[Empire 2] A Secret Conclave

[TheDarkDM]

Representatives of those nations that had received Lord Winter's invitation found their reception in Free-Men's Beach a subdued one. Beneath a sky concealed by slate grey clouds, the entire island seemed locked in the twilight hours before dawn, the the streets of the city, normally bustling, were eerily quiet. Shadows lurked on those streets, watchful shadows with sharp blades and sharper eyes. It seemed the entire port had been secured against earthly intrusion, so it was with some surprise that the carriages of the representatives came to a stop at the outermost edge of the city pier. The confusion would be short lived, however, as black longships emerged from the gloom.

The passage north was a swift one, the winds turned to their aid through fate or perhaps the power of their host. But however swift, it was a bleak journey. One ship for each delegation, one ship alone save for their ragged convoy, the only sign of land the thin stains on the eastern and western horizon. Hours passed, and while they were provided with food and drink in abundance the representatives were given no explanation. And eventually, none was needed - standing on the horizon was a fog bank beyond anything the living sea could conjure. Roiling clouds pressed close to the shifting waves like a possessive lover, their grey walls broken only rarely by the passage of larger shadows. It was only on entering the eerie barrier that the passengers realized how many ships had come to defend them, dozens of Aeldir phantoms circling a singular, beshadowed mountain. That mountain was Judgement, Lord Winter's recently refurbished flagship, and it was there their journey ended.

Helped onto deck by waiting hands, the representatives beheld a crew more war camp than collection of sailors, dozens of Raven Knights standing at attention on the approach to the main cabin. Strange whispers floated on the wind, strange shadows flicked across the deck, and all about could be felt the presence of Lord Winter's spectral concubines. It was a spell of oppression, a spell that vanished when they finally found their way inside Lord Winter's cabin.

The room beyond the iron girded door was a large one, though another door betrayed the presence of further accommodations for the Aeldir lord. And it was a lucky thing, for near the entire space was dominated by a circular table of polished ebonwood. Lord Winter sat opposite the door in a graven throne, and before him on the table were stretched maps of the south in exhausting detail. The coastline of the Crystal Union, their long border with Koya and Demesne and Besina, even a far cruder map of the isolated heartlands of Transfirlia and the surrounding expanse of wildland. Scattered atop each map were stone tokens denoting supply corps, battalions, naval wings, and all the violent might of the south as it stood to the Aeldir's knowledge. There were seats enough for all, though in the end it was a tighter fit than befit their status, and as the last of the assemblage gathered Lord Winter finally spoke.

<"My greetings to all you lords and ladies of the South. You have my thanks for your attendance at this conclave. It is my hope that here, united by a common purpose, we might stem the rising tide of darkness around us. Are there any here who would speak before we begin?">

[HalfTangible]

The High Queen of the Imperium is expected to personally mentor the High Princess, and near the end of her rule begin handing off responsibilities to her heir. That way, when the time comes, the Princess will have been ruling in practice (if not in name) for long enough that she can pick up the reins of Imperium easily and quickly. Phelnia was waiting at port in Tir Corryn, her cover for the mission being that she was there to buy supplies before continuing on to Azandria.

As such, the eyes were on her and her crown as Crudice slipped away in the night.

---

High Princess Crudice had a sneaking suspicion that Lord Winter just enjoyed theatrics. This place would provide them plenty of protection from the intimidation factor alone. Dozens of ships, wind practically pulling them to their destination, and a massive fog bank certainly spoke of power and grandeur.

Or a trap. A sneaking part of her mind reminded her.

Crudice smirked. Yes, this was also a pretty effective way to imprison the south's leaders. But she'd known Lord Winter for years; he wouldn't go through all of this trouble just to trap them.

Oh yeah, I lived near the oldest being in existence for a little less than a decade, and met him intermittently over the twenty years since. That's long enough to get an accurate view of his personality and motives, right?!

... He wouldn't trap her. She trusted him.

She was somewhat disturbed by how accurate the Lord Winter's count of the Imperium's troops was, and even more disturbed by how few it now seemed.

<"... I only have one thing I wish to say to my fellow lord and ladies before we begin."> Crudice said quietly. <"The Crystal Union will fall for what they did to the Primal family's> minorem, <who you know as Aleuta. Whether you help us or not is up to you.>"

[Mary_Sue]

High Queen Aris Morningsworn traveled to Tir Corryn on the unassuming but swift Nightingale. The crew all trusted veterans, the very same that had recently spirited Eirwen away into the safety of the unknown, and even a man or two that had been aboard during the Prophetess coup, and had saved her children by whisking them away to Tir Amser at great risk to their own lives. Aris stepped carefully onto the deck of Judgement, her dress a relatively simple peach brocade with black trim and lacing at the bodice. She wore her grand raven-feather cloak given her by the Aadrosil Lord so many years ago. Her long hair, that was now a true mix of platinum and silver, had been sensibly braided and piled atop her head. Her face held her usual placid expression, unchanged by the recent war, though along with her old scar upon her temple, a newer pink scar traced along her slender jawline in a thin line on her left side. She was accompanied by only her son, Gavan who, as was his wont, dressed in his usual white garb, though he had acquiesced to the mission's clandestine nature by wearing a long black cloak atop his clothes. Aris entered Lord Winter's presence and greeted her Lord with a familiar kiss on his cold cheek before sitting next to her husband, their son joined them so Aris was between the men, so alike in look and demeanor.

At Lord Winter's words, Gavan surprised his mother by rising suddenly,

"I would like to volunteer to personally offer my arms to fight against the dark threat. Too long have I been made to stand idly by and suffer threat to my mother and sister. No longer shall I do so, I bid my rightful liege to make use of the skill that I have acquired within his lands, and by his own hands and those of my father, to put them to use in securing the land, and the safety of my family." His words were delivered with a cold passion, and he sat down abruptly once his desire had been spoken. Aris's fair face had bloomed red roses upon her cheeks to have had her familiar disputes aired in front of her Lord and allies.

