044. "The Lannark Imperium."

[Corwin]

[20:10] <Kotono> It is mid afternoon in Ysgard. Each person's reverie is broken by Elena - each request is simple, to come meet together as there is an important guest. Afina, Muirfinn, Jaela, Ithea, Gisfal and Adrian meet together. Awaiting you find Tannin and a familiar face to a few of you - Vivantha the Lillend. "She wanted a meeting on behalf of the lillend," Tannin speaks up, "So here we are."
[20:11] <Jaela> "Here we are," Jaela echoes, looking at the lillend curiously.
[20:11] * Muirfinn gives Vivantha a wave as he arrives. "Do go on, Tannin."
[20:12] <Afina> Not having met any lillend before, Afina just regards the winged serpent woman curiously and waits to hear what she has to say.
[20:13] <Kotono> "I'm here as an official diplomat," she says, voice lacking any playful mirth. Adrian pointedly doesn't look below her chin, Gisfal seeming unaffected entirely as he coolly regards her. "The lillend of the Infinite Staircase are at war with a mortal empire known as the Lannark Imperium. I told Muirfinn there of it, are you all familiar with it?"
[20:14] * Afina shakes her head.
[20:15] <Jaela> "Why not just start from the beginning?" Jaela suggests. Better than them relying on secondhand information.
[20:17] <Kotono> "The Lannark Imperium is an empire of dragon-blooded humans from a Prime Material world," Vivantha goes on, voice musical despite the gravity of her words. "In the last few months, they've begun recent forays into the Infinite Staircase. They intend to conquer it, declaring war on us and rejecting all attempts at diplomacy. We lillend cannot allow the Infinite Staircase to be conquered, for such
[20:17] <Kotono> would be a disaster. Unfortunately, we find ourselves at a stalemate with them. While we are able to repel them, we cannot make effective forays into their world to bring this war to a climax. They have found a way to prevent us from traveling to their world with the doors, so our ability to attack them is hamstrung."
[20:18] <Afina> "Can't you just seal all the doors on your end?" Afina asks.
[20:20] <Kotono> "We cannot," Vivantha continues, "It is against our commandments and our duty. To do so would bring calamity onto us."
[20:21] <Kotono> "So you want our help?" Gisfal inquires back, "Somethign to tip the scales in your favor?"
[20:21] <Jaela> "What if we were the ones to seat their doors on your end?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "No!" Vivantha shakes her head, a reply to Gisfal dying on her lips. "They Infinite Staircase must not be sealed! It matters not if by our hand or yours!" Taking a breath after, color coming to her cheeks, "We're looking for allies, yes. News of Aurora has reached us, and I believe we could help each other."
[20:27] <Afina> "We already have many enemies," Afina points out. "What can you offer for us to take on another one?" She idly does consider conquering the Lannark world and taking it for themselves, but it's just an idle thought. No world could be Lifasa.
[20:27] <Jaela> "Is there a specific way of us helping your cause that you thought of?" Jaela voices. "We can take out any outpost on a Prime, but to actually conquer the entire world would require a committment beyond that which the Crusade can spare at this time."
[20:28] <Kotono> "Our aid," Vivantha replies, "Our gratitude. The Infinite Staircase goes everywhere, even to some places warded from other means of travel. Plus, it's the right thing to do," she adds, looking to each of them, "I've heard how Aurora goes around to right the horror that happened to them. I ask of you - don't let our home be taken and our duty fail. Help us in our time of need."
[20:30] <Kotono> "We need a small, powerful team to..." She pauses, making a face, "Dispose of the command structure, so that the will to wage war can be stopped and we can broker peace. None of us want a full, bloody Prime war. No one wins if that happens."
[20:30] * Jaela rubs at her temples. "If not a plan, do you have intelligence on these invaders? Do you know just why they are doing this?"
[20:31] * Muirfinn nods. "It would be the right thing to do. As an aside, I know that Tannin uses the Infinite Staircase to accomplish the tasks we set to him without the aid of magical transport. Allowing it to be conquered would likely cause his ability to do the tasks to be severely diminished."
[20:31] <Jaela> "Are they incapable of using Gates?" she gives as an example. "I know how unreliable travel through the Staircase is, timewise. It about rivals going through Astral. So why go to this trouble?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "The motives of the Lannark Imperium are a mystery to us," Vivantha admits, "They seem hellbent on this invasion for reasons we can't fathom - but we can speculate. The benefit to controlling the Infinite Stair is obvious." Going on, "The rank and file soldier is trained exceedingly well by human standards, being roughly akin to a barbazu devil or a bar-lgura demon. The dragon blood in them
[20:38] <Kotono> shines through. The leaders are almost always sorcerers of considerable talent, as well as showing some material ability."
[20:38] <Jaela> "Can you arrange a meeting between us?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Between you and the Imperium?" Shaking her head, "They're rejected all our attempts at diplomacy. We can try, but I can't promise much there, I'm afraid."
[20:39] <Jaela> "Have you ever captured any officer from their ranks?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "A few," Vivantha says, "I've been informed of what we've learned. Is there something in particular you'd like to know?"
[20:41] <Jaela> "Why their officers believe they are at war. Whether they have the entire world under their control. Who or what exactly is their true target. Who are their superiors, and where they reside."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Because they declared war on us for the glory of the Imperium, they control a large mortal empire spanning several conquerered kingdoms, the Infinite Staircase seems ot be their only goal as far as interrogations have revealed, and the superiors reside in Margalrock, a mountain  uprooted and deposited an open plane and terraformed into a fortress without peer."
[20:44] * Jaela blinks. "I always wanted a mountain fortress like that," she admits.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Uprooted a mountain?" Adrian coughs into his hand, eyes widening, "So we're talking about at least one spellcaster of remarkable power."
[20:44] <Muirfinn> "You could still have it." Muirfinn points out.
