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#91
Balmuria Mini Games / Re: Not here days
Last post by Anastasia - August 20, 2025, 09:42:42 PMWe're getting clipped by a passing hurricane tonight and tomorrow. It's not likely to matter much, but there's always a chance I could lose power. So if I no show tomorrow, that's why.
#92
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - August 20, 2025, 01:53:27 PM19:02 <Kotono> Rina turns and says, "We've ran into problems with them in Welland, but we've never had a chance to investigate. Something's forcing them up - but never mind that." Focusing back on the matter at hand, "Anne's right. There's no winners here. More, imagine if there's another plan besides simply spreading misery, but something that requires all the nations here to be weakened?"
19:03 <Kotono> With a soft sniff, "You're sounding like Anne now," Sanda comments.
19:03 <Kotono> "You mean thoughtful and correct?" Anne smiles slightly to Sanda, "It is a concern that's passed my mind, and I hope it's already crossed all of yours."
19:03 <Skaya> "If our best outcome is war and famine, there's every reason to try and change it."
19:04 <Kotono> Garza's expression grows from troubled to outright miserable, and he slowly rubs his forehead with his hand. "Even if we seek peace, it would be the peace of the vanquished. Anyonew ho can see a map could see that now."
19:05 <Kotono> The child looks up at that, "W-what about Mellanics then?"
19:05 <Devar> "Didn't you run into some Talonans, Skaya?" Devar asks. "It's possible there's some involvement there, too."
19:06 <Kotono> "We did," Rina says shortly, but defers to Skaya.
19:07 <Skaya> "There's really nothing concrete to add here. Talona has some plot, at least in Welland, but we don't know any details." As for the nominal lord of Mellanics, she really has no good answers for him.
19:07 <Kotono> His bodyguard kneels next to the young lord and murmurs something quietly, then turns and adds, "Is he needed here, Garza?"
19:08 <Devar> Devar just nods to that and looks back to the nobles.
19:08 <Kotono> With a shake of his head, "Go. There should be some sweet cakes in the kitchens for him."
19:09 <Kotono> The knight and his young charge leave at that, a lull in the conversation. Once he's gone, "I know he's nobility, but is a child at that age truly necessary for such matters?" Anne asks openly, "I confess I don't understand why."
19:10 <Kotono> "Such are his responsibilities," Garza answers plainly, "And I'll remind you not to speak on such matters. Hero or not, you are still of common blood." With a grunt, "Some nobles and officers are less...accepting."
19:10 <Kotono> Rina almost growls at that, "We've noticed. I've noticed."
19:11 <Devar> "It isn't ideal, but it's better than hiding the truth of the world from him." Devar says. "It's a harsh reality."
19:12 <Kotono> Anne doesn't argue it, but instead says, "Fair points, but we grow sidetracked."
19:12 <Skaya> "Let's just move past this," Skaya once more tries to refocus them. "What do we want to try if we explore diplomacy? Does Earl Melanics have a fiancee? If we bring up an engagement, they might choose to avoid a costly battle. And it'd delay any decision over the city by a decade."
19:12 <Kotono> With a side eye, Sanda mouths, "You started it," silently to Anne. Then, after clearing her throat, "Where were we?"
19:13 <Kotono> A slow, long rub of his head, "An engagement to who?" Garza asks. "He is not yet spoken for, of course."
19:14 <Skaya> "An excellent question. Since it's a coalition of different kingdoms, it might cause some conflict on their side."
19:18 <Kotono> "Such a matter would be the Queen's choice in a time of war," Garza points out, "Doing otherwise is at best is foolhardy."
19:18 <Kotono> Greganen chuckles at that, "Perhaps so, or perhaps a ...oh, what's the word, for something that's done and has to be accepted as is?" He snaps his fingers.
19:19 — Skaya glances at Picke, for her part. He actually has approval from the Queen if they need to use it, doesn't he?
19:24 <Kotono> Picke's expresison has been thoughtful throughout this, "It's unlikely to work without ceding some land," he muses, which gets eyes to him. "Simply marrying into a noble family by itself is useful but hardly enough to change the course of this."
19:24 <Skaya> "Fyner was originally their land, so can we consider ceding it back? If it matters that much, there will be future wars and more chances to take it again."
19:25 <Kotono> "Such a matter would be the Queen's choice-" Garza begins.
19:26 <Kotono> "Or someone acting under the Queen's authority, "Picke cuts in, and Garza's jaw snaps shut. Picke's eyes close after, a sudden and heavy silence.
19:26 <Kotono> "You-" Garza rises up, fists balled up tight.
19:26 <Skaya> "Everyone here is loyal to Her Majesty and would never dare to usurp her power," Skaya says in a reconciling tone of voice. "All we're looking for is a way to protect the lives and well-being of her citizens and secure as much of a win as possible under the circumstances."
19:27 <Kotono> "History turns on moments like this," Picke goes on, "And Mellanics is worth more intact and well with what's coming. And...I'm a hero, not a soldier. It's about saving lives and helping others, it's never been about the glory of Laremy. Not for me."
19:29 <Kotono> Garza's expression is quiet, burning anger. "With the soldiers we liberated, we can-"
19:29 <Skaya> "Let's talk about the pros for a moment," Skaya follows up on Picke's words. "Finishing this front means Laremy is only facing one enemy and not a two-prongued coalition. If Her Majesty truly wishes for more land, she can take it from Eis at leisure. And other nations who might be eyeing the situation would not leap in under such circumstances."
19:30 <Kotono> "Lose no matter what, now or when winter comes. This gives us a chance to defeat Eis." Is the conclusion, "As well as give our southern neighbors, enemies or not, a chance to be intact for the same coming harsh winter." Picke agrees with Skaya.
19:31 <Kotono> "Can you really make them turn cloak so easily?" Greganen asks, now intent, "How do you propose to make them accept a lesser prize on the cusp of vicotry?"
19:31 <Kotono> *victory
19:32 <Skaya> "Further, consider the fate of Newkingsland," Skaya continues. "Let's say we keep Mellanics at great cost. How do we retake that town before winter?"
19:32 <Kotono> Picke gestures towards Skaya, Devar and the rest of you. "Heroes are good for things like that, don't you think? Skaya's also right: We don't. Better to lose a hand than an arm."
19:32 <Skaya> At Greganen's question, she says, "Don't we have a host of reasons? None of them are compelling enough on their own, but together, it may cause the enemy to blink. And should they refuse, are we harmed? Hardly, we go back to the defend Mellanics plan."
19:32 <Kotono> Cerine speaks up here, "I can attest to the truth of that," she says, very softly.
19:33 <Kotono> Garza's entire body shakes before he exhales like a storm. He slumps back down, "You're too good a man to hang for treason, Picke. He might not be the only one if this goes wrong or Her Majesty disapproves." His gaze now sweeps over the party.
19:34 <Kotono> With a tight smile, "Heroes don't expect to die in bed, old and surrounded by loved ones." Picke counters, "Be it by blade, by poison or even by noose, I've long since stopped fearing my end. If they're willing to make that risk is their choice, Garza."
19:36 <Kotono> Sanda sighs at that, while Anne just smiles back, not bothered in the least. Rina side eyes Anne before, "It's worth the risk for me."
19:39 <Skaya> "Then we just need to ask if we have any other cards to play diplomatically, aside from a settlement for Fyner, the complex situation with Auril and negotiations over an engagement. Revealing our abilities on the military side would be silly, but is there something more? Perhaps we could allude to alliance talks with Welland?"
19:41 ↔ •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) nipped out
19:43 <Skaya> "Then we just need to ask if we have any other cards to play diplomatically, aside from a settlement for Fyner, the complex situation with Auril and negotiations over an engagement. Revealing our abilities on the military side would be silly, but is there something more? Perhaps we could allude to alliance talks with Welland?"
19:48 <•Kotono> There's a moment before, "Unfortunately, no." Is the answer, "Our surprise is all of you, it seems," Garza admits.
19:49 <Skaya> "That's quite the surprise. They don't know about Anne, or that Sanda and Devar returned, or that Miss Cerine has recovered. Let's show them a bit of that and have Devar come along for the negotiations. It'll keep them guessing."
19:51 <Devar> Devar nods to that. "If my words can sway them
19:51 <Devar> Devar nods to that. "If my words can sway them I'll do my best." He says.
19:55 <•Kotono> Garza eyes all of you, but Picke simply moves to reach in and pull something out. It's enough to make Garza stop and instead grunt, "Fine, but it's on your heads."
19:57 <Skaya> "How about participating?" Skaya offers to Garza. "The finer details would require someone more knowledgeable than us." Plus he'd be antagonistic, providing the Petty Kingdoms with a worse alternative to dealing with them.
19:59 <•Kotono> "I like the idea. We need an antagonist," Picke agrees with a slight, tight smile of his own, "Anne and Devar, both of you are sworn champions of the above will give your words extra weight. Sanda and Rina, this doesn't particularly suit your talents, and I want a few of you uninvolved in case things go wrong right away.""
19:59 <•Kotono> "You mean to rescue you if they pull out a trick or betrayal," Rina concludes.
19:59 <•Kotono> "We did just get one over on them. I wouldn't put it past them," Picke agrees to that.
20:03 — Skaya calmly waits to see if Garza agrees!
20:03 ↔ •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) nipped out
20:04 <Skaya> 19:59 <•Kotono> "We did just get one over on them. I wouldn't put it past them," Picke agrees to that.
20:04 <Skaya> 20:03 — Skaya calmly waits to see if Garza agrees!
20:05 <•Kotono> Garza grimaces even more, "Picke-"
20:05 <•Kotono> "It's extremely helpful, and imagine how well it will reflect on you if this works," Picke counters, "It's your choice."
20:07 <Skaya> "We've embarrassed them, even if we tried to avoid any deliberate humiliation. But you haven't. You're a worthy opponent to them, whatever their words about Laremy's evil, while we're just commoners in the end. This mix could work well to keep them off balance and advance our goals."
20:09 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me diplo here, Skaya, +3 circumstance bonus.
20:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D79B0498.8CE2CF62.E308E647.IP)
20:10 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 and use inspiration for 35
20:12 <•Kotono> Perhaps desperate or perhaps backed into a corner, Garza bows his head, "Very well."
20:12 <•Kotono> "Well then, it's definitely best we sent the young Earl away, " The half elf declares, "What a fascinating turn of events."
20:13 <Skaya> "How should we handle the mechanics of this?" Skaya voices. "While flying over is possible, tying this up in procedure only benefits us."
20:15 <•Kotono> "A flag of truce and an approach to the front lines." Picke decides, "There's no need to over think this, and all sides will respect a flag of truce. After all, they well expect us to be surrendering Mellanics to them."
20:16 <Skaya> "That works. Do you mind if I make an offer regarding the wounded soldiers?"
20:21 <•Kotono> "I don't, depending on what it is." Is the answer.
20:22 <Skaya> "Normally, in combat situations there's really no other choice but to use magical healing as is. But Anne," Skaya says, turning towards her friend, "the holy energy spreads out in a sphere, right? Not a ring?"
20:26 <•Kotono> "Yes, it also goes vertically and horizontally. Not many realize it, but it is more of a sphere than a set of lines radiating from me," Anne confirms, "My teacher made sure to teach me that."
20:27 <Skaya> "Let's build scaffolds in Mellanics to take advantage of that. The amount of people who could cluster into them would increase recovery considerably, while not being much of an effort."
20:30 <•Kotono> "Solid barriers get int he way, so remember that," Anne points out, "It's why if you were swimming through the stone in the ground beneath us, I couldn't heal you until you came bac up."
20:30 <•Kotono> *back
20:30 <•Kotono> "I'm sure you could rig up something with ropes to do," Cerine points out, "So long as the solid parts aren't in the way."
20:31 <Skaya> "That's why I said scaffolding. Just imagine it as a row of planks and a couple ladders to let people arrange themselves properly. I actually drew up the plans for one-- ah, ropes would be great! A mesh, maybe?"
20:33 <•Kotono> "Militarily useful, if nothing else," Sanda points out, as...OOC: Okay, is ther eanything else to add to this scene right now?
20:33 <Skaya> OOC: We're good
20:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Brief chance to get anything in town if you need it, or are all of you good to move along?
20:37 <Skaya> OOC: Let's move along. It'd be Skaya, Anne, Devar and Garza on the diplo team. Incidentally, what is Garza's combat skill?
20:38 <Devar> OOC: Devar does want to have a quick talk with Skaya privately before they go
20:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, go for it. I'll set you two up for it.
20:40 <•Kotono> IT's not hard to step aside into an empty room with Skaya and Devar, the two a chance to talk and...OOC: Go ahead.
20:41 <Devar> "So, really quickly, do you want me to give the ring to Rina so we can talk to her if anything happens?" Devar asks. "I didn't want to bring it up in front of... them."
20:42 <Skaya> "Give it to Sanda instead. If we need some esoteric knowledge or to ask for a Sending, it'd be more direct," Skaya responds after mulling the question over.
20:44 <Devar> He nods. "One more thing - we found a really great shop in the underwater city - it's where we got that Cornucopia. After this I was going to head back with everyone to see if we could buy some stuff. Oh, right." He pauses for a second to show her the scroll of teleport.
20:45 <Skaya> "Right? I did want to go play in the ocean, so that sounds nice."
20:45 <Devar> "We got this too to go back, or if we need it for an emergency, we have one. Again... I didn't want to bring it up to them. Finally, we came across some magic dungeon that seems to have been made to show off a wealthy elemental lord's strength. I'll show you dnd the others when we go back."
20:45 <Devar> "Oh - one last thing, ask Sanda about the bracers she bought."
20:45 <Skaya> "That works. Any private comments on our plan here?" Skaya asks, before blinking. It's always something with Sanda.
20:46 <Devar> "It's worth a shot and better than just trying to grind them down in a fight." He says.
20:47 <Skaya> "Okay. And speaking of things we... bought, Rina has a bunch."
20:49 <Devar> Devar goes rather tight lipped at that, but nods after a moment. "Got it. We can discuss it more when this is over."
20:52 <Devar> OOC: Devar will give his pair of the twin rings to Sanda before he rejoins the others just for the sake of upkeep
20:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure.
21:00 <•Kotono> Soon enough the group gathers. Garza, Picke, Skaya, Devar and Anne. You're accompaind by several soldiers, many of which bear a large white flag. Taller than a few Hannas together, able to waved back and forth to be seen from a long distance. On horseback the party heads out of Mellanics, into the day's warmth. OOC: More.
21:03 <•Kotono> You only go a mile or so before in the distance you can see soldiers on the road - coming towards Mellanics. Soldiers of the enemy, bearing the same white flag. There's some shouting back and forth, until an unfamiliar woman in heavy plate armor rides close. Of note is bright red, vibrantly crimson hair long and loose, flowing free in the wind. She's strikingly attractive, helmet off at the
21:03 <•Kotono> moment. She's escorted by several soldiers, "Baronet Henne of Hennesbrook, a very minor holding. Not a combatant despite the armor," Picke murmurs. "But definitely someone important enough to feel out an offer."
21:08 — Skaya nods, watching this play out.
21:08 <Devar> Devar offers a polite nod in her direction at least.
21:13 <•Kotono> Garza and Picke ride forward, and Picke speaks, Baronet Henne," he greets, "I trust introductions are in order?"
21:15 <•Kotono> The Baroness smiles warmly, "Oh, we all know Skaya after what she did." A look right to her, that smile entirely too nice, too warm compared to those eyes. Eyes sizing her up like a snake sizes up a rat. "I assume that's Devar and Anne, stories from Welland have traveled. The heroes of Dareslan. And of course I know the two of you. So has Mellanics come to its senses?"
21:16 <Skaya> It's one of her principles to smile back at pretty people, so Skaya returns it to the baronet.
21:16 <•Kotono> "We have a proposal. Negotiations, if you will," Picke says, "Ones we'd like to speak about in better circumstances."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Under a flag of truce?" Is the question right back.
21:16 <•Kotono> "It wasn't for decoration," Garza cuts in, "Yes, under a flag of truce."