[PepperP.]

Queen Raena arrived at the secluded conclave alone save for her most trusted friend and adviser, Ned the Brown, High Abbess of the former Grand Temple of Daen. Abbess Nedivah was dressed in her eponymous plain brown robes, her visage bespoke of great age and recent sufferings. Though her back was stooped and she walked with the aid of a cane, her eyes were alight with an almost preternatural clarity. Their color an odd blue of the palest hue to almost seem white, they searched piercingly around the room as she hobbled in behind Raena and fixed upon the Avonlean Queen before she took her seat with a grunt and a sigh of relief. Raena was the utter inverse of her companion, seemingly wholly unphased by war and battle, or perhaps even vitalized for it. Her face remained vigorous with the glow of good health and youth, her pale hair hung long and glossy from her unbowed shoulders, and an expression of an almost predatory glee suffused her face upon entering the room which seemed to focus upon her Queen and her husband. Silently, she took a seat next to Ned and listened quietly to both the Primal Heiress and to her Queen's son. The former she viewed with some interest, as she had only the rare occasion to hear him speak in the past, as he was naturally furtive. And bore watching, she thought to herself as the proceedings continued.

[moossabi]

Phnalus loathed the open sea. It rests too far from the life-giving earth and goes down as far as the sky goes up. If a boat were to fail, a slow painful death from which there would be no return would ensue. Either that, or Phnalus just ended up becoming violently seasick and blames the ocean itself rather than his lack of experience with it

Still, this voyage would definitely be worth it in the end. Lord Winter was on the warpath, and supporting the largest military power in the world has its advantages (primarily not being crushed underfoot by the largest military power in the world). Already the petty feud with Avonlea had ended with the Grand Church, and now the wretches who committed the atrocity were about to be removed from existence by Lord Gorubalsh. Phnalus would've relished the opportunity to kill the terrorists himself, but Lord Winter's summons are impossible to deny.

And besides, the Crystal Union's northernmost lands were directly to the south of the Hagiarchy. Even if Besina wanted to stay neutral, the Crystal Union would just conquer their lands to get to Avonlea or their vassal; no, better to be in the war from the start than to suffer through it in silence.

---

Lord Winter's ship was a constant reminder of why the Hagiarchy had thrown its support behind him. Not even a horde of rabid Gnolls could stand against it {pic for Half if he's still confused}, much less take it. The entire thing was a monolith to eternity, something that would never (and could never) fall before a hostile force. Even a storm wouldn't be able to fell the ship, as its master held sway over the winds. It'd be best not to cross him.

---

Taking a seat opposite Queen Aris, Phnalus waited for the rest of the delegates to arrive. He was alone, except for a solitary aide waiting behind him with a tablet and writing implements whose purpose was merely to record the goings-on.

Phnalus himself looked incredibly plain compared to everyone else in the room (except, perhaps, Ned the Brown). The pale skin of the average Dhuda Loka, the short auburn hair, the passive face, complimented by a plain grass-woven tunic... if not for the fact that he was among these other lords and ladies he could've easily been mistaken for a commoner. The only sign of authority was a crown of fallen sticks and leaves upon his head, woven together with yet more grass. To think that this man had command over death itself would've been called insane by all except those within the Hagiarchy; the crown (and the respect that it held) was all that was needed back home.

---

After the proclamations from the other two attendees, Phnalus rose and began to speak: "While my people have long shied away from war, it has become obvious that pacifism is simply not possible in this world. Pralkemiri was a fool to believe that." As he spoke, the scribe behind him flinched at the insult to their previous ruler, but quickly resumed his work at the paper. "I do not hold the same delusion. The Crystal Union has slaughtered its leaders and openly declared their service to their embodiment of evil. While I did not know Alueta or have any investments in their previous government, they must still be stopped for the good of the world. The Hagiarchy will lend what meager support that it can to your cause, along with unlimited access to the resurrection ritual."

After this, he returns to his seat, fiddling with the army marker nearest to him.

Spoiler: OOC

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So the seats are arranged like this, I'm guessing:
......Dh..As..Gn..? ->
LW
.......?....Ph..Wl.Ct ->
Seats not specified for: Crudice; Raena; Ned

(BTW I'll try to work in an oath of fealty sometime in the next couple posts)

[BlazingAegis]

The initial journey to Free-Men’s Beach was a long one, but upon arriving Cato and Wille stepped off their chartered merchant vessel, and tossed a large amount of coin to the captain as they departed. The two figures walked along the beach until they reached the designated spot and waited for their escorts to appear.

The longboats had come after a time, the two comrades boarded the boat and the next leg of their journey had begun. It seemed almost like an eternity shrouded in darkness, but then the boat stopped and they were ushered aboard the Judgement.

Upon entering the council room, Cato and Wille take a quick gaze around the room, and begin to move to some seats on the left side of the room. Pulling off the black cloaks they wore during the journey, revealing splint mail underneath, painted black to hide in the shadow of the cloak. Cato takes a small glance down to where his father’s phoenix pin was always placed, but instead nothing conspicuous was seen, until he pulled a glowing purple ring from a pocket and slips it onto his finger. Cato fires off a quick glance at Wille before briefly addressing the gathered council.

“I believe not one of us desires to be here, not one of us wants to have to make this decision, but it would seem that our adversaries have given us no choice but to act. Maybe we have hesitated for too long, it seems that acting alone and in the shadows we can not accomplish much. It is my hope that today we will stand united and put aside any differences we may have to protect all of our people from this threat.”

Spoiler: OOC

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This is totally whats going on in my head throughout this entire thing.