[20:45] <Afina> "They sound competent, if nothing else," Afina muses, finding that she can't help but root for them as a prime that's taking on the planes... then again the Infinite Staircase is hardly a power on a rank with Hell.
[20:45] * Jaela coughs into her fist. "So why exactly aren't they using Gates and similar means to conquer weak worlds or challenge the heavens and something silly like that?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "The problem with that is that I don't doubt there are thousands and thousands of innocents who call that fortress home," Gisfal points out, "War is miserable, and remember the innocents before you start taking capitals as trophies." Going on from that himself, "I'd like to know that myself."
[20:47] <Jaela> "I wasn't going to try and take it," Jaela says defensively. "There's nowhere for me to put it."
[20:47] <Kotono> "They're proving to be quite competent," Vivantha agrees, "Unfortunately, we just don't know...but...we've also been told that you have some enmity with Tiamat? We can speculate that a chromatic dragon may well be behind all this, or a cabal of them."
[20:50] <Afina> "Could just as easily be a gold or a silver, and though I've no love for Bahamut, it would offend our recent allies in Celestia," Afina notes with a sigh. "Still, I'm interested in helping, so long as it doesn't detract from our other goals. We could arrange an expedition to their world to learn more."
[20:51] <Jaela> "An excellent point, Afina," Jaela voices. "How about we ask our recent allies for clarifications before setting off to this world? And in the meantime, we could try to see if they would be willing to talk to someone they are not currently at war with."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Who runs this sideshow?" Adrian rubs his chin idly, "I'm all for helping."
[20:59] <Kotono> "I think it's for the best," Gisfal says after a few moments, "It reflects poorly on us if we seek aid from everyone, yet miserly refuse those that come to us."
[21:02] * Muirfinn nods at Adrian and Gisfal. "I quite agree."
[21:02] <Ithea> "Agreed," Ithea says following Gisfal's observation. "Although Afina, Jaela and I are probably not the best options to try any talking with them if they're dragon-blooded. Killing if it comes to that, sure. Diplomacy...no."
[21:02] <Afina> "Adrian, you should be in charge," Afina tells him, "You have some dragon blood of a sort in you. Take Arrel and one or two others to gather information on their world?"
[21:02] <Muirfinn> "I will be pleased to converse with them on your behalf, if you wish."
[21:03] <Jaela> "I can handle things from the Celestia side, for now," Jaela offers. "Along with Morniel, it should be enough."
[21:04] <Kotono> "How about I take charge of it?" Adrian asks then, "Yeah, Afina beat me to it. As for team - Arrel's good, I'd want Muirfinn and one or two others." Humming a moment, "Jaela, you and Morniel handle Celestia, we go handle the other allies? Muirfinn can handle the House of Nature, Hanna can help us with the Court, Kascha and Ebony can help us with those two divine realms, and the Master can help
[21:04] <Kotono> with Tempus."
[21:06] <Jaela> "We'll figure it out, sure," Jaela agrees, not really seeing where the other heavens come in but deciding to save the question for when they don't have any outsiders present.
[21:07] <Kotono> "Thank you!" Vivantha bows deeply to all of them, "Thank you very much. As a represenative of us all, we are grateful for your kindness."
[21:09] <Afina> "We'll be in touch after we've examined their world and culture to go over any plan of battle," Afina tells her.
[21:11] <Kotono> Vivantha bows again, as Tannin speaks up, "I'll take care of her," she says, leading her away. Once gone, Adrian clears his throat, "Never a boring moment, is there?"
[21:12] <Jaela> "It was pretty strange," Jaela agrees, deciding to take this chance to ask, "So there's Celestia on behalf of Bahamut, because they might know something or already be involved. How do the other heavens come into it?"
[21:13] <Afina> "If we can, lets handle this quickly before it blows up and takes up even more of our blood and time," Afina says. "Who do you want on your team for actually going to the Imperium, Adrian?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Information fishing," Adrian admits as much, leaning back in his chair now, "I'd like to know as much as I can before we go in. We have all these useful allies, they can go rattle chains for us and see if they can scare up any information. My plan's simple - gather information, recon the area, decapitate leadership unless it looks unrealistic. I'll want Muirfinn - he can open gates and has had
[21:16] <Kotono> dealings with the lillend before. Arrel's a good general idea. One or two more maybe, depending on what sort of team's called for after we get information. Lief if it's sneaky, or you Afina. If it's going to be open warfare, the biggest guns we have. Dragons don't play fair, I see no reason for us to."
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Strike.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Information fishing," Adrian admits as much, leaning back in his chair now, "I'd like to know as much as I can before we go in. We have all these useful allies, they can go rattle chains for us and see if they can scare up any information. My plan's simple - gather information, recon the area, decapitate leadership unless it looks unrealistic. I'll want Muirfinn - he can open gates and has had
[21:17] <Kotono> dealings with the lillend before. Arrel's a good general idea. One or two more maybe, depending on what sort of team's called for after we get information. Lief if it's sneaky, or you Afina. If it's going to be open warfare, the biggest weapons we have. Dragons don't play fair, I see no reason for us to."
[21:17] <Jaela> "If you can arrange a meeting at a neutral spot, take Kascha along," Jaela suggests.
[21:17] <Kotono> "I'm not counting on it," Adrian grunts, "But if we do, I'm open to it. But why her?"
[21:18] <Afina> "Stick with information gathering," Afina says, "Present yourselves as neutrals, once you have an idea of what we're dealing with report back and we can see about sending reinforcements for any attacks."
[21:19] <Jaela> "She has this charming, disarming personality and knows a lot of obscure dragon lore?" Jaela shrugs. "She wouldn't need to fake any interest in their empire."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Alright, good thought," Adrian agrees, standing up, "Let's get to this. I'll meet with you when you get back from dealing with Celestia, Jaela."
[21:21] <Jaela> "Sure thing."
[21:23] * Muirfinn nods. "I'll make my preparations and then head to the House of Nature."

