Thus the appointed time approaches, the hour at hand for everyone to arrive. As your group prepares...
Go ahead and set yourself up and how you want you and your allies to be appearing here, Moore.
Go ahead and figure out your entrance, Seira.
I'll do more off of that, this is mostly setting up for Monday.
Hope's Landing stands out just a little more than it has previously. The small fortress on the shores of Lunia seems aglow moreso than it has in the past. The walls surrounding the fortress in a circle rise just a little higher today.
Standing just outside the main archway that leads into the fortress itself is Moore, fluttering at the head of his allies. Slightly behind him and to his left is Jetina, to his right Kaja, and behind them on the left is Cresiel and the right Xandra.
He's wearing a pearly white with gold trimmed coat as he waits with his allies, his expression neutral and devoid of any apparent tension.
Seira (and anyone else who'd been here before) would notice a new building past the archway that stands in the very center of the fortress area.
Cresiel's chain armor is polished and he is standing at attention, ready for what comes.
Xandra is in white robes, her face hidden by a hood that glows with light. She is well kept and pristine.
Jetina is in full armor, polished until it seems to glow. She is prepared, sword and armor present if not drawn. Her holy symbol of Raziel is prominent, resting on her chest and also engraved into her armor.
Kaja simply stands, waiting for you with his heavy, scaled body and various trinkets on him.
Seira steps into Lunia in a flash of golden fire, clad in a gown made of stars and a crown of majestic flames. She carries no visible weapons or armor, for that part is adequately covered by Oraga and Donald who accompany Seira at her sides. Overhead, three massive dragons with scales the color of the rainbow fade into being, before transforming into three humanoids that bring up the rear of the Cauldron's delegation.
"Thank you for hosting this event, Moore," she says upon approaching the pixie waiting to greet them. "I have a good feeling about it~"
A smile and a long bow follow.
"Lady Seira. I was a bit surprised to hear that you wished for this meeting to take place here; I think I understand your goal, however." Moore says with a smile. "I think... the reality of the situation, is that we could do a great deal of good to Creation today."
Inviting the Sultan to the Cauldron would've just brought on tiresome bribery attempts, Seira muses as she smiles back at Moore. "I think it's our best chance to end the war in our favor. I don't believe he has another path to staying in genuine power than coming to a swift accord with us."
Moore nods and glances over his shoulder to Xandra. "Would you please repeat what you told me earlier?"
"It is a time of great risk and reward," Xandra repeats dutifully, "I have seen a great chance to change the future for the better, but also a time where it comes with a matching risk."
"It may come to be," Barachiel agrees.
In that instant he is there, unattended. "Moore," he commands, "I would have you and yours be my honor guard for this, as well as the host."
He manages to not startle at that, for once.
He offers a nod a bow to Barachiel. "As you command. It would be our honor."
Moore's party falls in around Barachiel, who nods once to Seira, "The Grand Sultan arrives imminently."
"Let's wait for him, then," Seira agrees, nodding back at Barachiel.
Moore will wait!
If it comes up, Moore is projecting a +15 charisma aura.
It is a column of fire that emerges from the ground. A great gout of flame burning high, sizzling in the air. It reaches hundreds of feet tall, burning bright. As it does, a figure emerges and another another. Five total: The Grand Sultan and four looming, massive fire elementals. Primals for certain, each flanking him as he approaches.
Donald is at the ready, meeting his gaze without flinching. Oraga simply stays at your side and rumbles, while above your dragons roar defiance against the flames. They fly around those flames, as if to do battle with them at a moment's notice.
Cresiel watches on as the Grand Sultan approaches as the light of Chronias shines, impassive. Xandra looks on while Jetina's expression hardens. Her hand drifts to the hilt of her sword, while Kaja just smiles, showing many sharp, white teeth.
+16 aura from me, since why not.
Seira offers the Sultan her hand in greeting as he approaches the archway.
The Sultan's expression is grand, a warm smile on it as he takes Seira's hand. His handshake is vigorous, "We meet again," he says, exchanging a polite nod with Barachiel.
"We meet again," Cresiel agrees quietly, the two sharing a short, sharp look.
"Let us head within and talk. Moore, lead us within." Barachiel commands.
Oraga looms over Seira, protecting without another word spoken.
That the Sultan didn't bring anyone but his elite bodyguards suggests he understands the issues with loyalty he is facing, and probably wishes to discuss a truce in earnest. It just remains to be seen what he finds acceptable....
+16 int aura from me, to clarify
Moore nods. "Please, this way, all of you. There should be plenty of space for everyone." Moore says.
He makes a sweeping gesture and goes through the archway!
A new building, right in the middle of Hope's Landing, stands out slightly from the rest of the bright stone used to make the rest of the fortress.
It's not very tall, but it stands out -- there are bright white banners on the front of it, depicting the seven layers of Celestia -- two on each side of the large door that stays open.
Inside the building is a large, round table made of fine wood. All around it sit comfortable-looking chairs. The table is covered in a variety of lighter snacks - smaller cuts of bread and dried fruits with matching drinks (no water).
There are six windows, each placed slightly higher than the last, with a large, glass ceiling that allows the light of Celestia to shine down into the room.
As people sit, they will find that the chairs can fit any size, and no matter how they sit in them they seem to be eye level with everyone else!
Everyone files in - even the elementals, who shrink down as you go, becoming man sized and staying by the Grand Sultan.
Barachiel sits opposite the Grand Sultan, while his elementals stand behind him. As everyone files in...
Go ahead.
Seira chooses a seat at Barachiel's right side. The seats are a great innovation, and should allow even her prismatic dragon escort flight to fit! Or they can loom with Oraga behind her. That might be nice, too.
Moore will take a seat on the left of Barachiel!
"Thank you all for coming." Moore says. "It is my honor to host this opportunity." A smile after that as he nods towards Seira.
"Lady Seira, would you be so kind as to begin?"
