FSTGOD3 Preliminary Diplomacy Thread

[Stofsk]

"Of course. I will guide you through the hallowed halls of the High city, and through the warrens of the Low. Of course, I believe there are a handful of traders and travellers from your land in the inns and boarding-houses of the Low city and the market. Perhaps you would speak with them as well? They can attest to the wealth and potential more formal peaceful relations would promote."

"Yes, I would very much like to talk to our traders."

[frigidmagi]

"Peace, good Taurian. Your vigiliance is commendable. 'Tis I, Steven Dobó, General of my King's riders. We have come to seek an audience with your rulers. My leige has sighted storm clouds in the distance, and he wants to know who his friends are. Will you give us an escort?"

"It would be my pleasure good General Dobó. I will take you to the priests and they will grant you leave to the journey to the capital. I will also send riders to annoucence our arrival. Before I send them however, is there anything you or your mounts will require upon our arrival? Water? Fresh food?" Young Neltian earnestly.

[Cynical Cat]

A border patrol of hussars spotted an envoy from the Confederacy of Dusk. They were at the outskirts of Saint territory, plains and light forest were common in this area. The closest settlement was a hamlet an hour's ride away. Confederacy traders were common, though a full-fledged envoy wasn't and so the hussar officer was mindful of his courtesy but also of his curiosity.

"Hail and well met. You now enter Saint territory. State your business and inform how I and my men may accomodate you."

Fulgrin drew to a halt. "I am Fulgrin Grimsson, a merchant. I have been operating in these parts for nearly twenty years. These men are my junior partners and hired men. I have the honour of being selected by the Witch-King Malevan to be his envoy. My bonifides are in my saddle bags."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Salutations Noble Traveler. I am Niikos. Magus in the realm of Hylidaeus attached to the Legion of Viridis. I am at your service" he said, bowing slightly again.

"Might I inquire as to your destination so that I and a contingent of Hylidaeus' best troops can personally escourt you safely in your travels?"

"Salutations!" said Miranda. "I come from your neighbours to offer the hand of friendship. We have much to gain and learn from cooperation, wouldn't you agree?"

The Lady Miranda was a young woman compared to other dignitaries the Kingdom had sent in the past. Also, a keen ear might tell that her accent was not typical of the Saint's, but of some other accent not yet encountered. She spoke Common flawlessly however, and though she carried the Flag of the Golden Cross she did not speak as them, though she clearly did represent them.

Her manner seems less austere and formal than other noblewomen of her rank and role would portray. Perhaps the inexperience of youth could account for it.

The amphibian's wide mouth opened even further in a grin, and he subconciously let out a quiete but obviously happy trill. Reminiscent of a Major Domo who really loves his job recieving guests.

"I would indeed agree my Lady Miranda, and I am sure Elan the head of the Conclave will agree as well. Come, let us escort you to our Capitol at Crysalisian. Your safe arrival will be guaranteed personally by me, and by the prowess and skill of the soldiers I command"

[Charon]

She waves a claw off toward the ship. "Do as you are required. But, before you go, I am curious. Is it your intention to stay long in the Morsum? Certainly there is much more work to be done in chartering a trade agreement." Helalsius seemed somewhat dismayed at the thought of paperwork, contracting, and treatying. "If so, we shall provide you with lodging, for the time being."

Tobias smiled at the bear as he pulled out a small mirror with the same style as the strange markings that the humans had carved into their skin. "We do not have to leave, thanks to our magics. If you would excuse me for a moment."

Tobias moved away from the great bear and whispered the activation into the mirror. A few moments later the mirror's reflection began to spin, and then a young man's face came into view. One of Thomas's assistants no doubt.

"We have made contact with the Morkan. Our nation needs few of their goods. Ask for instructions."

The young man nodded and relayed the information to a boy who sprinted off to find one of the many delegates who dealt with the economy.

A few minutes later the boy stepped into the royal hall to see Nikolai speaking with one of the economic advisors in whispered tones. The young boy quickly ran up to them and waited for their conversation to end.

"-and the increased economy will assist with rebuilding."

"Of course, my lord, but what if this turns around and causes a repression."

"You're not seeing the big pic-"

Nikolai cut off abruptly and looked at the young boy.

"Yes?"

"A thousand pardons my lord. But the diplomatic envoy you sent to the bears has begun negotiations. They need advise from your economic advisor."