[Corwin]

#d

[21:30] <Kotono> Once the others have gone, it leaves only Gisfal, Afina and Ithea, "We still have other objectives," Gisfal brings up, "In particular, the situation with Makaril and that dragon."
[21:32] <Ithea> "Afina, you suggested that dealing with the dragon first will help buy Makaril some time with organizing, correct? We can send word of warning to Elysium while we do that?" Ithea suggests.
[21:34] <Afina> "We need to know the best area to hunt for it," Afina replies, "Or else create some bait to lure it in. Either way, we'll need to ask Makaril for advice."
[21:35] <Kotono> "How do you contact him?" Gisfal asks next.
[21:35] <Ithea> "Elysium, a descendant of his called Rill can get in touch with him," Ithea answers Gisfal.
[21:41] <Kotono> "I can handle that," Gisfal says, "Is there any message beyond a meeting or warning?"
[21:43] <Afina> "Help on where to find the dragon will do for now. We can have a proper meeting after it's been killed to prepare contingencies in case his hideout is found."

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:32] <Kotono> Once out of the meeting room, Adrian and Muirfinn head out to the entry hall and the main bank of portals. Another portal takes you to the library, and a call of Elena summons said girl. "Elena," Adrian begins, "Bring me Kascha, Ebony and Hanna."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Okay," Elena says cheerfully, teleporting away. Once gone and the two of you are alone, "Muirfinn, do you know anything else about this Imperium? Vivantha implied you'd been told of it before.'
[21:34] <Muirfinn> "She mentioned it after we returned from Union, and I asked Tannn to look into it. Until now, I've really only known the vaguest of situations."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Damn," Murmuring that, "So we have fanatical followers of a senseless regime on one hand and Aurora on the others. At least we're familiar with this."
[21:38] <Muirfinn> "Afina raised a good point in that it could be a metallic dragon in charge of this, and perhaps simply misguided. We really need to be as informed as possible on this." Muirfinn says.
[21:42] <Kotono> "I'm afraid of that," Adrian says, as Ebony approaches. She draws her hood back on arriving, "You wished to see me?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "Just wait a moment, others are coming," Adrian says. It's not long until Hanna and Kascha join you, and at this Adrian speaks. "We're investigating a mortal empire known as the Lannark Imperium. I'd like each of you to go check with your home planes and see if they know anything. Right now they're attempting a takeover of the Infinite Stair, and are largely an unknown to us. We're looking
[21:45] <Kotono> to deal with them and put an end to their efforts to rout the lillend and take over the Stair."