[Zayuz]

The three dukes of the Grey Drieduch filed in one after another, each of similar age but different stature. Most notable among their features was their ghostly pale skin, which the two leading men seemed to possess in spades. They all shared the same dark shades of brown as their hair, treated carefully and recently to maintain appearances for the other rulers in lands surrounding their own. The first to enter, the Duke of Gortan scanned the assembly with red eyes, the second a dark blue. Dressed in merchants clothes, they each presented Lord Winter a swift bow before seating themselves one alongside the other where their seats had surely been reserved.. It was a private meeting after all, there were none who would come to take their place. The third among them and last to enter was different from the other two. He was the Grey Duke of Yahagmir, who went by the name of Aghrim. Renowned for his father`s neutrality in adopting the Order of the Eternal Soul, he shared much of the same disconnects from people that made him both a fair and blunt judge of character. He had a darker, olive colored skin that seemed to almost make the other two beside him look like corpses in comparison. It was in the spirit of this neutrality that he regarded carefully the statements of those who were present, gauging how they themselves felt about the southern threat before speaking himself. It was difficult, as he knew not the aeldir tongue, but by their tone alone he could at least guess what was being said. When those from the west spoke in the common tongue, he couldn't help but feel a tad relieved. Mention of this 'resurrection ritual' irked him slightly, though he would need to know more of it before deciding it too dangerous for use.

"The scribes of Besina speak true. While the Grey Drieduch has always vied for the path of least bloodshed, it would seem the Crystal Union is not the organization our forefathers once knew them to be. I would assure everyone present that we have had nothing to do with their.. Betrayal of our faith, and hope that whilst we prepare to vanquish this evil from our world that we recognize that this does not reflect the religion as a whole. In truth, this is the very evil the Order has been created to fight back against, and to see those of our own succumb so quickly to it's truest enemy makes for naught but sore hearts and minds.. We must recall that in this fight the true enemy is not the men on the field, but their leaders who subject them to the evils they themselves have fallen prey to in recent times."

With his message said, the Duke of Westan puts forwards a letter of parchment sealed with blood designed to appear as a wax stamp. It reads as a letter of cease and desist to the Grey Drieduch, which states that their people might only be spared should the immediate conversion to Onyx rule take place, all inland territories are given over to the Crystal Union, and that regular tribute is paid to one who claims to be the 'Dark Hero' of legend. The Duke of Yahagmir places his hands curled together just in front of his chin to cover his mouth, staring gravely at the map before him.

No matter the result, this was going to be a war of unparalleled bloodshed.

Even a victory would mean a failure from the start.

[Mary_Sue]

Aris found her eyes drawn back to her vassal as though they were pulled by a string. A small crease appeared in the center of her forehead. Somehow she could not be certain, but she could have sworn the Stormland Queen's hair had been a darker hue. Either way, her steadfast vigour was commendable and indeed impressive. Her eyes turned to Ned. They did not seem capable of settling on any one feature for long, they were all equally unremarkable save for those eyes. They seemed to almost leap off of her face so exceptional they were in colour and lucidity. Even more, they felt familiar to her, though she had surely not met Ned before in person. Aris's hand rose to rub her scar upon her temple absently as she forced her attention back to the proceedings.

[Gengy]

Like the sound of her own voice, a sudden whisper was the only warning that Lady Spring, Blayne Aleuta was in attendance. She stood near enough to Lord Winter that it could be viewed as a stance between equals, but she was not at his side, which did raise questions...

..but those questions were not for the here and now. "Your presences here have been noted. The Spring Court knows of you all. Some of you, we already owe thanks to. Others we have... kept watch upon, with interest. This is Lord Winter's gathering, so we will say little, other than that Zellevera - the self-proclaimed Fierce - be captured, not killed, if at all possible. She is owed some of Our displeasure."

Lady Blayne looked... plain, for a Lady Spring. Her hair was not glossy or shiny, her dress was a simple deep purple - but not ornate, just functional - and in fact, the only glitter or gleam of jewelry on her was the golden armband that marked her as leader of the Gold Stem merchants. She seemed to wear it with pride, and slung to the other side was a simple satchel; perhaps the most unusual thing about her person. For what kind of ruler wears such an odd accouterment? No, other than that, she was plain, and it was almost easy to see why she might have been overlooked by those in the room.

Yet not now. Now, as she asked for Zellevera's capture, her silver eyes became hard, and where Lord Winter's presence was itself a promise of wisdom, mystery, and power, Lady Spring came full in to view; as if the centuries of learning, seeking, and struggling to grow against the Cold Northern Lord were suddenly brought to bare. Those hard eyes promised something equally deadly as Balor Morrig's own disdain, ever the Queen of the Dynasty fell into Spring Court hands.

[HalfTangible]

"Very well." Crudice nodded. "We're in agreement, this needs to be done. Let's talk assets and strategy."

"The longer we wait to strike at Onyx, the more secure their power will become. At the moment, their nations are in turmoil, but that will only last for so long."

"Primus can dispatch the Terran Quadrant to attack the Crystal Union's shores, or assist the Sky Quadrant in defending the Grey Drieduch. We plan to provide them with the Imperium's weapons and supplies, so the Drieduch will be as secure as it can be. The Imperium is also working on an... alternative method of attack on the Onyx worshippers. Though it will take time, and our forces will be limited, the Union will be unable to counter-attack. How soon we can do it depends on how our war with the Vr'kx Empire plays out."

Crudice glanced at Lady Spring. "I will have Scarface attempt to capture her for you, but I cannot promise anything."

[RandoMan]

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm planning to have Egan arrive a bit late/in the middle of your opening Dark.

[TheDarkDM]

Seeing the confusion of the Grey Dukes, Lord Winter raised a hand. It had been so long since he had encountered a foreign dignitary unschooled in the Aeldir tongue that he had not thought an interpreter necessary, but that did not mean he lacked the means to produce one. At his signal, the shadows behind his chain rippled like rough water, and the figure of Thalia Darkthorne coalesced from nothing. Or at least a supernal doppelganger, for while her features remained recognizable as the former queen of Avonlea they had shifted in the long embrace of the Aeldir's gods. Ears that had once been round and human had lengthened into dagger points, eyes that had been at times hard and soft rose to angled pools, and her stance held a predation that seemed more akin to the people of Koya than Avonlea. Danger emanated from her as heat from a bonfire, yet she bowed to the assemblage and began to translate the Lord Winter's words into the Luskan trade dialect.