Nikolai smiled, it was somewhat frightening, as during the war a large chunk of his face had been cut out and had left a horribly disfiguring scar. Nikolai wore it with pride however, as he saw it as a sign of the difficulties of truly running an empire. "Then by all means, ask him."

The boy quickly turned to the advisor. "Tobias says that the Morkan offer few goods that our country needs."

The advisor shook his head. "I was afraid of that. Very well, tell them to come back then. Set up some diplomatic embassy if they can but economically there is no point in us being there."

The boy nodded and turned to run back to the seeing room when Nikolai spoke again.

"No. Set up trade as extensively as they can. It may not be items we need. But trading partners are more important than can be imagined."

The advisor looked at the king in confusion for a few moments, and seemed about ready to speak out against the action before remembering his place. The boy nodded and ran back towards the room.

"Trust me, you have to see the big picture." Nikolai turned and headed towards his chambers, his cape flapping gently behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tobias nodded and spoke a few more hushed words as the mirror shifted once more into it's reflective state. Approximately 20 minutes had passed since he had left for his conference. When he stepped back up to Helalsius he had a smile on his face.

"The Koronan Empire is interested in openning full trade relations with your people."

[Stofsk]

"Peace, good Taurian. Your vigiliance is commendable. 'Tis I, Steven Dobó, General of my King's riders. We have come to seek an audience with your rulers. My leige has sighted storm clouds in the distance, and he wants to know who his friends are. Will you give us an escort?"

"It would be my pleasure good General Dobó. I will take you to the priests and they will grant you leave to the journey to the capital. I will also send riders to annoucence our arrival. Before I send them however, is there anything you or your mounts will require upon our arrival? Water? Fresh food?" Young Neltian earnestly.

"Anything you can offer would be accepted with all graciousness, Neltian, son of Etheling."

*Follows the Taurian escort to the Capital*

A border patrol of hussars spotted an envoy from the Confederacy of Dusk. They were at the outskirts of Saint territory, plains and light forest were common in this area. The closest settlement was a hamlet an hour's ride away. Confederacy traders were common, though a full-fledged envoy wasn't and so the hussar officer was mindful of his courtesy but also of his curiosity.

"Hail and well met. You now enter Saint territory. State your business and inform how I and my men may accomodate you."

Fulgrin drew to a halt. "I am Fulgrin Grimsson, a merchant. I have been operating in these parts for nearly twenty years. These men are my junior partners and hired men. I have the honour of being selected by the Witch-King Malevan to be his envoy. My bonifides are in my saddle bags."

"Does the Witch-King request an audience with King Steven? If so, I shall be happy to provide you an escort."

"Salutations Noble Traveler. I am Niikos. Magus in the realm of Hylidaeus attached to the Legion of Viridis. I am at your service" he said, bowing slightly again.

"Might I inquire as to your destination so that I and a contingent of Hylidaeus' best troops can personally escourt you safely in your travels?"

"Salutations!" said Miranda. "I come from your neighbours to offer the hand of friendship. We have much to gain and learn from cooperation, wouldn't you agree?"

The Lady Miranda was a young woman compared to other dignitaries the Kingdom had sent in the past. Also, a keen ear might tell that her accent was not typical of the Saint's, but of some other accent not yet encountered. She spoke Common flawlessly however, and though she carried the Flag of the Golden Cross she did not speak as them, though she clearly did represent them.

Her manner seems less austere and formal than other noblewomen of her rank and role would portray. Perhaps the inexperience of youth could account for it.

The amphibian's wide mouth opened even further in a grin, and he subconciously let out a quiete but obviously happy trill. Reminiscent of a Major Domo who really loves his job recieving guests.

"I would indeed agree my Lady Miranda, and I am sure Elan the head of the Conclave will agree as well. Come, let us escort you to our Capitol at Crysalisian. Your safe arrival will be guaranteed personally by me, and by the prowess and skill of the soldiers I command"

*Goes to the capital*

[Cynical Cat]

Fulgrim inclined his head. "As your duty requires. We are on our way to the capital to seek an audience with your noble monarch."

[The Silence and I]

Rurik smiled broadly, bowing in return, his shoulder-length golden-blond hair falling forward. Brushing it back with an offhand gesture, he continued the pleasantries. "The fishermen have stories of meeting your people out at sea, yet that is all we know of you. Please, join me at my keep for dinner, and allow me to show you the hospitality of the Nithgaard."

"We accept your kind offer." It made another gesture, which the other four also made in kind.
"Please, lead as you will."