That can be after the prismatic do their thing!
The prismatic dragons stay behind Seira, looming and silent, watching the the Grand Sultan all the while.
"Thank you, Duke Moore," Seira speaks, inclining her head at him before she returns her attention squarely on the Sultan. "Out of my respect for you and your intellect, I will not mince words. The Battle of Father and Son has been a turning point in this war. Zaaman Rul waxes while Imix wanes, Eblis has switched sides and Istishia has chosen one -- ours. You've mentioned that I have been busy, and I trust that you can see just how much that was an understatement. As for your chief allies, the dao, our campaign had been going well there even before Sylica decided to shake things up further. Would you agree this is a fair assessment?"
"I will accept that for the sake of the argument," The Grand Sultan goes on, "Continue."
It is here that Barachiel speaks, "Your armies are intact," he concedes, "But how many knives are hidden by that army? You live ablaze in politics, trusting none but primal elementals to come with you." He taps his knuckles on the table, "Hell openly dithers in a sign of disrespect for you and your reign and your position crumbles by the day. What's worse is that you're surely finding the efreet know how to read the signs - another Grand Sultan may only be a matter of time if you don't change the course you're on. Seira?"
"You must have suspected this, but we are here to confirm this for you and offer proof as needed. Akil bin Faheem made advances to replace you as part of a truce recently, in a move backed by the Hells. He is the most obvious knife at your back, but hardly the only one. In fact... it is my belief that you cannot bring the infernal legions into play if you wish to retain your authority. After all, you refused to bow for anyone at our previous meeting, out of your pride and the pride of your position. I understand that now, and because I do, I cannot see you making that move, knowing that it will either have you replaced as their troops get in place, or merely turn you into their puppet."
Seira taps the table slowly, considering her next words. "I wish to disagree with Barachiel on one point. Your armies are intact, but that is because I haven't taken to the field. You've seen reports of my capabilities where armies are involved, and even one made of primals such as those guarding you will fall. Hard as it might be to believe, I regret the loss of sentient life from my abilities and prefer to reserve them for undead abominations or fiends, but if by bringing a resolution quicker I will save more lives, I am willing to act. And where I alone would not be enough, I shall have my allies at my side. Unlike those of the Hells, I can call upon them without fear of being subsumed, and their presence will make up the difference in any opponent we face."
She waits patiently, then, to see whether the Sultan dismisses any of her claims outright or remains seated to listen.
The Sultan makes no move to get up, instead stone silent. He is silent for a good and long time, only the light of Chronias shining.
"What you want is suicide," The Grand Sultan finally admits, "And will return the moment a new Sultan rises to a position to vacate any treaty." His expression is entirely composed now, unexpressive. His fingers lightly drum against the side of his chair. "I gain nothing by agreeing to your terms but a humiliation before a general revolt. Your aims as of now are impossible to accept."
"You've hit upon the matter perfectly," Seira agrees, nodding at him. "This was was never about a military victory. We wanted a social change, and while hoping for a willing one were ready to accept a reluctant agreement. While even freeing all the slaves held at present would be a great boon, if a century from now the same situation from now recurs, we will have failed." She gestures at him across the table. "How would you propose we achieve the abolition of slavery while maintaining political stability in the efreet empire?"
"You don't," The Grand Sultan says smoothly, "Your quest is a fool's quest: Even if you defeat me and impose your will, there are endless blazes that will rise up to challenge you. This entire war is a pointless tribute to your own vanity and self delusions."
"You're wrong," It's Cresiel who speaks up, "We have hope, and that is enough. It may be a long road, a road of generations beyond counting, but we can and will triumph. Moore," the solar says, "Can explain that as well as any of us, no, better than us."
"During my time as a mortal, I took over a nation that had been lead by Sharrans for generations. They and their neighbors had been fighting bitter, terrible wars for centuries," Seira tells the Sultan. "I was forced to occupy it, and put down any revolts quite harshly. A generation, however, was all it took for a real change in the populace. A mere generation, and they were able to self-rule without falling into the same pitfalls. I don't doubt that some will rise to challenge us, if this is the course history takes. However, they will not succeed."
"If I may," Moore speaks up. "This entire situation revolves around pride. Pride for ones home, pride for traditions, pride for ones self."
A pause here before he continues. "You will lose the military war. Once that happens, Akil will make his move, and he will win the political war. I imagine that after what's transpired, Akil and his pride would have you killed or worse. I speak plainly and truly when I say we do not want you to die."
Another pause. "You have pride as the leader of the efreet, and the support of those who have pride in you. You have the ability to change the efreet as a culture and the pride to stay above the chains of Hell; I hope that you will have enough pride to be able to put Akil and his schemes in their place. What better way to lead the efreet than to rid it of opportunists who would thrive their pride away to serve at the foot of the Serpent Throne?"
The Grand Sultan blows out a long breath, "Our relationship with Hell is close and special," he says, "To openly turn against it will draw its own problems and is untenable." His fingers drum on his armrest nigh constantly now, a pause to stroke his chin. "Were Hell not in its own plans and angles, you would be defeated already."
"I think not," Barachiel interjects here, "If you are willing to repent of your sins, I will grant you asylum in Celestia. That will guarantee your life and safety. We will not relent, not on this, not now."
"Would you like to ask Zariel about the special relationship Asmodeus offers those he claims to favor?" Seira voices idly. "The entrance of the Hells into the war would place our short-term victory in doubt, yes, but there would be no doubt that all efreet from top to bottom will lose immediately in the bargain."
"Then what is your pride for?" Moore asks. "If it only serves to be something you believe you have, but at the end of the day you're just thought of as extensions of Hellish interests, that's not even really pride — that's just a lie that you try and convince yourself is truth."
A breath here. "Despite how special your relationship with Hell is, you can't deny that Akil is aiming to stab you with a blade of their own make. What kind of ally is that? Do you think they care about your pride as a leader? Has Duke Martinet been advising you personally of your social position? I imagine you know that answer and you know it's 'no'."
