed, the ten years that had passed had left no mark of the passage of time upon Amara's visage - one the perceived perks of her supposed divine blood.

"No apology is necessary. Your presence and friendship is all I require, you have already honored me by learning my native tongue. You speak it well." The Queen smiled and embraced Arudra as tradition dictates in Gehenna.



The Kingdom of Euqueen

King Gelgas along with a small company of around thirty servants and scribes arrives. King Gelgas holds his head high as he enters the throne room, undeterred by the fact that most of the delegations have already arrived. He is wearing a robe with flowers, a silver crown sits atop his head along with a wooden staff in his hands as he sits atop a large pillow carried by his servants using a wooden base. The God King is looking more rugged than previously, his hair turned slightly white from the stress of the throne, his sombre eyes peered around the room. As he glanced around the room a warm friendly smile spread across his face. He sat up straight, looking more and more gracious as he approached the throne. Upon arriving in front of the throne, in one swift motion he hopped from lotus position on the pillow onto the ground with his staff hitting the ground first sans making a sound. He kneels on one knee and his servants do the same.

"It is an honour to be here once more, and an honor to see you again Queen Amara. As a gift I've brought some exotic flowers from The Forever Isle"

Several servants came forward and placed at the feet of the Queen several flowers in pots.

"These flowers represent us, they are our thoughts, our dreams, and our inspirations. I trust that you will treat them kindly."

Amara smiled down at the King who knelt before her in deference. She allowed him to finish speaking before she strode forward and helped him back to his feet with her hands on his arms. She embraced him with fondness and gestured to the flowers he brought as gifts.

"These are most beautiful, King Gelgas. They will be placed in the gardens above where I can enjoy them for many seasons to come. They will make a beautiful addition, I am sure. Forgive my ignorance, but I did not know your Isles were home to such rare beauty. If you allowed it, I would send some of our own rare blooms home with you that we might enjoy each other's beauty in our own lands." He smiled gently at the old King, long conditioned by her culture to treat Elders with dignity.



For all Southerners in attendance!


With every Southern delegation once more in attendance, and after being certain that they all had their say on the matter, Amara gestured to her ever faithful Ianna and the crisp tinkling of bells rang throughout the throne room, calling for everybody's attention.

"We are calling for an extension of the Treaty of the First Southern Conference. I am calling for an extension of twenty years. I believe that all of our realms deserve twenty years of peace amongst our neighbors. Let our strength come from our unity, as well as our diversity. Gehenna will sign this gladly. Who signs with me in peace?" Her arms spread to encompass the throne room from her elevated position upon the raised dias as she waited to see if there would be continued peace in the south.

Pact of the Second Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.



Amara and the Grand Mahangar
Later

Late afternoon had fallen and quiet had come with it as the foreign delegations had been called for refreshment after the treaty signing. After a brief appearance, Amara excused herself and made her way alone to the Grand Mahangar's chambers.

"Queen Amara of Gehenna to see the Grand Mahangar." She presented herself to the standing guards and awaited her audience patiently.

[Tentreto]

Gehenna








For all Southerners in attendance!


With every Southern delegation once more in attendance, and after being certain that they all had their say on the matter, Amara gestured to her ever faithful Ianna and the crisp tinkling of bells rang throughout the throne room, calling for everybody's attention.

"We are calling for an extension of the Treaty of the First Southern Conference. I am calling for an extension of twenty years. I believe that all of our realms deserve twenty years of peace amongst our neighbors. Let our strength come from our unity, as well as our diversity. Gehenna will sign this gladly. Who signs with me in peace?" Her arms spread to encompass the throne room from her elevated position upon the raised dias as she waited to see if there would be continued peace in the south.

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatory kingdoms for a period of ten years to conclude in 1035 (Round 5).

1. No war shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between our kingdoms but does not seek to limit military might or war outside these kingdoms.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another kingdom without the clear authority of the receiving kingdom.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a represented kingdom will require the permission of an undersigned kingdom to conduct trade within the borders of an agreeing kingdom.





Kalus briefly looked around the room, then answered.
"If this is an extension of the first, then Caligonia will gladly sign. Let us hope that peace will reign between us again. "
As the moratorium was removed, Kalus had little reservations about signing said treaty. Unless the situation changed dramatically, there was no reason not to sign, especially as he saw little reason for any realm to want war in the south.
He knew that the Church would honour any previous official agreements with non-Shishiyans as part of statecraft, although theoretically the Church could go so far as to officially declare any previous relations moot.

[Aedilred]

As she sees the Grand Mahangar turn heel and leave, Maari leaves Johannes side and attempts to make her way through the assembled dignitaries. Upon making her way outside, she briefly feared that she had lost the man– before hearing his voice, apparently speaking to the Tito Nicodemo. Maari hoped she could convince the man to intercede on behalf of Ciriya, if not Gleiss– the kingdom and its rulers may not follow the Orthodoxy, but those in Ciriya had always held true to the faith.

Grand Mahangar! If I could have a moment, please. I know that, right now, you hold little love for Kunists. I do not beseech you on behalf of Gleiss or Kunism, however, but on behalf of those in Ciriya. Long have the people of the City been faithful to the Orthodox Church. I beg of you, good man. Send whatever aid you can. I fear that it will be sorely needed in the coming days.
He regarded her for a moment. Briefly, despite his frustration, he considered trying to explain that, unlike Gideon, he was not prepared to discard the merits of whole populations over the foolish actions of a few. But this one seemed to have an understanding of his position, at least: that his primary responsibility was the protection of the faithful of the Church, and any overtures he might make to those outside it took place only at his discretion.

"This foe threatens us all, and whatever the ill-informed opinion of those in the south, I shall not abandon the people of Ciriya in their time of need."



Amara and the Grand Mahangar
Later

Late afternoon had fallen and quiet had come with it as the foreign delegations had been called for refreshment after the treaty signing. After a brief appearance, Amara excused herself and made her way alone to the Grand Mahangar's chambers.

"Queen Amara of Gehenna to see the Grand Mahangar." She presented herself to the standing guards and awaited her audience patiently.
"Queen Amara." He stood as she entered, slightly reassured that she had come to visit, and recalling that despite the overt antagonism of her boorish oaf of a husband, she had said nothing in support of him. "Is this about the ritual?"

[Lleban]

Hannibal, aware the church lacks to moral authority, and political aptitude to control its members signs the pact. After all the last decade of southern stability has propelled Baalbek to one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The next 20 can only further increase the status of Baalbek, especially if captains Abrimi and Benselorae prove fruitful in their explorations. "We shall sign this treaty, may the next 20 years remain prosperous for Alade."

[PepperP.]

Amara and the Grand Mahangar



"Queen Amara." He stood as she entered, slightly reassured that she had come to visit, and recalling that despite the overt antagonism of her boorish oaf of a husband, she had said nothing in support of him. "Is this about the ritual?"

Amara bowed her head as she genuflected in respect.

"Yes Your Holiness, though please first allow me to apologize for the disrespect you have received within my home. My husband and I do not always see eye to eye on matters, as you may be aware. Even as my faith means everything to me, so too does the security of my people. I see all of the South as my people, my neighbors and allies. My husband and I most put forward a unified front, as I know you will understand." She smiled softly, her tone contrite.

"I know this does not excuse his behavior, and had I known.." She trailed off and emitted a much put upon sigh.

"We are not in close confidence with each other. And so I did not know. Please be assured that I did not invite you here in deception, with the motive to disrespect you. I invited you here in spirit of The Exalted. That we may find comfort in our similarities and peace in our shared ideals." Her smile turned slightly bitter.