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The first City State West of the Confederacy Of Dusk (#4 on my map --see OOC)

Five Skarklagger arrived in the harbor of this human landwalker city and made their way toward the walls, noting the market places carried--in addition to the expected fish, trinkets, baskets, sail cloth and other items common to sea fairing landwalkers--other landwalkers chained and presented as labor for purchase. this was a curious thing the five strangers thought. Quite barbaric, really. Still wondering how this was acceptable here the Skarklagger were stopped by the guard, cautious of these decidely not human creatures walking about.

The party was able to reassure the guard without much trouble after releasing their weapons. In all likelyhood learning their wooden sticks were their weapons relieved the guard more than their words, and they were allowed in, whereupon the Skarklagger sought an audience with the city leader. They never got it, but were allowed to see an advisor who relayed their proposal for them. It was eventually agreed the Skarklagger would provide dyes both common and rare in return for some wines and metal tools. No lasting trade was agreed upon, but the future was left open for reinvention.

The five left and began their journey East back to the Eastern Tribe to report to Chief Mauloullrye on their successful contact and to begin planning their delivery of dyes.

The Second City State West of the Confederacy Of Dusk (#5 on my map)

Another coastal city of humans, these landwalkers were more paranoid of the Skarklagger and refused to grant an audience, although the market place was made open to them for the time being. They traded with the merchants for a time, delighting in the experience and obtaining some ales and various objects of little note--walking sticks, ornate knives and so on. They too returned to Boulder Stand Settlement with their news. The port was receptive to traders, but refused any agreements with Mauloullrye.

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

An underwater cave somewhere between Relief and Boulder Stand Settlements

Chiefs Mauloullrye and Dollindereum had been talking in private after Dollindereum learned of Mauloullrye's envoys and proposed a meeting to coordinate their efforts. Long hours of planning had led to an agreement to present both harbors to all contacted powers and share all trade. It had also led to an agreement to begin a project never before attempted by the Skarklagger: they were to build a merchant fleet of ice and wood. They would begin construction of 8 vessels immediately. With the aid of their water lords and masters they should finish the first vessel before the cord fish migrated back to their waters. Their warmakers would also be alerted to work together; the news of Vicona's aggression was unwelcome and extra vigilence was called for.

[Stofsk]

Fulgrim inclined his head. "As your duty requires. We are on our way to the capital to seek an audience with your noble monarch."

The envoy plus escort travel through Saint territory. The frontier hamlets and villages gradually give way to larger towns, with more developed landscape to coincide with the continual journey to the capital city. The envoy gets closer and closer to Eagle Rock, and the Great Lake, as they follow one of the main roads. Hospitality is enjoyed to the foreigners, who are identified as friends by their escort. Meals come with the aroma of spices which Fulgrim knows only too well, and enjoys. An occasional glance upwards shows sporadic Eagles flying above all, keeping a watchful gaze on the world below.

The party arrives at the gate of the Pearl Palace, a grand structure that owes it's name to the colour of the marble it's constructed out of, and before long Fulgrim stands before the seventh incarnation of the Saint Steven.

[Cynical Cat]

As ambassadors travelled to dwarves, the Holy Kingdom of Saint Stephen, and the Allied Water Walker tribes, other preparation were underway. Night fell, as it always does. The stars shown from the heavens as a dark form looked out across the water. Azzerekess, the Night Dragon, took to the sky.

The dragon was as black as night, save for his silver eyes. As he rose up and then flew across the water, stars glimmered faintly on his wings. Those who saw him would see only the night sky. As he had done for the last three nights, the mighty dragon looked down upon Viconia and her fleets, noting their positions and defences from high above. Soon enough would come the time of slaughter.

As Azerekess flew, men and women said their good byes and some shared their beds with the spouses or lovers for a final time before their absence. The warriors and sorcerers knew they might not return, but they had faith in themselves, their comrades, and in their king.

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Nightgaunts swarmed up the hill. Lithe and quick, the dark figures were man sized with almost featureless faces and claw tipped hands. Arrows fell among their ranks, but they continued forward despite suffering grevious wounds. They were mostly opportunists and possessed neither arms nor armour, but their unnaturally vitality allowed them to fight with otherwise mortal wounds. Silver figures darted among their ranks.

Nightgaunts fell, punctured by several arrows. "Quicksilver ghosts!" shouted Jennas. Fear rippled through the ranks. The short and slim humanoids were silvery in colour and inhumanely fast. One often barely caught a glimpse of them. They were so poisonous that there touch incapacitated in seconds and killed in under a minute. More arrows flew. More nightgaunt's fell.