Another pause. "Live with your pride and the pride knowing you did everything you could to make the EFREET proud, not Hell."
"Political realities are political realities," The Grand Sultan retorts, "Of which you seem only loosely connected to, upstart."
"Connected enough to put you on the spot," Donald chimes right in. "But hey, you needed a break from sucking devil cock, huh?"
Jetina gasps at that while Xandra looks unimpressed. The Grand Sultan gives the elf hybrid a disdainful look before, "I can offer you great gold, treasure, secrets. Bend on these demands and I can make your war worth waging, and I can get back to ruling the efreet properly. Come, it is the best outcome from this, better than you'll have any other way. I can deal with Akil without this war in my way. I can deal with my politics without this farce."
Moore just smiles. "I have faith and hope in my allies, just as the efreet have faith and hope in you. If you asked them, I think they'd agree they want you ruling them, not Hell. You will find yourself on a lonely island I fear, too late to see what could have been."
"When you contacted me," Seira tells the Sultan, "I was in the midst of marshaling my armies for an all-out assault on the City of Brass. As we talk, they wait patiently for my orders." She leans forward, and while not achieving a full transformation her other form is overlaid over her, clad in a mantle of stars. And if she takes a bit of quiet inspiration from Io's imposing form doing much the same, well, only Moore would be able to call her out on that.
"I am telling you this to clarify the options available before all of us. Getting bought off is not one, nor is us giving up regardless of the opposition we would need to overcome. Barachiel has offered you sanctuary, which is a viable option. Moore has spoken of another, a favorite of mine where you seize control of efreet society and pull it in a fresh direction by force of will. Judging by your nation's history, efreet recognize such strength and are cowed enough to follow it after a token demonstration of power and capability, so this is feasible."
Seira pauses briefly. "Option three is an outright alliance with us. The Hells would be deterred, and you will have all the power and quiet you need to resolve internal issues, at which point we can reexamine our arrangement. Unlike the Hells, we will in fact honor our word and leave when requested. Option four is one where everyone loses, the efreet chief amongst us. Bring Asomdeus's legions into the war, become their puppet or get eliminated along the way, but yes, the fighting will grow far more bitter. At least until Kossuth puts his foot in, I suppose. Finally, there is option five, which is things continuing as they have before. That, however, you've agreed is untenable for your side. Do you see any other alternatives I've neglected to cover?"
Here the Grand Sultan is quiet. He regards all of you, "I request a three day recess," he says at last, "To consider the situation in good faith."
I think this calls a brief considering on my part of whether he is, in fact, negotiating in good faith.
22:14 <Seira> roll 1d20+68+25 sense motive, +25 moment of prescience due to opposed check
22:14 <Penuche> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 105 > [d20=12]
Going to do anything similar, Moore? I'll resolve any attempts at once, since it's so obvious I think everyone wants to do this if they have ranks.
Sure, Moore would try too.
Take 10 for 82.
> roll 1d20+105 (+5 ???, +7 ???, +20 ???, +6 ???) Barachiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 116 > [d20=11]
Seira and Moore both believe he's stalling for time - beneath his facade you note a real sense of pressure and desperation.
"Before you insist upon it, I would like to point out one more obvious matter," Seira voices. "The dao have entered the war on your behalf, and the war is not going well for either of you. It has occurred to all of us here, naturally, that we might resolve our conflict with them independently. Once more in the interests of honesty, if you're not ready to discuss our options at this time, I will approach the Great Khan instead."
Moore will just wait to see what he has to say to that before adding anything.
Barachiel...smiles, faintly.
"The Khan can be more agreeable," Barachiel confirms, "Our main thrust of war was always against the efreet and you are aware of that. I dislike sparing the dao, but I would consider it under these circumstances. Earth is balanced. Fire is not - it needs our attention far more than Earth."
The Grand Sultan rises, tense, tight. "Three days," he repeats, "And you will have an answer."
"I will hold off on my assault," Seira asserts, nodding once. "For three days, I will only use violence on Fire in defense of my interests. Any efreet leading raiding parties or slave caravans off Fire during this time will not be covered by this promise, however. I trust this is fair?"
Moore stays seated, but speaks up. "I say this to you, with the greatest respect: pride doomed Eblis for more years than most can count. Use your pride to better yourself and the efreet, and do not let the poison of the Serpent dilute your empire and their achievements."
"Completely," The Sultan says. "Not merely on Fire."
Moore gets a long glance at that, but no immediate reply.
Missed your reply when I posted this, page turnover, so it's a little short. More in the next.
"You will achieve that result if you put a moratorium on efreet raiding parties and slave caravans for the next three days," Seira calmly responds.
"Very well," The Grand Sultan agrees after a moment.
"Then we will agree to the same," Barachiel agrees, "It is done."
At this the Grand Sultan rises from his seat, "Then we are done here."
"We are," Seira agrees, rising to her feet as well and seeming her usual self once more. "Thank you for accepting this invitation to come here and try to resolve the war. We shall await your answer."
"Thank you." Moore echoes.
He will see the Sultan outside of Hope's Landing unless he just chooses to teleport off himself from here.
"Take him, Moore, then return by yourself," Barachiel says, as...
Going to a brief topic on your board, Moore.
Once they are gone, "Leave us," Barachiel says, "Save for Seira."
Donald gets up and pats your shoulders, "Good talk," he says, "I thought you did fine."
"Truth is among the most powerful things in Creation," Seira tells Donald with a grin. "Thanks. When you spoke up it made me sound all the more reasonable."
A knowing grin back as he goes off along with all of them.
"Erathaol requested Moore be present for our conversations after," Barachiel explains, "He's an ongoing project of his."