21:18 — Skaya waits for an answer. Even if it's refusal, it can't be definite at this stage.
21:20 <•Kotono> "We'll talk here. No one wants to let her back in our camps after what happened," The Baronet retorts, "I'm happy to play messenger."
21:21 <•Kotono> Then, "Though, I must ask. Did you sleep with a monster or did Milla come on that by her own, Picke?"
21:22 <•Kotono> Picke smiles back, ever so nicely. "My family isn't a question...unless you'd like a demonstration?" The two lock eyes before the Baroness huffs out a tense laugh.
21:22 <•Kotono> "Fine. I'm here to listen. What's the offer?" Baronet Henne asks.
21:22 <Skaya> "I'm happy to stay back and let everyone else proceed," Skaya says cheerfully, approaching the trio. "Though I must ask, honorable Baronet Henne. Who do you think you're negotiating with? The city of Mellanics?"
21:23 <•Kotono> A little shift over to Skaya, "Isn't that an interesting turn of phrase?" she asks, "Illuminate me, who am I negotiating with?"
21:24 <Skaya> "Why, it's the Kingdom of Laremy!" Skaya tells her cheerfully. "Why do this piecemeal when everything can be resolved in a single, signed agreement?"
21:27 <•Kotono> "In other words: Her Majesty's interested in a serious discussion, here and now." Withdrawing some papers his saddle bag, "See these papers, I have the a uthority to speak in the Queen's name." He rides forward to her, and the papers are looked over.
21:28 <Skaya> "That's worth swallowing a bit of anger and not insulting the people who came to negotiate in good faith, isn't it? Ah, but you can badmouth me all you want!"
21:28 <•Kotono> "Yet you come riding with the follower of a pacifist and an almsmaiden who serves the abandoned," Baroness Henne comments, gaze on Devar and then Anne, sweeping from one to the other. "I did not think Laremy cared much for either."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Our stories precede us," Anne says mildly, "Though I shall remember that name for me, I rather like it."
21:29 <Skaya> It's better than the names Sanda has for Anne, sure thing.
21:29 <Devar> "No one wants unnecessary bloodshed, especially that of citizens caught in the middle." Devar says. "Whether or not anyone cares for me is irrelevant."
21:32 <•Kotono> "We have our arguments," Pickec ontinues at this, "But Eis and Laremy have the true argument. The Petty Kingdoms can take a reward and leave the battlefield honorably. Fyner was once land taken from petty kingdoms, it can be returned. A compromise and a win, rather than the rapidly approaching failure that these changes of circumstance bring."
21:32 <•Kotono> "You think you can stop us from taking Mellanics nad all we want, rather than just that?" The Baronet counters right away.
21:33 <Skaya> "Perhaps you can take it, but could you keep it?" Skaya muses. "What can you even keep, once the war with Eis is resolved?"
21:37 <•Kotono> "Welland won't join the war this year, all thanks to them," Picke gestures with a sweep of his arm towards the party, "So if you were expecting a master stroke to roll into northwestern Laremy, that's gone now. As for the other nations, they have ankheg problems getting in the way. So we're offering a situation where we both win.""
21:38 <Skaya> "Winter's going to be extra tough this year," Skaya mentions, certain that Devar and Anne will follow up on it. "Ties in with holding down Mellanics, or keeping your own people fed, nevermind an army in fighting condition afterwards."
21:39 <Devar> "We have divine assurance of that." Devar echoes. "Do you want to be responsible for starving soldiers as well as your citizens?"
21:41 <•Kotono> "On this one matter, we don't speak as citizens of Laremy, but we speak as representatives of above," Anne removes her holy symbola nd holds it aloft. "Auril's winds will come with a ferocity that may be worse than anything we've seen in living memory."
21:41 <•Kotono> On this the Baronet's expression grows more reserved, "Do you have any proof of this, only your words?"
21:42 — Skaya feels obliged to draw out her own and raise it in solidarity with Anne before letting it drop back. "You have your own clerics, any army does. Just have them pray on it. If they don't worship the gods that want it to happen you'll get your own signs and portens."
21:42 <Devar> "If you wish to find someone to prove our words are truth via magic, I will submit to it." Devar says.
21:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplomacy checks all three of you, +10 ??? bonus.
21:44 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 for 35
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+30 Anne (+4 hope domain daily use expended)
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+30 Anne (+4 hope domain daily use expended) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{37}
21:45 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 38
21:47 <•Kotono> Those words of each of yours echo moments later. With them comes feelings - of hope, of gently moving waters, of the wind along the roads. It's momentary and yet profound, impossible to miss. It feels more real than the summer heat and the scents of nature around you. It comes heavy with a sense of foreboding and warning. The Baronet visibly recoils, a yelp of surprise. Garza shudders at it
21:47 <•Kotono> while Picke grabs the reigns of his horse tight. "W-what was that?"
21:47 <•Kotono> "A warning," Picke says heavily, "About the coming winter."
21:48 <Skaya> "Anyone with a bit of academic training can match the manifestation to the deity," Skaya notes, saying thanks in her heart to Shaundakul.
21:49 <Devar> "Nothing short of a miracle in its fullest sense." Devar says. "You have your validation, I believe."
21:50 <•Kotono> "I-" A stop, composure. "I will pass on this message and send word back to Mellanics. You may leave in peace, as the flag of true ensures."
21:51 <Skaya> They think it's up to them. How cute-- no, Skaya, don't think like a villain!
21:51 <Skaya> "We shall await a favorable response, or a suitable counter offer," Skaya says, smiling again.
21:51 <Devar> Devar nods politely to Skaya's words.
21:55 <•Kotono> With that both sides separate, the Baronet and her soldiers rapidly riding away. "Well timed. I'm glad to see they aren't idle if evil's being this unruly." Picke comments as he rides back.
21:55 <•Kotono> "I had not expected or asked for it, but it was a welcome surprise," Anne smiles softly, "Perhaps another rewards for our gallantry."
21:55 <Skaya> "And we still have some negotiating capital left from our original agreement," Skaya voices. "How do you think it'll go?"
21:56 <Devar> "Hopefully they don't have any Aurilites in their ranks to undermine it." Devar says but nods to Anne and Skaya both.
21:57 <•Kotono> Garza's gaze is distant, faraway. He doesn't add anything in as Picke answers, "We'll end up with a border that loses Fyner and as much else as they can get, but the rest will be safe. That is, if this wasn't a one off occurance, but I doubt the divine would go to the trouble to only inform one messenger noblewoman."
21:57 <•Kotono> "We hope not," Picke comments, "Or anyone else who is sabotaging it, butthat's out of our hands now. We have enough worries without borrowing more."
21:57 <•Kotono> "Exactly so," Anne says, "Well spoken."
21:58 <Skaya> "They care about the people, and this is the best way to keep as many safe as possible. Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst."
22:00 <Devar> Devar nods to that.
22:02 <•Kotono> With that, the party heads back to Mellanics...next time!
19:03 <Kotono> With a soft sniff, "You're sounding like Anne now," Sanda comments.
19:03 <Kotono> "You mean thoughtful and correct?" Anne smiles slightly to Sanda, "It is a concern that's passed my mind, and I hope it's already crossed all of yours."
19:03 <Skaya> "If our best outcome is war and famine, there's every reason to try and change it."
19:04 <Kotono> Garza's expression grows from troubled to outright miserable, and he slowly rubs his forehead with his hand. "Even if we seek peace, it would be the peace of the vanquished. Anyonew ho can see a map could see that now."
19:05 <Kotono> The child looks up at that, "W-what about Mellanics then?"
19:05 <Devar> "Didn't you run into some Talonans, Skaya?" Devar asks. "It's possible there's some involvement there, too."
19:06 <Kotono> "We did," Rina says shortly, but defers to Skaya.
19:07 <Skaya> "There's really nothing concrete to add here. Talona has some plot, at least in Welland, but we don't know any details." As for the nominal lord of Mellanics, she really has no good answers for him.
19:07 <Kotono> His bodyguard kneels next to the young lord and murmurs something quietly, then turns and adds, "Is he needed here, Garza?"
19:08 <Devar> Devar just nods to that and looks back to the nobles.
19:08 <Kotono> With a shake of his head, "Go. There should be some sweet cakes in the kitchens for him."
19:09 <Kotono> The knight and his young charge leave at that, a lull in the conversation. Once he's gone, "I know he's nobility, but is a child at that age truly necessary for such matters?" Anne asks openly, "I confess I don't understand why."
19:10 <Kotono> "Such are his responsibilities," Garza answers plainly, "And I'll remind you not to speak on such matters. Hero or not, you are still of common blood." With a grunt, "Some nobles and officers are less...accepting."
19:10 <Kotono> Rina almost growls at that, "We've noticed. I've noticed."
19:11 <Devar> "It isn't ideal, but it's better than hiding the truth of the world from him." Devar says. "It's a harsh reality."
19:12 <Kotono> Anne doesn't argue it, but instead says, "Fair points, but we grow sidetracked."
19:12 <Skaya> "Let's just move past this," Skaya once more tries to refocus them. "What do we want to try if we explore diplomacy? Does Earl Melanics have a fiancee? If we bring up an engagement, they might choose to avoid a costly battle. And it'd delay any decision over the city by a decade."
19:12 <Kotono> With a side eye, Sanda mouths, "You started it," silently to Anne. Then, after clearing her throat, "Where were we?"
19:13 <Kotono> A slow, long rub of his head, "An engagement to who?" Garza asks. "He is not yet spoken for, of course."
19:14 <Skaya> "An excellent question. Since it's a coalition of different kingdoms, it might cause some conflict on their side."
19:18 <Kotono> "Such a matter would be the Queen's choice in a time of war," Garza points out, "Doing otherwise is at best is foolhardy."
19:18 <Kotono> Greganen chuckles at that, "Perhaps so, or perhaps a ...oh, what's the word, for something that's done and has to be accepted as is?" He snaps his fingers.
19:19 — Skaya glances at Picke, for her part. He actually has approval from the Queen if they need to use it, doesn't he?
19:24 <Kotono> Picke's expresison has been thoughtful throughout this, "It's unlikely to work without ceding some land," he muses, which gets eyes to him. "Simply marrying into a noble family by itself is useful but hardly enough to change the course of this."
19:24 <Skaya> "Fyner was originally their land, so can we consider ceding it back? If it matters that much, there will be future wars and more chances to take it again."
19:25 <Kotono> "Such a matter would be the Queen's choice-" Garza begins.
19:26 <Kotono> "Or someone acting under the Queen's authority, "Picke cuts in, and Garza's jaw snaps shut. Picke's eyes close after, a sudden and heavy silence.
19:26 <Kotono> "You-" Garza rises up, fists balled up tight.
19:26 <Skaya> "Everyone here is loyal to Her Majesty and would never dare to usurp her power," Skaya says in a reconciling tone of voice. "All we're looking for is a way to protect the lives and well-being of her citizens and secure as much of a win as possible under the circumstances."
19:27 <Kotono> "History turns on moments like this," Picke goes on, "And Mellanics is worth more intact and well with what's coming. And...I'm a hero, not a soldier. It's about saving lives and helping others, it's never been about the glory of Laremy. Not for me."
19:29 <Kotono> Garza's expression is quiet, burning anger. "With the soldiers we liberated, we can-"
19:29 <Skaya> "Let's talk about the pros for a moment," Skaya follows up on Picke's words. "Finishing this front means Laremy is only facing one enemy and not a two-prongued coalition. If Her Majesty truly wishes for more land, she can take it from Eis at leisure. And other nations who might be eyeing the situation would not leap in under such circumstances."
19:30 <Kotono> "Lose no matter what, now or when winter comes. This gives us a chance to defeat Eis." Is the conclusion, "As well as give our southern neighbors, enemies or not, a chance to be intact for the same coming harsh winter." Picke agrees with Skaya.
19:31 <Kotono> "Can you really make them turn cloak so easily?" Greganen asks, now intent, "How do you propose to make them accept a lesser prize on the cusp of vicotry?"
19:31 <Kotono> *victory
19:32 <Skaya> "Further, consider the fate of Newkingsland," Skaya continues. "Let's say we keep Mellanics at great cost. How do we retake that town before winter?"
19:32 <Kotono> Picke gestures towards Skaya, Devar and the rest of you. "Heroes are good for things like that, don't you think? Skaya's also right: We don't. Better to lose a hand than an arm."
19:32 <Skaya> At Greganen's question, she says, "Don't we have a host of reasons? None of them are compelling enough on their own, but together, it may cause the enemy to blink. And should they refuse, are we harmed? Hardly, we go back to the defend Mellanics plan."
19:32 <Kotono> Cerine speaks up here, "I can attest to the truth of that," she says, very softly.
19:33 <Kotono> Garza's entire body shakes before he exhales like a storm. He slumps back down, "You're too good a man to hang for treason, Picke. He might not be the only one if this goes wrong or Her Majesty disapproves." His gaze now sweeps over the party.
19:34 <Kotono> With a tight smile, "Heroes don't expect to die in bed, old and surrounded by loved ones." Picke counters, "Be it by blade, by poison or even by noose, I've long since stopped fearing my end. If they're willing to make that risk is their choice, Garza."
19:36 <Kotono> Sanda sighs at that, while Anne just smiles back, not bothered in the least. Rina side eyes Anne before, "It's worth the risk for me."
19:39 <Skaya> "Then we just need to ask if we have any other cards to play diplomatically, aside from a settlement for Fyner, the complex situation with Auril and negotiations over an engagement. Revealing our abilities on the military side would be silly, but is there something more? Perhaps we could allude to alliance talks with Welland?"
19:41 ↔ •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) nipped out
19:43 <Skaya> "Then we just need to ask if we have any other cards to play diplomatically, aside from a settlement for Fyner, the complex situation with Auril and negotiations over an engagement. Revealing our abilities on the military side would be silly, but is there something more? Perhaps we could allude to alliance talks with Welland?"
19:48 <•Kotono> There's a moment before, "Unfortunately, no." Is the answer, "Our surprise is all of you, it seems," Garza admits.
19:49 <Skaya> "That's quite the surprise. They don't know about Anne, or that Sanda and Devar returned, or that Miss Cerine has recovered. Let's show them a bit of that and have Devar come along for the negotiations. It'll keep them guessing."
19:51 <Devar> Devar nods to that. "If my words can sway them
19:51 <Devar> Devar nods to that. "If my words can sway them I'll do my best." He says.
19:55 <•Kotono> Garza eyes all of you, but Picke simply moves to reach in and pull something out. It's enough to make Garza stop and instead grunt, "Fine, but it's on your heads."
19:57 <Skaya> "How about participating?" Skaya offers to Garza. "The finer details would require someone more knowledgeable than us." Plus he'd be antagonistic, providing the Petty Kingdoms with a worse alternative to dealing with them.
19:59 <•Kotono> "I like the idea. We need an antagonist," Picke agrees with a slight, tight smile of his own, "Anne and Devar, both of you are sworn champions of the above will give your words extra weight. Sanda and Rina, this doesn't particularly suit your talents, and I want a few of you uninvolved in case things go wrong right away.""
19:59 <•Kotono> "You mean to rescue you if they pull out a trick or betrayal," Rina concludes.
19:59 <•Kotono> "We did just get one over on them. I wouldn't put it past them," Picke agrees to that.
20:03 — Skaya calmly waits to see if Garza agrees!
20:03 ↔ •Kotono (promoted to owner, opped) nipped out
20:04 <Skaya> 19:59 <•Kotono> "We did just get one over on them. I wouldn't put it past them," Picke agrees to that.
20:04 <Skaya> 20:03 — Skaya calmly waits to see if Garza agrees!
20:05 <•Kotono> Garza grimaces even more, "Picke-"
20:05 <•Kotono> "It's extremely helpful, and imagine how well it will reflect on you if this works," Picke counters, "It's your choice."
20:07 <Skaya> "We've embarrassed them, even if we tried to avoid any deliberate humiliation. But you haven't. You're a worthy opponent to them, whatever their words about Laremy's evil, while we're just commoners in the end. This mix could work well to keep them off balance and advance our goals."