[Corwin]

#t

[21:34] <Kotono> Morniel is found quietly resting in his quarters. On knocking you gain admittance - they are spartan enough, the windows letting in great amounts of the Ysgardian sunshine. He sits at his desk, writing away. He pauses at this, putting his quill down. "Sit down," Morniel invites, "Is Afina coming?"
[21:36] <Jaela> "Afina? Why?" Jaela asks curiously, taking a seat all the same.
[21:37] <Kotono> "I wished to talk to the the two of you, but I presume that isn't what this visit is about." Turning his chair towards Jaela's, "How are my services needed?"
[21:40] <Jaela> "If you want, we can catch Afina for a quick chat in a few," Jaela offers. "But this visit is more of a consultation. Have you ever heard of the Lannark Imperium?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "No," Morniel says, "Should I?"
[21:49] <Jaela> Jaela shrugs. "We are getting involved with that whole business, but how much remains to be seen. They're this empire from one of the Primes that decided to expand into the planes by conquering the Infinite Staircase. Can you believe it?" Jaela shakes her head. "But there they are, an empire of dragonborn warring with the lillends, and we have to ask whether Bahamut is aware or involved. Does he support them? Does he intend to put a stop to this? Is a dragon or several of them involved? And we figure our best move is to ask Celestia before doing anything here."

[Corwin]

#ed

[20:47] <Kotono> A round of agreements and understoods follows, then Kascha speaks up, "Lannark Imperium. That sounds familiar..." she frowns, "I'll ask, I think it rings a bell."
[20:50] * Muirfinn nods. "Any information we get is better than what we have. They've refused diplomacy with the lillend, so we know next to nothing at the moment."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Your will be done," Ebony bows, before turning and going. Hanna just nods and follows, while Kascha lingers a moment before following. Adrian hms, "It'll take them a bit of time to get information," he says, before shaking his head, chuckling to himself.
[20:54] <Muirfinn> "You wanted me to check the House of Nature as well?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Yes, that-" Adrian is cut off by a throat clearing. "AHEM." Dana walks on up, going to sit on a nearby table. "So I heard you're picking a fight with an entire Imperium," she says, "I want fucking in."
[21:00] <Muirfinn> Muirfinn looks at Dana. "Not quite yet. We're trying to see if we can avoid fighting for now. Also, as they're draconian, we don't want to do anything that could potentially upset any celestial powers. If however, they are controlled by Tiamat's influences..." Muirfinn lets that hang in the air.
[21:01] <Kotono> This causes Adrian to rub his temples, "We'll talk about it - LATER." He adds with emphasis, turning back to Muirfinn. "As I was saying, go see if you can dig up information from the House of Nature. Divinations, Commune, visiting, audiences, however your faith works for it."
[21:01] <Muirfinn> "Generally, I can just walk in." Muirfinn says, amused. "But if you like, I can make more roundabout inquiries."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Whatever works." Adrian says, "Come find me when you've found out either way."
[21:09] <Muirfinn> OOC: To the House of Nature!
[21:09] <Muirfinn> OOC: Gate!
[21:12] <Kotono> OOC: What's your goal there? Gate and look around for information?
[21:13] <Muirfinn> OOC: Yep. GI and Dimplomacy agogo. Speak with Animals when needed.
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Roll GI first of all.
[21:18] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+25 GI
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+25 GI and gets 27." [1d20=2]
[21:24] <Kotono> In the warm fields and open sunshine of the House of Nature does Muirfinn wander. Eventually he comes to a twisting, winding white tower that rises out of the open planes towards the sun. It is otherwise open, no gate or fence, nor any defenses. There is an archway leading inside. Standing just inside of the archway is a glowing ball of light - a lantern archon, Muirfinn has dealt with this
[21:24] <Kotono> sort of creature before.
[21:26] * Muirfinn steps up to the archon and bows at the waist in greeting. "Hello, archon. I am Muirfinn." he says in Celestial.
[21:27] <Kotono> In the same the archon replies, "Hello there, emissary of the Four!" It bobs in the air in a sort of looping bow, "Master Zierael is in."
[21:29] <Muirfinn> OOC: Have I ever heard that term before? The Four?
[21:29] <Muirfinn> OOC: Or does it apply to the four tortle gods?
[21:29] <Kotono> OOC: K:R.
[21:29] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+24
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+24 and gets 30." [1d20=6]
[21:32] <Muirfinn> The Four? Must be referring to the tortle gods, Muirfinn assumes. It sounds vaguely familiar. He nods at the archon as he heads inside, "My thanks."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Master Zierael is on the top floor." The lantern leads you along to within - a huge, winding stairway looping up and up and up and up and up!
[21:34] <Muirfinn> Doggedly Muirfinn climbs, heedless of the daunting stairway!
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC: Fortitude save. +4 bonus if you have endurance.
[21:35] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+27+6+4
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+27+6+4 and gets 45." [1d20=8]
[21:56] <Kotono> The stairs go on and on! On and on! On and on! Muirfinn's well trained body is able to withstand it, despite walking up stairs for what feels like hours! You pass by landing after landing, with doors leading to the outer ring of the tower. Nonetheless you pass them all, until at last you come to the final landing. Here is but a single door, "In here."
[22:00] <Muirfinn> Again Muirfinn bows. "Thank you for leading me here." He turns and opens the door!
[22:05] <Kotono> Within you can see the walls are transparent. The room is drenched in sunshine, empty otherwise. There is a lona figure here, a ten foot tall angel who stands before the walls, hands clapsed behind his back. His gaze is upwards, towards the sun above. "A messenger from the Four?" he asks, not turning. His voice is like musical song, deep and compelling, and utterly smooth. "I an but a humble
[22:05] <Kotono> servant. What is their command?"
[22:11] <Muirfinn> "Everything I do, I do in the name of my people and for the glory of the Mother Ocean." Muirfinn says. "However, I do not come before you at their behest today. Instead, I seek knowledge in the hope of peacefully ending a war. I seek knowledge of the Lannark Empire. Can you help me, good angel?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "A misunderstanding." The angel replies, "I do not know of this Lannark Empire, but I know of one who would. To the northwest of here is Ilis. Go there and seek Wiseman Valenti."
[22:20] * Muirfinn bows to the angel. "You have my thanks as well for this. I bid you a fine day." Muirfinn says. He turns and heads back down the stairs!