"Perhaps that is not to be, though there may yet be a chance for amity between us. I speak of the ritual that has been prepared for tonight. Mahangar Farzad has been instrumental in its research and preparation. My only hope for it is that it benefits all worshipers of the Exalted, this I vow to you by the holy name of Varda." She was a proud woman, though her tone carried her sincerity as she looked to the Holy Man with a hopeful face.

[Aedilred]

Amara and the Grand Mahangar

Amara bowed her head as she genuflected in respect.

"Yes Your Holiness, though please first allow me to apologize for the disrespect you have received within my home. My husband and I do not always see eye to eye on matters, as you may be aware. Even as my faith means everything to me, so too does the security of my people. I see all of the South as my people, my neighbors and allies. My husband and I most put forward a unified front, as I know you will understand." She smiled softly, her tone contrite.

"I know this does not excuse his behavior, and had I known.." She trailed off and emitted a much put upon sigh.

"We are not in close confidence with each other. And so I did not know. Please be assured that I did not invite you here in deception, with the motive to disrespect you. I invited you here in spirit of The Exalted. That we may find comfort in our similarities and peace in our shared ideals." Her smile turned slightly bitter.

"Perhaps that is not to be, though there may yet be a chance for amity between us. I speak of the ritual that has been prepared for tonight. Mahangar Farzad has been instrumental in its research and preparation. My only hope for it is that it benefits all worshipers of the Exalted, this I vow to you by the holy name of Varda." She was a proud woman, though her tone carried her sincerity as she looked to the Holy Man with a hopeful face.

He gave her a sad smile. "From what you have said, and what I know of your lands, it seems like if anybody at this conference should have been able to understand my position it should have been you and your husband. Given that you yourself do seem to appreciate it at least to some extent, and your husband the king does not appear a stupid man, I am forced to conclude that his intention was to belittle me and by extension the Church, perhaps by doing so to win allies to his side for treaty negotiations. But such theatre is a petty and short-sighted use of political advantage, and no action is without consequence.

"I am the best friend that Kunism has had in Shanadeer in generations, or is likely to for the foreseeable future unless a more permanent change could have been enacted now. I do not hold the faith in any less regard than once I did, and will take no action against its followers unless they force my hand, but the alliance which I travelled here in the hope of pursuing must be considered dead. It has proven hard enough to maintain my support for good relations with Kunist rulers in the face of Gleiss's wars and Sheol's invasions; that King Gideon remains so intransigent means there is no sense in trying to pursue any closer relations. I regret that the opportunity has been lost, for it may never come again, but such is the price of any decision we may take.

"But all that is, to an extent, politics. If the ritual is to be to the benefit of all who follow the Exalted, I should be honoured to attend."

[PepperP.]

He gave her a sad smile. "From what you have said, and what I know of your lands, it seems like if anybody at this conference should have been able to understand my position it should have been you and your husband. Given that you yourself do seem to appreciate it at least to some extent, and your husband the king does not appear a stupid man, I am forced to conclude that his intention was to belittle me and by extension the Church, perhaps by doing so to win allies to his side for treaty negotiations. But such theatre is a petty and short-sighted use of political advantage, and no action is without consequence.

"I am the best friend that Kunism has had in Shanadeer in generations, or is likely to for the foreseeable future unless a more permanent change could have been enacted now. I do not hold the faith in any less regard than once I did, and will take no action against its followers unless they force my hand, but the alliance which I travelled here in the hope of pursuing must be considered dead. It has proven hard enough to maintain my support for good relations with Kunist rulers in the face of Gleiss's wars and Sheol's invasions; that King Gideon remains so intransigent means there is no sense in trying to pursue any closer relations. I regret that the opportunity has been lost, for it may never come again, but such is the price of any decision we may take.

"But all that is, to an extent, politics. If the ritual is to be to the benefit of all who follow the Exalted, I should be honoured to attend."

She was quiet for a long moment, her dark hair obscuring her face as she stood with her head bowed.

"Though it grieves me, out of respect for you I will accept your resolution without attempt to sway your mind. I look forward to the honor of your attendance at tonight's Holy Service. May the light of the Exalted illuminate your path." Her tone was regretful, but she was good for her word and left to prepare for the evening's rites.

[lt_murgen]

Squaring his shoulders and standing a bit taller, he first turned to address Thriti. For a possible route, I would propose following the southern coast until the Grasping Isles, then proceed to follow the peninsula until Aerok, where your troops can– hopefully– disembark, to make an overland journey through Gleiss, finally arriving in Ciriya. Of course, this plan relies on the generosity of Seloris– my hope is that they will be faithful enough to listen to the Grand Mahangar, and provide access on that basis. You could, of course, rely instead on the tender mercies of Slavia and Shamaran and cross the land there– but, personally, I'm not sure those qualities exist.

As for ships– regrettably, Gleiss holds little stake in the famed shipyards of Ciriya. Those that do, however– namely Caligonia, Thule, and Jauder– would be happy to share their spoils, I'm sure. If not– or if the shipyards of Ciriya are rendered unusable– I believe Zhentanna has some influence in the shipyards of Grau Kuste? Not as good as Ciriya's, of course, but still serviceable.

My proposed route: 39-67-38-37-43-20-6-5-16-52-51.


Tito Nicodemo Ventura returned as they were discussing routes.

"The Grasping Isles grants free passage to any ships carrying troops from South to North to fight the Red Hand. Regrettably, our own military is too small to render any assistance at this time."

[PepperP.]

After nightfall

Those delegates who wished to be witnesses to the evening ceremony found themselves led to the bottom of the great ziggurat of Marad. They followed their guides down a long narrow staircase that opened up into a wide undercroft. The absolute darkness of the immense chamber was relieved by what must have been thousands of candles. In their warm glow, ancient carved scenes could still be observed upon the pillars and arches that ran in symmetrical divisions as far as the eye could see. Some bore fantastical scenes of great fanged beasts and winged women being pulled on chariots by giant multi-headed dogs. Others held scenes of domesticity, mothers caring for children and men hunting in groups. Yet others held esoteric symbols alongside the representations of Varda and Abahar. The moons, stars and owls were all commonly seen within the carvings. They all seemed to move and come alive beneath the flickering candlelight which danced along the stone walls and made the visitor's shadows dance alongside the carvings.

The large party walked some distance, made indeterminate by the uniformity of the architecture. Eventually they reached yet another staircase leading ever further into the subterranean depths of the ziggurat. The visitors were forced into a column of two abreast while they wound their careful way down the long stone spiral staircase and were led to the bottom of it into a cramped circular chamber devoid of ornamentation save for the vague remnants of a six sided star barely recognizable upon the floor. At each point in the star, a narrow doorway sat. None gave any clues what sat beyond their doorways or where they might lead. In the hush that this claustrophobic place inspired, the faint rushing of the great river Ufratu could be heard though it was impossible to be sure which path led to it as it seemed to be coming from every direction at once. The witnesses were once again led forward, this time through the western central door frame from the staircase floor. They walked near blind, through a narrow passageway that inspired thoughts of the crushing tons of stone above their heads.

At length, the recognizable scent of jasmine began to broach the witness's consciousness, followed shortly thereafter by the fragrance of sandalwood and myrrh. Their pilgrimage at an end, they were ushered into another circular chamber. It was obvious that this one had been enlarged around the original modest dimensions of the room. The room floor had been strewn with bright white jasmine blossoms and copious amounts of incense burned from large hanging braziers that dotted the room. Like the undercroft, this room too was carved in ancient scenes and symbols which extended across the ceiling and covered the floor beneath the fragrant blooms. The ancient chamber was brightly lit with hundreds of candles, and in their clear gleam stood Queen Amara upon the raised center platform beside a low stone altar chiseled in esoteric representations of the Exalted, Varda and Abahar.