"I think having him around makes sense, given he had been part of this from the very start," Seira responds, though as with the Sultan she decides to be direct. "I don't believe the Sultan will act. He's panicked, so I expect some grand gambit and a fifty-fifty chance he contacts the Hells or makes a run for it with his treasures. In light of that, I would like to request you to contact the Khan right now and ask for an audience for us. Let's show him respect by going to him to meet him, while displaying confidence in our power by being willing to head into enemy territory. Our situation on Earth is far more in our favor, and the only reason we are at war is because the efreet called on their alliance. Besides, if we manage to settle that front and free up all the xorn, that's one more thing to pressure the Sultan."
Barachiel is quiet at that mulling them over.
As Moore returns, he begins. "Then the question is, what are we willing to offer the dao?" Barachiel says, "We cannot let them off harshly if we wish to remove them from the war. I dislike letting them off, but I could accept ensuring better conditions for the xorn and further isolating the efreet. What is your position?""
This is entirely a curiosity to see if there's anything Moore might be able to add from a different perspective, but what's Mineral's relation with the dao? I am guessing "bad."
Take 10 for 105 for K:P if that tells him anything specific.
About the same as everyone else: A general sort of neutrality as long as you don't come thieving. Most dao know better and can get wealth elsewhere.
There's more relative diplomacy between them and most others with Mineral, but they are Earth natives so this isn't a huge surprise.
"All I could offer to help with that is somehow to help them with something when it comes to Mineral." Moore says as he comes back.
"Our terms are the abolition of slavery, which mostly means freeing the xorn. Their benefit is getting out of this war they were pushed into, and avoiding Earth tilting further in our favor the way Fire had been. To the best of my knowledge, the dao have only suffered losses in the war thus far, in lives, treasure and ground." Seira purses her lips. "We could offer a token amount for every freed slave as a one-time offer to soothe their pride, I suppose. Since our goals are the freedom of all sapients and further pressure and isolation of the Sultan, the mere opening of this negotiations channel could be sufficient to advance them."
Seira taps her lips in thought. "I have an in with the xorn so we could offer protection from them, but that might be too much for any dao's pride to accept."
"I don't believe they'll take that offer," Barachiel says, "They are of stone, able to be stubborn and willful as the most long enduring mountain. Terms that are merely our goals presented differently will be rejected. I would settle for letting the xorn go and leaving them to their own devices."
"I don't see the difference between demanding an end to slavery and demanding that they let the xorn go," Seira admits. "Could you clarify?"
Barachiel is silent a moment, "Liberation for the xorn is different than banning the entire concept, as distasteful as it is to allow it to continue on others."
"Rather than our idea being victorious, we'll settle for the practical rewards with the dao?" Seira muses. "Since the efreet are the true enemies here, the resolution of our war with them will have the most profound impact so I don't mind that. What does it mean on our end, however? Are we to cease all attacks? Call off all our allies? If so, for how long? I don't intend to enforce neutrality on Earth indefinitely. Ah, and would these terms allow the dao to enslave the xorn at a later point?"
"That," Barachiel smiles tightly here, "Is why we have some of the best diplomats and negotiators in Lunia. Even then, we are under a time limit if we wish for this to be done before the three day's grace is expired. Moore." A look to him, "Are you experienced in that level of negotiation and treaty diplomacy?"
"I learned a great deal from Morniel on this subject." Moore says. "I have faith I could handle the matter."
"We'll need to establish what our minimum acceptable result is and what we wish to stand firm on, what we can bargain away and what we can use as willing sacrifices to get other demands met," Barachiel says, "Though our strength remains giving them a way out of a war rapidly turning against them, before they have a chance to possibly find allies or spread this war further. The points Seira raised are all ones we need to consider and address."
"How about Celestia provides a lawyer for the specialist portions of the negotiations?" Seira suggests. "I'll ask Lady Honeydip's for her time, and together our insights should be sufficient. Can you arrange for the invitations while Moore and I work through our list of acceptable demands and trade offs?"
A nod at that, "It is Celestia's will," he agrees, as...
Go ahead you two.
"To the best of my knowledge," Seira tells Moore, "the dao have only enslaved the xorn. Earth elementals are debatable, given the way things are set up in the Inner Planes. So long as we reserve the right to hit any raiders, slavers and slave owners among the dao, we can keep things manageable in the near future assuming they do free all their captive xorn. Then, we only need to prevail on Fire and start changing things for the better. Within a generation, we should see results, and that would in turn affect the dao. As for those fighting on my side in this war, Yan-C-Bin may well wish to continue raiding the dao, and I see no reason to hold him back if we are forced to compromise, so let's keep that in mind."
"I think your idea earlier of paying them for the corn may not be a bad idea to fall back on." He says with a nod. "I know it isn't exactly perfect, but if it gets them to accept the idea in the short term we can pressure them later."
A pause there. "I don't feel like it will take a lot of haggling with them, but if we assume they're stubborn then we may want to have a lot of very small concessions to erode them, so to speak."
"We absolutely need one of two things, here. Either freedom for all slaves, or freedom for the xorn who make up the absolute majority and the ability to launch strikes at slave owners without dragging things into a war, much like was the situation previously. We'll need a lawyer to put it better, of course, but that's what it comes down to."
"So let's say they won't budge at all." Moore says. "I would be really surprised to hear that from them considering the war itself, but let's pretend: is that the complete end of the negotiation as far as you're concerned? If so, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to have something prepared... either a strike or some other kind of pressure."
"If they won't budge at all, we'll seek to keep negotiations going past the Sultan's deadline to put pressure on him, and then see if we can come to an accord with him after all. If, however, all negotiations fail then I will proceed with the strike at the City of Brass."
Moore nods. "I think that's perfect. So we have our minimum acceptance... I imagine they'll have some counter offers but hopefully it won't be as embarrassing as what the Sultan tried."
"Yes. Let's start by asking them for their offer first, and tailor ours to that."
A nod follows that.
I think we're good to reach out.
Okay then, gimme a quick summary of your plan going forward, you two.
