Enter Alyssa

[Anastasia]

"We get along," The Red Knight waves a hand casually, "Shar, Shar, Shar. She does make problems for people. She also tends not to give up easily, you really have to uproot the entire faith to get rid of her in a situation, and even then, she'll send avengers afterwards."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I'm sure it helps that Shaundakul oposses her. In any case, as I said, I wouldn't be opposed to it. You realm is tactics and thought, and a good wizard and explorer has knowledge and preparation as a primary focus. As long as Shaundakul has no issue with it, I personally don't either.

Excepting a discussion of expectations and services."

[Anastasia]

Do me a favor and list your metamagic feats?

[Iron Dragoon]

Quicken Spell, Cooperative Spell, Chain Spell, Echoing Spell, Easy Metamagic: Quicken, and Improved Metamagic (Epic) x2.

[Anastasia]

"You have the tools to succeed," The Red Knight remarks, rather simply. "What would you want out of this, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

She sighs. "I'm young. It's been a hard lesson to learn, but I don't know enough about leadership. And the murders show me I don't know enough about defense to keep my Order secure. I lack soldiers. Tactics. Defenses. Resources. We're a community of Arcane researchers and ruin raiders, not a war fighting machine. I don't want us to be, either. That'd rip the soul out of us. We'd end up like Alcalde. We need allies and strength. Outright combat power won't ever work for us. The Evokers might be able to pull it off, but we're too small. It'd need to be done in planning. Making any battle happen in our favor, and out thinking whoever attacks. Litterally everything you're good at. We don't have the money for mercenaries. We don't have the population for an army. We don't have the space for battlegrounds."

[Anastasia]

"Exactly my own conclusion," The Red Knight agrees with a confident smile, "Hence why I'm making this offer. You need intelligence, strategy and tactics."

[Iron Dragoon]

She nods again. "And besides the prestige of having an empowered mortal like me under your umbrella, what do you expect in return? No matter how magnanimous you might be, no God has ever offered a deal they didn't also benefit from."

[Anastasia]

"A handful of clerics to minister to the needs of your guild and preach my word," The Red Knight says, putting her goblet down. "Additionally, a personal companion for you, a cleric of no small skill who serves me personally."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa grunts. " The one going with me is easy enough to agree to. The other... I may be the first amongst equals, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to cut the others out entirely. I don't imagine they'd have much issue with it, outside of some possible conflict between worship. If they agree, you'll have to let your people know the Order is not a place for conflict between them and the members. Your cleric you plan to assign to me, though... They will understand I give the orders?"

[Anastasia]

A slight nod to that, "Yes, that's fine. Besides, if your regents complain, merely remind them of your slain regent."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Indeed. I have another question... As I've said, we are not a combat force and have no one who can build, train, and command such a force. Would you have a suggestion for a commander?"

[Anastasia]

"My clergy are all trained soldiers and tacticians,' The Red Knight replies with a hint of a smile. Any of them could serve in that role, choose whichever one you feel is best."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods. "I'll consult with the Regents and get back to you, then."

[Anastasia]

"Return when you have decided," Red Knight says, "When you step from this room, you will be back home, along with the other wizard who came with you. Until then, enjoy the meal," she offers, smiling before being gone, just like that.