Amara stood with humility, bereft of ornamentation but for her natural gifts. She was barefoot and wearing only a thin white robe, her dark hair hung loose down her back. Beside her stood an older man, tall and dignified who wore the robes of a holy Mahangar. Those faithful among them would undoubtedly recognize Mahangar Farzad of Isin, shepherd of the South.

"May the light of the Exalted illuminate your path." Amara greeted the mass of newcomers with a customary blessing before she kneeled beside the worn altar. Mahangar Farzad stepped forward then to address the room.

"I have been so fortunate as to be graced with the favor of the Exalted. And though I do not claim the wisdom of that divine entity, it is with a humble heart that I do decree this woman as being worthy of the divine's notice. I have found her pure of intention and steadfast in her faith. I believe she walks in the blessed light of the Exalted, and the proceedings of this moment Divine Will." He then bowed to Amara, who bowed from her kneeling position upon the floor and upon straightening, she raised both of her palms to the ceiling and in a beseeching posture, she began the mysterious ritual.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who bestows Your gifts upon the world. Who created light and shadow. Who in mercy gives us the tools to fight that which dwells in the shadows. Remember us, our guide who leads us from the path of despair." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her left palm with scented oil from a yellowed ivory bowl.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who's strength is our bulwark and wisdom our gospel. We give You our gratitude and our praise. We trust our faith to You and place our souls in Your hands. Remember us, our teacher that grants us the knowledge of Your vast experience." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her right palm with the scented oil.

"Blessed are you the Exalted, may Your mercies be aroused. May we know You in compassion. May we know Your righteousness. May we know You in justice. May we know you in love. Grant us the boon of your favor as we strive to remain steadfast upon the path of light." Amara paused as the Southern Mahangar parted the Queens filmy robe to anoint her skin with oil over her left breast.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, bless us with Your remembrance. Bestow to us, Your dutiful disciples, the favor of Your regard. Let the shining beacon of Your holy light illuminate the Chosen amongst us. Lead us to our mortal redeemer. Find us worthy of Your holy representative that we might find them and be found worthy of their divine supervision, this we beseech You as Your humble supplicants." Mahangar Farzad stepped forward and anointed the center of Amara's forehead with the scented oil.

The Queen raised her arms above her head and beeseched the Exalted once again.

"Let the shining beacon of Your light illuminate Your Chosen one. This we beseech You as Your humble servants. Search our hearts and find us worthy of Your divine favor, for it is in adoration and devotion that we come before you this day and seek Your guidance." She bowed then, from her knees and supplicated herself before the altar, her forehead resting upon the cold stone ground as she awaited the Exalted's regard.

Feel free to post your impressions as you make your way beneath the ziggurat and enter the chamber and have conversations before the ceremony. Please do not move past the ceremony until Aed's post. Thanks!

[Mechalich]

Queen Amara's face remained carefully neutral as the Yssan Prince struck down her hope for a fully unified South as once again, Yssa declined to join their treaty.

"Though regretful, Yssa's stance is not unexpected. It is my hope that we may continue our private treaty amongst ourselves and Zhentanna despite your stance on a wider treaty here today." Their lands caught in the middle of Yssa and Sheol, peace with her neighbors was of paramount importance to Amara if she could not have peace between them.

"It is Yssa's firm intent to maintain the agreement between our nations. Indeed, I assure that we have no military ambitions or conflicts within the boundaries of Alade whatsoever. The treaty, regrettably, would bind our hands beyond those borders as well, and as such represents a commitment that cannot be made." The prince did his best to sound apologetic. He was sympathetic to the Queen, considerably more than to her husband. The idealism was really quite charming. "As a gesture of our friendship, I will make the following pledge. Yssa declares our intention to maintain the second part of the treaty with respect to all signatories. Unilateral though such a declaration may be, I hope that this will demonstrate our good faith."

After nightfall...

The prince attended the ceremony, with all its formal procedure and measured pomp, out of curiosity and a sense of proper decorum. He watched and waited, wondering precisely what the queen intended from her adornment and subsequent supplication. Did she expect a missive from the Exalted directly? Some investiture of divine power? History certainly suggested such things might occur. He was Amadin, that legacy was in his blood, but he questioned whether any such entreaty might occur in the present.

So the prince waited, eyes sharp, face held tight, and observed with great care.

[Aedilred]

After nightfall

Those delegates who wished to be witnesses to the evening ceremony found themselves led to the bottom of the great ziggurat of Marad. They followed their guides down a long narrow staircase that opened up into a wide undercroft. The absolute darkness of the immense chamber was relieved by what must have been thousands of candles. In their warm glow, ancient carved scenes could still be observed upon the pillars and arches that ran in symmetrical divisions as far as the eye could see. Some bore fantastical scenes of great fanged beasts and winged women being pulled on chariots by giant multi-headed dogs. Others held scenes of domesticity, mothers caring for children and men hunting in groups. Yet others held esoteric symbols alongside the representations of Varda and Abahar. The moons, stars and owls were all commonly seen within the carvings. They all seemed to move and come alive beneath the flickering candlelight which danced along the stone walls and made the visitor's shadows dance alongside the carvings.

The large party walked some distance, made indeterminate by the uniformity of the architecture. Eventually they reached yet another staircase leading ever further into the subterranean depths of the ziggurat. The visitors were forced into a column of two abreast while they wound their careful way down the long stone spiral staircase and were led to the bottom of it into a cramped circular chamber devoid of ornamentation save for the vague remnants of a six sided star barely recognizable upon the floor. At each point in the star, a narrow doorway sat. None gave any clues what sat beyond their doorways or where they might lead. In the hush that this claustrophobic place inspired, the faint rushing of the great river Ufratu could be heard though it was impossible to be sure which path led to it as it seemed to be coming from every direction at once. The witnesses were once again led forward, this time through the western central door frame from the staircase floor. They walked near blind, through a narrow passageway that inspired thoughts of the crushing tons of stone above their heads.

At length, the recognizable scent of jasmine began to broach the witness's consciousness, followed shortly thereafter by the fragrance of sandalwood and myrrh. Their pilgrimage at an end, the were ushered into another circular chamber. It was obvious that this one had been enlarged around the original modest dimensions of the room. The room floor had been strewn with bright white jasmine blossoms and copious amounts of incense burned from large hanging braziers that dotted the room. Like the undercroft, this room too was carved in ancient scenes and symbols which extended across the ceiling and covered the floor beneath the fragrant blooms. The ancient chamber was brightly lit with hundreds of candles, and in their clear gleam stood Queen Amara upon the raised center platform beside a low stone altar chiseled in esoteric representations of the Exalted, Varda and Abahar.

Amara stood with humility, bereft of ornamentation but for her natural gifts. She was barefoot and wearing only a thin white robe, her dark hair hung loose down her back. Beside her stood an older man, tall and dignified who wore the robes of a holy Mahangar. Those faithful among them would undoubtedly recognize Mahangar Farzad of Isin, shepherd of the South.

"May the light of the Exalted illuminate your path." Amara greeted the mass of newcomers with a customary blessing before she kneeled beside the worn altar. Mahangar Farzad stepped forward then to address the room.