They were near the barricade now. Spears flew, inflicting severe wounds. The attempted to cross the ditch and scale the dirt wall, many falling or injuring themselves on the stakes. Spears thrust and thrust and thrust. More died. The clambered forward, still dying. Swords and axes were raised along with spears and hewed flesh and bone. Claws tore at mail and flews, scratched against shields. Silvery forms darted among them. "Ware! The ghosts! The ghosts!"

[Cynical Cat]

Fulgrim advances the exact distance prescribed by protocal and bows deeply. "Your Majesty, I bring you the greetings of my immortal master Malevan, Witch King of the Confederacy of Dusk, Firelord, Defender of the Light, Keeper of the Gates of Twilight, Lord of Night. A campaign to subdue the dangers of the Gates of Hunger has been undertaken and has enjoyed much success. Travel and trade between our two realms shall become easier and it is the Witch King's will that I bring you a message of goodwill and friendship, along with hopes for future prosperity for both our peoples."

[Rogue 9]

"Ship approaching," noted Armsman Tarlach noted to his sergeant in the top of the watchtower overlooking the harbor mouth.

"Flag? The sergeant looked up from the dispatch he was reading to peer out over the harbor.

"Taurian, looks like. The Argent Knight is already moving out to meet her," he added, pointing to the dwarf-crafted trireme rowing around the point.

"Eire vessel off the port bow" Cried a look out. The Captain nodded, it was a dwarf ship strictly speaking, but no need to go into that. The ships drew closer togather and he picked up his loudspeaker.

"Ahoy, Dwarven vessal! This is the Taurian vessal IronGrip. Bound for port with ambassor for your Lordship the King! May I have the honor of your ships name?" He called out.

The [human] captain of the [human crewed, dwarf built] trireme stood up on the ship's wheelhouse. "Ahoy! This is His Majesty's ship Argent Knight. We will escort you to harbor immediately."

[frigidmagi]

OCC for any and all parties approaching the capital

TaurHold, capital of Taurian

After weeks of travel you arrive. You have been able to see the walls, raising higher and higher for the last 2 days. Massive stone walls with wards, spells and prayers carved into them of varing size, it raises up like a man made mountain from the well kept farmlands around the city. Some are to small to be read until you are right in front of them, some are written in characters taller then a man. The low thrum of horns preceed you as you advance on the stone road.

The gate is open when you arrive, huge enough to allow 3 wagons to enter at once, it is thick and coated in bronze. The gate house is a long curved tunnel that opens up aburptly to the sun. The main street is wide and lined with shops and statues of robed men and women, PriestKings and Queens of the past. The shops sell goods from all over the inner sea and beyond. The streets themselves are crowded and noisy from the press of humanity, both natives and traders from ships in the port. Guards clear a path for you quickly and efficently to the center of the great city.

The center of the city is dominated by migthy temples to the gods and goddesses of the Taurian faith, great ziggurats that are linked togather to form a strange geometric shape with the home temple of the PriestKing and PriestessQueen in the center of it.

The gates of the palace, a fortess in it's own right opens and you are led to rooms set aside for you and informed of the time you will met the rulers of the Taurian people.

The [human] captain of the [human crewed, dwarf built] trireme stood up on the ship's wheelhouse. "Ahoy! This is His Majesty's ship Argent Knight. We will escort you to harbor immediately."

"Led on Argent Knight." The Captain bellowed back. They arrived at port without any accidents plauging them and inquired as to when the priestess could met with the King.

[Rogue 9]

"Indeed this is true. But if, and only if, we can get the cooperation of other nations along the route, who have an existing road network, we could cut those costs, and the time required."

The amphibian retraced the route which ran from Hylidaeus through the lands of the horsemen to the south, across the wilderness (leaving out the Necromancers) and through the Tauran, then across the ocean

"If we have cooperation, All of our nations increase trade and the costs will be made up in taxes alone. Out here on this penninsula you are relatively isolated with only a few consistent trading partners, but by bridging the gaps in the roads we can connect the nations in the east, to the nations in the west. Bringing food, goods, and materials much more reliably than the equivalent ocean voyage. We are currently sending ambassadors to the other powers who would potentially be involved as we speak, or are preparing to send them, to discuss this very proposal"

King Artair leaned forward. "It is an interesting proposal, I must admit. Rynskald has been so good as to point out the difficulties," he said as he turned towards the knight standing behind him. "Now perhaps Uisdean could enlighten us as to the military obstacles."

