Fruits of the Reef in Bloom [Empire 7 Event]

[Autumn Stars]

Dead City Urodela is a beautiful place. Light streams down from above, channeled into abstract works of crystal and nacre, once sacred to the Makers and now sacred to the Gravetenders. Members of the Blossoming Sequence still come here, even as the faith expands into something else.

The Gravetenders have clearly made some changes to account for the ‘Reef in Bloom’, as Laksha has taken to calling the event. Reliquaries have been moved, made more secure, and given more permanent guards. In their place, an open space for each nation invited, to better honor the works of art and culture to be brought here.


Laksha herself, of dark stone and flowing robes, makes herself prominent, personally greeting each delegation with enthusiasm. As with any significant gathering of Gravetenders, there’s a lively debate going on in the fringes of the mausoleum hall, one which outsiders are explicitly welcomed to join, -assuming they wish to participate in such an oddly morbid conversation.-

The Gravetender’s own contribution is a series of artworks by one of their own. Each one conveys some aspect of the Blossoming Sequence, collectively named “Understanding.” The first is a crystal carved city, beautiful and shining, reminiscent of the Makers.


[Goals of this event: Present whatever example of the cultural work of your people you wish to bring! Every piece will be given the utmost respect of the Gravetenders, for as long as it stays here.
Secondary: The Gravetenders are using this to invite others into the endless debate that is the Blossoming Sequence, but welcome other faiths to share their understandings as well.]

[Lumaeus]

Given the amorphous nature of the Riftling clusters, it would not be easy for creatures more used to solid-formed isolates to recognize individual conglomerates. However, any who attended the Meld a (few) year(s) back might find something familiar in the grasping tendrils that regularly reach from the beige nucleus of the Riftling swarm that shows up just on the uncomfortable side of early. The cluster has a dark mass in its center, obscured by the endless polyps swimming around it. Though they begin their speech for any Gravetender they encounter, it is only when greeted by Laksha that they give it in full.

"We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. We offer our shared mourning that your land must be trespassed upon by the combined blights of our community, but are grateful that you have taken on this burden. Here is your price."

The Ambassador produce from within themselves a glassy orb, with what seems to be a very small amount of dry sand within.

"This is 729 grains of pure silica, uniform in shape and weight. We have removed all contamination from them, so far as our powers can identify them. To prevent the hidden seeding of life, we have exposed it to the greatest heat we could without disrupting their composition, the coldest parts of our southern glacial wall, and sealed it off from the waters. This is the most sterile sand outside of the Dead Seas."

[Grim ranger]

The diplomatic party from Gravetenders' direct neighbors is, by contrast, not very mysterious or subtle at all. What it is instead is quite bombastic for a modest function, large Nathi guards swimming in two lines dozen long each as they regard everyone present with tense caution. The soldiers wear stony plates over their long forms, numerous crustacean limbs constantly moving to maintain their position in the water as multifaceted eyes gleam from the depths of their hood-like head protection. In their hands they carry long staves: clearly a more ceremonial armament, although they certainly seem ready to utilize such with glee, given a reason.

Guarded between the lines is a larger figure of dark blue carapace and net-like cloak billowing after him in the water, the loose clothing resembling partially armored robe. With a gesture from their three-pronged claw, the guards halt, leaving them to swim slightly forward to meet the other representatives. But it is what follows in the wake of the ambassador that may be of more interest still: an intricately carved stone spiral held on top of a platform of solid ice, carefully carried forth by the members of the guard detail. It evokes image of a frozen whirlpool, the fury of the movement clear in the stone even as the material is covered in lightest layer of frost, faint inscriptions visible on the stone as the slight sheen of ice fills the grooves.

"We, the Kar-Nath Hegemony, greet our neighbors and other attendees" the ambassador begins, his eel-like form dipping momentarily to offer a bow to the Gravetenders and Riftlings Many. "I am Munda, here to give words of the Frozen King. He seeks to add to this collection with the craft of our people, and as such wishes to offer you the representation of a frozen tempest: terrible might of the depths, like few peoples inhabiting these waters have yet known."

[Lumaeus]

The Ambassador approach the Nathi ambassador.

"We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. We are intrigued by your contribution. Do you have the means to summon such a storm? How much destruction can it bring?"

[Autumn Stars]

Round Four

The Reef in Bloom continues, every year open to all nations. Individual artists are invited, this year, in addition to the leaders of the various peoples of these waters. Laksha, notably, is not in evidence, but Sersi is. Perhaps this explains why the decorations of the Flourishing Sequence are so much more noticeable this year. Sersi greets those coming for the cultural exchange as dutifully as her leader, however, with nary a peep of her desire to proselytize more openly.