[Corwin]

#t

[20:48] <Kotono> "Wanton ambition-" Morniel checks himself, "They are dragonborn?"
[20:49] <Jaela> "All our information is second-hand. But that is what we got told," Jaela affirms.
[20:50] <Kotono> "Are you certain is is dragonborn and not something else?" Morniel frowns, "The dragonborn of Bahamut are distinct from half dragons or creatures with a dragon's heritage." Pausing to bow his head, "We will need to ascertain this, then."
[20:53] <Jaela> "So you think asking Celestia about this Imperium should wait until we've looked into them ourselves? Adrian's going to be trying to do that, but I figured we could do our own thing in parallel."
[20:57] <Kotono> "No," Morniel shakes his head, "But allow me to commune with my superiors on this matter. If needed after, we can attempt a full diplomatic mission to Celestia."
[20:58] * Jaela nods. "It might sound weird, but I hope we can find a solution that gets them to back off this dumb conquest of the Stair without kicking their heads in. Not like me, right?"
[21:02] <Kotono> "It isn't like you, but it's all the more admirable." Morniel agrees with the start of a smile, "Meddling in the Prime strikes me as a distraction, though courting the favor of the lillends is a worthy goal."
[21:03] <Jaela> "They need help and they helped Muirfinn out...." Jaela trails off, shrugging. "If you're going the divinations route, I'll check with Priest and see if he could ask the same thing. Look me up afterwards, when you're ready?"
[21:08] <Kotono> "It will only take me a handful of minutes," Morniel states, "If you can wait briefly, I can provide you an answer right away."
[21:09] * Jaela blinks, more used to lengthier divinations. "Sure thing, then," she says, gesturing for Morniel to go on while she leans against the wall and crosses her arms over her chest.
[21:17] <Kotono> It is perhaps ten minutes from Morniel kneeling in prayer until he rises. "I have been advised," he states, "The Lannark Imperium is not of Bahamut's Dragonborn, but an empire of blood, steel and tears, born of the chromatic dragons as well as emerald dragons."
[21:17] <Jaela> "Emerald dragons?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "I had to ask the same," Morniel confesses, "A rare subtype of dragon. They're tied to the Inner planes, but not the same thing as planar dragons. They specialize not in sorcery, but in the power of the mind."
[21:23] <Jaela> "Oh, I think I'm getting you. Huh." Jaela takes a moment to absorb that. "So what next? Is Bahamut involved or aware at all?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "He is aware," Morniel says, "My instructions from my superior were 'good hunting', if we choose to intervene."
[21:28] <Jaela> Well, that was... easy. "Huh," Jaela repeats. "Well, okay. Seems like there's no need to go anywhere after all. Could you request any intelligence your superior might have on their leaders, goals and seats of power?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "I did, but such was too much for the spell. A herald will be dispatched to bring it to us. It will likely not be long," Morniel stands at that, "In the meanwhile, how are the new soldiers? I haven't had a chance to meet their commander yet."
[21:30] <Jaela> "They seem competent and highly-motivated," Jaela responds. "A high percentage of mages, too, from what I recall. Want me to introduce you to their commander, though?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "Thank you," Morniel replies. OOC: Skip along a bit?
[21:34] <Jaela> OOC: sure
[21:37] <Kotono> You find Lady Rosa in the cafeteria. She sits at the head of several tables pushed together, he soldiers eating. She watches them, her manners and poise impeccable as she eats what looks to be a simple green salad.
[21:39] <Jaela> "Lady Rosa," Jaela greets her upon approaching. "You haven't had a chance to meet Morniel yet, have you? He's an invaluable, loyal ally of ours from the Triad." Turning towards the angel accompanying her, Jaela says, "Morniel, this is Lady Rosa."
[21:59] <Kotono> Handshakes are exchanged, "Honored," Lady Rosa replies, eyes subtly sizing him up. At the same time Morniel does the same, "In the name of the Triad, I welcome you to the Aurora."
[22:01] <Jaela> "Due to Morniel's efforts," Jaela adds, deciding to help him along a bit, "we have recently managed to put our disagreements with Celestia behind us. Right now, we can truly focus on our mutual enemies."
[22:07] <Kotono> "Understood," Lady Rosa nods her head, "My soldiers are intergrating well. With a few weeks to practice and learn the chosen battle roles, they should be a seamless part of Aurora's forces."
[22:09] * Jaela nods herself. She is about to speak, but then glances at Morniel. "Should we integrate Lady Rosa's troops right away, or wait on Celestia's contingent first, you think?" she asks for his opinion. "There was certainly the insinuation that forces will be made available to the Crusade, but not the timing."
[22:14] <Kotono> "Integrate them now. The heavenly forces will come soon, I am certain." Morniel states, "As a greater whole, Aurora is able to integrate all into it, into one greater harmony dedicated to this Crusade."
[22:17] <Jaela> "Alright, let's go with that. You will have your assignment by the end of the day, Lady Rosa."
[22:19] <Kotono> A crisp nod back to that, "We await your command, General Jaela."