The knight bowed slightly at the waist. "As you wish, Your Majesty. As you know, our military might is unparalleled by any of our immediate neighbors, but pacifying the entire route of a trade road of such scale would be extremely difficult at best. Between Noh'd, nomadic barbarians, and the usual assortment of orcs and goblins, it may well prove impossible to guard the whole of the road."

"That is why each individual nation would only guard the portions of the road which pass through their nations, and the sections passing through adjascent wilderness, say, the wilderness between Hylidaeus and the Holy Kingdom of Saint Steven As I said, we would use those roades that already exist, and improve upon and expand them as needed. Those roads are already patrolled or can be relatively easily. In fact, patrolling adjescent wildnerness will lead to towns and settlements cropping up which can be annexed as into our respective nations as well. Increasing income futher.

If we use the Gulf to transport goods between you and the Tauren's with their cooperation of cource, those routes are already patrolled for piracy. And again, all of this does depend on the cooperation of the others. If even one of them refuses, pacifying the resulting larger expanse of wilderness would be too expensive to manage"

"We shall give this matter thought," responded Artair. "You shall be given all the hospitality that we can offer. Please inform the servants of any needs you have," he said as a pair of guards came up behind the ambassador, ready to escort him to the ambassadorial guest chambers if he had no further business.

[frigidmagi]

Eire

Priestess Alicairen entered the court, she was a tall, slender women with long dark hair and grey eyes. She wore a long gown that was dyed in shades of blue and green in honor of her goddess Lairen, the goddess of spring. From her neck on a thick golden chain hung a pendant that was her ambassoral pass, a square golden plate with the wards and symbols of her rank embossed upon it. She wore a silver belt around her slim waist. She gracefully curtsey, speading her skirts out as she knelt before the king.

"To High King Artair, I bring tidings and wishes of good health from his brother monarch PriestKing Alessian. I am Priestess Alicairen of the goddess Lairen, come before you to serve as ambassor for the continued good relations of our two peoples. With his Lordship's permission I bring a personnal message for the High King written in the PriestKing's own hand, I am charged to deliver it unto your own hands and suffer no else to touch it." She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a paper package, sealed with a bar of wax with the seal of the PriestKing stamped within it.

"With your lordship's permission?" She asked looking up at the High King.

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Thank you kindly your Majesty" the amphibian bowed.

"I thank you for your ear on this matter, and for your hospitality." with that, the Hylidaian archmage turned and followed the guards to his guest chambers.

[The Silence and I]

The Farnian Republic holding cell

(Speaking in their own language which is sounds and looks like utter nonsense to the uninitiated--i.e. any other race so far)

"Funny beasts them. I wish I knew what went wrong--I led us directly and openly to their authorities! You all had weapons yes, but on your backs and some weapons they must seem anyway--I saw landwalker workers with sharper, metal tipped sticks. Bah."

"Aye, they be funny alright. Perhaps they reacted poorly to our appearance? They are not ugly I'd say, but perhaps to them we are dangerous looking? Or repulsive? There are some mighty queer creatures in the seas, might we look like some of those to these paranoid landwalkers?"

"I doubt it. We did nothing we know is wrong, but the guards took offense at our simply being there--ha! I feel sorry for the poor creature that lands here, lost and helpless seeking aid." The guard stands upright, puffs his chest out and mimics holding a spear to an unseen person. "'You look barely able to stand you unarmed shipwreaked stranger, but I do not know you! You might be faking! To the prison with you--stop protesting! You're not dying of thirst, you're an assasin!'" Done speaking he fell to his knees and looking as haggard and frail as possible he made the Skarklagger gesture of pleading before pretending to be dragged away.

The others chuckled heartily for a few minutes before another spoke.

"One of us mentioned paranoid--I wonder if that is the key thing here. The landwalkers we saw looked fearful as I recall, and not just of us. Maybe these people have fallen on hard times? Conflict with neighbors perhaps?"

"Whatever it is, I do hope they decide soon that we didn't come to single-handedly defeat their armies! At this point I'll prefer leaving empty handed soon than waiting longer for more gain."

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

Near Relief Settlement

Elemental Master Shante sighed. His efforts, impressive as they were, had resulted in little gain. Forming a small ice berg was trivial, but keeping it stable, making it cut through water, keeping it strong and making it light enough to float high was proving harder. He could mold the ice as he liked, but he was not much of a ship builder and the learning curve was steeper than he thought.