<"Your ardor is commendable, Crudice, and I am sure the honored leaders of the Drieduch appreciate your offer. But, my lords and ladies, this is not a war that will be done by one battle. The Crystal Union is vast, well supplied and well fortified. After all, if they lacked the strength to threaten all here we would hardly have gathered with such dire purpose. But for all its strength, the Union has weaknesses we can exploit. Their tenuous connection to the northern realm of the Five Tribes. Their isolation from their allies. And most importantly, the dissatisfaction of their people beneath the yoke of a mad death cult. As such, I have devised a preliminary stratagem.">

Lord Winter stood, drawing a long rod from a hidden shelf in the table and using its metal hook to rearrange the insignia of forces on the maps.

<"Our primary goal in this war cannot be conquest. The Union is too large, the Cult of Onyx too widespread, to make for an easy campaign of conquest. Instead, we must cripple their corrupt government's ability to pursue war. Near a quarter of their forces are garrisoned in the northern reaches, and must be cut off. A full assault by the Kingdom of Koya on Alammus to seize the mountain passes will trap those northern armies even as they are hammered from all sides. Besina will launch simultaneous invasions of Mizalna and Nettofurikusu, while the forces of the Stormlands march on the Veylands and the Demesne begins incursions in Arendar and Golyater. So assailed, bereft of experienced leadership, it is possible the north will simply collapse into chaos. However, should they try to force their way though Alammus with elements of their southern armies, Avonlea shall hold forces in reserve to reinforce those of Koya.">

The rod paused, the map of the former Sapphire division a thornbriar of units from near half a dozen kingdoms.

<"Timed with the spring thaw, this offensive should draw the Union's attention and allow us to open a second front in the west. Here is where our blow shall fall the hardest, on Xeroas itself. For in the liberation of the birthplace of the Eternal Soul, we may inspire further strife behind the Union's borders. I shall lead an armada of the Demesne's fleet, joined with that of the Grey Drieduch, to seize the capital. Depending on the Union's response, I shall either mass the fullness of our strength there or deploy smaller raiding parties to assault Lignummus. Should we succeed, rulership of those regions shall pass to the Drieduch, and our war of conquest will become a war of liberation. To further that end, I urge any here who retain contacts within the Union to fan the fires of resistance. Supply the rebels if you can, but if you cannot then simply assure the people of the Union that their nightmare shall not endure.">

The coast of the Union's heartland now bristled with ships, and Lord Winter's attention turned to the east.

<"Yet even as we push to excise this cancer to our south, we cannot allow it to take root and fester in Transfirlia and Jagalata. It is to that end that I turn to the Praetorian and Primal Empires. I would spare both your proud armies' the dangers of travelling to assault the Crystal Union by having then turn their blades on the Union's allies. An invasion by Praetoria of Hanula, coupled with a Primal attack on Kazbaze, would catch Transfirlia in a vise from which it could send little aid to its western patron. My pathfinders are already busy mapping a route to Transfirlia from the Queenlands.">

Lord Winter fell silent, and the rod disappeared beneath the table once more.

<"We can discuss the specifics, of course. But before further discussion I will offer a final warning. It is well known that assassination and kidnapping are much loved by the Crystal Union. Indeed, I am sure we have all heard rumor of the danger in which the Grey Dukes find themselves. When this conference ends and you return to your courts and your families, select those you trust from among your heirs and generals and ensure they understand the necessity of this war. Otherwise, the Cult of Onyx might accomplish with a single knife what they could not with ten thousand swords.">

Spoiler: OOC

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A list of proposed attack sites:

Mizalna - 103 (Besina)

Veylands - 105 (Stormlands)

Alammus - 111 (Koya)

Nettofurikusu - 115 (Besina)

Arendar - 116 (Demesne)

Golyater - 117 (Demesne)

Lignummus - 144 (Demesne?)

Xeroas - 145 (Grey + Demesne)

Lenthe - 177 (Demesne?)

Kazbaze - 460 (Primus)

Hanula - 480 (Praetoria)

[moossabi]

"An admirable plan, Lord Winter. However, until the passes of Alammus are secured, there will be no chance for the Hagiarchy to effectively deal with a defending force. While the bulk of their army would be focused on the defense of Xeroas, our armament is heavily outdated to the point where a small force with a competent commander would slaughter us. However, it is understood that you have enough technology to even the odds, and unless you would wish to place even more troops in defense of Alammus it may be advantageous to equip our soldiers with some reasonable means of combating the Union." rising and moving towards Lord Winter's seat, Phnalus continues: "By now you likely know what it is that I am asking for. However, it seems necessary to provide something in return. I offer the Hagiarchy's services to the Demesne, in peace or in war, from now until such a time when it would fall- an unlikely occurrence, of course- and guarantee that the Hagiarchy will pull you from death should you meet your demise in this war." Reaching Lord Winter's throne, Phalus kneels before him. "Our armies are yours, our faith is yours, and if you give us what we need to face the Onyx cult then the lands of the Five Tribes shall be yours as well."

Spoiler: OOC

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I would be absolutely decimated in a battle with the Crystal Union, so I think it high time that I swear allegiance and get what I need to actually win.

P.S. Dark, if you want to talk fusing faiths shoot me a PM. Mine's more of a philosophy anyways.

Spoiler: Seating Chart

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So the seats are arranged like this:
Th...Dh..As..Gn..? ->
LW
LS....?...Ph..Wl.Ct ->
Seats not specified for: Crudice; Raena; Ned; Grey Dukes

[HalfTangible]

Crudice ignored the Besnia leader swearing alleigance to the Old Gods. While she could certainly understand throwing one's self at the Lord Winter's feet, Phalnus showed a fear and cowardice that she found... distasteful. (Anghau's blood, the war hadn't even started yet!) Primus would have given them shelter had they asked and done nothing to their faith, but she had no desire to overstep the Lord Winter.