An Issue To Be Addressed

The threat of the Shark King and his people to the many neighbors the Gravetenders hope to bring together is undeniable. While to commit violence upon others is... nearly, if not quite, taboo, Laksha recognizes the threat and sends out word to the others. A spire in Dead City Urodela has been set aside for a meeting, with intent to decide what must be done. The table shows no special place for her, or for anyone else.

The chamber itself is elaborate, as all works of the Makers were, wrought with gems and nacre, with plenty of space for every delegate to be sent.

[Talis]

Judge Shimmering Turquoise would attend the meeting, attended by a squad of sting-warriors and his trusted translator. Although the Shark-people had not yet attacked any Pepsin, their recent raid on the Firefly Squid stocks had proven too close for comfort. Now he sought to take action to prevent further escalation. His body shimmered vibrantly with loud colors.

"We must do something about the Shark-people. With every year they grow bolder and less respectful of their neighbors. We do not seek war, but we must take a firm stance to prevent further escalation."

[Lumaeus]

Any in attendance from the last sessions of the Reef in Bloom might recognize the cluster that flows eastward from the southern waters. It reaches continually towards the things that hold its attentions, as much as a reflex as some isolates turn their heads. It is very calm upon arrival.

"We, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Riftlings Many, bring greetings from the Old Fathers, by the Youngest, in the name of the Great Mother. It is truly a shame that we have been forced into conference again, hardly a few years since the last event. We thank the Gravetenders for their sacrifice. We have not yet felt the sting of sharkish incursion, but neither do we wish to. In our recent experience, we have found that a heavy dose of threat can serve to dissuade even the most belligerent and invasive neighbor without open conflict. We would add our voice to any united discouragement."

[Autumn Stars]

Laksha, of flowing robes and silvered stone, inclines her head. Structures one might liken to frills, or even external gills, shift in response, their purpose unknown to organic life.

"I am inclined to agree. The Shark King has, to our understanding, shown willingness to negotiate at least once. Our preference in such matters is clear. Should we gather sufficient... forces, to impress upon him the consequences of raiding our collective territories, perhaps we can find an ally, here." The discomfort the Gravetenders have shown with violence is in evidence, but her tone is firm.

[Grim ranger]

"An ally?" a strong voice calls out as another delegation arrives to join the meeting at the spire. The pair of thick-shelled guards of Kar-Nath hegemony with their stony armor plating and tridents are likely an expected sight, but the figure they flank most certainly is. "That is a pretty optimistic assessment... and I would warn against the dangers of naiveté when it comes to military matters concerning survival of entire nations."

The speaker is a Nathi of silvery shell, elaborate lists of text scrolling respectable distance down his carapace, apparently worked into it with some sort of careful burn. Unlike the guards, the limbs of this Nathi are longer, carapace lined with sharp spurs, and a black cloak held in place by heavy stone clasp adorning his form. The image he presents is certainly not that of a negotiator.

"I am Kreel, general of the Hegemony's Path of Banners" he introduces himself sharply, long body coiling into somewhat of a spiral to keep his position steady in the water. "As it will most likely be our forces that will act the part of deterrent to predators the most, I have been put in charge of this endeavor on behalf of my King. My opinion is to present them with an unyielding front before as much as whispering the word "negotiation". I do not believe that these savages are the sort of people to respect polite overtures."

[JBarca]

Prince Telian nods in agreement as the issue of the sharks is raised, his boney hooks rubbing gently at the table in front of him. When General Kreel offers his assessment, the Doflein speaks up. Behind him, Balelia listens intently, her Beaks keeping watch on the guards of the other delegations.

"Exactly. For years now, these invaders have been ravaging the seas of the Doflein. The Ennead cannot stand for this any longer. We must all unite our forces and show the riders that their pets cannot take priority over the needs of civilization. A firm stance is needed. Peace or destruction can be the only way forward. We will call our levies and show them what it means to stand against true might.

"I, myself, would be honored to lead the delegation to issue our collective demands, when the time comes."

Prince Telian leans back, satisfied.

[Grim ranger]

While the general seems agreeable to the sentiment, he seems to grow more wary towards the very end of prince's little speech. "I am sure you would, seeing how you already press your territorial ambitions towards our waters. Personally I feel more at ease when people with less interests in promoting themselves take command."