20:09 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me diplo here, Skaya, +3 circumstance bonus.
20:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D79B0498.8CE2CF62.E308E647.IP)
20:10 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 and use inspiration for 35
20:12 <•Kotono> Perhaps desperate or perhaps backed into a corner, Garza bows his head, "Very well."
20:12 <•Kotono> "Well then, it's definitely best we sent the young Earl away, " The half elf declares, "What a fascinating turn of events."
20:13 <Skaya> "How should we handle the mechanics of this?" Skaya voices. "While flying over is possible, tying this up in procedure only benefits us."
20:15 <•Kotono> "A flag of truce and an approach to the front lines." Picke decides, "There's no need to over think this, and all sides will respect a flag of truce. After all, they well expect us to be surrendering Mellanics to them."
20:16 <Skaya> "That works. Do you mind if I make an offer regarding the wounded soldiers?"
20:21 <•Kotono> "I don't, depending on what it is." Is the answer.
20:22 <Skaya> "Normally, in combat situations there's really no other choice but to use magical healing as is. But Anne," Skaya says, turning towards her friend, "the holy energy spreads out in a sphere, right? Not a ring?"
20:26 <•Kotono> "Yes, it also goes vertically and horizontally. Not many realize it, but it is more of a sphere than a set of lines radiating from me," Anne confirms, "My teacher made sure to teach me that."
20:27 <Skaya> "Let's build scaffolds in Mellanics to take advantage of that. The amount of people who could cluster into them would increase recovery considerably, while not being much of an effort."
20:30 <•Kotono> "Solid barriers get int he way, so remember that," Anne points out, "It's why if you were swimming through the stone in the ground beneath us, I couldn't heal you until you came bac up."
20:30 <•Kotono> *back
20:30 <•Kotono> "I'm sure you could rig up something with ropes to do," Cerine points out, "So long as the solid parts aren't in the way."
20:31 <Skaya> "That's why I said scaffolding. Just imagine it as a row of planks and a couple ladders to let people arrange themselves properly. I actually drew up the plans for one-- ah, ropes would be great! A mesh, maybe?"
20:33 <•Kotono> "Militarily useful, if nothing else," Sanda points out, as...OOC: Okay, is ther eanything else to add to this scene right now?
20:33 <Skaya> OOC: We're good
20:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Brief chance to get anything in town if you need it, or are all of you good to move along?
20:37 <Skaya> OOC: Let's move along. It'd be Skaya, Anne, Devar and Garza on the diplo team. Incidentally, what is Garza's combat skill?
20:38 <Devar> OOC: Devar does want to have a quick talk with Skaya privately before they go
20:39 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, go for it. I'll set you two up for it.
20:40 <•Kotono> IT's not hard to step aside into an empty room with Skaya and Devar, the two a chance to talk and...OOC: Go ahead.
20:41 <Devar> "So, really quickly, do you want me to give the ring to Rina so we can talk to her if anything happens?" Devar asks. "I didn't want to bring it up in front of... them."
20:42 <Skaya> "Give it to Sanda instead. If we need some esoteric knowledge or to ask for a Sending, it'd be more direct," Skaya responds after mulling the question over.
20:44 <Devar> He nods. "One more thing - we found a really great shop in the underwater city - it's where we got that Cornucopia. After this I was going to head back with everyone to see if we could buy some stuff. Oh, right." He pauses for a second to show her the scroll of teleport.
20:45 <Skaya> "Right? I did want to go play in the ocean, so that sounds nice."
20:45 <Devar> "We got this too to go back, or if we need it for an emergency, we have one. Again... I didn't want to bring it up to them. Finally, we came across some magic dungeon that seems to have been made to show off a wealthy elemental lord's strength. I'll show you dnd the others when we go back."
20:45 <Devar> "Oh - one last thing, ask Sanda about the bracers she bought."
20:45 <Skaya> "That works. Any private comments on our plan here?" Skaya asks, before blinking. It's always something with Sanda.
20:46 <Devar> "It's worth a shot and better than just trying to grind them down in a fight." He says.
20:47 <Skaya> "Okay. And speaking of things we... bought, Rina has a bunch."
20:49 <Devar> Devar goes rather tight lipped at that, but nods after a moment. "Got it. We can discuss it more when this is over."
20:52 <Devar> OOC: Devar will give his pair of the twin rings to Sanda before he rejoins the others just for the sake of upkeep
20:59 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure.
21:00 <•Kotono> Soon enough the group gathers. Garza, Picke, Skaya, Devar and Anne. You're accompaind by several soldiers, many of which bear a large white flag. Taller than a few Hannas together, able to waved back and forth to be seen from a long distance. On horseback the party heads out of Mellanics, into the day's warmth. OOC: More.
21:03 <•Kotono> You only go a mile or so before in the distance you can see soldiers on the road - coming towards Mellanics. Soldiers of the enemy, bearing the same white flag. There's some shouting back and forth, until an unfamiliar woman in heavy plate armor rides close. Of note is bright red, vibrantly crimson hair long and loose, flowing free in the wind. She's strikingly attractive, helmet off at the
21:03 <•Kotono> moment. She's escorted by several soldiers, "Baronet Henne of Hennesbrook, a very minor holding. Not a combatant despite the armor," Picke murmurs. "But definitely someone important enough to feel out an offer."
21:08 — Skaya nods, watching this play out.
21:08 <Devar> Devar offers a polite nod in her direction at least.
21:13 <•Kotono> Garza and Picke ride forward, and Picke speaks, Baronet Henne," he greets, "I trust introductions are in order?"
21:15 <•Kotono> The Baroness smiles warmly, "Oh, we all know Skaya after what she did." A look right to her, that smile entirely too nice, too warm compared to those eyes. Eyes sizing her up like a snake sizes up a rat. "I assume that's Devar and Anne, stories from Welland have traveled. The heroes of Dareslan. And of course I know the two of you. So has Mellanics come to its senses?"
21:16 <Skaya> It's one of her principles to smile back at pretty people, so Skaya returns it to the baronet.
21:16 <•Kotono> "We have a proposal. Negotiations, if you will," Picke says, "Ones we'd like to speak about in better circumstances."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Under a flag of truce?" Is the question right back.
21:16 <•Kotono> "It wasn't for decoration," Garza cuts in, "Yes, under a flag of truce."
21:18 — Skaya waits for an answer. Even if it's refusal, it can't be definite at this stage.
21:20 <•Kotono> "We'll talk here. No one wants to let her back in our camps after what happened," The Baronet retorts, "I'm happy to play messenger."
21:21 <•Kotono> Then, "Though, I must ask. Did you sleep with a monster or did Milla come on that by her own, Picke?"
21:22 <•Kotono> Picke smiles back, ever so nicely. "My family isn't a question...unless you'd like a demonstration?" The two lock eyes before the Baroness huffs out a tense laugh.
21:22 <•Kotono> "Fine. I'm here to listen. What's the offer?" Baronet Henne asks.
21:22 <Skaya> "I'm happy to stay back and let everyone else proceed," Skaya says cheerfully, approaching the trio. "Though I must ask, honorable Baronet Henne. Who do you think you're negotiating with? The city of Mellanics?"
21:23 <•Kotono> A little shift over to Skaya, "Isn't that an interesting turn of phrase?" she asks, "Illuminate me, who am I negotiating with?"
21:24 <Skaya> "Why, it's the Kingdom of Laremy!" Skaya tells her cheerfully. "Why do this piecemeal when everything can be resolved in a single, signed agreement?"
21:27 <•Kotono> "In other words: Her Majesty's interested in a serious discussion, here and now." Withdrawing some papers his saddle bag, "See these papers, I have the a uthority to speak in the Queen's name." He rides forward to her, and the papers are looked over.
21:28 <Skaya> "That's worth swallowing a bit of anger and not insulting the people who came to negotiate in good faith, isn't it? Ah, but you can badmouth me all you want!"
21:28 <•Kotono> "Yet you come riding with the follower of a pacifist and an almsmaiden who serves the abandoned," Baroness Henne comments, gaze on Devar and then Anne, sweeping from one to the other. "I did not think Laremy cared much for either."
21:29 <•Kotono> "Our stories precede us," Anne says mildly, "Though I shall remember that name for me, I rather like it."
21:29 <Skaya> It's better than the names Sanda has for Anne, sure thing.
21:29 <Devar> "No one wants unnecessary bloodshed, especially that of citizens caught in the middle." Devar says. "Whether or not anyone cares for me is irrelevant."
21:32 <•Kotono> "We have our arguments," Pickec ontinues at this, "But Eis and Laremy have the true argument. The Petty Kingdoms can take a reward and leave the battlefield honorably. Fyner was once land taken from petty kingdoms, it can be returned. A compromise and a win, rather than the rapidly approaching failure that these changes of circumstance bring."
21:32 <•Kotono> "You think you can stop us from taking Mellanics nad all we want, rather than just that?" The Baronet counters right away.
21:33 <Skaya> "Perhaps you can take it, but could you keep it?" Skaya muses. "What can you even keep, once the war with Eis is resolved?"
21:37 <•Kotono> "Welland won't join the war this year, all thanks to them," Picke gestures with a sweep of his arm towards the party, "So if you were expecting a master stroke to roll into northwestern Laremy, that's gone now. As for the other nations, they have ankheg problems getting in the way. So we're offering a situation where we both win.""
21:38 <Skaya> "Winter's going to be extra tough this year," Skaya mentions, certain that Devar and Anne will follow up on it. "Ties in with holding down Mellanics, or keeping your own people fed, nevermind an army in fighting condition afterwards."
21:39 <Devar> "We have divine assurance of that." Devar echoes. "Do you want to be responsible for starving soldiers as well as your citizens?"
21:41 <•Kotono> "On this one matter, we don't speak as citizens of Laremy, but we speak as representatives of above," Anne removes her holy symbola nd holds it aloft. "Auril's winds will come with a ferocity that may be worse than anything we've seen in living memory."
21:41 <•Kotono> On this the Baronet's expression grows more reserved, "Do you have any proof of this, only your words?"
21:42 — Skaya feels obliged to draw out her own and raise it in solidarity with Anne before letting it drop back. "You have your own clerics, any army does. Just have them pray on it. If they don't worship the gods that want it to happen you'll get your own signs and portens."
21:42 <Devar> "If you wish to find someone to prove our words are truth via magic, I will submit to it." Devar says.
21:44 <•Kotono> OOC: Diplomacy checks all three of you, +10 ??? bonus.
21:44 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 10 for 35
21:45 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+30 Anne (+4 hope domain daily use expended)
21:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+30 Anne (+4 hope domain daily use expended) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{37}
21:45 <Devar> OOC: take 10 for 38
21:47 <•Kotono> Those words of each of yours echo moments later. With them comes feelings - of hope, of gently moving waters, of the wind along the roads. It's momentary and yet profound, impossible to miss. It feels more real than the summer heat and the scents of nature around you. It comes heavy with a sense of foreboding and warning. The Baronet visibly recoils, a yelp of surprise. Garza shudders at it
21:47 <•Kotono> while Picke grabs the reigns of his horse tight. "W-what was that?"
21:47 <•Kotono> "A warning," Picke says heavily, "About the coming winter."
21:48 <Skaya> "Anyone with a bit of academic training can match the manifestation to the deity," Skaya notes, saying thanks in her heart to Shaundakul.
21:49 <Devar> "Nothing short of a miracle in its fullest sense." Devar says. "You have your validation, I believe."
21:50 <•Kotono> "I-" A stop, composure. "I will pass on this message and send word back to Mellanics. You may leave in peace, as the flag of true ensures."
21:51 <Skaya> They think it's up to them. How cute-- no, Skaya, don't think like a villain!
21:51 <Skaya> "We shall await a favorable response, or a suitable counter offer," Skaya says, smiling again.
21:51 <Devar> Devar nods politely to Skaya's words.
21:55 <•Kotono> With that both sides separate, the Baronet and her soldiers rapidly riding away. "Well timed. I'm glad to see they aren't idle if evil's being this unruly." Picke comments as he rides back.
21:55 <•Kotono> "I had not expected or asked for it, but it was a welcome surprise," Anne smiles softly, "Perhaps another rewards for our gallantry."
21:55 <Skaya> "And we still have some negotiating capital left from our original agreement," Skaya voices. "How do you think it'll go?"
21:56 <Devar> "Hopefully they don't have any Aurilites in their ranks to undermine it." Devar says but nods to Anne and Skaya both.
21:57 <•Kotono> Garza's gaze is distant, faraway. He doesn't add anything in as Picke answers, "We'll end up with a border that loses Fyner and as much else as they can get, but the rest will be safe. That is, if this wasn't a one off occurance, but I doubt the divine would go to the trouble to only inform one messenger noblewoman."
21:57 <•Kotono> "We hope not," Picke comments, "Or anyone else who is sabotaging it, butthat's out of our hands now. We have enough worries without borrowing more."
21:57 <•Kotono> "Exactly so," Anne says, "Well spoken."
21:58 <Skaya> "They care about the people, and this is the best way to keep as many safe as possible. Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst."
22:00 <Devar> Devar nods to that.
22:02 <•Kotono> With that, the party heads back to Mellanics...next time!
#93
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - August 20, 2025, 01:53:01 PM19:46 <•Kotono> Another day has begun by the time everyone meets up. Captured soldiers returned. Picke looks tired, not a sign of sleep on him, but all of you quietly meet in his office. "Things are about to get busier and more interesting," he says without any preamble, Milla hovering by his side. "Especially if leadership decides to make a serious battle of this."
19:48 <Skaya> "So before we go into things, let's do a quick recap of our efforts and findings thus far?" Skaya proposes. "It will also help improve our understanding of the situation, given we've just arrived, and put us all on the same page. To start with, we've freed a good deal of the prisoners of war, somewhat over ten thousand by my reckoning. That was the best outcome we could've hoped for given our resources and timeframe."
19:52 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "I need to talk to you separately Skaya, but we recovered a Regenerate scroll, and we also have something that can produce enough food and drink for people in case it becomes necessary. There's more, but it's outside the scope of this."
19:52 <•Kotono> Anne leans against the wall," Useful, but also makes us even bigger targets than we doubtless are now. Best not to advertise that until it's needed."
19:53 <•Kotono> "Mellanics has hope again," Rina concludes, "But it's not safe by a far shot."
19:54 <•Kotono> "Anne has a point," Picke speaks up, "Assassins are a real worry now that you've done such a thing, Skaya. You too, Milla. All of you are known names, so watch your backs. Don't go places alone. If you need someone to go with you, get soldiers too. I'll handle that side of it and give you the necessary documents. That aside, between that scroll and your return, we have forces that can oppose
19:54 <•Kotono> their heroes in turn."
19:55 <Skaya> "I asked to look into that because of the threat of Auril, although we could in fact use it as a bargaining chip if we truly need to," Skaya voices. "And speaking of Mellanics, the enemy offered a peaceful transfer of the city. I don't know if I buy that, but I do think it likely their window to attack is in forty-some hours."
19:55 <•Kotono> "Why fight when your enemy surrenders willingly," Sanda comments, "Statistically speaking, it's much cheaper to have them give up without a fight."
19:56 <•Kotono> "Regardless of that, you're going to be reporting to the leadership along with me. This isn't optional," Picke continues, "All of us. Cerine too if she's already recovered, I suspect."
19:58 <Skaya> "But it does offer us tactical options," Skaya points out. "To hold the city they'd need to divide their forces. And if there is a better, more defended spot to hold, it could work out better for the war. The war itself and the condition of the civilians are the important things, as I see them, not who holds a particular city. Even if it's home."
20:00 <•Kotono> "I don't trust them," Anne says, "Not after they've come on the wings of war and slaughter. I don't trust them not to bring massacre with them."
20:01 <•Kotono> "Neither do I," Rina disagrees, "But we may have only bad or worse choices, depending on our exalted leadership." There's open bitterness there, "If the example I dealt with is any sign, they have another crushing lost coming up."