OOC: That wasn't intended to interrupt, it was meant to follow Winter's answer.

My bad.

She pointed to Kabaze. "The Queenlands do not have many land troops - their forces are largely naval. They have but one legion they can bring to bear for such an invasion and do not have time to recruit more." She glanced to the Praetorians. "As such, when we make our attacks, you will in all likelihood face the heavier enemy force. However, Primus has become quite skilled at destabilizing the enemy. Our Satsujin can easily encourage rebellion in the area, ferment local resistance groups and generally be a nuisance to the blood queen. She will not stand for long against us."

She glanced at the southeast part of the map, where it ceased. "And... Primus may have a way soon to strike at the Crystal Union from another angle, though I cannot go into specifics as of yet. I will keep you updated, Lord Winter."

[RandoMan]

Egan Oakburn shivered as the fog pressed in around him reminding him of the Winter Court's northern embrace. He had sworn his blade to the Lord Winter when they had last crossed paths and though nothing had become of it for Lady Spring tempered peace and patience the chill he'd felt prickle his spine then now returned. Lord Winter's visage as one of winter ran contrary to the shining snow-white beauty of Eirwen. Where Egan looked upon his wife as a fox or rabbit in its winter coat Lord Winter turned his thoughts to the dead and gnarled tree branches of a hard frost. Egan had spent much of his life in Avonlea and abroad among the Midland Isles and he had learned from the Dagda who had accompanied him since his brother's death that the Aeldir looked upon the seasons far differently than the mortal realms did. The Aeldir did not worry themselves with planting season or harvest season, so the Dagda claimed, for they were provided for by those of the Demesne they protected. Egan was sure the Aeldir Courts embodied them.

He glanced over to where Ultan Qendemir, the leader of the Dagda's expedition, stood alongside Egan on the deck of the Sunspear. The Dagda had kept Egan busy for the past few years but despite talking to many he never spoke to whom he wished to. He spoke often with lords and ladies of the Summer Court and high ranking members of the Demesne but never Eirwen. He now knew Eirwen truly was in hiding by Aris' decree for fear of her safety from the Izele but knowing such matters had not eased her absence. He had offered, of course, the aids of the Summer Court in destroying the Izele's resolve to fight but Aris and Raena had refused him. It seemed the Daenic Queens did not want the Old Gods to avenge the damage done upon their priests. That's what the Dagda insinuated at least, though Egan wasn't as sure. He just wished the whole business would be over soon and he might see his wife again after 4 years of absence. Such long waits seemed their fate.

As the small sleek Sunspear came along the mighty Judgement Egan noted the other ships already bereft guests. He was late. The Dagda had urged him to go but he had been caught in arbitrating a dispute between the Decasage of Silverwood and the Decasage of Cape Silvia over revenues in Sigurt. The Geshem were a stubborn bunch but Egan figured they deserved as much respect as anyone and with the troubles in the Autumn Court many legal disputes in the Demesne were coming to the attention of Lord Summer and, no doubt, Lady Spring. He hurried up and aboard Judgment and sped swiftly across the haunting planks to the quarters where Lord Winter hosted. The door was opened as quietly as was its wont and Egan stepped in as Lord Winter withdrew a rod from the table and continued his speech alongside the table's aid.

He listened intently as Lord Winter spoke of the various fronts he wished to open. Egan had thought he'd come to appreciate the vastness of the Demesne's resources serving with the Thyrngar in the Midland Isles but it was as Lord Summer that its true scope had become apparent. Egan did not doubt a serious commander with willing, well manned subordinates could capture almost every target laid out, even with the size of the Crystal Union's forces considered. The leadership of the Crystal Union was clearly corrupted by some form of madness that they spoke for their own religion's great evil but it was doubtful their many thousands of soldiers suffered the same. Egan did not expect the Union would be able to muster its whole armies, not without desertions and rebellions en masse. As Lord Winter concluded his speech Egan looked around. He recognized Aris of course, and his brother-in-law Gavan. There was the Dullahan as well. His father-in-law. He quickly continued his scan marking the red-skinned Crudice with ease as well as the diminutive form of Lady Spring. None of the others he recognized by appearance but deduced their identities relatively easily. He might have confused Duke Aghrim for Emperor Cato, for the Duke was well dressed befitting the rich reputation of the Duchies, but he recognized the Emperor's strange companion described to him by Ultan.

Egan bowed towards Lord Winter and moved that he could stand near Aris and Gavan while the Besina King addressed Lord Winter. He took a spot behind the Avonlean royals giving them a nod as he did so. While King Phnalus continued to speak Egan attempted to gain Gavan's attention and whispered.

"Let us speak of your sister after this."

As he finished speaking the room grew quieter as King Phnalus knelt before Lord Winter there before everyone to see. He listened to his oath of fealty intently surprised to hear the words come from the often backwards seeming Dhuda Lonka.

As Crudice boasted loudly interrupting the otherwise solemn moment, disrespecting not only King Phnalus but Lord Winter as well Egan turned to look at the red-skinned girl. Egan knew she was a childhood friend of Eirwen's though Egan had not cared for her on the occasion they'd met in their youth. He had not seen her in many years though her actions now did little to improve his younger opinion of her.

"Princess Crudice, perhaps we might wait for Lord Winter's reply?"

[HalfTangible]

OOC: That wasn't intended to interrupt, it was meant to follow Winter's answer.

My bad.

[Rexleox]

Thalgram sat in his seat with his fingers interlocked, his eyes emotionless starring at the maps sprawled out before them. His eyes held on Alammus as if he was trying to burn a hole through that region. Taking these region for Koya would bring his nation much happiness and honor but, it would cost a great many of his men's lives to take it.