He watched as another of his creations listed dangerously in the wind. The last one was stable but barely moved even with a full tow team. This one was faster, but something made it sit unevenly. It was going to take a while for even getting the underwater shape right. Then building the cargo holds and the deck and the mast and rooms and all the little things they had only seen and never built--and of wood too, ice wouldn't have the strength for what they wanted, but he could not shape wood. This will take us many, many, many days. At least I'm too tired to dream.

Still, it was work and he welcomed activity, especially challenging activity. Soon his team would be fully assembled and with 2 water masters and 7 water lords, plus a full team of wood workers and a dozen powerful Skarklagger the work should speed up, and be more enjoyable as well. He looked forward to the company.

[Rogue 9]

Artair had little fear of treachery; one would have to be an utter fool to try and harm the king with Gilchrist and Rynskald standing next to him, not to mention all the guards. He took the letter and broke the seal, unfolding it to read.

His eyes went wide as he read it.

"I think we'd best have that private meeting, and today," he said calmly. "An audience in my chambers this afternoon could be easily arranged."

[Thirdfain]

The gates of the palace, a fortess in it's own right opens and you are led to rooms set aside for you and informed of the time you will met the rulers of the Taurian people.

The Báróno Széchenyi glided into the antechamber, her motions graceful. Before arriving in the city, she'd exchanged her travelling leathers for Korlechi formal dress- a long, pleated skirt of fine white linen, a short jacket of painted suede, and an elaborate head-dress inlaid with small silver bells and long peacock feathers. Her cheeks were rouged, and her cold, dead, black eyes glinted in the sunlight. The acrid sweet/acid scent on thanati flesh filled the room, tempered by the spicy smoke of a guardsmen's smouldering censor. The deadlady betrayed no emotion, her face absolutely motionless.

The Ambassador, Petofi, was a different manner entirely. His garb included the robes of an official in the Sublime State, pale grey and pearl, lacking the coloured finery of a country noble. His pale, powdered face was pulled back into a rictus-smile, and his enchanted voice lacked the airy, dry quality of the deadlady.

He bowed deeply, silken wrappings hanging to the ground in some places.

"Priestking, Priestqueen, in the name of the Sublime State and High Korlech, I bring you rich gifts from all the provinces of Korlech! I beg your leave to meet and speak on many topics of grave importance and interest to our two great nations."

[Comrade Tortoise]

*Goes to the capital*

The trip itself was uneventful, thanks to the security of the Legionaires who guarded the road. The countryside however was stunning. The dappled light from the sun danced on the road throughout the day as the sun moved through the sky. Birds were singing their songs of love, and aggression.

They passed through forest, and then they came to a field which spread for miles. Termite farmers tended to their mounds and beekeepers maintained their colonies in fields of flowers. Green spread as far as they eye could see as the temperate sun shone down on the day and wraped the land in its warm embrace. Clearings such as this were spread throughout the land and in them lay the towns and villages. Guarding the road on a high hill was the fortress Paradoxillus. The home of the green wizard Viridus. Its keep and baily loomed not ominously, but joyfully over the valley, guarding the road from invasion and banditry.

...

It took several days for the procession to reach the capitol Crysalisian. First they passed the Fortress of Lakeguard WHich houses Avivoca's Legion behind great granite walls, then passed through the narrow land corridor sepearating the two lakes of Crysalmir and Kalifrost. It was sunset, and the lakes on either side reflected back the setting sun and acted as mirrors reflecting the purples, pinks and oranges of the setting daystar. The walls of the capitol loomed ever closer. Cooking fires from the evening meal cooked within the city wafted sweet smells of garlic roasted termites and Silkworm Delight, as well as normal human fare the Hylidaeians had developed a taste for, such as poultry. Word had been sent ahead and there was an honor guard waiting at the gate. Frogmen with halberds were in parade formation before the gates, Halberd creating a canopy which would be raised as the Lady passed. Crossbowmen stood on the walls above at attention with the stocks of their weapons over their shoulder. The gate was flung open, and as the Lady approached and the halberd corridoor lifted, the portcullis was raised dramatically allowing her entry.

Elan the Head of the Conclave, and Avivoca, his lover and himself master of the city was there on the other side to great her. Resplendent in their finest of silk robes.

They crouched low, and both released the Hylidaeian Warble of Greeting, which was repeated by every Frogman in the Honor Guard, timed perfectly to sound like a church chorus.