20:01 <•Kotono> *loss
20:02 <•Kotono> Sanda sniffs, "I disagree, but I think war can at least bring out heroes - and maybe we can find some way to make this better."
20:02 <Skaya> "It occurs to me we have another option thanks to Devar and Sanda's success," Skaya adds. "We can take the population out en masse, since we can actually care for the most important matter, which is provisions."
20:03 <•Kotono> "The example who locked you into that room is a fool, but not everyone is a fool," Picke says to Rina, "I'd also suggest you not voice those opinions anywhere but here. Defeatest talk rarely goes over well."
20:03 <Devar> "If that was their goal, wouldn't they have just killed all the prisoners?" Devar asks. "I don't love the idea of waging a war of land and beliefs either, but..." He does look over at Skaya at that.
20:04 <•Kotono> "That still leaves shelter and more," Picke points out there, "But better than leaving them in bondage, if we can do it."
20:04 <Skaya> "No, prisoner exchanges and ransoms are important. Plus you need plenty of people to work the land."
20:05 <Skaya> To Picke, she says, "Of course. I did say the most important one. But it also means we have more time to worry about shelter, safety and so on, since we're freed from foraging and the logistics of supplies."
20:06 <Skaya> "Speaking of things that must not leave this room, we do have more options," Skaya muses with a glance at Devar. "How many of the frozen alchemical solutions do you still have left?"
20:08 <Devar> "About a hundred." Devar says. "Give or take."
20:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Didn't you just dump all of them on Brachidos?
20:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Or was there more stored elsewhere or something?
20:08 <Skaya> OOC: We wanted to but there was a limit to how much we could dump in a single round, iirc
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. I'll just check in on that after session, it's not critical. That sounds right but I just need to be sure for my notes.
20:12 <•Kotono> "We could get up to trouble with them," Sanda says slowly, "Or use them as weapons or..."
20:12 <Skaya> "If we drop them on an army, it would be devastating. Even more so if the army is carrying alchemical supplies of their own."
20:12 <•Kotono> Anne sighs softly, and on Sanda's sour look, "I'm sorry, I just dislike this sort of thought. It's one thing to drop them on a monster, it's another to use them for mass slaughter."
20:13 <•Kotono> "If you volunteer those, I can guarantee they'll be used as weapons of war," Picke speaks up here, "If you can't live with that, keep it to this room, as was said."
20:14 <Devar> "No, I'm with Anne on that." Devar says. "If that ends up happening I won't oppose the idea, but... the action itself goes against a lot of what I believe in."
20:14 <•Kotono> "They'd do it to Mellanics if they had them," Milla's quieter about this, but firm. "Don't forget that, either."
20:15 <Skaya> "Anne's in the majority," Skaya adds. "But there is a better use. Siege weapons can be big, unwieldly and difficult to replace quickly. They'd be very vulnerable to this."
20:18 <•Kotono> "Tactical use like that has potential," Picke reasons, "Or even a large concentration of supplies in the right circumstances."
20:19 <Skaya> "Exactly!"
20:19 <•Kotono> Anne looks quietly relieved, as meanwhile Rina considers, "I was thinking of the same myself, but with fire instead."
20:19 <•Kotono> "All of you have more tactical minds than I'd expected," Picke reasons, "Good, that makes this easier."
20:20 <Skaya> "There's one more thing I wanted to bring up. I've dabbled some in traps and defenses, so if we're going to make a stand in Mellanics I had a few ideas about improving our situation. Would that clash with any ongoing plans?"
20:29 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya, then takes in a breath. "Sorry, can I just... ask something? What exactly is our goal here? Let's say we manage to defend the city... then what? Won't they just send more soldiers eventually? I'm not trying to be defeatist, but I'm not sure what our goal here ultimately is."
20:29 <Skaya> "If you're talking about a goal we can all agree on, that would be to ensure the people of Mellanics are safe."
20:30 <Devar> "I fully support that goal. I'm just not sure any of the plans that Laremy is going to come up with are going to consider that as as important as we do." Devar says.
20:33 <•Kotono> "Skaya's right, that's our goal. The Heroic Guild's goal. The goal of Laremy may not be the same," Is Picke's blunt answer here. "I'm going to be honest with each of you. This is not going to be fun. There's going to be loss, there's going to be killing, there's going to be misery. If you can't handle that, if it's not the path you're called on to walk? I won't say a word if you walk out and
20:33 <•Kotono> leave. I won't be able to hide it so you'll be seen as a coward and possibly a traitor, but you should be able to get away and live peaefully elsewhere."
20:35 <•Kotono> Anne shakes her head, "I have something to stay here for. I can't abandon them after fate has abandoned them."
20:36 <Devar> "The people of this city don't deserve to be thrust into the middle of someone else's war. I'll do whatever I need to help them be able to see peace." Devar affirms.
20:37 <•Kotono> Rina's expression is quieter, but she adds, "Do you hate war that much that you'd undermine Laremy over it?"
20:39 <•Kotono> "You only have to see war once to hate it, or prove you're a madman," Picke meets Rina's look with his own, "And dread the day when you have to choose between everything you've built and doing the right thing to protect the innocent people of Mellanics. All the stories and glories of war that that those who follow Tempus speak of? Lies and blindness."
20:41 <Skaya> "And that's in general. For us, don't forget that Auril's waiting just over the corner. If it weren't for that, we would have a lot more options."
20:42 <•Kotono> There's a knock on the door. Picke looks up, "We're busy. Not now."
20:42 <•Kotono> "Please, I insist," A voice Skaya recognizes - the voice of Cerine.
20:44 — Skaya perks up and dashes towards the door to open it!
20:47 <•Kotono> Cerine is there - whole. Nothing wrong with her, body restored. She breaks out into a soft, happy s mile, "Skaya," She pulls Skaya into a hug against her chest, "You succeeded!" Not that Skaya can see it, face pressed into her chest.
20:47 <•Kotono> SAnda perks up, "You look far better this time."
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't hide the amused smile, "And there's Skaya's reward," she murmurs softly, barely audible.
20:48 <Skaya> "I'm so happy for you!" Skaya's muffled voice drifts out.
20:48 <•Kotono> "Good to see you back up," Picke agrees, "Come in, I think we can squeeze you in."
20:49 <•Kotono> That hug goes on as Milla even starts to chuckle. Then Skaya is finally freed, one more managing to pack into Picke's office.
20:50 <•Kotono> "What about whats her name, that receptionist?" Rina murmurs to Anne, and Anne just shakes her head. Meanwhile, once in, Cerine says, "It seems I chose the right people to trust at last."
20:51 <Skaya> "I wish it were under better circumstances," Skaya says apologetically.
20:57 <•Kotono> "Still, that improves our odds even more," Picke reasons, "Before we prepare for anything else - is there anything else I need to be told from any of you?"
20:57 <•Kotono> Cerine smiles but lets Skaya's comment lie at that.
20:59 <Skaya> "You already know about the telepathy, and talking about defensive formations might be boring for some so we can talk about that later. Looks like we're good?"
21:01 <Devar> Devar looks like he's considering something, but ultimately shakes his head and stays quiet.
21:01 <•Kotono> General headshakes by the others. OOC: Okay, any prep before getting taken before the leadership?
21:02 <Skaya> OOC: None
21:02 <Devar> OOC: nope
21:09 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
21:15 <•Kotono> You're lead to a fine manor home that's been repurposed. Soldiers bustle about - clerks, officers, the occasional mage. Here the business of administration happens. You pass by guard checkpoint after guard checkpoint, each one stopping you and making Picke identify himself and the rest of you. It's the fifth time when you reach a pair of large doors, four guards out here, "And yes, that is
21:15 <•Kotono> Cereine the now Full Woman, thank you." Picke doesn't quite keep the weariness out of his voice. "We're expected."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Sir," A respectful nod, "Head inside."
21:17 — Skaya sticks next to Sanda. If there are any issues, she's the prime candidate for messing up! So Skaya will try to stop her. As for Rina, she'd already lived the exciting life of an outlaw on the run, so it won't be anything new.
21:20 <Devar> Devar just moves quietly long with the rest of the group for now, no commentary needed.
21:24 <•Kotono> Inside is a parlor room. Here sit several. First, sitting to the side and in finery is a young child. No more than six or seven years old perhaps, expression downcast. Next to him is a tall brute of a man, all muscle and well made plate armor. He wears a closed helmet even now, hiding his face. Sitting in a corner by himself, going over papers, is a thin, nervous-looking man. He's dressed well,
21:24 <•Kotono> in fine clothes of rich cloth and silk, and yet bites down on his lips. Near him, reclining back on a couch, is a half elf. Plump, wearing well tailored robes and with familiar spell component pouches on his belt. He has messy red hair and the holy symbol of a coin with a woman's face dangling from his neck. Sitting at a desk to the side is another knight in armor, a helmet off and on the desk.
21:24 <•Kotono> He reads over paperwork. Of them all, he is the one to greet you, "Picke and the heroes of the hour," he smiles smoothly, "Welcome back from your journey to Welland. Word of your deeds have reached even here. It's good tyou remembered to come home at last."
21:24 <•Kotono> The half elf turns, "And with Cerine finally restored," he says, "Do my eyes deceive me?"
21:25 <•Kotono> The young child doesn't look up, but the thin, nervous-looking man looks up, "Please, you are in the presence of Lord Mellanics."
21:25 <•Kotono> "Earl Mellanics," Picke politely inclines his head to the child.
21:25 <Skaya> Oh, she'd almost responded rudely. Perhaps she is the actual, secret prime candidate?
21:26 — Skaya follows suit and inclines her head to the child respectfully.
21:26 <•Kotono> "Earl," Cerine echos, then, "So I am. It seems my fortune's finally turned around, Greganen."
21:27 <Devar> Devar follows suit with the others and stays quiet for the time being!
21:29 <•Kotono> The paperwork reading man sniffs at that, "Better late than never, Cerine. First of all, some of you have...complications we should address." His gaze turns on Rina.
21:30 <•Kotono> "We all know that petty little idiot was throwing around authority, and they acted with restraint," Picke cuts in, "Spare us, Garza."
21:30 <Skaya> "That's strange. We were told at the border that all the complications had been preemptively resolved prior to our return," Skaya adds to that.
21:31 <•Kotono> "Mmm, yes." An agreement, "However, I would advise you to apologize to him next you meet. For...political reasons," he drawls out to Rina. "Laremy does not need infighting now. No no, if this were anything more serious I would not call it only complications."
21:32 <•Kotono> A pause as suddenly eyes turn to Rina. Flames crackle out of her hair, like the coals of a fire stirred and briefly returning to life. She closes her eyes and takes a long breath as the plump half elf whistles low, and Rina says, "Your advice is accepted in the spirit it's given."
21:33 <Skaya> It's a war, perhaps some bad people will actually die in it.
21:33 <•Kotono> From the polite, almost sweet tone of her voice, and the slight scowl that hits Garza's face, the message is obvious. Nonetheless, "Like it or not, he had the authority to do what he did. For the sake of Laremy's safety, I ask you to put aside a petty squabble."
21:34 <Skaya> "With all due respect, before worrying about the safety of Laremy, perhaps we should discuss the safety of Mellanics, a more pressing matter in several ways?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Oh shut up, Garza," It's the half elf who speaks up, "If that's not a sign of fire blood, I don't know what is. I'd like us to avoid any stupidity and setting this lovely home on fire. IT would devastate its value." Clapping his hands together loudly, "I can speak for the merchants of Mellanics when I say that we're all pleased with what you'd done so far."
21:35 <•Kotono> "So it is," The thin man speaks up, "So it is. If I may?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Let's get this moving," Picke agrees, as even Garza takes a moment and smoothes away his scowl.
21:37 <Skaya> Exciting start! Having nudged things along, Skaya waits to hear from them. If anyone would have more news, it would be these people.
21:38 <•Kotono> "First of all," Garza continues, "Her Majesty wishes to express her gratitude for your heroism and gallant bravery, all of yours. There will be more to this later once matters are calmer and the Queen has time to tend to this affair with the attention it deserves. Unfortunately, right now her time is severely taxed, but she wished to express her immediate gratitude."
21:38 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne says politely.
21:38 <•Kotono> Sanda murmurs the same, but he reyes drift to the half elf. He smiles at her, a quiet moment between the two, perhaps something unsaid.
21:39 — Skaya inclines her head, even as she makes a mental note to ask Sanda about this.
21:40 <Devar> Devar nods politely.
21:48 <•Kotono> "Second of all, within a night's time the situation has changed considerably." Garza continues, "What looked like a hopeless situation is more complicated now. If nothing else, any siege of Mellanics will be far longer and costlier, if not impossible depending on all the forces the Petty Kingdoms can muster..and if they lack any other unpleasant surprises. But you may be our surprise in return."
21:49 <Skaya> "But ultimately, I understand there is no hope of being reinforced?" Skaya asks. "How much have they solidified their control over the southern territories?"
21:52 <•Kotono> "As of now, no. The decisive front will be the one with Eis," Is Garza's response, and he looks pinched when he says it. "Should Eis' army break and our forces advance, we can force them from the war. At least that is the hope. As for the southern front? Fyner and Newkingsland are both occupied, along with most of the villages and fortresses between here and Mellanics, though likely a handful
21:52 <•Kotono> of fortresses remain under siege. They have thrust generally west and slowly northward, taking the southernmost reaches of Laremy." He pauses, "I have a map here."
21:54 — Skaya takes a look!
21:56 <•Kotono> A map of Laremy is produced, a simple red line drawn on. "The line represents the general axis of advance, and the aim to invest and isolate southernmost Laremy, and arching towards Mellanics." OOC: More.
21:57 <•Kotono> The party looks at it. Sanda narrows her eyes, "That's a lot of space to defend, isn't it?"
21:58 <Skaya> "It's a very ambitious conquest," Skaya muses. "If they manage to anchor it to Mellanics, it works. If they don't, however...."
21:58 <•Kotono> "If they don't." Hangs in the air, the thin man's words. "Of course Kellym and Girm are concerns as well, but so far matters there are more ambigious."
21:59 <•Kotono> "It wouldn't be so bad if not for a single crushing setback," Anne's also crowded in, "They got lucky."
21:59 <•Kotono> Here the knight next to the Earl of Mellanics speaks up, "Cut off the head when the snake sticks out of the burrow tunnel too far."
22:00 <•Kotono> "All at the price of a city's blood and tears," Anne's voice doesn't approve at all.
22:00 <Skaya> "Excuse me," Skaya voices then, to divert them somewhat. "I was under the impression that the evacuation of civilians was being considered, or perhaps even executed slowly. Where are they to head? Northgate?"
22:01 <•Kotono> "Northernly and easternly," Picke cuts in here, "Though those with means could head into Kellym or Girm if they can be admitted...or sneak in."
22:01 <•Kotono> Milla stays back, arms crossed and looking on all the while.
22:02 <Skaya> "An eastern retreat seems inadvisable given the Petty Kingdoms' advance," Skaya notes. "Alright. A follow up question, then. If Welland were to take them in temporarily, would that change anything?"
22:02 <•Kotono> Cerine murmurs, "What a pretty little idea for them. Don't you think? One rapid victory and cleave off an entire section of Laremy."
22:04 <Devar> Devar clears his throat too. "I also have a question - we have reason to believe that this coming winter is going to be especially fierce and devastating." He gestures at the map. "Auril's involvement. Is that something you all are already aware of?"
22:04 <•Kotono> "That," Greganen purrs, "Depends, doesn't it? I don't imagine Welland would do so on any normal circumstance. It's a great drain of wealth and treasure, all to benefit a country they have no love for. But if Welland had a sudden outbreak of sympathy towards us and did it, at the least it would allow us less mouths to feed and protect. Also the possibility of some hothead in the Petty Kingdoms
22:04 <•Kotono> ore ven Eis taking it as tacit war support and expanding the war. Wouldn't that be ironic, Welland thrown into a war with Laremy."