His claw gesturing disapprovingly at the doflein, Kreel turn his gaze towards the other delegates. "Due to our mutual ties and obvious disinterest in pressing imperial agenda of some sort, I would instead suggest Gravetenders to lead the diplomatic effort, with the Hegemony in charge of military response with our shared forces, should violence become sadly inevitable."

[Talis]

"It would be wise not to strike too aggressive a tone, lest we provoke the very response that we intend to discourage." The Judge flickered. "Nor must we act as supplicants, begging for favors. We must present a firm stance, but not antagonistic. A measured response is our best hope for a beneficial resolution." The Judge kept purposefully dark on the question of leading the delegation, waiting to see the Hegemony's response.

"Unfortunately my people are not prepared for a grand war, yet we will assist as we will. Should negotiations fail, we can cover the expenses of logistics from our treasury, and our Sting-Warriors will be ready to fight."

[Autumn Stars]

Laksha leans her head towards Kreel, face solemn. "I agree. Cooperation with Kar-Nath has long been fruitful. We, Gravetenders, are well suited for the task of negotiating, if in part due to the difficulty inherent in harming us. I propose the terms be set as such. We peoples of these waters agree to settle with the Shark Riders as peaceably as we can, presuming they make no unacceptable request. Should violence become unavoidable, we peoples of these waters send our warriors, to Kar-Nath's aid, allowing their General Kreel to lead the attack."

[JBarca]

Prince Telian shakes his head.

"How strange it is that when the Ennead suggests that it may be suited to function merely as the bearers of messages, we are deemed too interested in 'promoting ourselves,' but when the Hegemony decides it should lead a coalition of armies from across the entire region, no one bats an eye. Balelia and her army are fresh off a successful campaign, hardened killers all and strengthened by the acquisition of new biologies. Of course, the sharks are the issue at hand. We will cede control as necessary - our pride is not so important that we will let our merchants and serfs be slaughtered again. But this insult will be remembered when the crisis is behind us."

Belalia leaves the room in a hurry, clearly angry.

[Talis]

"I'm afraid that I must agree with the prince." Shimmering Turquoise lit up. "Mutual trust is necessary if our coalition is to succeed. The Shifting Ennead has more to lose from the Shark people's incursions than any of us, for they are closer and have already suffered trepidation. Should we begrudge them the desire to secure their people against this danger?" The colors quivered in gentle reproach.

"I move that the Gravetenders bring our message to the Shark People, but that the Ennead be granted the honor of leading any coalition forces if necessary. It is only natural that those possessing the most experience with this potential foe lead our armies. This should satisfy your concerns, Sir Kreel, should it not? Content yourself with your nomination, but leave some honor to our new ally, so that they too may have reason to trust us."

[Grim ranger]

The carapace of Hegemony's general rattles softly at the reproach as he gives Shimmering Turquoise a long stare before stating his position in no uncertain terms.

"No. The Hegemony will not be subordinate in military matters on extinction scale to assuage the bruised pride of our neighbors. If we would be to be shoved aside instead of allowed to see to the needs of our security, you will not need our armies for your endeavor. We may work alongside them, should need arise, but we will not be commanded by them."

[Lumaeus]

The Diplomatic Ambassador churn, somewhat agitated by the conflict. A million small voices congeal into speech.

"It is no concern to the Riftlings which delegation serves as the face of the effort. The important thing is that we are ready to exterminate any threat which is not yet quelled by the overture. The Ennead, the Nathi, and the Gravetenders have proven respectable as neighbors, despite their embrace of aliens. Already, the Ennead have graciously dropped their push for leadership of the delegation, and the Gravetenders are supported by the Nathi. Since there is no contention, let us not invent any. The Gravetenders lead the talks, and the Hegemony can lead the armies if the measure fails."

[Epinephrine_Syn]

There was very little for the members of the Eternal Spring to contribute. They were entirely silent, in large part because they did not possess the capacity for speech in most cases. They had brought about the equipment for it for this treaty, but it seemed like, at least so far, the fact that they were willing to sign on and had brought about an ink fish was sufficient enough for those purposes.