[Corwin]

#ed

[22:30] <Kotono> OOC: Going to head to Ilis then?
[22:31] <Muirfinn> OOC: How long's the journey?
[22:31] <Muirfinn> OOC: Current speed is 20 ft.
[22:33] <Muirfinn> OOC: If it's long, I'll use Phantom Stag to move at 300 ft instead.
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: It's not on the horizon, so probably awhile.
[22:33] <Muirfinn> Casting Phantom Stag then.
[22:33] <Muirfinn> OOC:
[22:38] <Kotono> A few hours on stag-back pass. Under the eternal sun you go, until you reach Ilis. It is a simple village on the outskirts of a small forest, all wood cabins. As you approach, you can see an older lady, struggling as she carries a bushel of red apples. She grunts and walks slowly, an expression of considerable effort on her face.
[22:40] <Muirfinn> "Good woman," Muirfinn says, levering himself awkwardly off the stag. "would you like some help with that?"
[22:41] <Kotono> "Oh! Hello there, young man," she says, voice wizened and kind. "Would you please? That would be so dear of you!"
[22:43] * Muirfinn reaches over and takes the bushel from the woman. "Would you happen to know where Wiseman Valenti is?"
[22:46] <Kotono> "Oh, he's probably drinking at the tavern," With a chuckle, and pointing ahead, "You see the log cabin there with the open door? That's the tavern. Go ask for him byname."
[22:49] <Muirfinn> "I'll do that, once I've helped you with these apples." Muirfinn nods.

[Corwin]