22:05 <•Kotono> That gets the conversation to stop, as the half elf mutters something unkind. Garza runs a hand over his face, "I had not heard that. Are you certain of this? How good is your information?"
22:05 <Devar> "We received it rather... directly." Devar says, pointing upward.
22:06 <Skaya> "Shaundakul told me," Skaya echoes Devar, pulling the pendant with his symbol out briefly. "Directly."
22:06 <•Kotono> "Lady Eldath's followers may be...weak, but they don't lie," The half elf agrees, "Ah, ah, I'll be asking the Merchant's Friend for her own opinion on that soon, I see, but more for confirmation than of doubt."
22:07 <•Kotono> Garza's expression becomes troubled, "Dire news, then. A bad winter leaves us even weaker come spring."
22:08 <•Kotono> "And a rich ground for disease," Anne notes, "Hunger has death a step behind him."
22:08 <Devar> Devar doesn't respond any further to the remarks, but simply nods to Anne.
22:08 <Skaya> "And that's even without intervention like Brachidos was spreading until just recently."
22:10 <•Kotono> "If I may," Anne speaks up, "This war profits no one, not even those who win it. It's become increasingly clear to us that this war is nothing but the means to exhaust all the nations around Laremy and lead to famine, disease, suffering and misery. Simply put: Our old grudges and hatreds have been turned into kindling, kindling for the deaths of tens of thousands if the darkest of them have
22:10 <•Kotono> their way."
22:10 <•Kotono> "Bad enough that mess with the ankhegs," The fat half elf scowls, "Just when we made some headway with that!"
22:11 <Skaya> Oh, they've found where those things were coming from? When there's a better time, Skaya will definitely ask about it!
22:12 <•Kotono> Then Rina turns and says something...next time!
19:48 <Skaya> "So before we go into things, let's do a quick recap of our efforts and findings thus far?" Skaya proposes. "It will also help improve our understanding of the situation, given we've just arrived, and put us all on the same page. To start with, we've freed a good deal of the prisoners of war, somewhat over ten thousand by my reckoning. That was the best outcome we could've hoped for given our resources and timeframe."
19:52 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya. "I need to talk to you separately Skaya, but we recovered a Regenerate scroll, and we also have something that can produce enough food and drink for people in case it becomes necessary. There's more, but it's outside the scope of this."
19:52 <•Kotono> Anne leans against the wall," Useful, but also makes us even bigger targets than we doubtless are now. Best not to advertise that until it's needed."
19:53 <•Kotono> "Mellanics has hope again," Rina concludes, "But it's not safe by a far shot."
19:54 <•Kotono> "Anne has a point," Picke speaks up, "Assassins are a real worry now that you've done such a thing, Skaya. You too, Milla. All of you are known names, so watch your backs. Don't go places alone. If you need someone to go with you, get soldiers too. I'll handle that side of it and give you the necessary documents. That aside, between that scroll and your return, we have forces that can oppose
19:54 <•Kotono> their heroes in turn."
19:55 <Skaya> "I asked to look into that because of the threat of Auril, although we could in fact use it as a bargaining chip if we truly need to," Skaya voices. "And speaking of Mellanics, the enemy offered a peaceful transfer of the city. I don't know if I buy that, but I do think it likely their window to attack is in forty-some hours."
19:55 <•Kotono> "Why fight when your enemy surrenders willingly," Sanda comments, "Statistically speaking, it's much cheaper to have them give up without a fight."
19:56 <•Kotono> "Regardless of that, you're going to be reporting to the leadership along with me. This isn't optional," Picke continues, "All of us. Cerine too if she's already recovered, I suspect."
19:58 <Skaya> "But it does offer us tactical options," Skaya points out. "To hold the city they'd need to divide their forces. And if there is a better, more defended spot to hold, it could work out better for the war. The war itself and the condition of the civilians are the important things, as I see them, not who holds a particular city. Even if it's home."
20:00 <•Kotono> "I don't trust them," Anne says, "Not after they've come on the wings of war and slaughter. I don't trust them not to bring massacre with them."
20:01 <•Kotono> "Neither do I," Rina disagrees, "But we may have only bad or worse choices, depending on our exalted leadership." There's open bitterness there, "If the example I dealt with is any sign, they have another crushing lost coming up."
20:01 <•Kotono> *loss
20:02 <•Kotono> Sanda sniffs, "I disagree, but I think war can at least bring out heroes - and maybe we can find some way to make this better."
20:02 <Skaya> "It occurs to me we have another option thanks to Devar and Sanda's success," Skaya adds. "We can take the population out en masse, since we can actually care for the most important matter, which is provisions."
20:03 <•Kotono> "The example who locked you into that room is a fool, but not everyone is a fool," Picke says to Rina, "I'd also suggest you not voice those opinions anywhere but here. Defeatest talk rarely goes over well."
20:03 <Devar> "If that was their goal, wouldn't they have just killed all the prisoners?" Devar asks. "I don't love the idea of waging a war of land and beliefs either, but..." He does look over at Skaya at that.
20:04 <•Kotono> "That still leaves shelter and more," Picke points out there, "But better than leaving them in bondage, if we can do it."
20:04 <Skaya> "No, prisoner exchanges and ransoms are important. Plus you need plenty of people to work the land."
20:05 <Skaya> To Picke, she says, "Of course. I did say the most important one. But it also means we have more time to worry about shelter, safety and so on, since we're freed from foraging and the logistics of supplies."
20:06 <Skaya> "Speaking of things that must not leave this room, we do have more options," Skaya muses with a glance at Devar. "How many of the frozen alchemical solutions do you still have left?"
20:08 <Devar> "About a hundred." Devar says. "Give or take."
20:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Didn't you just dump all of them on Brachidos?
20:08 <•Kotono> OOC: Or was there more stored elsewhere or something?
20:08 <Skaya> OOC: We wanted to but there was a limit to how much we could dump in a single round, iirc
20:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay. I'll just check in on that after session, it's not critical. That sounds right but I just need to be sure for my notes.
20:12 <•Kotono> "We could get up to trouble with them," Sanda says slowly, "Or use them as weapons or..."
20:12 <Skaya> "If we drop them on an army, it would be devastating. Even more so if the army is carrying alchemical supplies of their own."
20:12 <•Kotono> Anne sighs softly, and on Sanda's sour look, "I'm sorry, I just dislike this sort of thought. It's one thing to drop them on a monster, it's another to use them for mass slaughter."
20:13 <•Kotono> "If you volunteer those, I can guarantee they'll be used as weapons of war," Picke speaks up here, "If you can't live with that, keep it to this room, as was said."
20:14 <Devar> "No, I'm with Anne on that." Devar says. "If that ends up happening I won't oppose the idea, but... the action itself goes against a lot of what I believe in."
20:14 <•Kotono> "They'd do it to Mellanics if they had them," Milla's quieter about this, but firm. "Don't forget that, either."
20:15 <Skaya> "Anne's in the majority," Skaya adds. "But there is a better use. Siege weapons can be big, unwieldly and difficult to replace quickly. They'd be very vulnerable to this."
20:18 <•Kotono> "Tactical use like that has potential," Picke reasons, "Or even a large concentration of supplies in the right circumstances."
20:19 <Skaya> "Exactly!"
20:19 <•Kotono> Anne looks quietly relieved, as meanwhile Rina considers, "I was thinking of the same myself, but with fire instead."
20:19 <•Kotono> "All of you have more tactical minds than I'd expected," Picke reasons, "Good, that makes this easier."
20:20 <Skaya> "There's one more thing I wanted to bring up. I've dabbled some in traps and defenses, so if we're going to make a stand in Mellanics I had a few ideas about improving our situation. Would that clash with any ongoing plans?"
20:29 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya, then takes in a breath. "Sorry, can I just... ask something? What exactly is our goal here? Let's say we manage to defend the city... then what? Won't they just send more soldiers eventually? I'm not trying to be defeatist, but I'm not sure what our goal here ultimately is."
20:29 <Skaya> "If you're talking about a goal we can all agree on, that would be to ensure the people of Mellanics are safe."
20:30 <Devar> "I fully support that goal. I'm just not sure any of the plans that Laremy is going to come up with are going to consider that as as important as we do." Devar says.
20:33 <•Kotono> "Skaya's right, that's our goal. The Heroic Guild's goal. The goal of Laremy may not be the same," Is Picke's blunt answer here. "I'm going to be honest with each of you. This is not going to be fun. There's going to be loss, there's going to be killing, there's going to be misery. If you can't handle that, if it's not the path you're called on to walk? I won't say a word if you walk out and
20:33 <•Kotono> leave. I won't be able to hide it so you'll be seen as a coward and possibly a traitor, but you should be able to get away and live peaefully elsewhere."
20:35 <•Kotono> Anne shakes her head, "I have something to stay here for. I can't abandon them after fate has abandoned them."
20:36 <Devar> "The people of this city don't deserve to be thrust into the middle of someone else's war. I'll do whatever I need to help them be able to see peace." Devar affirms.
20:37 <•Kotono> Rina's expression is quieter, but she adds, "Do you hate war that much that you'd undermine Laremy over it?"
20:39 <•Kotono> "You only have to see war once to hate it, or prove you're a madman," Picke meets Rina's look with his own, "And dread the day when you have to choose between everything you've built and doing the right thing to protect the innocent people of Mellanics. All the stories and glories of war that that those who follow Tempus speak of? Lies and blindness."
20:41 <Skaya> "And that's in general. For us, don't forget that Auril's waiting just over the corner. If it weren't for that, we would have a lot more options."
20:42 <•Kotono> There's a knock on the door. Picke looks up, "We're busy. Not now."
20:42 <•Kotono> "Please, I insist," A voice Skaya recognizes - the voice of Cerine.
20:44 — Skaya perks up and dashes towards the door to open it!
20:47 <•Kotono> Cerine is there - whole. Nothing wrong with her, body restored. She breaks out into a soft, happy s mile, "Skaya," She pulls Skaya into a hug against her chest, "You succeeded!" Not that Skaya can see it, face pressed into her chest.
20:47 <•Kotono> SAnda perks up, "You look far better this time."
20:48 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't hide the amused smile, "And there's Skaya's reward," she murmurs softly, barely audible.
20:48 <Skaya> "I'm so happy for you!" Skaya's muffled voice drifts out.
20:48 <•Kotono> "Good to see you back up," Picke agrees, "Come in, I think we can squeeze you in."
20:49 <•Kotono> That hug goes on as Milla even starts to chuckle. Then Skaya is finally freed, one more managing to pack into Picke's office.
20:50 <•Kotono> "What about whats her name, that receptionist?" Rina murmurs to Anne, and Anne just shakes her head. Meanwhile, once in, Cerine says, "It seems I chose the right people to trust at last."
20:51 <Skaya> "I wish it were under better circumstances," Skaya says apologetically.
20:57 <•Kotono> "Still, that improves our odds even more," Picke reasons, "Before we prepare for anything else - is there anything else I need to be told from any of you?"
20:57 <•Kotono> Cerine smiles but lets Skaya's comment lie at that.
20:59 <Skaya> "You already know about the telepathy, and talking about defensive formations might be boring for some so we can talk about that later. Looks like we're good?"
21:01 <Devar> Devar looks like he's considering something, but ultimately shakes his head and stays quiet.
21:01 <•Kotono> General headshakes by the others. OOC: Okay, any prep before getting taken before the leadership?
21:02 <Skaya> OOC: None
21:02 <Devar> OOC: nope
21:09 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
21:09 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=43 ]{43}
21:15 <•Kotono> You're lead to a fine manor home that's been repurposed. Soldiers bustle about - clerks, officers, the occasional mage. Here the business of administration happens. You pass by guard checkpoint after guard checkpoint, each one stopping you and making Picke identify himself and the rest of you. It's the fifth time when you reach a pair of large doors, four guards out here, "And yes, that is
21:15 <•Kotono> Cereine the now Full Woman, thank you." Picke doesn't quite keep the weariness out of his voice. "We're expected."
21:16 <•Kotono> "Sir," A respectful nod, "Head inside."
21:17 — Skaya sticks next to Sanda. If there are any issues, she's the prime candidate for messing up! So Skaya will try to stop her. As for Rina, she'd already lived the exciting life of an outlaw on the run, so it won't be anything new.
21:20 <Devar> Devar just moves quietly long with the rest of the group for now, no commentary needed.
21:24 <•Kotono> Inside is a parlor room. Here sit several. First, sitting to the side and in finery is a young child. No more than six or seven years old perhaps, expression downcast. Next to him is a tall brute of a man, all muscle and well made plate armor. He wears a closed helmet even now, hiding his face. Sitting in a corner by himself, going over papers, is a thin, nervous-looking man. He's dressed well,
21:24 <•Kotono> in fine clothes of rich cloth and silk, and yet bites down on his lips. Near him, reclining back on a couch, is a half elf. Plump, wearing well tailored robes and with familiar spell component pouches on his belt. He has messy red hair and the holy symbol of a coin with a woman's face dangling from his neck. Sitting at a desk to the side is another knight in armor, a helmet off and on the desk.
21:24 <•Kotono> He reads over paperwork. Of them all, he is the one to greet you, "Picke and the heroes of the hour," he smiles smoothly, "Welcome back from your journey to Welland. Word of your deeds have reached even here. It's good tyou remembered to come home at last."
21:24 <•Kotono> The half elf turns, "And with Cerine finally restored," he says, "Do my eyes deceive me?"
21:25 <•Kotono> The young child doesn't look up, but the thin, nervous-looking man looks up, "Please, you are in the presence of Lord Mellanics."
21:25 <•Kotono> "Earl Mellanics," Picke politely inclines his head to the child.
21:25 <Skaya> Oh, she'd almost responded rudely. Perhaps she is the actual, secret prime candidate?
21:26 — Skaya follows suit and inclines her head to the child respectfully.
21:26 <•Kotono> "Earl," Cerine echos, then, "So I am. It seems my fortune's finally turned around, Greganen."
21:27 <Devar> Devar follows suit with the others and stays quiet for the time being!
21:29 <•Kotono> The paperwork reading man sniffs at that, "Better late than never, Cerine. First of all, some of you have...complications we should address." His gaze turns on Rina.
21:30 <•Kotono> "We all know that petty little idiot was throwing around authority, and they acted with restraint," Picke cuts in, "Spare us, Garza."
21:30 <Skaya> "That's strange. We were told at the border that all the complications had been preemptively resolved prior to our return," Skaya adds to that.
21:31 <•Kotono> "Mmm, yes." An agreement, "However, I would advise you to apologize to him next you meet. For...political reasons," he drawls out to Rina. "Laremy does not need infighting now. No no, if this were anything more serious I would not call it only complications."
21:32 <•Kotono> A pause as suddenly eyes turn to Rina. Flames crackle out of her hair, like the coals of a fire stirred and briefly returning to life. She closes her eyes and takes a long breath as the plump half elf whistles low, and Rina says, "Your advice is accepted in the spirit it's given."
21:33 <Skaya> It's a war, perhaps some bad people will actually die in it.
21:33 <•Kotono> From the polite, almost sweet tone of her voice, and the slight scowl that hits Garza's face, the message is obvious. Nonetheless, "Like it or not, he had the authority to do what he did. For the sake of Laremy's safety, I ask you to put aside a petty squabble."
21:34 <Skaya> "With all due respect, before worrying about the safety of Laremy, perhaps we should discuss the safety of Mellanics, a more pressing matter in several ways?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Oh shut up, Garza," It's the half elf who speaks up, "If that's not a sign of fire blood, I don't know what is. I'd like us to avoid any stupidity and setting this lovely home on fire. IT would devastate its value." Clapping his hands together loudly, "I can speak for the merchants of Mellanics when I say that we're all pleased with what you'd done so far."
21:35 <•Kotono> "So it is," The thin man speaks up, "So it is. If I may?"
21:35 <•Kotono> "Let's get this moving," Picke agrees, as even Garza takes a moment and smoothes away his scowl.
21:37 <Skaya> Exciting start! Having nudged things along, Skaya waits to hear from them. If anyone would have more news, it would be these people.