"How about Celestia provides a lawyer for the specialist portions of the negotiations?" Seira suggests. "I'll ask Lady Honeydip's for her time, and together our insights should be sufficient. Can you arrange for the invitations while Moore and I work through our list of acceptable demands and trade offs?"
"We absolutely need one of two things, here. Either freedom for all slaves, or freedom for the xorn who make up the absolute majority and the ability to launch strikes at slave owners without dragging things into a war, much like was the situation previously. We'll need a lawyer to put it better, of course, but that's what it comes down to."
Moore nods. "I think that's perfect. So we have our minimum acceptance... I imagine they'll have some counter offers but hopefully it won't be as embarrassing as what the Sultan tried."
"Yes. Let's start by asking them for their offer first, and tailor ours to that."
Soon enough Barachiel is back and says, "The dao are interested in a meeting at neutral ground within the hour. A mutually agreeable meeting ground in Mechanus was decided on: Gear 4992, also known as Treeline."
"They chose a neutral ground? That works for me just as well," Seira agrees. "I'll see you there~"
I'll take my party home, change into my adventuring outfit and ask Valar and Honeydip to come instead of Oraga and Donald. They might learn more about the opposition by meeting their leaders face to face, and could have insights (such as how dao have a lot of non-xorn slaves) that they could share with me IC. The looming dragons can continue to loom, I think they're neat!
Donald will be asked to make extra sure that no efreet slavers are moving across the planes, and to let me know if he hears of one so we can hit it extra hard. I made a promise to the Sultan and I'd feel bad if he couldn't take me seriously after that.
Okay, that's fine. Moore, any prep on your end?
No, unless Barachiel wants his allies to attend specifically.
He's going to send a legal mind as requested but that's it. Are you going alone on your side or bringing anyone?
he will go alone
Thus everyone gathers at Hope's Landing for this. Moore, Valar, Honeydip, Seira and finally an unassuming human. His head is shaved bald and he walks with a cane, perhaps 50 years old. He is pale and weathered, wrinkled. "Duke Moore, Great Lady Seira," he bows to them, "I am Donyas. Lord Barachiel commands me to serve you, and serve I shall."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Donyas," Seira greets him. "Were you filled in on our goals?" Her own team had been, quite naturally.
"Yes," Is the answer. The old man pauses to tap his cane on the ground, "By Barachiel's thunders, we will forge a victory for holiness this day."
"Let me take us over, then."
"For victory," Valar seconds, waiting on Seira.
Moments later you are there. It is a forest - a forest with the music of the gears in the background, ever churning and clicking. There is a sense of peace and harmony here, and as you take it all in?
All of you can notice something. The forest is symmetrical on both sides. Perfect, everything mirroring each other. In the center there is a path ahead, to what looks to be a log cabin.
Seira is all too happy to lead the way!
Incidentally, our auras should provide +14 to wis from Honeydip, +18 to int from me and Moore has the +cha aura, correct?
You are correct. +15
Moore glances around — there's something unsettling about creating nature in such an unnatural way...
As you approach, the door to the log cabin opens.
Within is an empty room, save for a circular table and chairs. Here half a dozen well dressed, jewelry laden dao stand behind one, each of them save the single one sitting wearing a mask of stone. Each mask shows an impassive face.
The dao sitting there is tall and dusky skinned, lean and muscular. He wears enough jewelry to purchase a nation, a thin mustache kept. His eyes are like sapphires, watching you as you enter. A simple golden circlet adorns his head, a single diamond in the center absolutely radiant with power. "Seira Aryn, Valar, Moore, Lady Honeydip and Donyas," The Great Khan greets you, "Let's talk."
"Let's talk," Seira agrees, approaching him with a sure stride and offering her hand to shake.
A handshake is given to you as he rises, the other dao watching on behind their masks, you presume. His grip is good, and then he does the same with Valar and then offers his hand to Moore.
Seira takes a seat at the table opposite him, waiting for the introductions to conclude.
Moore gives a firm handshake and sits himself!
Donyas has the last, returned as well. Once done the Khan gestures, "You have an offer to make. I'm inclined to take this offer as much as you're inclined to be reasonable about it. Make me a good offer and we can walk out of here with something we both can accept."
"Certainly," Seira agrees. "We have come here to deal in good faith, and Donyas is here to ensure it is official." Since he's known on sight and by name, there is no need to try and conceal his expertise. "Before we get to that, would you entertain my question? Absent the efreet alliance calling on your aid, would you have joined the war?"
"A moment first to clear up one important point," The Great Khan says, "Do you also speak for Celestia, or does Duke Moore or Donyas do so?" His green gaze turns to Moore in particular there.
Sorry, wasn't clear if he should be answering that.
"I am here to see to the Holy Mountain's interests." Moore says with a pleasant smile.
Ah.
"Then I speak to both of you," The Great Khan agrees, pausing to lightly brush his mustache with a finger. "It is a difficult question, but quite possibly. Our interests in this area are what they are. But this is primarily the Grand Sultan's war, not our war."
Seira inclines her head. "What we wish to gain out of the peace treaty with you and the dao, Great Khan, is two things. Freedom for all slaves held by the dao, and your acceptance of xorn autonomy under their own leader. What would you find acceptable for us to offer the dao for that?"
"As it stands, the offer is not acceptable," The Great Khan says right after, "We are willing to contemplate freeing the Xorn, however. What of Celestia's position, Duke?"
"A follow up question," Seira voices. "What is the percentage of non-xorn slaves held by the dao?"
"The abolishment of slavery is an idea we support." Moore says, simply and plainly. If Seira wants to give them wiggle room there he will trust her to do so!
Here the Great Khan snaps his fingers. One of the masked dao bows and presents him a sheet of paper, which he glances at for but a moment. "Approximately 50%."
Here Donyas speaks up, "Does that include elementals?" he asks, clearing his throat just before speaking.