"I have been so fortunate as to be graced with the favor of the Exalted. And though I do not claim the wisdom of that divine entity, it is with a humble heart that I do decree this woman as being worthy of the divine's notice. I have found her pure of intention and steadfast in her faith. I believe she walks in the blessed light of the Exalted, and the proceedings of this moment divine will." He then bowed to Amara, who bowed from her kneeling position upon the floor and upon straightening, she raised both of her palms to the ceiling and in a beseeching posture, she began the mysterious ritual.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who bestows Your gifts upon the world. Who created light and shadow. Who in mercy gives us the tools to fight that which dwells in the shadows. Remember us, our guide who leads us from the path of despair." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her left palm with scented oil from a yellowed ivory bowl.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who's strength is our bulwark and wisdom our gospel. We give You our gratitude and our praise. We trust our faith to You and place our souls in Your hands. Remember us, our teacher that grants us the knowledge of Your vast experience." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her right palm with the scented oil.

"Blessed are you the Exalted, may Your mercies be aroused. May we know You in compassion. May we know you righteousness. May we know You in justice. May we know you in love. Grant us the boon of your favor as we strive to remain steadfast upon the path of light." Amara paused as the Southern Mahangar parted the Queens filmy robe to anoint her skin with oil over her left breast.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, bless us with Your remembrance. Bestow to us, Your dutiful disciples, the favor of Your regard. Let the shining beacon of Your holy light illuminate the Chosen amongst us. Lead us to our mortal redeemer. Find us worthy of Your holy representative that we might find them and be found worthy of their divine supervision, this we beseech You as Your humble supplicants." Mahangar Farzad stepped forward and anointed the center of Amara's forehead with the scented oil.

The Queen raised her arms above her head and beeseched the Exalted once again.

"Let the shining beacon of Your light illuminate Your Chosen one. This we beseech You as Your humble servants. Search our hearts and find us worthy of Your divine favor, for it is in adoration and devotion that we come before you this day and seek Your guidance." She bowed then, from her knees and supplicated herself before the altar, her forehead resting upon the cold stone ground as she awaited the Exalted's regard.

Feel free to post your impressions as you make your way beneath the ziggurat and enter the chamber and have conversations before the ceremony. Please do not move past the ceremony until Aed's post. Thanks!

Amara's whole body seemed to tense and she lurched back upright, her eyes wide but unseeing, blazing blue as if burning out from within. She paused for a moment and then fell backward, her form rigid and twitching, her mouth locked in a half-open position.

After a few moments, she began to scream, her fingers tearing at the stone floor, and the colour beginning to drain from her hair, a white shock passing from root to tip the longer things went on.

As she fell, she saw the world around her shimmer and change, the colours and shades draining out until only black and white remained. The figures surrounding her faded to shadows, some visible in bright white against the background of the room, some others seeming to leave a dark void where they stood. The sounds of the room dimming and the braziers that dotted the room losing their luminescence without darkening her vision.

There was something calling to her, pulling her, away from this company, and she turned, scrabbling to her hands and knees, as she was half-dragged, half-crawling, along its path. In the far, far distance flared a blue light, its colour not reaching her but drawing her towards it. For all that it tugged at her and was impossible to ignore, she struggled to follow it. When she tried to stand, the pull became too strong, forcing her back to her knees.

The buildings and shadowfolk before her offered no obstacle to her progress, as she brushed aside or through them on her progress, but she felt every collision and every scrape of her body against stone or gravel. She hauled herself across the dark sands of her country, her spirit-flesh howling in protest as it was flayed from her, the pain beyond agonising, but her spirit refusing to give in. How long this was taking, she had no idea. She had a notion she had travelled miles, but had no sensation of time having passed, only the protests of her body giving her any indication of what had been or how far she might have come. She moved beyond the sand and into the black water beyond, trying to keep her head afloat and follow the light, but the currents here were strong, pulling her down, it taking every ounce of her strength to keep her head above water, her only forward motion the faint pull towards the light.

Eventually she could fight it no more and was dragged down, still trying to force herself towards the light, trying not to breathe - but she could not hold it forever. She regretted it immediately but could not resist, the black liquid sucking itself into her mouth as she began to panic.

Without apparent warning, she sprang back to apparent life, spluttering and choking, as she scrambled to her knees and coughed. An unpleasant-looking black liquid spilled from her mouth across the floor as she shuddered in recovery from her ordeal.

[Tentreto]

After nightfall

Those delegates who wished to be witnesses to the evening ceremony found themselves led to the bottom of the great ziggurat of Marad. They followed their guides down a long narrow staircase that opened up into a wide undercroft. The absolute darkness of the immense chamber was relieved by what must have been thousands of candles. In their warm glow, ancient carved scenes could still be observed upon the pillars and arches that ran in symmetrical divisions as far as the eye could see. Some bore fantastical scenes of great fanged beasts and winged women being pulled on chariots by giant multi-headed dogs. Others held scenes of domesticity, mothers caring for children and men hunting in groups. Yet others held esoteric symbols alongside the representations of Varda and Abahar. The moons, stars and owls were all commonly seen within the carvings. They all seemed to move and come alive beneath the flickering candlelight which danced along the stone walls and made the visitor's shadows dance alongside the carvings.

The large party walked some distance, made indeterminate by the uniformity of the architecture. Eventually they reached yet another staircase leading ever further into the subterranean depths of the ziggurat. The visitors were forced into a column of two abreast while they wound their careful way down the long stone spiral staircase and were led to the bottom of it into a cramped circular chamber devoid of ornamentation save for the vague remnants of a six sided star barely recognizable upon the floor. At each point in the star, a narrow doorway sat. None gave any clues what sat beyond their doorways or where they might lead. In the hush that this claustrophobic place inspired, the faint rushing of the great river Ufratu could be heard though it was impossible to be sure which path led to it as it seemed to be coming from every direction at once. The witnesses were once again led forward, this time through the western central door frame from the staircase floor. They walked near blind, through a narrow passageway that inspired thoughts of the crushing tons of stone above their heads.

At length, the recognizable scent of jasmine began to broach the witness's consciousness, followed shortly thereafter by the fragrance of sandalwood and myrrh. Their pilgrimage at an end, the were ushered into another circular chamber. It was obvious that this one had been enlarged around the original modest dimensions of the room. The room floor had been strewn with bright white jasmine blossoms and copious amounts of incense burned from large hanging braziers that dotted the room. Like the undercroft, this room too was carved in ancient scenes and symbols which extended across the ceiling and covered the floor beneath the fragrant blooms. The ancient chamber was brightly lit with hundreds of candles, and in their clear gleam stood Queen Amara upon the raised center platform beside a low stone altar chiseled in esoteric representations of the Exalted, Varda and Abahar.

Amara stood with humility, bereft of ornamentation but for her natural gifts. She was barefoot and wearing only a thin white robe, her dark hair hung loose down her back. Beside her stood an older man, tall and dignified who wore the robes of a holy Mahangar. Those faithful among them would undoubtedly recognize Mahangar Farzad of Isin, shepherd of the South.

"May the light of the Exalted illuminate your path." Amara greeted the mass of newcomers with a customary blessing before she kneeled beside the worn altar. Mahangar Farzad stepped forward then to address the room.