21:38 <•Kotono> "First of all," Garza continues, "Her Majesty wishes to express her gratitude for your heroism and gallant bravery, all of yours. There will be more to this later once matters are calmer and the Queen has time to tend to this affair with the attention it deserves. Unfortunately, right now her time is severely taxed, but she wished to express her immediate gratitude."
21:38 <•Kotono> "Thank you," Anne says politely.
21:38 <•Kotono> Sanda murmurs the same, but he reyes drift to the half elf. He smiles at her, a quiet moment between the two, perhaps something unsaid.
21:39 — Skaya inclines her head, even as she makes a mental note to ask Sanda about this.
21:40 <Devar> Devar nods politely.
21:48 <•Kotono> "Second of all, within a night's time the situation has changed considerably." Garza continues, "What looked like a hopeless situation is more complicated now. If nothing else, any siege of Mellanics will be far longer and costlier, if not impossible depending on all the forces the Petty Kingdoms can muster..and if they lack any other unpleasant surprises. But you may be our surprise in return."
21:49 <Skaya> "But ultimately, I understand there is no hope of being reinforced?" Skaya asks. "How much have they solidified their control over the southern territories?"
21:52 <•Kotono> "As of now, no. The decisive front will be the one with Eis," Is Garza's response, and he looks pinched when he says it. "Should Eis' army break and our forces advance, we can force them from the war. At least that is the hope. As for the southern front? Fyner and Newkingsland are both occupied, along with most of the villages and fortresses between here and Mellanics, though likely a handful
21:52 <•Kotono> of fortresses remain under siege. They have thrust generally west and slowly northward, taking the southernmost reaches of Laremy." He pauses, "I have a map here."
21:54 — Skaya takes a look!
21:56 <•Kotono> A map of Laremy is produced, a simple red line drawn on. "The line represents the general axis of advance, and the aim to invest and isolate southernmost Laremy, and arching towards Mellanics." OOC: More.
21:57 <•Kotono> The party looks at it. Sanda narrows her eyes, "That's a lot of space to defend, isn't it?"
21:58 <Skaya> "It's a very ambitious conquest," Skaya muses. "If they manage to anchor it to Mellanics, it works. If they don't, however...."
21:58 <•Kotono> "If they don't." Hangs in the air, the thin man's words. "Of course Kellym and Girm are concerns as well, but so far matters there are more ambigious."
21:59 <•Kotono> "It wouldn't be so bad if not for a single crushing setback," Anne's also crowded in, "They got lucky."
21:59 <•Kotono> Here the knight next to the Earl of Mellanics speaks up, "Cut off the head when the snake sticks out of the burrow tunnel too far."
22:00 <•Kotono> "All at the price of a city's blood and tears," Anne's voice doesn't approve at all.
22:00 <Skaya> "Excuse me," Skaya voices then, to divert them somewhat. "I was under the impression that the evacuation of civilians was being considered, or perhaps even executed slowly. Where are they to head? Northgate?"
22:01 <•Kotono> "Northernly and easternly," Picke cuts in here, "Though those with means could head into Kellym or Girm if they can be admitted...or sneak in."
22:01 <•Kotono> Milla stays back, arms crossed and looking on all the while.
22:02 <Skaya> "An eastern retreat seems inadvisable given the Petty Kingdoms' advance," Skaya notes. "Alright. A follow up question, then. If Welland were to take them in temporarily, would that change anything?"
22:02 <•Kotono> Cerine murmurs, "What a pretty little idea for them. Don't you think? One rapid victory and cleave off an entire section of Laremy."
22:04 <Devar> Devar clears his throat too. "I also have a question - we have reason to believe that this coming winter is going to be especially fierce and devastating." He gestures at the map. "Auril's involvement. Is that something you all are already aware of?"
22:04 <•Kotono> "That," Greganen purrs, "Depends, doesn't it? I don't imagine Welland would do so on any normal circumstance. It's a great drain of wealth and treasure, all to benefit a country they have no love for. But if Welland had a sudden outbreak of sympathy towards us and did it, at the least it would allow us less mouths to feed and protect. Also the possibility of some hothead in the Petty Kingdoms
22:04 <•Kotono> ore ven Eis taking it as tacit war support and expanding the war. Wouldn't that be ironic, Welland thrown into a war with Laremy."
22:05 <•Kotono> That gets the conversation to stop, as the half elf mutters something unkind. Garza runs a hand over his face, "I had not heard that. Are you certain of this? How good is your information?"
22:05 <Devar> "We received it rather... directly." Devar says, pointing upward.
22:06 <Skaya> "Shaundakul told me," Skaya echoes Devar, pulling the pendant with his symbol out briefly. "Directly."
22:06 <•Kotono> "Lady Eldath's followers may be...weak, but they don't lie," The half elf agrees, "Ah, ah, I'll be asking the Merchant's Friend for her own opinion on that soon, I see, but more for confirmation than of doubt."
22:07 <•Kotono> Garza's expression becomes troubled, "Dire news, then. A bad winter leaves us even weaker come spring."
22:08 <•Kotono> "And a rich ground for disease," Anne notes, "Hunger has death a step behind him."
22:08 <Devar> Devar doesn't respond any further to the remarks, but simply nods to Anne.
22:08 <Skaya> "And that's even without intervention like Brachidos was spreading until just recently."
22:10 <•Kotono> "If I may," Anne speaks up, "This war profits no one, not even those who win it. It's become increasingly clear to us that this war is nothing but the means to exhaust all the nations around Laremy and lead to famine, disease, suffering and misery. Simply put: Our old grudges and hatreds have been turned into kindling, kindling for the deaths of tens of thousands if the darkest of them have
22:10 <•Kotono> their way."
22:10 <•Kotono> "Bad enough that mess with the ankhegs," The fat half elf scowls, "Just when we made some headway with that!"
22:11 <Skaya> Oh, they've found where those things were coming from? When there's a better time, Skaya will definitely ask about it!
22:12 <•Kotono> Then Rina turns and says something...next time!
#94
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Peace Initiativ...
Last post by Corwin - August 20, 2025, 01:52:41 PM19:01 <•Kotono> ----
19:02 <•Kotono> Mellanics. At this late hour the city is tense, quiet, yet soldiers can be seen patrolling. Not just a few but many, and the two of you get looks as you head along. Sanda leans close to you and murmurs, "I hope we don't get stopped."
19:08 <Devar> "If we do, we do." Devar says, heading right towards the Guild!
19:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D3CC5932.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
19:11 <•Kotono> Fortunately, it's not a long trip and fortune is with you. Even at this late hour the Heroic Guild's doors are open. Instead of receptionists, soldiers man the front. The air is tense as you enter, but immediately a soldier steps forward, "Devar?" You're asked for by name, "You match the description of someone I was told to watch out for."
19:13 <Devar> "That is me." Devar says with a polite nod. "Devar of Eldath."
19:14 <•Kotono> "You're expected. Come back with me," It's not really a request, but Sanda doesn't argue it, simply following.
19:16 <Devar> Devar follows along!
19:21 <•Kotono> In the back, in his office, is Picke. He's resting, eyes closed and head resting on his desk, but as you enter, "Got back even faster than expected," he murmurs, sitting up, "Good to see you, Devar, Sanda."
19:22 <•Kotono> A sniff, "I'd say the odds are you aren't getting enough sleep, but that's hardly even worth saying."
19:24 <Devar> "It's been a bit of an adventure since the last time I saw you in person." Devar says with a smile. "But before pleasantries - I don't have a lot of details but Skaya's on her way with a bunch of prisoners, and asked if you could have the army meet them with supplies and aid."
19:28 <•Kotono> Picke gets up at that and quietly talks to a soldier, then, "It's done." Afterwards, "I'd ask how she managed it, but..." A wry chuckle, "All of a sudden all of you have grown up."
19:28 <•Kotono> Sanda sniffs but simply says, "We do what we can."
19:32 <Devar> "Oh, just take the compliment." Devar says with a smile to Sanda. "It's been a big ride for sure. I'm not sure you'd believe some of the things we've seen. Oh - before I forget..." He reaches into his pack and pulls out the scroll of Regenerate. "I believe Skaya would probably want this delivered as quickly as possible to Lady Cerine. We have a few other things too, but we can discuss those
19:32 <Devar> once Skaya's back."
19:34 <•Kotono> "I'll have someone worthwhile deliver it to her immediately," Picke steps out again and returns soon after. Once done, "Rest if you need to, recover while you can. Even if she does bring back more soldiers, I doubt it's going to stop anything."
19:34 <•Kotono> "You mean Mellanics will fall?" Sanda's voice is suddenly tight.
19:35 <•Kotono> "I mean there's going to be a battle or a siege," Picke counters, "More battle, more bloodshed."
19:36 <Devar> Devar frowns at that, but that's about what he expected. "We'll do what we can to help."
19:37 <•Kotono> "Rest up and prepare," Picke advises, "We're all going to need to talk once Skaya and her group returns," Is the answer, "This may be the last rest you have for some time if things progress rapidly."
19:39 <Devar> "Understood." Devar says, not looking happy, but he'll do as he's suggested. OOC: Only real thing would be to check on the orphanage but assuming nothing major there is happening we can move on
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: We'll move on for now then. More, merging into #dunes.
19:02 <•Kotono> Mellanics. At this late hour the city is tense, quiet, yet soldiers can be seen patrolling. Not just a few but many, and the two of you get looks as you head along. Sanda leans close to you and murmurs, "I hope we don't get stopped."
19:08 <Devar> "If we do, we do." Devar says, heading right towards the Guild!
19:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D3CC5932.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:10 <•Kotono> roll 1d100
19:10 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=41 ]{41}
19:11 <•Kotono> Fortunately, it's not a long trip and fortune is with you. Even at this late hour the Heroic Guild's doors are open. Instead of receptionists, soldiers man the front. The air is tense as you enter, but immediately a soldier steps forward, "Devar?" You're asked for by name, "You match the description of someone I was told to watch out for."
19:13 <Devar> "That is me." Devar says with a polite nod. "Devar of Eldath."
19:14 <•Kotono> "You're expected. Come back with me," It's not really a request, but Sanda doesn't argue it, simply following.
19:16 <Devar> Devar follows along!
19:21 <•Kotono> In the back, in his office, is Picke. He's resting, eyes closed and head resting on his desk, but as you enter, "Got back even faster than expected," he murmurs, sitting up, "Good to see you, Devar, Sanda."
19:22 <•Kotono> A sniff, "I'd say the odds are you aren't getting enough sleep, but that's hardly even worth saying."
19:24 <Devar> "It's been a bit of an adventure since the last time I saw you in person." Devar says with a smile. "But before pleasantries - I don't have a lot of details but Skaya's on her way with a bunch of prisoners, and asked if you could have the army meet them with supplies and aid."
19:28 <•Kotono> Picke gets up at that and quietly talks to a soldier, then, "It's done." Afterwards, "I'd ask how she managed it, but..." A wry chuckle, "All of a sudden all of you have grown up."
19:28 <•Kotono> Sanda sniffs but simply says, "We do what we can."
19:32 <Devar> "Oh, just take the compliment." Devar says with a smile to Sanda. "It's been a big ride for sure. I'm not sure you'd believe some of the things we've seen. Oh - before I forget..." He reaches into his pack and pulls out the scroll of Regenerate. "I believe Skaya would probably want this delivered as quickly as possible to Lady Cerine. We have a few other things too, but we can discuss those
19:32 <Devar> once Skaya's back."
19:34 <•Kotono> "I'll have someone worthwhile deliver it to her immediately," Picke steps out again and returns soon after. Once done, "Rest if you need to, recover while you can. Even if she does bring back more soldiers, I doubt it's going to stop anything."
19:34 <•Kotono> "You mean Mellanics will fall?" Sanda's voice is suddenly tight.
19:35 <•Kotono> "I mean there's going to be a battle or a siege," Picke counters, "More battle, more bloodshed."
19:36 <Devar> Devar frowns at that, but that's about what he expected. "We'll do what we can to help."
19:37 <•Kotono> "Rest up and prepare," Picke advises, "We're all going to need to talk once Skaya and her group returns," Is the answer, "This may be the last rest you have for some time if things progress rapidly."
19:39 <Devar> "Understood." Devar says, not looking happy, but he'll do as he's suggested. OOC: Only real thing would be to check on the orphanage but assuming nothing major there is happening we can move on
19:40 <•Kotono> OOC: We'll move on for now then. More, merging into #dunes.
#95
Mini Game Logs / The Laremy Peace Initiative 18
Last post by Corwin - August 20, 2025, 01:52:01 PM19:01 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, just to refresh, were you going to pick up Anne and presumably Rina on the way, Skaya?
19:02 <Skaya> OOC: No. Anne should already be flying Rina over since Rina left much earlier and Anne was staying closer to Mellanics than the camp.
19:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, thanks.
19:06 <•Kotono> The trip back to Mellanics is slow, but meeting up with the army helps. An officer with iron gray hair and a stern gaze meets you and offers his hand, "Skaya?" he asks, "I've heard you somehow managed to get some of our men back."
19:09 — Skaya shakes the proffered hand. "We took down their leadership," she elaborates, "and then exchanged them for the prisoners of war."
19:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D3CC5932.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:12 <•Kotono> A tight grin, "Mellanics may not fall yet," he says, looking over the men keenly. IT's torchlight thanks to the time, the soldiers providing that, but it's enough to see. "Not the best, but still warm bodies."
19:13 <•Kotono> Milla's own expression is dark, "One of their commanders has ice in the blood and a brain to go with it. Watch out for that one, his name is Hans."
19:16 <Skaya> "This can't help on its own, but helping these people get home is a good first step," Skaya voices. "Was much thought given to improving Mellanics's defenses?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Some, the guild master will inform you when you return," Is the answer, "Mikale," he introduces himself after, "Sir Mikale of Laremy."
19:22 <Skaya> "I'm just Skaya," she responds for her part. "How about reinforcements? Is there any chance to see some in the near future?"
19:23 <•Kotono> A shake of his head, "None whatsoever," Is the blunt answer, his face grim, "Simply put, the front with Eis is tight and needs all the manpower it can get."
19:26 <Skaya> "We've been away, you might've heard," Skaya muses, deciding to pass the time traveling to get a better understanding of the war. "I don't understand how we can have a distant frontline with Eis, and then have another Eis army here less than a day's march away from Mellanics. And are they the only two fronts, or there are others?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "I heard you'd be away," Mikale comments gruffly, "In short: The Petty Kingdoms all joined up. Eis has provided a little manpower, but they're mostly a combined force. We'd deal with Eis just fine without that, but with the Petty Kingdoms throwing in, it's opened this front. Fortunately, that's all there is."
19:30 <•Kotono> "As long as Welland or another nation doesn't try something," MIlla adds, less than cheery about it.
19:32 <Skaya> "I knew they'd made an alliance, but I didn't expect this was essentially two prongs instead of a unified army," Skaya says, nodding her understanding. "But doesn't this mean we can negotiate with just one of the sides?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "I'm sure Her Majesty has considered that option," Is the answer you get, "But so far, the war continues on."
19:34 <Skaya> Since Mikale doesn't want to engage in guesswork, Skaya honors his wishes. They'll be in Mellanics soon enough, after all.
19:35 <•Kotono> OOC: I'll move yo uon shortly then, lemme just finish #evil and get things rolling.
19:02 <Skaya> OOC: No. Anne should already be flying Rina over since Rina left much earlier and Anne was staying closer to Mellanics than the camp.
19:03 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, thanks.
19:06 <•Kotono> The trip back to Mellanics is slow, but meeting up with the army helps. An officer with iron gray hair and a stern gaze meets you and offers his hand, "Skaya?" he asks, "I've heard you somehow managed to get some of our men back."
19:09 — Skaya shakes the proffered hand. "We took down their leadership," she elaborates, "and then exchanged them for the prisoners of war."
19:10 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@D3CC5932.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:12 <•Kotono> A tight grin, "Mellanics may not fall yet," he says, looking over the men keenly. IT's torchlight thanks to the time, the soldiers providing that, but it's enough to see. "Not the best, but still warm bodies."