#ed

[21:03] <Kotono> With that the duo head to another cabin, "Oh, would you bring them in here," the old woman asks, "I was going to make apple pies this evening. You're such a dear - when you're done with Valenti, why don't you come over for some my pie?"
[21:04] <Muirfinn> "It would be my pleasure." Muirfinn says, setting down the apples.
[21:09] <Kotono> "I'll see you then!" She smiles winsomely at Muirfinn, looking years younger with that.
[21:10] * Muirfinn heads out at that, seeking the tavern.
[21:28] <Kotono> The tavern is found. Several people are here drinking, nothing unusual at all. If you've seen one tavern, you've seen them all. On asking for Wiseman Valenti, you're directed to the fireplace. A young man sits there, barely twenty. His blue hair is long, a hint of something...off...about his features, even as he smiles as he looks into the fire.
[21:33] <Muirfinn> "Wiseman Valenti?" Muirfinn asks. It's not exactly a prime here. Who knows?
[21:35] <Kotono> "Oh ho," Lookingup, his eyes flashing a deep, forest green with his sharp - too sharp - cheekbones and ruby red lips, "I call myself that sometimes."
[21:39] <Muirfinn> "An angel named Zierael told me that you may be able to help me. Have you any knowledge of the Lannark Empire?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "Yeah," His smile doesn't fade in the least, gesturing, "I know about most everything. It comes with living too long." Gesturing to a nearby table, "Drag a chair over here and take a load off. Didn't think there were any tortles on Vala, so why're you asking about the Lannarks?"
[21:44] <Muirfinn> "They're invading the Infinite Stair in an attempt to conquer it. We've been asked to help end the conflict." Muirfinn says, taking a seat.
[21:48] <Kotono> "Oh, are you bloody serious?" Valenti facepalms, "Was the Battle of Ogre Ridge not enough?" Sighing into his hand, slowly letting it fall away from his face, "Who cooked up this addlebrained scheme?"
[21:50] <Muirfinn> "That's what we're trying to find out." Muirfinn says. "Right now, they're at war with the lillend who guard the Infinite Stair. They have refused any attempts of diplomacy by the lillend, from what we've been told. Have they done things like this before?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "On their world, certainly, but this is new." Valenti leans back now, starting to smile again, "They're currently at war - they're losing, I hope?"
[21:55] <Muirfinn> "Stalled at the portal, but the lillend have asked for help from us. They might not be able to hold them for long."
[21:59] <Kotono> "They lillend are LOSING?" That smile goes away right again, "Damnation! That's a new twist. The Lannarks are powerful, but to be pushing back the lillend in the stair?"
[22:01] * Muirfinn nods. "Thus the concern. We fear they might have infernal backing, or perhaps one of Tiamat's brood."
[22:08] <Muirfinn> "Anything you could tell us about them could be valuable." he adds.
[22:24] <Kotono> "Eh, they have some cults of Tiamat, but she's never been that close to them. They're too independent." Rubbing his chin now, "They draw support from the Princes of Elemental Evil, especially Yan-C-Bin, as much as her. Some of Bane's group too, including Lovitar, and some Gond and Oghma cults, and even some heretical cults to the wildest nature of Chauntea." Thinking a few moments, "I'm sure
[22:24] <Kotono> they've had the occasional devil cult, but it's never been any real force there. That's new."
[22:25] <Kotono> After a pause, "Straight honest, cult's not the right word for most of those," he appends, "But the churches tend to be small cults loosely interbanded, as long as they don't disrupt the Imperium overall."
[22:27] * Muirfinn taps his beak. "That wiill make things...easier and more difficult, no doubt. It sounds like we'll have to do deep digging to get the information we want. I don't suppose you have information on their command structure?"

[Corwin]

[19:52] <Kotono> "It's a typical army. Strip away the local terminology and the common soldiers have dragon blood, and the officers have more and better training. They tend to be competent sorcerers. They have an emperor who rules things, though it's common speculation that he takes instructions from several true dragons."
[19:54] <Muirfinn> "Chromatics or metallics?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Chromatics mostly, though a rare type of dragon - gem dragons if you're familiar - called emerald dragons have a stake too. That dragon blood has to come from somewhere. A bunch of ancient wyrms decided it would be better to have kingdoms that idolized them rather than mortals who saw them as suicide runs at vast wealth. Rather bright of them, I have to admit."
[19:59] <Muirfinn> "I'm sure our people will be vastly obliged to disabuse them of their percieved notions of saftey." Muirfinn rolls his eyes. "Anything else you can tell me?"
[20:04] <Kotono> "If you're going to negotiate, bring dragons or dragon bloodeds. They at least respect anyone who has dragon blood. If you're going to fight, come ready for a huge battle. Youw on't be facing just a bunch of half dragons and one true dragon. Stories go that they come in dragon-battle units supported by the sorcerer officers."
[20:08] <Muirfinn> "Full-scale war." Muirfinn says, shaking his head and grimacing. "It's good that we have powerful draconic allies, then. Hopefully we can simply convince them to back off. I don't know if my superiors would be open to the idea of a war that they have no stake in."
[20:11] <Kotono> Whistling low, "Good luck," Grinning at that, something about his face startling Muirfinn deeply, even as he flashes white teeth, "Don't bite off more than you can manage. The Lannark Imperium's been around a good while, they're powerful and they're not afraid to use that power when they need to."
[20:18] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+7 K: D
[20:18] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+3+6 Lore
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+7 K: D and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+3+6 Lore and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[20:22] <Muirfinn> "Before I go..." Muirfinn says, giving Valenti a piercing look, "I am curious. Your features are exagerated for a humans, and none I have met have blue hair. I must admit, I am curious. If I may be so bold, what are you?"
[20:25] <Kotono> "That's a dangerous question, friend," Wiseman Valenti sits back, hands folding together into a steeple - his fingers are long, much too long. "Not everything in the light is nice, and not everything that finds their way to the Heavens is a pretty, dove winged human."
[20:29] * Muirfinn snorts, letting out a hissing laugh. "I should say not. Even the greatest of good gods can do terrible things when properly motivated." He stands and bows to Valenti. "I should have introduced myself first, I apologize. If I have offended, for this I also apologize. I meant no offense. I am Muirfinn, formerly of Lifasa and officer of the Aurora, which was once called Medicant."
[20:33] <Kotono> "Hail and well met," Raising one too long hand in greeting, "I believe you already know me. I've heard of your Aurora. If what I've heard is true, you can give the Lannarks a hell of a fight...but they don't have ties to Hell, no, not like I'd expect for your interests."
[20:36] * Muirfinn nods. "I'll use the information you gave me wisely, then. You have my thanks, and in return, if you have need of something you cannot acquire yourself, feel free to contact me on the Aurora. I will do what I can to aid you."
[20:39] <Kotono> "I'll hold that chip, and I'll likely use it," Wiseman Valenti replies, "Careful with the Lannarks now."
[20:40] * Muirfinn nods. "So long as your requests don't actively hinder our goals, I see no problems. I'll take my leave of you now and bid you a very fine day, Wiseman Valenti."