The city itself was built into the branches of massive cultivated trees, houses and shops existed tens of meters in the air, with rope bridges connecting them together, with various mechanisms used to raise goods and overladen frogmen into the treetops. The fading light from the sun covered the forest floor in long shadows and brilliant shades of organe light.


"Greetings Lady Miranda of the Kingdom of Saint Steven. I am Avivoca, Archmage and Master of the City of Crysalmir. And this" he said gesturing to the Amphibian at his side
"Is Elan, Head of the Conclave and Magocrat of all Hylidaeius. We humbly welcome you to our city and country, and etend our full hospitality, such as it is, and humbly offer that you dine with us in the Tower."

[Cynical Cat]

Hergroth and his party did not look back. They had spent three days passing throught the Gates of Hunger, a section of the wood that refused to be tamed and periodically unleashed horrors to torment and slay the people who lived near it. Malevan's latest campaign seemed to be working. There were armed patrols along the road and a new fortress in the center of the road as well as the ones at either end. They had survived the passage and were eager to put it behind them.

Ahead of them loomed the great peaks and benath them the Halls of the Jagged Peaks. The dwarves were a brusque people, but hospitable in their own way. They would in those ancient halls, bearing the Witch King's words, soon enough.

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As men hacked and slew the nightgaunts and quicksilver ghosts darted and killed, witches chanted spells of their own and they eyes of owls and cats glowed with hellish green light. The quicksilver ghosts slowed, as if they were immersed in deep water, undone by the magics of the rangers and the familars. Swords and axes struck them, spilling purple blood across the ground, and spears pinned them to the earth. They thrashed and squirmed as they died.

Behind the nightgaunts, slower and heavier, were three massive trolls. Moss grew on their rocky skin and in their hands they held stone mauls. Arrows skittered off their hides, or bit shallowly. They grunted squinted and slowed as they neared the fence of light.

Thorkel drew his sword. Serpents of light slid up the lumen blessed blade. "Daylight!" her roared. "Daylight!" The ancient cry to stand fast, no matter what.

"Daylight!" others cried as more took up the call. Then a troll's maul crushed two men to bloody pulp. They roared and pressed over the wall.

Spears jabbed at one, wounding and distracting it. The trolls were huge and powerful, but not swift to react although their great strides did allow them to walk quickly. An axeman got behind the troll and hacked the heavy leg muscles under stony skin. The troll bellowed and fell.

Thorkel rushed annother. The lumen blessed blade shown blindingly bright for a moment and then the lord slashed the troll's thighs and dodged away. The troll fell forward and spears and axes ended it.

The third was stunned, sent into a stupor by a cloud of enchanted pollen as a half score of rangers chanted spells of death. The troll knelt down and then fell back, never to awaken.

Then trees shattered as a great coiling shape forced itself forward. Vistigial limbs helped the snake-like shape pull itself forward and useless wings were flattened against its armoured hide. Corrosive venom spattered from its jaws, sending up smoke were it struck the ground.

"Dread wyrm," Jennas whispered.

[Masterharper]

Tobias nodded and spoke a few more hushed words as the mirror shifted once more into it's reflective state. Approximately 20 minutes had passed since he had left for his conference. When he stepped back up to Helalsius he had a smile on his face.

"The Koronan Empire is interested in openning full trade relations with your people."

She considers a moment, examining the man. Perhaps, if facial features allowed for it better, Helalsius might have smiled, but as it stood the bear simply nods. "Many blessings upon you, Tobias, of the Koronan, May this bring much good to both our people."

She pauses again, uncertain as to what comes next. In all the history of the Morsum, outsiders have been frowned upon, rarely allowed within their borders. And here ther was an agreement--trade though it may be to her--to let them within the icy recesses of their land.

The Bear looks to the south, across the cold churning ocean. "We will set away to craft suitable lodging for your kind--merchants and men who will be visiting us.... You live in houses of stone and wood, do you not?" The bear snorts angrily at herself, a foolish question, "Of course you do. It will be some time until such things can be finished, but certainly, future men of your land will find their welcome warmer." Her people were skilled enough that they could construct cabins with ease, but little housing would find indulgent and fanciful architecture.

The bear kneels down on her front legs, in a sort of animalistic bow-curtsey. Standing again, she composes herself and asks, "Is there more that is required? More that must be done?"

[Charon]

She considers a moment, examining the man. Perhaps, if facial features allowed for it better, Helalsius might have smiled, but as it stood the bear simply nods. "Many blessings upon you, Tobias, of the Koronan, May this bring much good to both our people."