"I have been so fortunate as to be graced with the favor of the Exalted. And though I do not claim the wisdom of that divine entity, it is with a humble heart that I do decree this woman as being worthy of the divine's notice. I have found her pure of intention and steadfast in her faith. I believe she walks in the blessed light of the Exalted, and the proceedings of this moment divine will." He then bowed to Amara, who bowed from her kneeling position upon the floor and upon straightening, she raised both of her palms to the ceiling and in a beseeching posture, she began the mysterious ritual.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who bestows Your gifts upon the world. Who created light and shadow. Who in mercy gives us the tools to fight that which dwells in the shadows. Remember us, our guide who leads us from the path of despair." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her left palm with scented oil from a yellowed ivory bowl.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, who's strength is our bulwark and wisdom our gospel. We give You our gratitude and our praise. We trust our faith to You and place our souls in Your hands. Remember us, our teacher that grants us the knowledge of Your vast experience." Amara paused as Mahangar Farzad anointed her right palm with the scented oil.

"Blessed are you the Exalted, may Your mercies be aroused. May we know You in compassion. May we know you righteousness. May we know You in justice. May we know you in love. Grant us the boon of your favor as we strive to remain steadfast upon the path of light." Amara paused as the Southern Mahangar parted the Queens filmy robe to anoint her skin with oil over her left breast.

"Blessed are You the Exalted, bless us with Your remembrance. Bestow to us, Your dutiful disciples, the favor of Your regard. Let the shining beacon of Your holy light illuminate the Chosen amongst us. Lead us to our mortal redeemer. Find us worthy of Your holy representative that we might find them and be found worthy of their divine supervision, this we beseech You as Your humble supplicants." Mahangar Farzad stepped forward and anointed the center of Amara's forehead with the scented oil.

The Queen raised her arms above her head and beeseched the Exalted once again.

"Let the shining beacon of Your light illuminate Your Chosen one. This we beseech You as Your humble servants. Search our hearts and find us worthy of Your divine favor, for it is in adoration and devotion that we come before you this day and seek Your guidance." She bowed then, from her knees and supplicated herself before the altar, her forehead resting upon the cold stone ground as she awaited the Exalted's regard.

Feel free to post your impressions as you make your way beneath the ziggurat and enter the chamber and have conversations before the ceremony. Please do not move past the ceremony until Aed's post. Thanks!

To Kalus, the journey to the ritual was one filled with darkness. Why not have it in a more open space? Kalus had never lost his nerve in diplomacy yet, but this was cutting it fine. As for her wording, it seemed at first she was attempting to call herself as a Chosen, but she quickly defined the divine will to help find the chosen. If she could succeed with that, it would be a great boon to all of Shishiyanism.



Amara's whole body seemed to tense and she lurched back upright, her eyes wide but unseeing, blazing blue as if burning out from within. She paused for a moment and then fell backward, her form rigid and twitching, her mouth locked in a half-open position.

After a few moments, she began to scream, her fingers tearing at the stone floor, and the colour beginning to drain from her hair, a white shock passing from root to tip the longer things went on.

As she fell, she saw the world around her shimmer and change, the colours and shades draining out until only black and white remained. The figures surrounding her faded to shadows, some visible in bright white against the background of the room, some others seeming to leave a dark void where they stood. The sounds of the room dimming and the braziers that dotted the room losing their luminescence without darkening her vision.

There was something calling to her, pulling her, away from this company, and she turned, scrabbling to her hands and knees, as she was half-dragged, half-crawling, along its path. In the far, far distance flared a blue light, its colour not reaching her but drawing her towards it. For all that it tugged at her and was impossible to ignore, she struggled to follow it. When she tried to stand, the pull became too strong, forcing her back to her knees.

The buildings and shadowfolk before her offered no obstacle to her progress, as she brushed aside or through them on her progress, but she felt every collision and every scrape of her body against stone or gravel. She hauled herself across the dark sands of her country, her spirit-flesh howling in protest as it was flayed from her, the pain beyond agonising, but her spirit refusing to give in. How long this was taking, she had no idea. She had a notion she had travelled miles, but had no sensation of time having passed, only the protests of her body giving her any indication of what had been or how far she might have come. She moved beyond the sand and into the black water beyond, trying to keep her head afloat and follow the light, but the currents here were strong, pulling her down, it taking every ounce of her strength to keep her head above water, her only forward motion the faint pull towards the light.

Eventually she could fight it no more and was dragged down, still trying to force herself towards the light, trying not to breathe - but she could not hold it forever. She regretted it immediately but could not resist, the black liquid sucking itself into her mouth as she began to panic.

Without apparent warning, she sprang back to apparent life, spluttering and choking, as she scrambled to her knees and coughed. An unpleasant-looking black liquid spilled from her mouth across the floor as she shuddered in recovery from her ordeal.

Blazing blue eyes! The sudden change caught Kalus off guard, and he took half a step back from sheer shock. This coupled with the changing hair seemed to be a sure sign of the Exalted at work. He waited patiently, but nervously for what had happened to conclude. Signs directly from the Exalted were almost unheard of, so to see one in person...
Kalus regained his composure, just, but the look of wonder did not leave his eyes.
When Queen abruptly got up, and threw up, Kalus was less startled, but any questions about what had occurred turned to immediate worry as the black liquid left her mouth. He waited for her to affirm her well being before making any other comments.

[QuintonBeck]

Gideon had been at the front of the procession that marched down into the dark bowels of Marad's ziggurat. He had seen most of the rooms and halls they passed through many years ago when he and Amara had been wed but even he was removed from familiarity when the coalition was forced to walk two abreast deep into the ziggurat's holy center. His eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light and fell upon the kneeling form of Amara and the standing Mahangar Farzad. Gideon was slightly relieved it would be the southern Mahangar carrying out ceremonial duties rather than Father Arman as some had suggested it would be. He could not help but admire his wife's beauty and power as she knelt silently before the gathered crowd. For all that she had caused his heart to ache and fury to rise he could not deny she was a woman of great inner strength and outer beauty.

The two had bickered and argued since before they had even been wed but until Asa and the rumors regarding Father Arman they had always reconciled, usually in their marital bed. Amara insisted Asa was Gideon's son by blood and not merely by law and Gideon wished to believe her but he feared to do so would be the epitome of foolishness. How was it that after nearly a decade without male issue they now had created a son? He had been a fool to believe it when he first heard and decreed the child his before tales of Father Arman began to trickle into court. While Gideon did not wish to restrict his wife's partnerships, nor could he hope to if he did, he felt completely impotent to hear of her relationships through back channels and rumors instead of from her lips. Her lips which now sounded a greeting to the fully arrived cadre of witnesses and stirred Gideon from his reverie.

He was silent as Amara beseeched the Exalted to give her guidance and lead her to the Chosen. The silent seconds seemed to drag on into infinities as the assembled watched and waited for a sign. When her body jerked up and the divine blue light spilled from her eyes Gideon caught his breath in his chest and watched on, transfixed by what he was witnessing. As Amara's screams erupted and echoed out into the chamber something forced him to take a step forward but something stronger stopped him from going further. A lump formed in his throat as he watched a shock of her dark hair pale and age before his very eyes. His heart jumped as she returned to consciousness and as she rid herself of the black bile the force that held him back was overcome by the force that pushed him forward.

He strode to his wife's side and knelt ignoring the formal ceremony. He wrapped an arm over her bare shoulder and pulled her close. His eyes were wet though he didn't seem to notice.

"Amara...are you alright?"

[lt_murgen]

Tito Nicodemo Felipe Eusebio Ventura attended the ceremony with only one other. Hebar Aldina was a young, popular Kunist priest. The people of the overcrowded barrios of Favela em Torno admired him. Still, he was decent and respectful, knowing his place as a commoner amongst kings and gentry.

