A neverending field

[Anastasia]

"Ma...lana?" Combi says slowly. "I heard a servant speak of it."

"It looks pretty," Emilia smiles, "The snow's pretty in the sunlight from Lathander."

[Corwin]

"There's a lot to find pretty here," Seira agrees, before nudging Emilia with a smile. "Umberlee is trying to harass from the seas, so how about you add her to the map?"

Returning her gaze to Combi, she says, "My followers and agents both request aid. I entrusted them with making people's lives better and protecting them from threats, Auril's chief among them. I want a dedicated force to fighting off Auril's minions, so that those already working to make life peaceful and harvests bountiful would have an easier time of it. They've asked for those who could withstand the cold, so an elemental force suited to that would be best. But since you're working on magma, if you were to lead this force it would work out even better."

[Anastasia]

"I can go there?" Combi asks slowly, "To Malana? And I can throw magma there?"

[Corwin]

"When in battle against Auril's servants, and there are no bystanders to be hurt," Seira amends. "Would you like that? The other benefit is leading troops to help you with that. Everyone needs to cut their teeth on command, and it's a reasonably safe one for a first sortee."

What are Combi's mental stats, out of curiousity?

[Anastasia]

Is he just a flat all elemental or have you added anything more to him?

[Corwin]

I honestly don't know how that'd work. I do have my elemental uplift, which an all-elemental could undergo too since why not. If I can, then I did.

Also, is Emilia adjusting the map?

[Anastasia]

Yes, one sec on that.

Base All-Elemental mental stats are: Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 17, so he's plenty capable even before any improvements.

As the map updates to your command, "There," Emilia says, "Is that good, mother?"

[Corwin]

"Excellent," Seira tells her warmly, waiting on Combi's response.

[Anastasia]

"I would, if I can do that," Combi agrees, "Especially throw lava at the snow Aurils."

[Corwin]

"Where do you think it would be best to act?" Seira asks Combi and Emilia. The mountains are eternally cold and guard one of the borders, but there isn't as many people to protect in that region. The area which Annerose controls is where most of those enemies focus, but it also has the benefit of having her protection. And besides, having several spots of hope and protection throughout the land should work better for this phase of Seira's operations than a single, shining fortress. The coast wouldn't have much of Auril's attention, but perhaps the presence of her forces would draw Auril there, and force a three-way competition with Umbrelee in the mix? Seira doubts those two could truly coexist if they don't have a buffer between them. Then, there is the option of stationing her troops near or even in the capital, or just having them travel the land.

[Anastasia]

"The mountains," Combi says immediately, "Volcanoes would help chase out the Aurils!"

[Corwin]

"A bold choice!" Seira comments, looking at Emilia next. A slow introduction to command and leadership decisions is important not just for Combi, and she wants to give Emilia a chance to either shine or learn from a mistake.

[Anastasia]

"If Combi is going there, then he should choose," Emilia says, "Since he'd be leading them, but volcanoes are too destructive? How about you work out from a strong point and spread out over time?"

[Corwin]

"Providing other choices is important as well. After all, there's nothing wrong with having a selection to choose from."

Seira extends her hand to Combi, and a copy of her diadem appears in it. A lesser one to be sure, only boosting leadership capabilities, albeit that should help a great deal in her new role!

"Select enough elementals to thrive against Auril's thugs in that environment, and prepare for the journey. Know that you go with my blessing!"

Leadership: Diadem of Cha +6 enhancement, +5 competence bonus to Cha-based skills.

[Anastasia]

"Good luck!" Emilia calls, "I'll help you choose!"

Combi takes the circlet delicately and holds it in both hands, "Thank you," he intones and places it atop his whirlwind head. "I will show the lava!"