Diplomacy wars, round 2

[Anastasia]

Everyone sits, save for Nasir, who stands behind the Sultan.

A silence. A silence of appraisal, a silence of waiting for one side or another to speak. It is broken when the Grand Sultan says, "I would hear your proposals," he finally says.

[Corwin]

"The Abolition War has two enjoined goals," Seira responds, deciding to sum up the situation. "To free all slaves in the Inner Planes, and to outlaw the institution of slavery itself. It has always had these goals, although presently we are less inclined to be generous with our incentives to make that happen in light of the shifting political and military situation on Fire, Earth and Water. We are ready to make the process as comfortable as we can to our opposition and its leaders, but at the core we believe that all of us have been created to be free, and that will not change. If these talks fall through we are willing to achieve those goals through force, although we still wish for a partner on your side to work with."

[Anastasia]

A long consideration of that, "What of Celestia and Sylica's involvement, do they have anything to add?" The Grand Sultan asks, expression stony, withdrawn.

[Nephrite]

"Any path in one's life begins when they take a step on that path. It has always been our belief that people should be free to choose a path for themselves." Moore says, simply.

If somehow I managed to mangle some incredibly specific thing w/r/t Celestias dogma let me know.

[Ebiris]

"While it is true that there are a great many evils not just on the inner planes that require our attention," Alicia speaks up, forearm resting on the table in front of her as she looks across at the Sultan. "A problem elsewhere does not justify ignoring the problem before us. I and those who stand with me support the Cauldron's efforts to end the most egregious example of the trade in and abuse of people who yearn to be free that Efreet society as a whole celebrates in."

Pausing a moment she looks over at the Sultan and continues on a more personal note. "I had to hold back my bile every time I visited Eblis's realm and was confronted by the suffering of those he held captive there. Those souls are now free, some after years of suffering, some after millenia. It's to my shame and regret that they continued to suffer but a moment longer after seeing my face. It's done though, and perhaps Eblis can find forgiveness from those he wronged. Perhaps if you and your society make the right decision, you will one day too be able to earn the forgiveness of those who've toiled and worked for all the glitter and wealth your nobles flaunt. But if not, there must be a reckoning, the anguish of the enslaved will not be ignored."

[Corwin]

Seira nods slightly at Alicia's words, herself having agonized for two decades over her failure to help Eblis's tormented souls for that long.

[Anastasia]

The Grand Sultan is silent again after that, "That's what it comes to in the end," The Grand Sultan says slowly, "Your own weaknesses. Your own inability to rule, to take what is yours and organize a society properly. What value do other races have before the efreet? We shall dominate Fire and rule it. We have forged and empire, an emprie that strides Fire like a great colossus! The Crimson Firebrand showed us the way, showed us the way to wealth and prosperity. What do you have in place of that?"

[Corwin]

Seira shakes her head in disagreement. "The Crimson Firebrand showed you to seize the moment when conditions on the ground change, and to lead your people to greatness as a result. If you're suggesting that he wanted the Efreet Empire to stagnate endlessly, I can't help but think that he'd be disappointed to hear that. And given that he's probably still alive out there, somewhere, I can't help but wonder if he'd decide to return publicly."

Gesturing at her side, she says, "Alicia's efforts changed Fire irrevocably through her guiding light, kindness and patience." A glance at her other side at their host, and Seira adds, "Celestia's compassion allowed Eblis to return, and erased that blight upon Fire from existence. Its capability for hope allowed for this outcome."

Returning her attention to the pair of efreet at the table, she asks, "Compared to these achievements on Fire alone, can you honestly say that the Efreet Empire is grander still at present than it had been before the Abolition War? Can you say that you see a military path towards regaining that glory?"

[Anastasia]

"I see nothing but foolishness and weakness on your path," The Grand Sultan's declares, "Those with power take what they wish - that has always been the way. Anything else is a glimmer in the fire."

[Corwin]

"Then by your reckoning and the fact that you don't bother refuting my examples this time or previously, we are powerful," Seira muses. "Us and the Hells, of course. The latter will enslave you as you have enslaved others, since they do believe a similar creed but only see others as useful pawns. We, however, don't wish ill upon the efreet. If you truly believe in the strong seizing their wishes by some predestined divine right while all others submit to them, why haven't you capitulated already?"

[Ebiris]

"We wish to no longer suffer the blight of seeing others suffer and toil for the enrichment of those who consider them property. And we will use our power to make that wish a reality," Alicia replies in the simple terms he would understand it, then.

[Nephrite]

"If Hell gains more influence over the efreet, The hope and pride you have today will belong entirely to someone else." Moore says. "You have  today the ability to choose a path, do not regret later when you no longer have that freedom."

[Anastasia]

"Then...we will burn you away," The Grand Sultan rises, "There is nothing more to say here. We will not be your lapdogs."

"There isn't," Nasir finally says, as...

Perception.

[Nephrite]

Take 10 for 77.

[Ebiris]

[19:13] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+78 perception, obviously I have sensual blessing up as always
[19:13] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=2]