Thalgram turned his head toward Lord Winter "Lord Winter, your plan is a sound one but, similar to the Hagiarchy our armies are outdated and would need a technological revival to ever stand a chance against The Union. My people will be fighting the brunt of all of The Unions forces until Alammus is captured, we will need this or it will not be possible for my people to take that pass, The Union's armies are just simply large than my own and better equipped. However if you equip my armies, they will stop at nothing to take that pass and cleanse the lands of the Onyx filth." Hopping he had made his point, he sat back in his chair waiting for a response with eagerness.

Spoiler: OCC

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I could not find this page for the life of me, must have skipped over the post. Just pretend like I was there.
Dark, you can PM me for further details on the techs or just do it in the event, I doubt I can get them for free.

[TheDarkDM]

Lord Winter nodded to the various concerns coming from his southern neighbors, and stood to give Lord Summer a respectful bow at his entrance. He remained standing as the leader of Besina approached and another ruler of the South pledged fealty. His smile was a fleeting thing, so swiftly banished it might simply have been a mirage, his face returning to graven seriousness as Phalus completed his oath. Reaching down, he rested a single hand on the Besina lord's head, and his touch was as the soothing kiss of the cool November wind.

<"Rise then, Phalus of Besina, and know that your people are flesh of our flesh, blood of our blood. To be protected and honored as any born in Tir Amser. Know your enemies to be our enemies, your woes to be our woes, your triumphs our triumphs. I am sure Lady Spring will attend swiftly to the supply of your forces.">

With that, he helped Phalus to his feet, giving a nod as warm as any Lord Winter could give.

<"And as to your concern, Alpha Thalgram, we can certainly provide Demesne divisions to bolster your army's materiel. Anything further will require deliberations inappropriate for this chamber, but I am sure we could entertain a discussion upon the departure of our other esteemed guests. Princess Crudice, I apologize for my presumption - I was unaware the forces of the Queenslands were so centralized upon the sea. I leave it to your discretion how to join this fight, and invite any further stratagem you might employ. This plan, my lords and ladies, is but a preliminary one. No doubt we will be forced to adapt with the realities of the battlefield. But with a unified offensive in place, we at least might dictate the terms...">

Lord Winter was cut off by the slamming of the outer door upon the wall. Instinctively, the shade that was Thalia reared up in nightmarish fury to defend those within, but standing at the door was naught but a messenger bearing the livery of a Raven Knight. He staggered forward, exhaustion clear even on his eternal frame, and whispered briefly in Lord Winter's ear. At once Balor Morrig stood, a terrible fury on his face, and stabbed a finger towards Thurdan.

<"And it seems our enemies' madness compels us further. Thurdan is under assault, with twenty thousand Crystal spears bearing down on them. We must respond. High Queen Aris, Queen Raena, you have scant time to muster a defense. However, this provides us a rare opportunity. So committed, the Crystal Union will be unprepared for our counter-strike. But the strike must come now - war is upon us. Gavan!">

His voice cut through the air towards the Avonlean prince.

<"My Orm and my Dullahan will be committed to fronts far from me in this war. If you wish to serve, I offer a place as my squire.">

Spoiler: OOC

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I propose we start using this for purely OOC planning, as we have less than a week to get things rolling.

I'm sending 50 units to attack Xeroas. That leaves the Demesne with 35 units to shove where they're needed, especially if Rando wants to open a front of his own. However, I am relying on the Greys to show up and help. Also, if the grapevine is correct and they can call in the Nihoni, the time is now.

[PepperP.]

Queen Raena had sat and watched idly as King Phnalus pledged fealty to He who was also her Lord. Her eyes were pulled once again to High Queen Aris, her face placid and beautiful as she watched the proceedings seated next to the cold spectre she had claimed for her own. Long had the Temple fought and schemed towards discord with Besina to their own end, their efforts ended with the blast that had struck them down, and now too, in this moment of sworn allegiance to the ever-growing Demesne. Her idle thoughts which had drifted lazily through her mind were swiftly cleared as the lord of Winter declared his intelligence of Onyx's attack upon Thurdan. Raena jumped to her feet and in one motion she had pulled old Ned up and was hurrying towards the door at a trot that the old woman could not keep up with.

"They may have the element of surprise, but they will not find us as easy a target as they might have wished!" She turned at the door, her eyes blazed with fury. She found Aris's gaze, and though she spoke bravely she knew without her liege's forces Thurdan was lost. An irksome truth. And a bitter one.

[BlazingAegis]

Cato stands following Lord Winter's address, and gazes at the table the various pieces.

"Praetoria will hold the line in the South East, any attempt by the Transfirlians or Jagalatans to reinforce the Union will be stalled before they are given a chance. Hopefully we can capture Queen Yildiz quickly, doing so should stall or break up the advances of Jagalata and Transfirlia. If a time presents itself for the abilities of Primus to come to bear we shall welcome their strength. Once our front is dealt with hopefully we can find a way to assist elsewhere."

[Mary_Sue]

Aris had smiled warmly at her son-in-law as he entered the room and moved to stand behind her and her son. She knew well his anguish at being separated from his beloved, she and Lugh had often been apart for years at a time. She too missed her daughter, and her smile to Egan was complicit in its anguish. Gavan nodded quietly at the Summer Lord and returned his attentions to the swearing of fealty by the Besina King. He knew that long his mother had wished to end the petty feud began by the now defunct Temple ages ago, and was well pleased that their neighbors were officially being brought into the embrace of the Demesne. His black hooded eyes flicked to the Stormlands Queen. He was astute enough to discern that fanatical in her faith, she may not be well pleased at this bond between herself and those who had long decried her Goddess. Next to him his mother's face remained pleasant and unreadable though she moved her hand to clasp her husband's which was resting on the table.