As the duo followed the crowd, Felipe became increasingly claustrophobic. Underground was no place for people. Islands and open sea, places you could see the sky, that is where people should be. His young compatriot was clearly nervous as well. His hands worked a prayer loop and his lips moved in soundless supplication. Felipe noticed it patterns were one to ask for protection and courage. That brought a smile to his lips.

Through the darkness and claustrophobia, Felipe held onto to his courage. He wasn’t a Kunist, but he would support the woman he adored. The Grand Mahangar had listened to his council, and that was reward enough. He felt closer to the Exalted than he had ever done before. It had been a good day.


Amara's whole body seemed to tense and she lurched back upright, her eyes wide but unseeing, blazing blue as if burning out from within. She paused for a moment and then fell backward, her form rigid and twitching, her mouth locked in a half-open position….
After a few moments, she began to scream, her fingers tearing at the stone floor, and the colour beginning to drain from her hair, a white shock passing from root to tip the longer things went on…..
Without apparent warning, she sprang back to apparent life, spluttering and choking, as she scrambled to her knees and coughed. An unpleasant-looking black liquid spilled from her mouth across the floor as she shuddered in recovery from her ordeal.

....His heart jumped as she returned to consciousness and as she rid herself of the black bile the force that held him back was overcome by the force that pushed him forward.

He strode to his wife's side and knelt ignoring the formal ceremony. He wrapped an arm over her bare shoulder and pulled her close. His eyes were wet though he didn't seem to notice.

"Amara...are you alright?"

Felipe’s heart plunged to his feet. The Queen was suffering greatly from her ritual. Instinctively, he took a half step forward. Hebar Aldina touched his arm, gently yet precisely. He stopped, and the pair exchanged a glance. Clearly something of great importance was occurring. It would be best to watch it unfold. The young mans jaw was set, his lips pulled tight, his eyes like iron. Nothing should disturb this moment unfolding.

[Lleban]

During the walk into what appeared to be a glorified basement Hannibal kept Sulayman close. Under normal circumstances journeys into closed spaces such as this lead to either assassinations or parties alas this was not the case. Despite this Hannibal tried his best to hold composure within the cramped space.



Amara's whole body seemed to tense and she lurched back upright, her eyes wide but unseeing, blazing blue as if burning out from within. She paused for a moment and then fell backward, her form rigid and twitching, her mouth locked in a half-open position.

After a few moments, she began to scream, her fingers tearing at the stone floor, and the colour beginning to drain from her hair, a white shock passing from root to tip the longer things went on.

As she fell, she saw the world around her shimmer and change, the colours and shades draining out until only black and white remained. The figures surrounding her faded to shadows, some visible in bright white against the background of the room, some others seeming to leave a dark void where they stood. The sounds of the room dimming and the braziers that dotted the room losing their luminescence without darkening her vision.

There was something calling to her, pulling her, away from this company, and she turned, scrabbling to her hands and knees, as she was half-dragged, half-crawling, along its path. In the far, far distance flared a blue light, its colour not reaching her but drawing her towards it. For all that it tugged at her and was impossible to ignore, she struggled to follow it. When she tried to stand, the pull became too strong, forcing her back to her knees.

The buildings and shadowfolk before her offered no obstacle to her progress, as she brushed aside or through them on her progress, but she felt every collision and every scrape of her body against stone or gravel. She hauled herself across the dark sands of her country, her spirit-flesh howling in protest as it was flayed from her, the pain beyond agonising, but her spirit refusing to give in. How long this was taking, she had no idea. She had a notion she had travelled miles, but had no sensation of time having passed, only the protests of her body giving her any indication of what had been or how far she might have come. She moved beyond the sand and into the black water beyond, trying to keep her head afloat and follow the light, but the currents here were strong, pulling her down, it taking every ounce of her strength to keep her head above water, her only forward motion the faint pull towards the light.

Eventually she could fight it no more and was dragged down, still trying to force herself towards the light, trying not to breathe - but she could not hold it forever. She regretted it immediately but could not resist, the black liquid sucking itself into her mouth as she began to panic.

Without apparent warning, she sprang back to apparent life, spluttering and choking, as she scrambled to her knees and coughed. An unpleasant-looking black liquid spilled from her mouth across the floor as she shuddered in recovery from her ordeal.

Hannibal was never a truly religious man, that's one reason Sulayman tagged along, and while he oversaw many conversions to Shishyanism if he was forced to choose a god it would be the god of his ancestors. Despite this he leaned closer captivated by the proceedings.cThis an the...theological diversity of the Grand council has lead to relatively few religious laws in Baalbek. However, as the ritual proceeded, Hannibal's gut began to wretch, Queen Amara's convulsions and spitting black, leaving the middle aged king flummoxed and afraid. To his left Sulayman is bowing to the queen as she recovers from the ritual while to the right laid the ...young...middle aged...its hard tell, emperor of Xin Kun. "What do you make of this Emperor Lei, was that a miracle, or mere slight of hand,...perhaps you are the wrong person to ask I apologize." Still shocked Hannibal starred at the Sulayman still bowing as if the queen were a goddess incarnate.

[Rain Dragon]

Hannibal was never a truly religious man, that's one reason Sulayman tagged along, and while he oversaw many conversions to Shishyanism if he was forced to choose a god it would be the god of his ancestors. Despite this he leaned closer captivated by the proceedings.cThis an the...theological diversity of the Grand council has lead to relatively few religious laws in Baalbek. However, as the ritual proceeded, Hannibal's gut began to wretch, Queen Amara's convulsions and spitting black, leaving the middle aged king flummoxed and afraid. To his left Sulayman is bowing to the queen as she recovers from the ritual while to the right laid the ...young...middle aged...its hard tell, emperor of Xin Kun. "What do you make of this Emperor Lei, was that a miracle, or mere slight of hand,...perhaps you are the wrong person to ask I apologize." Still shocked Hannibal starred at the Sulayman still bowing as if the queen were a goddess incarnate.

As the Queen screamed, the Emperor's first reaction was to sharply whisper to the silver haired Xin Len Shaman next to Huan in their native language, "What-?!" The Shaman seemed not to notice, instead staring in shock at the events unfolding before them which was not typical of the level-headed calm person the Emperor knew. The more impulsive Huan found difficulty in resisting the urge to fly to the Queen's aid, certain that whatever Shishiyan spirits that had been called upon could potentially harm the Queen were he to interfere. As the events seemed to have peaked and from the Queen's mouth dribbled a strange black liquid, the Emperor found himself almost unable to respond to the Baalbeki. Reminded of how the Empress... his mother... disappeared in front of so many people at what was supposed to be a joyous event, the Emperor hesitated with his mouth part open.
"Certainly, I would say if this were mere slight of hand it is... It seems so unlikely, I mean... How?" the Emperor took a deep breath to regain some composure before continuing quietly so as to avoid disturbing the proceedings, "I strongly believe what we just witnessed was not caused by mortal beings King Hannibal*. I think despite how the situation now looks, I may be wrong to assume something is wrong. Forgive me for my ignorance of the finer details of Kunism and this ritual if I am wrong in asking, but do you think Queen Amara is alright?"

*Sorry if it was Sulayman who addressed the Emperor. If so, the Emperor would have addressed him instead.

[PepperP.]

Amara

Her body shuddered as she retched the last of the foul black liquid from her lungs. She heaved twice and took in a sudden deep breath of the fragrant air of the underground temple. She weakly wiped an arm across her mouth, which still tasted of salt and seafoam. She clutched Gideon's tunic with a hand that trembled. Her husband's touch which might normally be unwelcome, or merely tolerated, only seemed familiar in her distress and she huddled against him for comfort.

