The Next Step Forward

[Anastasia]

Oraga rumbles - a sound like grinding stone and shaking earth. "This is relevant to us."

"So it is," Elle says, "Alright then, let's go see him before anything else. Regardless, we can agree on one point: Shar can rot." Giving Emily a long look, "But don't think you're off the hook."

"No Aunt Elle," Emily nods rapidly, holding her hands up. "I got that. Crystal clear!"

[Iron Dragoon]

"We can do a small tour on the way. Emily wishes to keep company with me, and I'm sure you have some questions about me and this place."

[Anastasia]

"I do," Elle agrees as she settles in to walk with you, "Where did you all get a spellpool, first of all. We've build one of our own before in the Prime we came from, it's hardly a trivial task."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Building it was the project that established the order. The founders worked together to make it, and then continued working together to use it and strengthen it. They brought their apprentices, and they got their apprentices and so on."

[Anastasia]

"I see, I see," Elle remarks as Emily keeps her mouth firmly shut, Oraga following, "How long ago was that?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Uh, I have no idea what would be reasonable here.

[Anastasia]

Say a few hundred years.

[Iron Dragoon]

"A few hundred years ago. Records aren't exact. After they established the spellpool and the order, they focused on continuing research. It's been that way ever since."

[Anastasia]

"Good on them," Elle remarks, "How is the level of magic here? How are your defenses, if Shar is attacking?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"I'm the most powerful here. Around Emily's level from what I can tell. Our defenses are... Lacking. That's why I've come to an agreement with the Red Knight. We have plans for improvements, but we're playing catch-up. We weren't in anyone's awareness outside of our prime until recently, and so defenses against the likes of Shar and Malcanthet weren't in place. Though Malcanthet's only tried diplomacy so far.

The contingent from the Red Knight are here in the event that Shar tries more overt moves, but we've established a certainty that there's a Shar agent here, though only in the last day or two. We're putting together a group to find him, or them. Jarem's suggested an Inquisition, which I'm tentatively considering allowing, but it'll be led by one of our Regents."

[Anastasia]

"I'm surprised you haven't been scouted before now, if you're so powerful," Elle remarks, "Powerful mortal champions draw divine attention, you would certainly qualify."

[Iron Dragoon]

"It's a fairly recent development. The Red Knight took notice. Malcanthet as well, but I've kept her offers at a distance until I can figure out how to wave her off without having her come after my head. I follow Shaundakul, and accepted the Red Knight's offer with his approval. Though someone in Selune's realm seemed to take notice of me. Enough to speak, at least."

[Anastasia]

"Mmmm, that can happen," Elle remarks, "Sometimes mortals advance in years what would normally take centuries or longer."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I had a bit of help. Still, it was rapid enough that we were unprepared. I've been working to get the Order defensible, but... There's a lot to do. Which is why I believe Shar is doing what she is. Harassing us and slowing things, targeting the leadership, then come in with an offer of subservience of some sort. She's killed some of our Regents outside of the Order. In Langersun, for example. We plan to get stronger wards up against divination and to get better blocks against teleportation, but it all takes time and resources we're short on. Once the basics are in place, Jarem will give some guidance on more advanced things."

[Anastasia]

"And, you're probably hoping for us to help, especially if Emily insists on staying," Elle remarks casually, as you reach just outside of your destination.