As the message arrived on the assault of Thurdan, and Raena rushed to the door Ned straggling behind her, Aris's unflappable facade broke at last and it was with some alarm and surprise that she regarded her Lord, and then Raena in turn as she stood on the threshold. A fitting place to pause, Aris thought to herself as her mind fought to catch up with the swift turn of events, as the world now stands upon the threshold of war. At length she stood.

"We will give them a fight to be sure, for to fail might cost us our very souls." Recently she had come to hear that the followers of Onyx absorbed the souls of others. She had scarcely given it credit at the time, though it had put her in mind of the warm glow that had left Lavinia and had seeped back into Aris upon the witch's death. Here upon this dread ship, in these black distant waters, suddenly the idea did not seem so far-fetched. The very fact of the gathering of so disparate a peoples converging against the Onyx plight lent credence to hearsay, and made rumour seem reasonable. She turned to bow before her Lord and paused to kiss her husband farewell before she moved to follow Raena out the heavy cabin door. She turned as Lord Winter offered her son the position of his Squire. Gavan's eyes met her own, and finding no resistance in them, he stood and face Lord Winter.

"You have my sword and service, Lord Morrig." Gavan spoke with an eager confidence, almost relieved to at last have an outlet for his thirst for war, and for blood.

Spoiler: OOC

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I will defend Thurdan to the best of my abilities. Pepper, if you will have Raena lead, I will supply the bulk of the units and the tech.

[HalfTangible]

Crudice smiled as Lord Winter to her, but it died the moment news arrived of the assault on Thurdan.

She stood, not letting her panic show. "<Very well. We have a lot of work to do. I'll contact Pronoe and the Ordo Crudice, see what we can provide immediately.>"

"<... Come to think of it they might be established well enough to make use of the Light rune... Hmph. We'll see. If they are, then I can get the legions to aid the Protectorate.>" She looked to Cato. "<If you're willing.>"

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It occurred to me this morning that since the Ordo Crudice is now a Holy Order of the Aeldir Old Gods, I can actually provide a lot more than the 1000 land troops in the Queenlands. And since the 1000 in the Queenlands don't need to teleport, I can also provide my techs.

Also, I have no ability to help this round because I've got a hundred different responsibilities and engagements that I can't throw aside.

Why couldn't we have started NEXT round... Thanks a lot, CU

[Gengy]

Lady Spring frowned at the message that the Stormlands were already under attack. This was foolish, even for the Crystal Union. True, the attack upon them was imminent, but now the Demesne was the defenders and not the aggressors. The perception to the rest of the world might not matter - much - but it did matter some. Zellevra was unworthy of this, and perhaps Blayne had overestimated her.

Still, Lady Blayne had a job to do. She would follow Lord Winter's lead on this, and defer to Lord Summer in matters of war as well. Lady Spring had... ideas of how to help. Clever ones, if they worked out. Foolish, if they did not. Lady Spring feared that she would be rather busy. With no Lady Autumn to handle Diplomatic matters, things were deferring often to the Friendliest of Aeldir. With a silent, contemplative frown, Lady Blayne reached into her satchel, and produced multiple scrolls. One for King Phnalus of Besina, one for Queen Aris of Avonlea, and another for Alpha Thalgram Dunadrad of Koya. The Spring Court was... anticipatory of certain things occurring, and so had drafted these documents ahead of time.

Lady Blayne was mostly silent as she passed these out; when she did speak, her words were first for Queen Aris. "Beloved of the Dullahan, Queen Aris of Avonlea, your aid in a simple matter of trade is requested. In exchange for your assistance, We are contemplating doing something that has not been done before: providing the secret of Coldblood Alloy to outsiders."

"We request your assistance in teaching the people of Koya, Besina, and the rest of the Demesne the secrets of Daen Axes. The Courts would also greatly appreciate learning of how Avonlea has crafted their Illuminated Manuscripts. More is detailed in these documents."

Turning to face the Queen of the Stormlands, Blayne continued, "Long have the Stormlands been our friend, our ally, and a member of the Rose Demense. For them too, we offer the secrets of Coldblood; but as in all things, it will come with a cost. You have previously given permission for the Spring Court to handle matters of trade relationships and establishing or disrupting and disengaging from trade routes. With so much going on, We are uncertain if We can continue to assist in this manner, much as We might like to. Please verify, though, that the Stormlands proper can supply additional Mercenaries to the Crystal Rose trade route; if you can manage to make that happen on your own, then Coldblood and the benefits of knowing it's crafting methods will be yours."

"We give them with pride, but also with caution: allowing these secrets to be seized by our enemies would go poorly. For all of us."

"Lady Crudice," Lady Blayne turned, her eyes seemingly alight with mischief and mirth, warming to speaking with so many kings and queens of the world, "The actions that the Spring Court makes for the benefit of our vassals is also to the benefit of our allies in Primus... though it will require additional negotiation of trade. Later. I have no proposals for you at the moment; but I understand that Primus intended to make a proposal to us regarding your new advancements. Lady Honora, at the Grand Ball in Anceris, already has my instructions to accept."

"In fact," Lady Spring turned to face everyone now, "Lady Honora has quite a number of documents at the Ball. Though I would dearly like to have everyone's signatures now, affirmations and copies are at the Ball. There are... reasons. Protection. Security. Duplicity. With so many of us gathered here - secret though this meeting might be - I would appreciate that if you have not done so, please send diplomats with authority to the Grand Ball. Further business will be conducted there."

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Ok. Lots to go over here. I don't have official documents, nor the time to draft them. I'll highlight the major points.

Everyone: The Secret Conclave is not a Mechanically Sponsored Event. That means, for MECHANICS, please send people to the Grand Ball in Anceris. I don't have the actions to spare to host and attend an event this round, so all official actions will happen at the Grand Ball; I wish it were otherwise, but it would require several other people here to also spend multiple actions that we don't have. This is a situation where story will have to bend for mechanics, sorry.