"The exalted showed me the path. The Chosen lives." Her voice began weakly but grew stronger in the grip of her fervor.

"A chosen one walks among us! I have been shown the path! Blessed be the Exalted for we have not been forgotten." Tears began to well and spill from her dark eyes as her face appeared shocked with the wonder and agony of her experience. The hitching of her chest turned into dry heaves and she turned her face to Gideon's chest in an attempt to calm herself.


Previously...



"It is Yssa's firm intent to maintain the agreement between our nations. Indeed, I assure that we have no military ambitions or conflicts within the boundaries of Alade whatsoever. The treaty, regrettably, would bind our hands beyond those borders as well, and as such represents a commitment that cannot be made." The prince did his best to sound apologetic. He was sympathetic to the Queen, considerably more than to her husband. The idealism was really quite charming. "As a gesture of our friendship, I will make the following pledge. Yssa declares our intention to maintain the second part of the treaty with respect to all signatories. Unilateral though such a declaration may be, I hope that this will demonstrate our good faith."


Amara brightened as the Yssan Prince pledged his intentions in good faith. Even a partial treaty agreement was progress.

"Your pledge of friendship and faith is welcome, as is the continued agreement between our realms." Her tone was gracious as she offered the Prince a warm smile in response to his assurances.


If you have not yet signed the treaty, don't forget to note it as an event sub-action in your ic thread posts even if you don't have time to post in here.

[QuintonBeck]

The words caught Gideon by surprise but he found any revelatory nature they might have conveyed overshadowed by a wave of relief that Amara seemed to be alright. He was silent for a moment as she held herself to him, the faint scent of her form still recognizable even under the scented oils and bile that lingered in the air. He looked up from his wife's form for the first time since stepping forward and was reminded with a jolt of the room full of onlookers.

"Thank you all for choosing to witness this...miraculous event. Let us return to the upper Ziggurat. I have no doubt my wife needs rest after this ordeal. We shall discuss this revelation on the morrow and welcome all to join us then."

It was not his realm nor were they his people but his voice and eyes made clear to the Gehenite escorts who had guided the party down into the chamber that it was time to return the guests to the main hall. He turned his attention back to Amara as efforts began to vacate the ceremony.

"That was..." he whispered now, not wishing to be heard by the many foreign dignitaries, "that was amazing. Are you alright? Do you need anything? Water? Food?"

While concern remained dominant he couldn't help now but feel the tickle of curiosity at what Amara had seen. She had done what she said she would, she had found the Chosen. Or at least she had the right direction. If there was a Chosen now, one that might be found in Gideon's lifetime... Many things could change. Many things.

[PepperP.]

The words caught Gideon by surprise but he found any revelatory nature they might have conveyed overshadowed by a wave of relief that Amara seemed to be alright. He was silent for a moment as she held herself to him, the faint scent of her form still recognizable even under the scented oils and bile that lingered in the air. He looked up from his wife's form for the first time since stepping forward and was reminded with a jolt of the room full of onlookers.

"Thank you all for choosing to witness this...miraculous event. Let us return to the upper Ziggurat. I have no doubt my wife needs rest after this ordeal. We shall discuss this revelation on the morrow and welcome all to join us then."

It was not his realm nor were they his people but his voice and eyes made clear to the Gehennite escorts who had guided the party down into the chamber that it was time to return the guests to the main hall. He turned his attention back to Amara as efforts began to vacate the ceremony.

"That was..." he whispered now, not wishing to be heard by the many foreign dignitaries, "that was amazing. Are you alright? Do you need anything? Water? Food?"

While concern remained dominant he couldn't help now but feel the tickle of curiosity at what Amara had seen. She had done what she said she would, she had found the Chosen. Or at least she had the right direction. If there was a Chosen now, one that might be found in Gideon's lifetime... Many things could change. Many things.

She shook her head reflexively then thought better of it, she did happen to need help at the moment, however unused to obtaining it from her husband she may be.

"Water would be nice, yes." She desperately wanted to rid the acrid taste of the sea from her mouth.

"I'm so cold." She ineffectually attempted to draw her flimsy robe about her more tightly. As she sat up, she groaned as her vision swam out of focus momentarily. She held her head in her hands until it passed and then looked to Gideon almost shyly as though afraid he might refuse her,

"Will you help me to stand?" She held her hand out to Gideon beseechingly.

[Lleban]

Amara

Her body shuddered as she retched the last of the foul black liquid from her lungs. She heaved twice and took in a sudden deep breath of the fragrant air of the underground temple. She weakly wiped an arm across her mouth, which still tasted of salt and seafoam. She clutched Gideon's tunic with a hand that trembled. Her husband's touch which might normally be unwelcome, or merely tolerated, only seemed familiar in her distress and she huddled against him for comfort.

"The exalted showed me the path. The Chosen lives." Her voice began weakly but grew stronger in the grip of her fervor.

"A chosen one walks among us! I have been shown the path! Blessed be the Exalted for we have not been forgotten." Tears began to well and spill from her dark eyes as her face appeared shocked with the wonder and agony of her experience. The hitching of her chest turned into dry heaves and she turned her face to Gideon's chest in an attempt to calm herself.

To Queen Amara
Upon hearing this Hannibal though he'd bring up an interesting point. After the ritual Hannibal remembered a saying his mother told him, "miracles are neither good nor evil, simply mysterious." After Amara got up he inquired "I'm no expert on the faith, but surely if the chosen walks among us surely the Avatar of the beast does as well."

[Tentreto]

A Chosen existed! That alone was a great sign to Kalus, though as Hannibal had noted, a Beast might also exist. At the very least, he did take some satisfaction that the pagans in attendance might realise the authenticity of the Church. Now all that remained was to track down the individual, and the Church would have a sure foundation to stand on, and the issues of heresy and reforms would Exalted, and Chosen willing, be dealt with.


When Amara had sufficiently gathered herself, Kalus congratulated her.
"Praise the Exalted, that is great news! I must urge you to record everything you saw as soon as possible, lest it fade from the mind. But rest well your highness, tonight you have achieved much."

[Mechalich]

She shook her head reflexively then thought better of it, she did happen to need help at the moment, however unused to obtaining it from her husband she may be.

"Water would be nice, yes." She desperately wanted to rid the acrid taste of the sea from her mouth.

"I'm so cold." She ineffectually attempted to draw her flimsy robe about her more tightly. As she sat up, she groaned as her vision swam out of focus momentarily. She held her head in her hands until it passed and then looked to Gideon almost shyly as though afraid he might refuse her,

"Will you help me to stand?" She held her hand out to Gideon beseechingly.

Artaln played the sight of the Queen's reaction through his mind repeatedly, analyzing, examining, judging. His dismissed the twitching motions and the contortions as evidence swiftly enough, and the black bile shortly thereafter. Such things could be faked with appropriate drugs - he'd seen such symptoms in goats many times, when they consumed the wrong combination of weeds. The remainder, however, was much more convincing. Hair could be bleached, but not like that, and eyes do not shine. External forces of some sort were at work.

The declaration of a Chosen was a shock, certainly, one with dizzying implications. It threatened to freeze the Prince in place while he struggled to work it out. However, the Queen's subsequent request broke the spell. He might not be the most traditional member of his lineage, but there are some things that any Yssian noble inevitably absorbs from their parents; gallantry among them.