19:13 <•Kotono> Milla's own expression is dark, "One of their commanders has ice in the blood and a brain to go with it. Watch out for that one, his name is Hans."
19:16 <Skaya> "This can't help on its own, but helping these people get home is a good first step," Skaya voices. "Was much thought given to improving Mellanics's defenses?"
19:20 <•Kotono> "Some, the guild master will inform you when you return," Is the answer, "Mikale," he introduces himself after, "Sir Mikale of Laremy."
19:22 <Skaya> "I'm just Skaya," she responds for her part. "How about reinforcements? Is there any chance to see some in the near future?"
19:23 <•Kotono> A shake of his head, "None whatsoever," Is the blunt answer, his face grim, "Simply put, the front with Eis is tight and needs all the manpower it can get."
19:26 <Skaya> "We've been away, you might've heard," Skaya muses, deciding to pass the time traveling to get a better understanding of the war. "I don't understand how we can have a distant frontline with Eis, and then have another Eis army here less than a day's march away from Mellanics. And are they the only two fronts, or there are others?"
19:30 <•Kotono> "I heard you'd be away," Mikale comments gruffly, "In short: The Petty Kingdoms all joined up. Eis has provided a little manpower, but they're mostly a combined force. We'd deal with Eis just fine without that, but with the Petty Kingdoms throwing in, it's opened this front. Fortunately, that's all there is."
19:30 <•Kotono> "As long as Welland or another nation doesn't try something," MIlla adds, less than cheery about it.
19:32 <Skaya> "I knew they'd made an alliance, but I didn't expect this was essentially two prongs instead of a unified army," Skaya says, nodding her understanding. "But doesn't this mean we can negotiate with just one of the sides?"
19:33 <•Kotono> "I'm sure Her Majesty has considered that option," Is the answer you get, "But so far, the war continues on."
19:34 <Skaya> Since Mikale doesn't want to engage in guesswork, Skaya honors his wishes. They'll be in Mellanics soon enough, after all.
19:35 <•Kotono> OOC: I'll move yo uon shortly then, lemme just finish #evil and get things rolling.
#96
Balmuria Mini Games / Re: Loot (Skaya)
Last post by Corwin - August 19, 2025, 04:07:12 PMRina, Milla and I took over that tent of nobles/generals. Their weapons, that ring that shot stuff, the staff, all this good stuff was picked up by Rina.
QuoteBracers of Internal Control: The charisma checks mean before every use? Or when first trying it on? What if you fail one, are you banned for life? Banned until lvl15? Get a retry if your level of Charisma rise?
#97
Balmuria Mini Games / Re: Loot (Skaya)
Last post by Anastasia - August 19, 2025, 04:05:49 PMWhat loot is that? Refresh me.
#98
Balmuria Mini Games / Re: Loot (Skaya)
Last post by Corwin - August 19, 2025, 02:47:23 PMAlso, what about our loot now that we're back and Sanda and Devar could ID it?
#99
Old Otik's Table / Re: Share the music
Last post by KLSymph - August 16, 2025, 06:16:49 PMStairway to Heaven, by Led Zeppelin. Performed on guitar by Lucas Imbiriba.
#100
Mini Game Logs / Re: The Laremy Front 17
Last post by Corwin - August 11, 2025, 03:48:19 PM19:05 <Ko> "I'm willing to consider it," Is the answer, "But I'd like certain assurances as well from you before anything else. Another of the hostages to begin with."
19:07 <Skaya> OOC: Can I get a sense motive here? It's at +12.
19:10 <Ko> OOC: Trying to discern truthfulness?
19:11 <Skaya> OOC: Well yes
19:14 <Ko> You don't discern any lies, you don't get the vibe he's lying to your face or anything.
19:20 — Skaya taps her foot, visibly thoughtful. "You know what, I'm fine with that." She glances over at Milla, saying, "Watch the door, such as it is," before slipping back in. First, she wants to see what the current situation in the tent is.
19:21 <Ko> Milla nods slightly as she watches, gaze baleful.
19:22 <Ko> Rina's watching the others, subdued and mostly out of it. In a low voice, "How badly trapped are we?" she asks pointedly.
19:22 <Skaya> OOC: They're not all knocked unconscious?
19:24 <Ko> OOC: That's what's meant, they're knocked out.
19:25 <Skaya> "It's surprisingly manageable," Skaya whispers to Rina as she draws close to her. "I don't know if we can actually pull it off as we expected, but apparently the mess caused an uprising, and the leadership is stuck here with us. They want another hostage as some show of good will, but since we're not here to kill them I don't really care. I was thinking of giving you Invisibility for a few minutes so you could slip away and see how this
19:25 <Skaya> goes for the captive troops. Maybe set a few tents on fire like I did to help them along? You'd need to run away on your own, though, so you'll need to only reveal yourself once you're at the camp's outer envelop."
19:28 <Ko> "Fine with me," Rina offers, "Keep an eye on them in case any wake up, though."
19:31 <Skaya> "They're tied up and gagged-- well, okay. Rina, I can't stress this enough. Get back to Anne once you're out. If it looks risky, just use the invisibility to straight up run away. Having you and Anne back in Mellanics would be worth more than any benefit from sabotage," Skaya says earnestly, if quietly.
19:37 <Ko> "Got it," Rina promises, ready and eager. "I'm not that interested in throwing my life away here. This isn't Brachidos."
19:38 — Skaya taps Rina with Invisibility and then selects one of the tied up and knocked out generals who weren't very effective and kept flailing earlier along with the sole woman there, bringing them both out. She pushes the girl into Milla's arms, and then steps out with her prisoner.
19:41 <Ko> Milla takes the prisoner as Rina slips away unseen. Both prisoners are still out as you carry them out, quiet as you do. You notice that in the time you were in, Hans has slipped away.
19:45 <Skaya> "Ah, Hans. So listen, if we're doing this, let's do it. The two of us will go with you to where Laremy's troops are held on the side facing Mellanics. You get this hostage once we get there," Skaya says, lightly shaking the one she's holding onto. "You'll give the order to free the prisoners. We'll wait for an hour and free everyone, then leave ourselves. Agreed?"
19:48 <Ko> OOC: You do see that Hans slipped away, just so we're both clear?
19:49 <Skaya> OOC: Of course
19:53 <Ko> The noble looks thoughtful at that, but pauses as a soldier rushes up and leans in to whisper into his ear. He turns and nods slightly and whispers back, then, "Waiting an hour, you said?"
19:54 <Skaya> "You prefer an immediate exchange?"
19:58 <Ko> "I'd like your hostage released immediately, as a show of good faith," Is the answer back, "To ensure all goes well and goes smoothly." In the distance, Skaya can see hints of smoke and light. A fire, perhaps.
20:00 — Skaya places her unconscious hostage on the ground in front of her, raising an eyebrow. This guy will have to send someone to bring the hostage back, and their orders will decide for her if this has merit beyond stalling for time. If she gets jumped, she'll at least be ready and further negotiations are pointless.
20:06 <Ko> A soldier comes and runs forward, taking the hostage. No attempts to capture you, simply taking the hostage. Once that's done, "Excellent," The noble says, "A moment to ensure their condition, please."
20:08 <Skaya> Does she come across as an idiot to these people? Skaya genuinely wonders how it must all look from the outside. But she's not here to assassinate. At most, she'll loot from her defeated opponents. If they didn't want to have their things taken, they shouldn't have invaded Laremy. For now, she'll just wait, hovering at the exit of the tent next to Milla.
20:10 <Ko> It doesn't take long, just several moments before a simple report is given to the noble. He turns and nods solemnly, as...OOC: Perception for me real quick? Milla will take 10 as a backstopper in case it's something bad.
20:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
20:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{29}
20:15 <Ko> "I think we can come to an agreement," Is the answer at last, "Under the current circumstances, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> "I'm glad cooler heads prevailed," Skaya says, complimenting him. It may not be particularly subtle praise, but compliments are nice to hear regardless of origin or circumstance, and she's genuine enough here. "Be right back, then we can head off," she adds, ducking into the tent for one final look, and to explain away providing Rina with instructions. If there's nothing untoward in the tent, however, she's ready to head with Milla and
20:19 <Skaya> her hostage and this noble and his entourage towards the edge of the camp.
20:25 <Ko> With that you're allowed to walk out. The noble even walks with you - soldiers around you but nothing more, as if on an evening stroll. He puts on an air of nonchalance as you go, and says, "I must amid your desperation is remarkable."
20:30 <Skaya> "I suppose I did rush all the way to Mellanics after fighting undead in Welland," Skaya muses. "You can only be in so many places at once."
20:32 <Ko> "I thought I'd heard of someone like you. The hero of Dareslan?" Is the question you get back as you walk. "Along with Picke's..." A trail off, "Whatever you are."
20:33 <Ko> Milla licks her lips slowly, "Daughter." she says in a quiet voice.
20:33 <Ko> "Your father fights like a madman," Is the retort back, "Maybe cursed blood is why."
20:35 <Skaya> "My name is Skaya," she introduces herself belatedly, not giving an indication that she notices the bickering between them. "I hoped to go across the seas, but alas. Perhaps next year? I heard there is a land of giants beyond the ocean."
20:39 <Ko> "My brother went there, only to never return," The noble mentions quietly, "His bones rest in a foreign land instead of home. But I never introduced myself, did I?" Speaking smoothly, as if all of this was no great trifle, he continues, "My apologies, but circumstances are what they are."
20:39 <Ko> Milla licks her lips again but stays quiet, staring daggers at him.
20:40 <Skaya> "There wasn't quite time before, no."
20:49 <Ko> "Ducal Prince Gerhardt of Huth," Is the introduction back, "I do wonder why a hero such as you serves Laremy. You could do so much better and be rewarded so much better, too." You walk on, away from the trouble and towards a gate out.
20:51 <Skaya> "I'll tell you the next time we meet?" Skaya offers. It seems like a good opportunity to confide in Gerhardt at first, but free or not he can't feel truly in control now. Better that she try to build some good will and hope it's at least partially genuine than go all in once again here and hope he cares about Auril or Mellanics's citizens.
21:02 <Ko> You reach the gates, which are opened. No one's out here yet predictably enough, save guards, but you're allowed to walk out as the conversation continues. "You know this won't change anything, though," he goes on, "Mellanics will fall, and more men to defend it means it'll only be worse. If you and Laremy have any sense, flee Mellanics and accept its fall without a fight."
21:03 <Skaya> "If I get enough political capital from Laremy, I can get them to make enough concessions in negotiations," Skaya voices. "I'm sure you'd also prefer a negotiated victory over the slog of battle. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but political interests can be like that at times. I'm sure you know that better than I would."
21:05 <Ko> "Then tell them this: If they withdraw from Mellanics within the next 48 hours, I promise the citizens will be respected and taken care of humanely." He goes on with a sad shake of his head, "If it comes to violence, it's likely Mellanics burns again and is devastated."
21:06 <Ko> Milla looks on balefully, but holds her tongue despite her growing scowl.
21:06 <Skaya> OOC: Assuming POWs including wounded ones get freed here, how long would it take them to reach Mellanics on foot?
21:06 <Ko> OOC: Condition matters here along with weather, but likely less than a day if all goes well.
21:08 <Skaya> "I understand. I'll pass it on," Skaya agrees after a quick mental calculation. There would be enough time for the freed soldiers to reach it, especially if she contacts Devar via telepathy to ask Sanda for a Sending. The Guild Master will be able to send the army over to help bring them back!
21:13 <Ko> From there it's a bit of an awkward wait. Just the wait of Milla glaring with Gerhardt waiting and trying to ignore that glare. Soon enough you see soldiers leading unarmed captives. Hans leads them - with notable blood stains on his armor. He still nods briskly and reports, "Unfortunately, there was a small uprising. Those who attacked soldiers and took up weapons were cut down in self defense.
21:13 <Ko> However, the speed and professionalism of our forces contained it, and most had the good sense not to fight in a hopeless resistance."
21:16 <Skaya> She can't blame soldiers for fighting other soldiers. Perhaps she should've lead with the uprising herself? But with only three people it would've been difficult, and Anne probably couldn't start one herself. Rather than second guess her choices, Skaya nods in response and waits for more prisoners of war to be freed. It might take a while, but that's why she suggested an hour, wasn't it?
21:19 <Ko> They come at a steady trickle. Older men you tend to notice, or notably younger. At least a notable uptick in those, along with plenty of wounded.
21:21 <Skaya> She shouldn't reveal her cards here. While Skaya could heal quite a few of them, it's best to hold that ability in reserve. She hadn't exactly used it in public before. Once the trickle stops, however, she'll follow them with Milla while leaving the last hostage behind. If there really is a betrayal in the end, perhaps she'll have that fight to the death with Hans that seemed inevitable before. But best that the carnage stops here.
21:26 <Ko> Hans never takes his eyes off the two of you. Yet not once does he move forward, even when a weakened, hopeful group of soldiers are bestwoed on you. They look on at the two of you in hope, as no betrayal. No last minute attack. No matter how Hans looks at you, as if boring the sight of the two of you into his mind, there is no attack. Instead, Gerhardt merely says, "I suggest you convince your
21:26 <Ko> superiors of the wisdom of this offer. Laremy can't win this battle, and likely not the war. All this accomplishes is death and destruction. But it's a price we'll pay because this needs to be done."
21:28 <Skaya> "I suppose we'll see if this is enough for my voice to matter," Skaya responds, nodding at Gerhadt.
21:29 <Ko> So you have a heap of hungry ex prisoners and just you and Milla. You go ta plan to manage this situation?
21:30 <Skaya> There's no need for further dragging this out. The last hostage left behind, Skaya lets Milla lead the hostages towards Mellanics while she puts on her special ring after making a bit of distance from the camp. If Devar is in a position to listen, she can implement her earlier plan, convoluted though it may be.
21:36 <Ko> You get looks - and a few come forward. Thanks, praise. "I know you. Picke's daughter," An older man says to Milla, "You saved us. I don't believe it, I thought we'd rot in captivity."
21:37 <Ko> Smiling, entirely human again, "We'll make sure to use those thanks well. You're needed, you're all needed."
21:37 <Ko> OOC: Okay, you also want to talk to Devar directly? By all means go ahead,.
21:37 <Skaya> "You shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes of your superiors," Skaya says for her part. "I know it's difficult after everything, as you're tired, wounded and hungry, but stay strong! Help is close by!"
21:38 <Skaya> To Devar, Skaya thinks, 'My stupid plan worked, for the most part. I have freed prisoners heading to Mellanics, so could you trouble Sanda to do a Sending for the Guild Master to send the army to meet them halfway? With food and medicine, if possible.'
21:38 <Ko> Cheers go up at that, the mood rising by the step.
21:39 <Devar> 'We actually just got to Mellanics. It's a long story, but I can tell you in person when you get here. We'll go talk to Picke.' Is the reply.
21:39 <Skaya> 'Great! I sent Rina to Anne, so Anne should fly them over soon if she hadn't already. If so, grab them along too, please!'
21:40 <Devar> 'I'll take care of it.'
21:41 <Skaya> 'I think we have two days before they attack Mellanics. Forty eight hours, so let's make them count!'
21:42 <Devar> 'Understood. I'll work fast.'
21:43 <Skaya> "Devar and Sanda already returned to Mellanics," Skaya tells Milla quietly as she approaches, before seeking out the worst of the wounded. She can't treat everyone, but those at actual risk can be told to gather together really close and then she'll heal them!
21:44 <Skaya> OOC: I have 5 channels at a 30ft radius, and Milla is welcome to also be there if it doesn't hurt her
21:44 <Skaya> roll 5#4d6
21:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5#4d6 --> [ 4d6=10 ]{10}, [ 4d6=9 ]{9}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}
21:44 <Ko> OOC: Okay, so going to spend some healing? That works. What's your plan about Anne and Rina? Devar, what's the plan on your end? We have 15 left so mostly setting up for next tim ehere.