"It does not - many do as asked with no bondage needed. The smaller ones are particularly simple save in the matters of Earth." The Great Khan's smile is rather amused there. "There's little point."
"And if the older elementals with wills of their own who do not wish to follow their tasks are tallied as well, how do the numbers work out?"
"No meaningful difference, few elementals are worth bothering with that way." Is the answer you get.
Seira nods her understanding. "In that case, I seek a clarification. Are you opposed to having the xorn form an autonomy, or opposed to freeing anyone not a xorn?"
"Both," Is the answer you get, "However, one can be bargained over, while freeing others besides the Xorn cannot."
"Why not?"
"Because we will not agree to your demands wholesale, or there is no point in doing anything but submitting," The Great Khan says, "You contacted us, you want peace."
"These are not demands," Seira says, shaking her head. "They are merely our goals in negotiations, I was merely upfront about them. Celestia and the Cauldron offer to provide suitable compensation in return, but we haven't done so in our offer because our value of the request and your value of it likely differ. That is why I have asked what you would consider worth your while in return. There is no submission, implicit or otherwise."
"Then there is nothing," The Great Khan says, "We are not interested in that particular line of negotiation at this time."
"I see. What are your proposed terms for the end of hostilities between the Cauldron, Celestia and the dao?"
A moment's consideration, "We will free the Xorn," he says, "An equitable arrangement."
22:41 <Seira> roll 1d20+68+30+14 sense motive, was the Khan bullshitting me about how freeing all the slaves was unacceptable in any form?
22:41 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 122 > [d20=10]
Moore will take 10 for 86, why not.
Both of you feel he's being entirely honest there. If he's fooling you, he's so good that yo udon't have any chance at all.
"Please give us a moment," Seira requests, and then ensures their conversation is not overheard or otherwise perceived, such as via lip reading, through an application of divine will.
Then, together with Donyas, she produces a draft document that depicts the cessation of hostilities treaty between the Cauldron and Celestia on one side and the dao nation on the other. On the dao side, as part of what the treaty calls gradual reduction in slavery among the dao nation, it outlaws the possession of new slaves past the date of the treaty's signing and the safe release of all enslaved xorn into Celestial or Cauldron hands.
"I want to see whether we could negotiate from this draft," Seira tells the others. "Thoughts?"
"I know it isn't ideal, but I think if we accept the freeing of the xorn and don't push them on the rest of the slavery, we can return to the topic once the efreet have been dealt with." Moore says. "I suppose it can't hurt to try this though, I don't think they're going to leave the bargaining table over it."
"Our best outcome would be if they ask to consider it for some time," Seira agrees, and looks at Valar and Honeydip. "It goes without saying I have a follow up plan to rescue the rest, but getting a truce on this front is the true goal."
Moore nods. "I defer to our legal expert for any objections, then."
The Great Khan simply waits with the patience of the earth and stones.
Donyas helps you with it, "Anything else to be added? I'd suggest something minor that may be accepted in face of other concessions they wish to move stronger against."
"Like a red herring that keeps them guessing?" Seira muses. "Alright, how about we also ask for all the information the dao have on the daoin."
"Very well," Donyas says, making exactly what you wish and passing it over.
"Thank you for your patience," Seira tells the Khan, dismissing the privacy screen and sliding the draft over.
The draft is read, "Interesting," Is the Great Khan's reply, a moment where he does the same. His advisors surround him as divine will covers them completely.
At this lull Valar sits back, waiting.
Lady Honeydip rests a moment, "A battle with words and tension, is it?"
Since he was nice about letting them have their privacy, Seira doesn't attempt to circumvent it. Rather, she allows their own privacy screen to have her friends comment without worry of being overheard.
"Should things not go as desired, or even if they do but future events bring us at odds once more, it would be useful to gain the measure of our opponent. Thus, more a duel with many feints than a true battle, I would say."
"Of course, a certain amount of working trust is built in a good negotiation," Donyas says, then with a faint smile, "When the ones you're dealing with permit such a thing."
Meanwhile, Great Khan's negotiations finish, his barrier fading away.
Seira lets their own fade in time with that, waiting with polite restraint.
A counter offer is produced and presented to you, "Our offer," The Great Khan says, a copy of the document appearing before the five of you.
Seira takes a glance, the privacy screen getting its use once more.
This treaty offers the following:
- Peace between the Cauldron, Celestia (including other allies involved such as Sylica) and the Dao.
- The Xorn will freed and left to their own devices in Earth, free of interference from the dao, Celestial, the Cauldron or any other signatory of this treaty. This includes an agreement to forswear allies doing the same at your behest.
- The occupation of the Abyssal Lake will be vacated by Sylica. Should those here be unable to speak on Sylica's behalf, their council shall be sought directly.
- Information on the daoin from the Great Khan's archives.
- This treaty shall guarantee peace for 100 years between all signatories.
- All sides shall offer monetary compensations to widows, orphans and others left deprived of family as a result of their actions in the war, with the exact amount and payments to be negotiated at a later date.
- The dao and Celestia, Duke Moore in particular, shall convene negotiations at a later date regarding Duke Moore's usage as a diplomat to Mineral and Crystalle.
Are the various allies or a definition for what passes as one listed? And what are the penalties for breaking it wholesale? What about if someone (a dao noble or Donald, say) breaks it on their own initiative?
Finally, there is no mention of outlawing possession of new slaves?
The exact definition of allies is not defined, you may wish to clarify that.
Penalties are not yet listed.
Resolution is not yet listed as well.
There is no mention of the outlawing of new slaves.
"I have several issues with the phrasing, and with one of the terms," Seira muses, "though the Sylica aspect will require us to reconvene after I've checked with Alicia and Syala, so it would be best to leave such clarifications for a later date."
"We can put that aside until last," The Great Khan agrees, slowly rubbing his mustache. "What is it you object to and what clarification do you need?"