[Villskap]

A large, but lithe shelled shape approaches, followed by an escort of a few Nautilons, Mer, and a Merfolk scribe. The figure has a mottled brown and yellow shell, resembling sand and gravel in the ocean wastes, and wears hanging on her chest a large, deep blue scale.
"The Riftlings are unconcerned with several things that, perhaps, they should be, and the rulers of the Ennead are high on the list." The large creature hisses through restrained mandibles as she solemnly approaches, and removes the band of the scale from around her neck, presenting it to the Gravekeeper curators.
Please preserve this, the most beautiful of heart scales ever gifted by one Draig to another in betrothal, now the memory of a wondrous creature gone from this world. May it rest here among other beautiful treasures that they would have loved to see.

She turns to the assembled dignitaries. I am Heliwrdwyni, the Dune Huntress of the Residuum Gathering. I have been appointed commander of our defense forces, and my queen wishes to help the Shark Nomads achieve a more peaceful co-existent integration into the region, if possible. So I have come to offer the help of my people in introducing the diplomats of this coalition for peace that you are forming. And, if it should become necessary and no accord can be reached, the supporting might of myself and the forces under my command...

The Dune Huntress hisses again in barely restrained anger, and a few bubbles of steam escape in the rippling water around her jaws. "... on two conditions:
First, that peaceful negotiation be tried first unless the Shark folk are immediately attacking. We have build a rapport with them that would be a shame to turn to hostility.
And second, that the monsters who lured and murdered Sgliendilynwyr, the Wisp Wanderer and envoy of the Residuum, under the pretense of a peaceful competition, be held accountable for their crime. The Residuum will lend it's might to the defense force of this treaty only if the Ennead, as long as they be ruled by the Princes Antenius or Telian, and as long as those two remain unpunished, be excluded from that protection! she points her claw open and shaking with rage at the Dophlien prince.

[JBarca]

Telian ripples his many arms in something approximating a shrug. His response is calm, as though he is not concerned over Heliwrdwyni's anger or demands.

"Your anger is unfounded, I'm sure. The Ennead did as it said it would, and we are now more prepared to oppose those who bring violence to our realms. We will stand against the shark riders, whether the Residuum would have us or not. More important, I believe, is the details of the demands to our foes. I would propose that we demand cessation of all hostilities against any member of this coalition or their vassals - raids, invasions, and plundering included. They're more than welcome to settle seas west of Danabae or, if rumor are to be believed, in waters infested with their herring friends. Thoughts?"

[Talis]

Spoiler: bluefuzzyfish

Show

A large, but lithe shelled shape approaches, followed by an escort of a few Nautilons, Mer, and a Merfolk scribe. The figure has a mottled brown and yellow shell, resembling sand and gravel in the ocean wastes, and wears hanging on her chest a large, deep blue scale.
"The Riftlings are unconcerned with several things that, perhaps, they should be, and the rulers of the Ennead are high on the list." The large creature hisses through restrained mandibles as she solemnly approaches, and removes the band of the scale from around her neck, presenting it to the Gravekeeper curators.
Please preserve this, the most beautiful of heart scales ever gifted by one Draig to another in betrothal, now the memory of a wondrous creature gone from this world. May it rest here among other beautiful treasures that they would have loved to see.

She turns to the assembled dignitaries. I am Heliwrdwyni, the Dune Huntress of the Residuum Gathering. I have been appointed commander of our defense forces, and my queen wishes to help the Shark Nomads achieve a more peaceful co-existent integration into the region, if possible. So I have come to offer the help of my people in introducing the diplomats of this coalition for peace that you are forming. And, if it should become necessary and no accord can be reached, the supporting might of myself and the forces under my command...

The Dune Huntress hisses again in barely restrained anger, and a few bubbles of steam escape in the rippling water around her jaws. "... on two conditions:
First, that peaceful negotiation be tried first unless the Shark folk are immediately attacking. We have build a rapport with them that would be a shame to turn to hostility.
And second, that the monsters who lured and murdered Sgliendilynwyr, the Wisp Wanderer and envoy of the Residuum, under the pretense of a peaceful competition, be held accountable for their crime. The Residuum will lend it's might to the defense force of this treaty only if the Ennead, as long as they be ruled by the Princes Antenius or Telian, and as long as those two remain unpunished, be excluded from that protection! she points her claw open and shaking with rage at the Dophlien prince.

Sternly, colors of red, blue and black flashed across the Judge's jelly form. Bright enough to demand attention, but not the flashes of "yelling" his species sometimes did.

"Consider carefully your words! Your fury is justifiable, but will you punish your people and his? It is not just Prince Telian who stands to suffer here: his farmers, merchants, traders, and subjects face the growing danger of the shark-men, as do yours and mine! Satisfy your righteous anger if you must, but you will condemn many innocents to the teeth and spears of these invaders. Scars last long, and you will have the chance to air your fury."