21:45 <Devar> OOC: Devar will bid Spine a good day and promise he'll be back, then take Sanda and go the Guild to explain what Skaya told him.
21:45 <Skaya> OOC: I told Rina to either do some sabotage and go to Anne or go to Anne directly. Then I told her to fly to Mellanics. Since it's been an hour since she left, I presume they're either flying to Mellanics or already arrived there. Of course, barring random encounters. Hopefully, Devar will also check if they've arrived.
21:46 <Skaya> OOC: I do want to know if Milla can be healed or not by positive energy, it's been bugging me something fierce but I couldn't ask in enemy territory
21:48 <Ko> OOC: Okay, all noted. We'll cover that bit briefly IC and wrap after that Skaya.
21:48 <Ko> You notice that MIlla seems unbothered by your turning, and even healing her goes well. Her burns mend as you'd expect for a living creature.
21:50 <Skaya> "Geez," Skaya complains, nudging her shoulder with her own. "That's what I was worried about the most, you know? Standing there a hair's distance, being able to reach out and heal you properly, but not knowing if maybe Anne's conspiracy theories were right about that. If things devolved into a fight and that Hans attacked you, I would've cursed myself forever after!"
21:56 <Ko> "IT would've been more obvious if I had that problem," Milla remarks back with a smile of her own, relaxed and triumphant. "At least you have the sense you were born with, even if Anne doesn't."
21:57 <Skaya> "Eh, she's on edge. Going from facing all the endless plagues and undead to worrying about an army sacking her orphanage? She's not had the best of times."
22:00 <Ko> An accepting nod - not arguing at least. She glances back, "Later," she decides, as you travel on. OOC: More next time, you somehow got out of that mess in one piece.
19:07 <Skaya> OOC: Can I get a sense motive here? It's at +12.
19:10 <Ko> OOC: Trying to discern truthfulness?
19:11 <Skaya> OOC: Well yes
19:14 <Ko> You don't discern any lies, you don't get the vibe he's lying to your face or anything.
19:20 — Skaya taps her foot, visibly thoughtful. "You know what, I'm fine with that." She glances over at Milla, saying, "Watch the door, such as it is," before slipping back in. First, she wants to see what the current situation in the tent is.
19:21 <Ko> Milla nods slightly as she watches, gaze baleful.
19:22 <Ko> Rina's watching the others, subdued and mostly out of it. In a low voice, "How badly trapped are we?" she asks pointedly.
19:22 <Skaya> OOC: They're not all knocked unconscious?
19:24 <Ko> OOC: That's what's meant, they're knocked out.
19:25 <Skaya> "It's surprisingly manageable," Skaya whispers to Rina as she draws close to her. "I don't know if we can actually pull it off as we expected, but apparently the mess caused an uprising, and the leadership is stuck here with us. They want another hostage as some show of good will, but since we're not here to kill them I don't really care. I was thinking of giving you Invisibility for a few minutes so you could slip away and see how this
19:25 <Skaya> goes for the captive troops. Maybe set a few tents on fire like I did to help them along? You'd need to run away on your own, though, so you'll need to only reveal yourself once you're at the camp's outer envelop."
19:28 <Ko> "Fine with me," Rina offers, "Keep an eye on them in case any wake up, though."
19:31 <Skaya> "They're tied up and gagged-- well, okay. Rina, I can't stress this enough. Get back to Anne once you're out. If it looks risky, just use the invisibility to straight up run away. Having you and Anne back in Mellanics would be worth more than any benefit from sabotage," Skaya says earnestly, if quietly.
19:37 <Ko> "Got it," Rina promises, ready and eager. "I'm not that interested in throwing my life away here. This isn't Brachidos."
19:38 — Skaya taps Rina with Invisibility and then selects one of the tied up and knocked out generals who weren't very effective and kept flailing earlier along with the sole woman there, bringing them both out. She pushes the girl into Milla's arms, and then steps out with her prisoner.
19:41 <Ko> Milla takes the prisoner as Rina slips away unseen. Both prisoners are still out as you carry them out, quiet as you do. You notice that in the time you were in, Hans has slipped away.
19:45 <Skaya> "Ah, Hans. So listen, if we're doing this, let's do it. The two of us will go with you to where Laremy's troops are held on the side facing Mellanics. You get this hostage once we get there," Skaya says, lightly shaking the one she's holding onto. "You'll give the order to free the prisoners. We'll wait for an hour and free everyone, then leave ourselves. Agreed?"
19:48 <Ko> OOC: You do see that Hans slipped away, just so we're both clear?
19:49 <Skaya> OOC: Of course
19:53 <Ko> The noble looks thoughtful at that, but pauses as a soldier rushes up and leans in to whisper into his ear. He turns and nods slightly and whispers back, then, "Waiting an hour, you said?"
19:54 <Skaya> "You prefer an immediate exchange?"
19:58 <Ko> "I'd like your hostage released immediately, as a show of good faith," Is the answer back, "To ensure all goes well and goes smoothly." In the distance, Skaya can see hints of smoke and light. A fire, perhaps.
20:00 — Skaya places her unconscious hostage on the ground in front of her, raising an eyebrow. This guy will have to send someone to bring the hostage back, and their orders will decide for her if this has merit beyond stalling for time. If she gets jumped, she'll at least be ready and further negotiations are pointless.
20:06 <Ko> A soldier comes and runs forward, taking the hostage. No attempts to capture you, simply taking the hostage. Once that's done, "Excellent," The noble says, "A moment to ensure their condition, please."
20:08 <Skaya> Does she come across as an idiot to these people? Skaya genuinely wonders how it must all look from the outside. But she's not here to assassinate. At most, she'll loot from her defeated opponents. If they didn't want to have their things taken, they shouldn't have invaded Laremy. For now, she'll just wait, hovering at the exit of the tent next to Milla.
20:10 <Ko> It doesn't take long, just several moments before a simple report is given to the noble. He turns and nods solemnly, as...OOC: Perception for me real quick? Milla will take 10 as a backstopper in case it's something bad.
20:13 <Skaya> roll 1d20+19
20:13 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+19 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{29}
20:15 <Ko> "I think we can come to an agreement," Is the answer at last, "Under the current circumstances, that is."
20:19 <Skaya> "I'm glad cooler heads prevailed," Skaya says, complimenting him. It may not be particularly subtle praise, but compliments are nice to hear regardless of origin or circumstance, and she's genuine enough here. "Be right back, then we can head off," she adds, ducking into the tent for one final look, and to explain away providing Rina with instructions. If there's nothing untoward in the tent, however, she's ready to head with Milla and
20:19 <Skaya> her hostage and this noble and his entourage towards the edge of the camp.
20:25 <Ko> With that you're allowed to walk out. The noble even walks with you - soldiers around you but nothing more, as if on an evening stroll. He puts on an air of nonchalance as you go, and says, "I must amid your desperation is remarkable."
20:30 <Skaya> "I suppose I did rush all the way to Mellanics after fighting undead in Welland," Skaya muses. "You can only be in so many places at once."
20:32 <Ko> "I thought I'd heard of someone like you. The hero of Dareslan?" Is the question you get back as you walk. "Along with Picke's..." A trail off, "Whatever you are."
20:33 <Ko> Milla licks her lips slowly, "Daughter." she says in a quiet voice.
20:33 <Ko> "Your father fights like a madman," Is the retort back, "Maybe cursed blood is why."
20:35 <Skaya> "My name is Skaya," she introduces herself belatedly, not giving an indication that she notices the bickering between them. "I hoped to go across the seas, but alas. Perhaps next year? I heard there is a land of giants beyond the ocean."
20:39 <Ko> "My brother went there, only to never return," The noble mentions quietly, "His bones rest in a foreign land instead of home. But I never introduced myself, did I?" Speaking smoothly, as if all of this was no great trifle, he continues, "My apologies, but circumstances are what they are."
20:39 <Ko> Milla licks her lips again but stays quiet, staring daggers at him.
20:40 <Skaya> "There wasn't quite time before, no."
20:49 <Ko> "Ducal Prince Gerhardt of Huth," Is the introduction back, "I do wonder why a hero such as you serves Laremy. You could do so much better and be rewarded so much better, too." You walk on, away from the trouble and towards a gate out.
20:51 <Skaya> "I'll tell you the next time we meet?" Skaya offers. It seems like a good opportunity to confide in Gerhardt at first, but free or not he can't feel truly in control now. Better that she try to build some good will and hope it's at least partially genuine than go all in once again here and hope he cares about Auril or Mellanics's citizens.
21:02 <Ko> You reach the gates, which are opened. No one's out here yet predictably enough, save guards, but you're allowed to walk out as the conversation continues. "You know this won't change anything, though," he goes on, "Mellanics will fall, and more men to defend it means it'll only be worse. If you and Laremy have any sense, flee Mellanics and accept its fall without a fight."
21:03 <Skaya> "If I get enough political capital from Laremy, I can get them to make enough concessions in negotiations," Skaya voices. "I'm sure you'd also prefer a negotiated victory over the slog of battle. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but political interests can be like that at times. I'm sure you know that better than I would."
21:05 <Ko> "Then tell them this: If they withdraw from Mellanics within the next 48 hours, I promise the citizens will be respected and taken care of humanely." He goes on with a sad shake of his head, "If it comes to violence, it's likely Mellanics burns again and is devastated."
21:06 <Ko> Milla looks on balefully, but holds her tongue despite her growing scowl.
21:06 <Skaya> OOC: Assuming POWs including wounded ones get freed here, how long would it take them to reach Mellanics on foot?
21:06 <Ko> OOC: Condition matters here along with weather, but likely less than a day if all goes well.
21:08 <Skaya> "I understand. I'll pass it on," Skaya agrees after a quick mental calculation. There would be enough time for the freed soldiers to reach it, especially if she contacts Devar via telepathy to ask Sanda for a Sending. The Guild Master will be able to send the army over to help bring them back!
21:13 <Ko> From there it's a bit of an awkward wait. Just the wait of Milla glaring with Gerhardt waiting and trying to ignore that glare. Soon enough you see soldiers leading unarmed captives. Hans leads them - with notable blood stains on his armor. He still nods briskly and reports, "Unfortunately, there was a small uprising. Those who attacked soldiers and took up weapons were cut down in self defense.
21:13 <Ko> However, the speed and professionalism of our forces contained it, and most had the good sense not to fight in a hopeless resistance."
21:16 <Skaya> She can't blame soldiers for fighting other soldiers. Perhaps she should've lead with the uprising herself? But with only three people it would've been difficult, and Anne probably couldn't start one herself. Rather than second guess her choices, Skaya nods in response and waits for more prisoners of war to be freed. It might take a while, but that's why she suggested an hour, wasn't it?
21:19 <Ko> They come at a steady trickle. Older men you tend to notice, or notably younger. At least a notable uptick in those, along with plenty of wounded.
21:21 <Skaya> She shouldn't reveal her cards here. While Skaya could heal quite a few of them, it's best to hold that ability in reserve. She hadn't exactly used it in public before. Once the trickle stops, however, she'll follow them with Milla while leaving the last hostage behind. If there really is a betrayal in the end, perhaps she'll have that fight to the death with Hans that seemed inevitable before. But best that the carnage stops here.
21:26 <Ko> Hans never takes his eyes off the two of you. Yet not once does he move forward, even when a weakened, hopeful group of soldiers are bestwoed on you. They look on at the two of you in hope, as no betrayal. No last minute attack. No matter how Hans looks at you, as if boring the sight of the two of you into his mind, there is no attack. Instead, Gerhardt merely says, "I suggest you convince your
21:26 <Ko> superiors of the wisdom of this offer. Laremy can't win this battle, and likely not the war. All this accomplishes is death and destruction. But it's a price we'll pay because this needs to be done."
21:28 <Skaya> "I suppose we'll see if this is enough for my voice to matter," Skaya responds, nodding at Gerhadt.
21:29 <Ko> So you have a heap of hungry ex prisoners and just you and Milla. You go ta plan to manage this situation?
21:30 <Skaya> There's no need for further dragging this out. The last hostage left behind, Skaya lets Milla lead the hostages towards Mellanics while she puts on her special ring after making a bit of distance from the camp. If Devar is in a position to listen, she can implement her earlier plan, convoluted though it may be.
21:36 <Ko> You get looks - and a few come forward. Thanks, praise. "I know you. Picke's daughter," An older man says to Milla, "You saved us. I don't believe it, I thought we'd rot in captivity."
21:37 <Ko> Smiling, entirely human again, "We'll make sure to use those thanks well. You're needed, you're all needed."
21:37 <Ko> OOC: Okay, you also want to talk to Devar directly? By all means go ahead,.
21:37 <Skaya> "You shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes of your superiors," Skaya says for her part. "I know it's difficult after everything, as you're tired, wounded and hungry, but stay strong! Help is close by!"
21:38 <Skaya> To Devar, Skaya thinks, 'My stupid plan worked, for the most part. I have freed prisoners heading to Mellanics, so could you trouble Sanda to do a Sending for the Guild Master to send the army to meet them halfway? With food and medicine, if possible.'
21:38 <Ko> Cheers go up at that, the mood rising by the step.
21:39 <Devar> 'We actually just got to Mellanics. It's a long story, but I can tell you in person when you get here. We'll go talk to Picke.' Is the reply.
21:39 <Skaya> 'Great! I sent Rina to Anne, so Anne should fly them over soon if she hadn't already. If so, grab them along too, please!'
21:40 <Devar> 'I'll take care of it.'
21:41 <Skaya> 'I think we have two days before they attack Mellanics. Forty eight hours, so let's make them count!'
21:42 <Devar> 'Understood. I'll work fast.'
21:43 <Skaya> "Devar and Sanda already returned to Mellanics," Skaya tells Milla quietly as she approaches, before seeking out the worst of the wounded. She can't treat everyone, but those at actual risk can be told to gather together really close and then she'll heal them!
21:44 <Skaya> OOC: I have 5 channels at a 30ft radius, and Milla is welcome to also be there if it doesn't hurt her
21:44 <Skaya> roll 5#4d6
21:44 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 5#4d6 --> [ 4d6=10 ]{10}, [ 4d6=9 ]{9}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}, [ 4d6=13 ]{13}
21:44 <Ko> OOC: Okay, so going to spend some healing? That works. What's your plan about Anne and Rina? Devar, what's the plan on your end? We have 15 left so mostly setting up for next tim ehere.
21:45 <Devar> OOC: Devar will bid Spine a good day and promise he'll be back, then take Sanda and go the Guild to explain what Skaya told him.
21:45 <Skaya> OOC: I told Rina to either do some sabotage and go to Anne or go to Anne directly. Then I told her to fly to Mellanics. Since it's been an hour since she left, I presume they're either flying to Mellanics or already arrived there. Of course, barring random encounters. Hopefully, Devar will also check if they've arrived.
21:46 <Skaya> OOC: I do want to know if Milla can be healed or not by positive energy, it's been bugging me something fierce but I couldn't ask in enemy territory
21:48 <Ko> OOC: Okay, all noted. We'll cover that bit briefly IC and wrap after that Skaya.
21:48 <Ko> You notice that MIlla seems unbothered by your turning, and even healing her goes well. Her burns mend as you'd expect for a living creature.
21:50 <Skaya> "Geez," Skaya complains, nudging her shoulder with her own. "That's what I was worried about the most, you know? Standing there a hair's distance, being able to reach out and heal you properly, but not knowing if maybe Anne's conspiracy theories were right about that. If things devolved into a fight and that Hans attacked you, I would've cursed myself forever after!"
21:56 <Ko> "IT would've been more obvious if I had that problem," Milla remarks back with a smile of her own, relaxed and triumphant. "At least you have the sense you were born with, even if Anne doesn't."
21:57 <Skaya> "Eh, she's on edge. Going from facing all the endless plagues and undead to worrying about an army sacking her orphanage? She's not had the best of times."
22:00 <Ko> An accepting nod - not arguing at least. She glances back, "Later," she decides, as you travel on. OOC: More next time, you somehow got out of that mess in one piece.