Moving quickly, he unbuckled his coat and stepped forward. Reaching out he offered the garment, lined with fine marmot cheek fur, to King Gideon. "Please convey my congratulations to the Queen." He considered the gesture itself self-explanatory and not worthy of mention.

[lt_murgen]

The Nicodemo and the priest waited until King Gideon had rushed to his wife's side. They both stepped up quickly once he had taken control of things. Felipe swept the half-cloak form his shoulders, hanging it to the King to wrap around his wife. Gustavo offered a small flask, "Here, great Queen. A flask of Traficante Colutorio. Water, flavored with mint and just a few drops of tolice. Excellent for rinsing and refreshing one's mouth." Absentmindedly, a handkerchief fell out of his pocket as he retrieved the flask.

[PepperP.]

Amara

She looked up as witnesses and fellow rulers began to step forward to aid her. She accepted the two cloaks gratefully and pulled them both around her, her shivering eased by their comforting warmth. She took a long swallow from the flask Gustavo had offered her, the refreshing mint chasing away the last vestiges of the salt brine that had tainted her tongue.

"I am humbled by your kindnesses, they will not be forgotten." Her face which had still been haunted by the lingering shock of her spectral voyage began to relax under the tender concern of those gathered around her. Her eyes found Ianna and with a barely perceptible nod the handmaiden began to usher the visitors out of the the temple chamber, back through the long narrow hallway, up the spiral stairs and through the dancing candlelight of the undercroft. Long trestle tables had been laid out in the fresh air of the ziggurat courtyard with refreshments for the ritual attendants, and low benches were placed around the area in intimate groups to invite conversation. As Amara left the sanctum, she turned to look where she had fallen stricken by the Exalted's vision. The dark smear of fluid she had spit up remained upon the floor, proof of her incredible journey. At length she turned and left, though the ritual was behind her, and a success, she knew there was still much to do. Perhaps now more than ever.

[TheDarkDM]

Xin Kun

Before the Conference
The delegation seemed to collectively stiffen at the High King's approach except for the Emperor himself and the Ten Len beside him with flowing pink and blue hair. As the High King began to speak however, the group relaxed and listened with curiosity. It wasn't clear what the Emperor thought of the unexpected act until the King had finished speaking. Bowing his head slightly in respect, the Emperor smiled quickly, "Greetings, High King of Sheol." he spoke slowly in his own language in return before switching to the common one, "In Xin Kun's past, I do not know of any other time Sheol has done anything against us. Furthermore, it was a surprise to learn of... this considering how of recent years Sheol has sought to avoid major conflict, especially with neighbours." Hesitating slightly, the Emperor nonetheless reached for the waterskin respectfully, "I hope that in the future, Sheol and Xin Kun remain at peace. We thank you for your kind gift, High King." The Emperor wondered if he had made the right decision, considering the Sheolim had begun to march once more. This time, they had set their eyes on regions relatively near Xin Kun, but still the Emperor hoped to make peace with these conquerors. A silver haired Xin Len in silk robes decorated with lightning disappeared briefly and returned holding a small pot containing a small bamboo plant. "We had not expected to meet with you, however we would in return offer to you something that might brighten your home. With proper care, this bamboo might be kept small so it may draw positivity wherever you wish." The Emperor passed the water skin to the pink haired Ten Len so he could offer the potted bamboo with both hands to the King.

Urut's face remained grave as the Emperor of Xin Kun spoke, relinquishing the waterskin with a reverence that betrayed its symbolic power. The Emperor's gift, though unexpected, was accepted with that same reverence, and only when Urut had lowered it securely into the crook of his arm did his face break into a grateful smile.

"Your wish is my own, Emperor. I shall nurture this gift by mine own hand, as I shall endeavor to nurture the friendship between our peoples."

Gleiss

Johannes turned away from his conversation with his wife to greet the High King of Sheol. It good to fianlly meet you, good King; I only regret that it must come under such stressful circumstances. And thank you for your offer. Any help at all would be much appreciated. Smiling suddenly, he continued, And I have no idea where any such plans might have come from. These ships? Why, they followed me home.


The smile that met Johannes' was tinged by sadness, but Urut released the plans to his great weapon eagerly.

"I only hope that they might aid your people, Prince. And perhaps that one day Sheol might show its friendship more openly in your lands."

The Conference


For all Southerners in attendance!


With every Southern delegation once more in attendance, and after being certain that they all had their say on the matter, Amara gestured to her ever faithful Ianna and the crisp tinkling of bells rang throughout the throne room, calling for everybody's attention.

"We are calling for an extension of the Treaty of the First Southern Conference. I am calling for an extension of twenty years. I believe that all of our realms deserve twenty years of peace amongst our neighbors. Let our strength come from our unity, as well as our diversity. Gehenna will sign this gladly. Who signs with me in peace?" Her arms spread to encompass the throne room from her elevated position upon the raised dias as she waited to see if there would be continued peace in the south.

Pact of the Second Southern Conference of Alade

The undersigned as representatives official and supported of their represented kingdoms/empires/republics agree to the following restrictions and compromises respecting their fellow signatories for a period of twenty years to conclude in 1055 (Round 11).

1. No war or provocation (Kidnapping, assassination, or theft) shall be made upon the lands or people of the undersigned by the undersigned. This restriction is to preserve peace between the signatories but does not seek to limit military might or war outside the realms of the signatories.

2. To ensure peace sanctified by the first no efforts will be made to convert or proselytize in the lands of another signatory without the clear authority of the receiving signatory.

3. To ensure prosperity and peace merchants of a signatory will require the permission of the signatory in whose lands they wish to trade to conduct their business.



The High King had sat silent as the Zhentannan King railed against the Grand Mahangar. The northern lord's empty words and veiled threats had done little to improve Urut's opinion of the man, but he saw little point in attacking him openly. The church of Sanadeer was slowly but surely digging its own grave, so intent on keeping its power it neglected the rot at its core. He pitied the Grand Mahangar to an extent - surely he must see little choice, that he would evangelize in pursuit of foreign war while the people in his own city suffered. When the call came to aid Gleiss, Urut could simply shake his head. He would not betray Gleiss' position to the northern lords, and the leaders of Yssa was as ever the Grand Mahangar's creatures. He stood to sign the agreement gladly, his cold eyes falling intently on those who did not.

[lt_murgen]

Amara

She looked up as witnesses and fellow rulers began to step forward to aid her. She accepted the two cloaks gratefully and pulled them both around her, her shivering eased by their comforting warmth. She took a long swallow from the flask Gustavo had offered her, the refreshing mint chasing away the last vestiges of the salt brine that had tainted her tongue.

"I am humbled by your kindnesses, they will not be forgotten." Her face which had still been haunted by the lingering shock of her spectral voyage began to relax under the tender concern of those gathered around her. Her eyes found Ianna and with a barely perceptible nod the handmaiden began to usher the visitors out of the the temple chamber, back through the long narrow hallway, up the spiral stairs and through the dancing candlelight of the undercroft. Long trestle tables had been laid out in the fresh air of the ziggurat courtyard with refreshments for the ritual attendants, and low benches were placed around the area in intimate groups to invite conversation. As Amara left the sanctum, she turned to look where she had fallen stricken by the Exalted's vision. The dark smear of fluid she had spit up remained upon the floor, proof of her incredible journey. At length she turned and left, though the ritual was behind her, and a success, she knew there was still much to do. Perhaps now more than ever.

Gustavo the priest stooped to retrieve his handkerchief as the group began to leave. He wiped up a small portion of the fluid, bundling it carefully into his pocket. Such a momentous event needed a souvenir.