Meanwhile Valar glances at Moore and quietly, "I've heard, but you know Crystalle that well?"
Moore offers Valar a small shrug at that and a smile.
"I meant that I believe I should convene with Sylica's leadership before proceeding further," Seira clarifies. "Since I don't want to speak for them, their answer may well shift negotiations, perhaps to the point of changing some of the other sections. For a treaty that endures a century, I would want to be thorough from the start and do it right."
"How long would you need?" The Great Khan asks, "I have no objection to that."
"I'd better contact all our allies to ensure they're onboard, so let's reconvene in a week's time," Seira proposes, glancing over at Moore. "Does that sound alright to Celestia?"
"Yes, that should be fine." Moore says.
"Unacceptable," The Great Khan says, "A week is an excessive amount of time for this. A day should more than suffice."
"I disagree. While contacting our allies can be done swiftly, it shows us as weak and desperate. That will raise the price of their concessions to an unacceptable degree."
"Then I would like a cease fire until we meet again and one day after," The Great Khan replies, two fingers tapping the table, a soft thunk-thunk.
"Acceptable."
Moore nods himself.
The Great Khan rises, offering you his hand, "Then I agree to that."
Seira shakes his hand! And while this didn't go as hoped for, they did get their parallel negotiations to influence the Sultan further.
Moore does the same!
Vigorous handshakes are given all around. His grip is strong, a long look into each of your eyes as he does. No pressure, just a good, honest look.
"Then until we return," The Great Khan says, turning to go with his entourage, still silent and masked even now.
There is little to do now but follow suit.
I'd like to spend this day on more Prophecy decyphering, and then go see Alicia on the next.
Sure, one thing first.
As you all head out, Valar asks, "Did you get what you wanted? What of you, Moore?"
While under the shroud of privacy, Seira shrugs. "I know what they're willing to give right now. If things fall through, it'll be the starting point for fresh negotiations in the future. And if we end up signing, there are enough loopholes to continue our goals through means other than war. So yes, overall I'm happy we came."
"I'm curious what their angle is with Crystalle and Mineral." Moore says. "Either they want better relations with him, or they don't like that we have good relations. We'll see what they ultimately want."
"It could be a feint," Valar says, "Lathander's light, the dao paying their victim's families like that? It sounds good and is utterly meaningless, and it's difficult to challenge that."
"They consider the value of their slain to be far beyond that of their enemies or any bystanders. That is my take."
And thus you all return and Barachiel awaits. He meets Seira and Moore in Hope's Landing and asks a simple question.
"How did the talks progress?" Barachiel asks.
"They're unwilling to give the bare minimum we want, but I feel there's leeway, especially if the Sultan goes for it. In the meantime, we have an eight day long ceasefire with the dao, so even if the Sultan decides to go all in into the other direction, we'll have our grace period of dealing with the efreet and Brass."
Moore nods. "They brought up my relationship with Crystalle, so it may be something that we need to negotiate after the fact, but nothing was objectionable."
A mere nod to that, "What was the best offer they made? Moore, what did you think of his motives?"
"Freeing the xorn and mutual reparations, peace for a century. Turns out the xorn only account for half their slaves, and they refused to discuss banning slavery though I think that's negotiable."
"I think they want to get out of this was as quickly as possible." Moore says. "He seemed like he was willing to give more than he received in order to do so, at least on the surface."
"Hm." Barachiel says, "As I thought." He considers this, "I will see to gathering more information in the meanwhile, a few insightful words could say much to their goals and strategy."
Here Barachiel rises, "We will meet again before this. Keep us informed, for we put our trust in you by this by command of what is most high."
After that, "Come with me, Moore."
It's a bit sad they're only trusting her because Zaphkiel told them to, but such is life.
"Let me know if I can be of any more help, Seira." Moore says and gives her a bow before he goes off with Barachiel!
Less that and more that they're letting you take the unquestioned lead on this, Seira. Diplomacy is Barachiel's wheelhouse, after all, so it's a little unusual he's taking second fiddle to someone else on it. Not unheard of with how Celestia works, but still worth commenting on.
Thus Moore goes off as...
Going to hit the books again with peace time, Seira? Paste me your last results and checks on the Prophecy?
Last results:
18:52 <Seira> roll 1d20+64+4+2+18+4+1 researcher
18:52 <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+64+4+2+18+4+1 researcher --> [ 1d20=6 ]{99}
18:52 <Seira> roll 1d20+20+2+2+20+4+1 int
18:52 <Rei-chan> Seira rolled : 1d20+20+2+2+20+4+1 int --> [ 1d20=7 ]{56}
You begin to look towards that and you slowly discern an important trend.
There's a 'core' of normality to the prophecy. It covers the most common things of course, a base for lack of a better phrase. Yet that's far from everything in Creation, and in time it begins to account for less and less likely scenarios. Things such as overthrows of evil regimes or good ones, the fall of worlds, the defeat of prominent figures, planar wars and more. You haven't found everything yet, and at times things are only insinuations backed and supported logically as you explore the Prophecy, but one thing seems to be in common.
If it can happen in Creation through normal processes, you get the feeling it's accounted for in some way.
My next attempt:
QuoteThen the Beyond is the key, and Seira focuses on that next. Antenora, Eblis and that devil flunky of his who became One, Io and Sylian who not only became One but chose champions of their own and empowered them with inspiration from Beyond, the Arbiter who might not be one of the three founding Incarnations but a visitor from outside Creation, Pale Night and her own champion and Seira's long-term pal, Zguujaj....
Sure, gimme another round of checks.
19:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+64+4+2+18+4+1 researcher
19:12 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 104 > [d20=11]
19:12 <Seira> roll 1d20+20+2+2+20+4+1 int
19:12 <Penuche2> Seira invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=15]
You begin to expand in that direction: On the first glance, it seems...covered? It certain leaves room for new deities rising, after all. That is a function of Creation and has happened before.