She pauses again, uncertain as to what comes next. In all the history of the Morsum, outsiders have been frowned upon, rarely allowed within their borders. And here ther was an agreement--trade though it may be to her--to let them within the icy recesses of their land.

The Bear looks to the south, across the cold churning ocean. "We will set away to craft suitable lodging for your kind--merchants and men who will be visiting us.... You live in houses of stone and wood, do you not?" The bear snorts angrily at herself, a foolish question, "Of course you do. It will be some time until such things can be finished, but certainly, future men of your land will find their welcome warmer." Her people were skilled enough that they could construct cabins with ease, but little housing would find indulgent and fanciful architecture.

The bear kneels down on her front legs, in a sort of animalistic bow-curtsey. Standing again, she composes herself and asks, "Is there more that is required? More that must be done?"

Tobias and the other Leroani returned the bow in honor of their host. Tobias then spoke again. "It will take some time to set up a proper trade route across the waters. As such your people will have time to set up places for our merchants to stay, as we shall do the same." Tobias knelt down and rubbed his hand in the snow, his body shivering some under the realization of the cold.

"I must say that eating food on a rocking boat for the past few weeks has not been as appetizing as our sailors would say. Would you be so kind as to extend your courtesy to us in a meal? It would be a wondeful chance to get to know one another's cultures." Tobias got back up and was smiling at the great bear.

[Masterharper]

Tobias and the other Leroani returned the bow in honor of their host. Tobias then spoke again. "It will take some time to set up a proper trade route across the waters. As such your people will have time to set up places for our merchants to stay, as we shall do the same." Tobias knelt down and rubbed his hand in the snow, his body shivering some under the realization of the cold.

"I must say that eating food on a rocking boat for the past few weeks has not been as appetizing as our sailors would say. Would you be so kind as to extend your courtesy to us in a meal? It would be a wondeful chance to get to know one another's cultures." Tobias got back up and was smiling at the great bear.

"You will be tired of fish, then." Helalsius spoke in a friendly jest. Turning about and leading the Envoy back toward the Morkan village. "We shall feast in celebration of this occasion. The Morsum celebrates few holidays, as you have them." Helalsius was making an assumption about the lives of men from what she knew of empires past. "Soltice, Equinox, and the Night that Ursa rides highest in the sky." A pause, the snow and dirt crunching underfoot as they walk, "Live in the Morsum must seem quite dull."

As they approach the village, the great bear beckons to a female Morkan dressed in bright robes. They begin speaking in a language of glutteral growls, grunts and snorts. The jist of the conversation is Helalsius informing the Matriarch priestess of this village to bring them a great elk and help prepare a plentiful feast suitable for these humans. They are silent, locking eyes a moment in a gesture of respect, and then the Morkan trots off, beginning to marshall several idle others to aid her in her task. "It will be some time, but when the sun has set and Helyanwey rules the sky, we shall have a great fire, and there shall be plenty for you to eat."

[Charon]

"You will be tired of fish, then." Helalsius spoke in a friendly jest. Turning about and leading the Envoy back toward the Morkan village. "We shall feast in celebration of this occasion. The Morsum celebrates few holidays, as you have them." Helalsius was making an assumption about the lives of men from what she knew of empires past. "Soltice, Equinox, and the Night that Ursa rides highest in the sky." A pause, the snow and dirt crunching underfoot as they walk, "Live in the Morsum must seem quite dull."

As they approach the village, the great bear beckons to a female Morkan dressed in bright robes. They begin speaking in a language of glutteral growls, grunts and snorts. The jist of the conversation is Helalsius informing the Matriarch priestess of this village to bring them a great elk and help prepare a plentiful feast suitable for these humans. They are silent, locking eyes a moment in a gesture of respect, and then the Morkan trots off, beginning to marshall several idle others to aid her in her task. "It will be some time, but when the sun has set and Helyanwey rules the sky, we shall have a great fire, and there shall be plenty for you to eat."

Tobias and the others continued to follow after the great bear, looking around them and examining this strange world just as the Morkan were examining the strange dark-skinned men of the South.

"Trust me Helalsius, with what my nation has been through in the recent past, we enjoy a little relaxation to be honest." Tobias smiled some, "though the festivals we have are indeed extensive." The other Leroani looked pleased upon the news that there would be plenty of food to eat for the meal. "We are in your debt for your hospitality, we thank you greatly for this."