Rexleox: For throwing your lot in with the Rose Demesne, we will honor the previous document; protection and aid against the CU, and you have claim to regions 111, 112, 113, 114, and 105 once the war gets underway/completes. You can waive your rights to some or all of those regions, if you want, but they are the logical places for Koya to claim. The Rose Demesne wants 119, 130, and 131, though we're willing to negotiate on those and said regions are low priority targets. If you are still interested in vassalage, we're open to the idea, and still are pleased to offer The Venaton the same kind of rights that other religions enjoy in the Demesne; the details of which, Dark is more familiar with, and can correct me if I'm wrong: You can make minorities in our regions that don't disrupt our 'Sole' religions, and we can do the same for the Old Gods in Koya. There may be more to it then that, but again, that's Dark's territory. You are also welcome to try and figure out a way to get on to the Crystal Rose route, which I intend to open up Coldblood Alloy resources on for vassals and allies; that will allow us to give you much more effective techs. As it stands right now, most of our Military techs are based on Coldblood, so while we're happy to come in and help defend territories with you, gifting/trading you stuff now won't give you any benefits. Avonlea might have a tech or two, if Mary is willing.

Moos: Formal vassalage document, yada yada, we're gonna hook you up with a bunch of Curiosity techs, and we're going to (probably) give you control of region 16 [Silverlake]. Please don't mess with the trade Routes for that region without talking to me. Yes, it puts you on the Crystal Rose route. Yes, it will qualify you for Coldblood and all the goodies that come with it. Dark will have to talk to you about Faith stuff, but I don't think our agreement changes much from what we've already established. Avonlea might have a tech or two for you, if Mary is willing.

BlazingAegis: For throwing your lot in with the Rose Demesne, we're willing to recognize you as a Friend of the Courts; that means a lot to the Aeldir. Your conflicts are our conflicts, so long as our conflicts are your conflicts. And... you and me will talk more, later, maybe, about something more. But do know that I intend to get you some techs. Maybe a region or two. I'd appreciate it if you tried to make nicey-nice with Epinephrine_Syn and the Univale Commune. Reach out to Syn and see if there is something you can do for her/trade her, maybe? I'm trying to make friends with her, and you're another nearby neighbor for her.

HT: Dead Drops for Illumination Crystals is fine.

[Mary_Sue]

Spoiler: OCC

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I can give out Daen Axes, and Splint Mail to Besina no problem. I can also check to see if I can give away Plated Mail, though I can't remember who made it at the moment. Somebody should negotiate with LAP for repeating crossbows for Besina, Koya and Praetoria. And perhaps trebuchets too.

[HalfTangible]

Spoiler: OCC

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I can give out Daen Axes, and Splint Mail to Besina no problem. I can also check to see if I can give away Plated Mail, though I can't remember who made it at the moment. Somebody should negotiate with LAP for repeating crossbows for Besina, Koya and Praetoria.

Spoiler: OOC

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It was Berrium (Jerry).

You'll have to ask him.

[moossabi]

Moos: Formal vassalage document, yada yada, we're gonna hook you up with a bunch of Curiosity techs, and we're going to (probably) give you control of region 16 [Silverlake]. Please don't mess with the trade Routes for that region without talking to me. Yes, it puts you on the Crystal Rose route. Yes, it will qualify you for Coldblood and all the goodies that come with it. Dark will have to talk to you about Faith stuff, but I don't think our agreement changes much from what we've already established. Avonlea might have a tech or two for you, if Mary is willing.

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I would've preferred 17 (Dark has a mint in 16 and it makes my territory look like a deformed snake), but 16 works alright. I'll have to look up what it actually does though...

All my soldiers are currently away, but I can definitely commence the invasion of 103 and 115 next round (if you want me to I'll just withdraw my other projects and do it next round).

Also worth mentioning, Murgen wants my Campfires and he's offering bonuses to claims. Seeing as I rarely use those, I'm trying to get military tech out of him. Should I follow through with this trade or is he a potential enemy?

Also, what's coldblood (not the stuff in lizards)?

[HalfTangible]

Spoiler: OOC

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I would've preferred 17 (Dark has a mint in 16 and it makes my territory look like a deformed snake), but 16 works alright. I'll have to look up what it actually does though...

All my soldiers are currently away, but I can definitely commence the invasion of 103 and 115 next round (if you want me to I'll just withdraw my other projects and do it next round).

Also worth mentioning, Murgen wants my Campfires and he's offering bonuses to claims. Seeing as I rarely use those, I'm trying to get military tech out of him. Should I follow through with this trade or is he a potential enemy?

Also, what's coldblood (not the stuff in lizards)?

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Coldblood alloy. It's the Rose Courts' special material, it makes very strong weapons and is a prereq for a lot of the RC's stuff. They can get you weapons, armor and ranged weapons with the stuff, iirc.

[moossabi]

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Coldblood alloy. It's the Rose Courts' special material, it makes very strong weapons and is a prereq for a lot of the RC's stuff. They can get you weapons, armor and ranged weapons with the stuff, iirc.

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Wow. I never actually knew that that was a thing.

Just shows you how out-of-touch with technology that I've been.

[PepperP.]

Spoiler: OCC

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I can give out Daen Axes, and Splint Mail to Besina no problem. I can also check to see if I can give away Plated Mail, though I can't remember who made it at the moment. Somebody should negotiate with LAP for repeating crossbows for Besina, Koya and Praetoria. And perhaps trebuchets too.

Spoiler: OCC

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OH LAP IS ME TOO. How about Naval Blockade? And LAP will pass out repeating crossbows to Koya, Besina and Praetoria. Seems fair to me, but if anybody thinks that's a conflict of interest, speak up and somebody else that has repeating crossbows can get the trade and Ambrose will be left sad and dejected with no Blockades.

[Gengy]

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I was unaware of the Mint in 16. We'll talk more, OK moos? I wanna see if we can get you some useful techs, but without a whole lot of Trade Route juggling. We'll figure it out. I may have to do a diff region, though. Or help you conquer a few extra.