"It seems the matter of who shall be our envoy and our champion has been settled. In the matter of our demands, I concur: We must be firm but even-handed. Insist that the raids must stop, but that they are welcome to settle the seas in the west and to trade among us peacefully. But if they insist on war, we must make it clear that we will answer in kind."

[Villskap]

The Dune Huntress gives no response to the Doflein prince, except a certain sharpness to her stance whenever she looks in his direction.
She looks sideways towards Judge Shimmering Turquoise after hearing what he has to say. Do not mistake my closeness to the victim of their callous self-indulgence to mean my words have not been thought out. I come with the approval and authority of my queen and council. The Doflein rulers are cowardly murderers, and we will not spend blood of our own to defend those who butcher our kind under a flag of peaceful envoy. Their people's plight is regrettable, but to defend them defends the power of those who think us their prey."

She turns to speak more generally to those assembled again.
"The shark nomads are not the faceless invaders you think they are, they are a noble people even if warriors, and can be reasoned with. We have proved such. "Savage" as some of their attacks have been, they make no trickery of their intentions, and commit no violence under the banners of peace. We will risk no more Draigiau or those under our wings by trusting Antenius and Telian. We will be part of no coalition that includes them. You must decide here, who you make your allies. I do not demand you make them your enemies, though I personally desire it; but if you wish our forces committed to an agreement of mutual defense, the Dolfein must not be beneficiaries."

The Dragon steps back and slows her breath and motions, waiting to hear what the others have to say before speaking further.

[Rolepgeek]

The Chora are heard before they are seen, as ever and always has been their wont. Soothing tones echo through Urodela, harmonizing with their own previous notes, and even the Pepsin can feel the vibrations easing tensions. The effect is more pronounced, of course, when the Chora's envoys drift down, colors flowing rhythmically across their forms in mesmerizing patterns.

The body plans of the Shark King's nomadic host and those of the bulk of the Chelonian Chora's members were close to identical - cephalic, with a partially bifurcated body and six long, powerful limbs akin to tentacles - save that they split thrice along their length, such that in all there were forty-eight tentacle-like appendages sprouting from a single member of their kind.

Though the songs and speeches of the Chora were renowned for their capacity to inspire empathy and accord, the pair of Chorallers present do not have the mere assuaging of grievances in mind. In fact, though the relaxing cadence of their duet still rings true, there is a tension within the near-perfect harmonies that refuses to be released, a tension that clings to the waters between the varied representatives present. First, they present an elaborately shaped piece of coral to the Gravetenders, recursively intricate but without clear resemblance to anything that might be found in natural forms, living or unliving, which they claim to be a statue made by a member of the Chora who was born without sight, speech, or hearing - a rare, tactile manifestation of the Great Songs. Then their attention shifts to the attendees.

"Greetings friends and clients one and all. As our cousins could hardly make this call, we felt it prudent to attend in hopes that you might hear two ends - though seems our verses might not stay the hearts that heartily seek to sway the King of the Bloodfed."

"To falter, flee, or forbear the feast - failings all to the Sharp-Toothed Hunt. Know you this at the very least: the Blue-Beaked Rider is no mere runt; our cousins misguided but unerring in aim have need of glory in raiding to make their name - much as you here hope of earning the same. Take heed of our warnings - if you so please,"

"And for the rest of the evening, let our songs give some ease."

And the Chorallers settle back once more, their main purpose settled, to observe and to make music, but especially to observe in order to later make music.

[Lumaeus]

The Diplomatic Ambassador shrink more and more into themselves as the various delegations pack the room. Eventually, frustrated by the sheer number of animal isolates, they flow over to the Eternal Spring, more or less sheltering behind them. After the incursion of the Chora, however, they have no choice but to speak, breaking into a series of tendrils that flow in to recongregate more visibly.

"It is well and good for those without a vested interest in this region to preach peace and endurance in the face of invasion. Where, after all, are your ancestral lands? Where, after all, are your inscrutable loyalties? Your alien advice serves to support an alien agenda, whereas this council concerns matters proper to these lands. We would hope the other honored diplomats are unswayed by your hope that we embrace raiders on our doorstep.

"That the Draigiau have a grievance, we acknowledge. However, they are the schismatics here, not the Doflein, who have continually accepted the will of the many at this council. Why punish them for what they did in their own lands? If a race is not sovereign in its own territory, then are we all not crowning the international mob as a false ruler? You may complain, Residuum, you may war. But to ask us to cast out a race for their exercise of sovereign rights within their dominion would set dangerous precedent. None should presume to dictate what occurs in others' lands; is that not the reason we are gathered here today?