Go ahead and hone this one a little more, since the direction you go on from here influences the rest. This won't take another day of research, consider this how it'll direct and clarify the rest of today's results from here.
Sure, Seira has decided the difference between her conventionally divine self and One is so minuscule as to not bother with it, but to Mechanus it will surely be a massive gulf! The One ascention is explicitly not a function of Creation, and that is what Seira focuses on. Then, the effects of those who rose as One and then took champions in Creation, as well as those from Beyond who did likewise. Antenora and Eblis's proteges for the former, Zguujaj and Oberuth for the latter. Let's see how you accounted for them, Primus! And if it was by treating the benefactors as regular deities, then that's the chink in your armor, much like how treating the One ascension as gaining Ao's approval is an important difference Seira doubts was accounted for.
To your surprise, it handles them quite well. It supports itself well enough with the concept that the origins don't seem to matter too much. The more you read, the more you note parts are carefully written not to explicitly mention Ao or the Incarnations empowering a new deity. It's incredibly subtle, often relying on inferences that you' draw naturally even if not suggested, but it's set up just so to deal with that. Once it carefully hooks that in, the rest of the logic applies to it and thus the rest of the Prophecy supports it.
You're 100% sure that wasn't meant to be noticed by a reader, unless they knew explicitly to look for it or were poking along those lines and knew how it was done.
That makes no sense. Sure, perhaps the anal-retentive inevitables don't care about the finer details this time around, but that would still only cover deities and deity-level beings acting in Creation itself. What if Sylian or Io are skulking outside Creation, making their own? Recruiting champions in the Beyond, or those originating from other Creations who might ascend to divine status via One or similar means? The very nature of the Beyond is chaotic, which is why those from it are templated as demons when they enter Creation. Did Primus truly calculate every possible traveler from Beyond and their affects on Creation's path?
As you quarrel with the Prophecy and work on it?
"Whew," Kascha says, "I think we're making a bit of headway, Seira. Are we going to keep going right now?"
"Not as much as I'd like," Seira admits a bit gloomily. "I know the inconsistency is there, but I just can't find it!"
"Well, I didn't think this would be easy," Kascha admits, "But be strong and persevere, and smile too. You look and think best when you smile, Seira."
"I'm pretty sure the answer is the Beyond, somehow," Seira muses. "It has to be. Or Primus might've come up with a comprehensive Chaos theory, for all I know!"
That gets Kascha to smile as...
Anything more to add here?
No
Okay, so quick check: You want to get you, Moore and Alicia together to meet with the Sultan, yes? If so, any prep/details I need to know about on your end?
This is correct, unless Alicia prefers otherwise.
Okay then, we're waiting on Moore.
Thus Seira prepares to go, and as that happens...
Alicia, any prep of your own or bringing anyone?
Alicia will just come along by herself.
Seira will bring Valar and Honeydip this time.
Do you two want a chance to chat while waiting on Neph?
Sure
Alicia soon arrives the Cauldron as you all prepare, Seira going out to greet her and...
Go ahead you two.
"Busy times!" Seira comments, welcoming Alicia into her realm. "Traveling solo?"
"The Cauldron's safe enough for me," Alicia says with a glance around after that. "We're all worried someone else is going to take advantage of our preoccupation elsewhere to attack Sylica."
"I'm leaving the Cauldron's security in Amaryl's capable hands for now," Seira tells her, ensuring privacy as always when talking about sensitive things. "Too busy trying to play the dao and the efreet off one another and finding an in for getting Primus on our side. Though if nothing shifts soon, I'll just go for the adventurer's recourse."
"Well let me know if you find a good dungeon to plunder," Alicia says on the subject of adventuring.
"I'm sure a bunch of efreet nobles have country homes with decent defenses?"
"Oh, those kinds of dungeons," Alicia says dully. "Well yes they need to be dealt with too."
"It's been a while since I did something impressive," Seira admits. "The dao didn't even ask anything of me, but they wanted that Abyssal Lake back. Maybe that's because I destroyed the adamantine mine I hit a while back instead of taking it for myself? Should I just seize more land like that across Fire and Earth?"
"If you have the resources to garrison it and it offers something useful. The Abyssal Lake is a fairly unique site, but regular mines are fairly common. If they want it back I'll make the sacrifice for peace so long as it furthers our overall aims for the conflict," Alicia volunteers. "I've already done enough with it."
"Eh, to be honest I used the need to talk to you about it to drag out negotiations so I could run them in parallel with dao and efreet both. They still aren't offering enough for me to bite, although maybe some more aggressive negotiations will end up bearing fruit today? And come to think of it, I pretty much took all of the liquid adamantine from that mine anyway but never actually did anything with it. The efreet somehow animated it, which was pretty neat! A mile-long dragon of molten adamantine! I wish I could recruit the guy that came up with that one."
"We do come up with some talented enemies, don't we?" Alicia frowns, thinking of Jade and her tricks.
"It can be very disheartening," Seira agrees. "All these incredibly talented and powerful people are just hiding themselves and wasting their talents. I like to imagine how much we could accomplish if enough people saw the value and self-gain in mutual cooperation."
"I'm sure the person who made a mile long adamantine dragon doesn't think their talents are being wasted. Right now they're probably working on making one that's two miles long," Alicia ventures with a little smile.
An answering smile blossoms on Seira's face. "That sounds nice. Hey, if the efreet talks fall through want to attack the City of Brass with me? I know I talked about it at Zaaman Rul's before, but I'm actually serious."
"I'd want to get some serious intelligence as to what we'd be up against before risking that," Alicia says doubtfully. "I expect I'd have to fight at a level I can't sustain for very long and most everyone else who came along would have poor odds of surviving it."
"We can do that. Our pal has informants there, so we could stop by after the talks and see what he knows."
We're just waiting to line up Moore now, just FYI, so this'll likely be closed soon and moved to a new topic.
New topic time. Locking this one.