[Corwin]

[20:46] <Kotono> On returning, you find Adrian in the library again. Ebony sits nearby, the two in discussion, "...not so." Ebony says as Muirfinn comes into earshot.
[20:46] * Muirfinn joins them!
[20:48] <Kotono> "Hey Muirfinn," Adrian greets on returning, Ebony giving him a submissive nod. "Sylica's not familiar with the Lannark Imperium, but the Cauldron knew a few tidbits of information. How'd your end of it go?"
[20:53] <Muirfinn> "I found a...person by the name of Wiseman Valenti. He was familiar enough with the Lannark to be exasperated by the notion of them attempting to assault the Infinite Stair. He told me that they are indeed dragon-blooded people, with a significant number of their command staff being sorcerers. They are commonly backed by either chromatic or gem dragons who wish to be idolized and revered.
[20:53] <Muirfinn> He warned that if we wish to negotiate, we should bring dragons or dragon-blooded on our side of the table." Muirfinn says. "He stated that they are not aligned with the forces of Hell, though."
[20:54] <Kotono> "Good news on the all," Adrian concludes, "Glad to hear that not everything's tied with Hell."
[20:55] * Muirfinn nods.
[20:58] <Muirfinn> "What have you all found?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "One of Seira's worshipers crossed paths with the Lannarks," Adrian begins, "Met one of the officers, a Briga Drux. A good sorcerer and a passable fencer all told, but they didn't get along on theological grounds. The upshot of all that is that we have an idea of how a typical officer fights. Magic and a lot of it, with magic augmented strikes like Afina and Ithea use."
[21:01] * Muirfinn nods. "The Wiseman said that they were powerful."
[21:02] <Kotono> "This won't be an idle battle," Adrian murmurs, "Diplomacy is going to have to be an effort, since a battle could become expensive."
[21:04] <Kotono> "With that many sorcerers and dragons, I worry of the same," Ebony speaks up, "As an empire, they certainly have more forces than us, even if many of them are occupied with the Infinite Stair.:
[21:04] <Muirfinn> "Yes. Avoiding the fight if at all possible sounds like our best course of action."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Hmph. Hanna's not bad yet," Adrian says, "We'll wait on her before making our next move. Go get some rest, Muirfinn. I'll call you when we're ready for the next move."
[21:17] * Muirfinn nods and heads off!

[Corwin]

[21:48] <Kotono> It's the next day when Adrian summons. The two of you meet in the library once more, "Nothing from Hanna," he says, "So we know all we have to work with now."
[21:53] <Muirfinn> "Taking Arrel would probably be a good idea. While it could have potential, I don't know about including Baleruk. I had initially thought that he could be a mitigating factor, but while he has a certain...presence, he may be more of a hinderance than an intimidating factor." Muirfinn says.
[21:54] <Kotono> "Myself leading, with you for magic, Arrel for presence and Kascha for knowledge. As a student of dragons, she should go over better. You're reptilian and closer to a dragon than a typical human, so that will help too." Rubbing his chin, "Any other suggestions?"
[21:57] <Muirfinn> "If things get ugly, I can Gate in more." Muirfinn says.
[21:59] <Kotono> "Right. Morniel passed on what he and Jaela dug up. It's nothing remarkable, but Bahamut's not involved with them, so we have clear signals there." Adrian considers, "Now it's just a matter of o pening diplomatic channels."
[22:05] * Muirfinn frowns. "That...hmm. Ideas?"
[22:07] <Kotono> "Asked Morniel to call in a chip to get us in. If that doesn't work, we'll try the direct approach," Adrian remarks, "Make sure you have a few Gate spells prepared, in case we need to retreat in a hurry or summon allies. Healing too, since you're the only one on the team that can effectively."
[22:08] <Muirfinn> "I will. When will we leave?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "As soon as I hear back. Be prepared, it probably won't be long," Adrian says, "If you need to make preparations or buy anything, now's the time."
[22:14] <Muirfinn> "I will go and prepare, then." Muirfinn says.