"Let us send a delegation by the Gravetenders with our forces allied under the Nathi banner, as agreed."

[Autumn Stars]

Gravetender faces do not naturally display much of their feelings, a fact that might surprise many of the organics who interact regularly with them. After all, despite this, they are a very expressive people, and make up for the innate difficulty in myriad ways. So it is no surprise that Laksha seems to remain calm. Only a deepening of tone betrays her building frustration.

Her eyes settle first on Heliwrdwyni. "We are, it must be said, grateful for your presence here, as we are for each nation willing to join our discussion. We are grateful that you would bring this matter to us. But you misdirect our purpose, and drag us away from our course, and threaten to split our coalition before it can be born. Heliwrdwyni, we are of like minds, but your methods and your timing leave much to be desired."

"This council's purpose is to bring us united in the face of the Shark Riders, not to lay out and judge the crimes of those aligned. This is not a trial, and we will not see it made into one without proper procedure."

There's a slight pause, and the same deepened tone is turned towards the Prince. "Let this not be misunderstood. The matter is set upon the table now and we cannot simply brush it aside entirely. We will speak further. Your might is needed, and we have no official grievance beyond our own, personal morality."

"I propose we set this to vote."



The Chora's contribution to the conversation got a small nod, but is set aside, a consideration for the proposal the Gravetender leader is already drafting in her head.

[Grim ranger]

Leaning his segmented body to the side, Kreel goes on to whisper something to his aide whom takes a note to deliver to Laksha. The arrival of the Chora is certainly something of note in the proceedings, even if he has to doubt the ability of the nomads to truly deter the distrust of nations.

Still, as person perhaps most used to their jargon in the room, he has a feeling that he has understood parts of their message few others have.

"I second the notion of the vote. We must consider this matter with care, but as always time is against us. The Shark King does not seem like the sort to rest while we deliberate."

Nodding to the representatives of the Chora, general of the Hegemony goes on to continue.

"Naturally we must seek to avoid a costly and pointless war if we are able, but we cannot entrust safety of our peoples only on deals brokered: should war come, we all must be ready to contribute to our common survival."

[Villskap]

"Bureaucracy." she mutters, not inaudibly, simply in a more controlled and calm tone than before. "Your grievances are bureaucracy. But you cannot fault me for warning prospective allies of treachery. And you cannot expect me to commit lives to the defense of an enemy. As you have said, now that you know, the decision is yours. If I am granted a vote on behalf of my people, then I have made our stance clear."

The dragon gives a critical look toward the Riftlings, uncaring about concepts like treachery and the value of life, as always, but acknowledges them no further.

((Edited in!)) "The Chora bring up an additional unfortunate truth. Not that the raiding of our peoples is acceptable, but that it is the Shark Nomad's way of life, and it will take them time to leave it behind. They may accept an alliance or a treaty of non-aggression, but not one that leaves them no targets within known waters. They require an outlet for their warrior spirit, and until they can learn a less violent one, that means that for any to be safe, someone must be 'thrown to the sharks.' Whether you vote for or against us... it will not be the Draigiau. We have already made friends of them. So whom will it be: the innocent, or the corrupt who's ways also must change?"

[JBarca]

Telian slowly shakes his head.

"Well, if we must vote on whether grievances years old should affect how we oppose a common enemy, then so be it. The Ennead, of course, votes for all present to unite in the face of the raiders. Naturally, though, we will yield to the will of the council."

[Lumaeus]

We agree to be part of this coalition, and will arm ourselves accordingly. The Gravetenders speak for us in this matter, and the Nathi similarly command those forces we will raise. We have no interest in ejecting the Ennead, nor standing to.

[Talis]

"I sympathize with the with the Residuum's cause, and hope that they can find their justice in a more appropriate forum. But we cannot in good sense eject the Ennead from the coalition. We vote that all who are willing be allowed to participate."

"As for our erstwhile visitors." The lights of the Judge's exterior shifted upwards, towards the Chora. "We are aware of the nuances of the situation. Unless you have an actionable suggestion, your words are of little use here. We have three options: Accept these raids and depredations, pay the shark-king tribute, or take up arms. The first option is unacceptable. The second will put us at their whim and mercy. I will not sacrifice my own people for the sake of a vague, theoretical solution."