Seira's morning glow

[Corwin]

"It's been my experience that Law and Chaos clash, but while in the heavens this is an ideological debate and Mechanus and Limbo elegantly ignore the other's existence where they can, in the lower planes we have the Blood War," Seira says to Zariel. "In fact, we would be hard-pressed to find a devil or a demon who would see a resolution for it that didn't result in absolute victory and elimination of the other side. Has your experience been different?"

[Anastasia]

"In the end, they will see the..." Antenora pauses, "I want to say light of order, but that is a poor choice of phrase. They will not be hurt, but instead come to understand we're right. A war of words, rather than a battle of steel and blood."

[Corwin]

"Maybe they will!" Seira cheerfully agrees. "Having the freedom to choose, and to debate amiably as much as we want to. Focus on amiably~"

[Anastasia]

"Hah, the Blood War," Zariel says, a bitter sound. "Something with no hope of resolution any eon soon. Do the arguments of law and chaos between archon and eladrin come any closer to resolution than that?"

Antenora looks up and exhales, "If Marie is any bellwether, then no."

[Corwin]

"Still," Seira notes, deciding to dissent. "There is some acceptance between the sides. From what I recall Kascha telling me, one of Celestia's Dukes is an Anarch, and was in fact an Anarch before being granted his title."

[Anastasia]

"Oh?" Antenora says, "I'll have to ask her about that, but as I recall, even orderly creatures have the potential to be Anarchs."

"We have some in our armies, but it's rarer in ordered creatures," Zariel says, then frowns, "I had some in my armies, rather."

[Corwin]

"Speaking of armies! I'm formulating a new doctrine where the use of common soldiers is outdated on our scale. I feel that elite forces are those that should take to the field, actually quite similar to adventuring parties. And unlike adventurers, they can actually deal effectively with armies that take the field against them. Do you see any errors in this approach, Zariel?"

[Anastasia]

"It depends on the details. The mighty have long crushed the weaker," she says, "But numbers are a force of their own, if one is willing to spend enough manpower." A look of consideration, "What are your tactics in depth?"

[Corwin]

"Shock and awe for the direct combat troops. While quantity has a quality of its own, the saying goes, no foot soldier will bravely fight to the death when he sees his comrades attack and get swatted uselessly aside. Even a veteran company of the Blood War that came across myself and Alicia thought better of fighting us, and opted for retreat."

Seira mulls over the rest, splashing in place in the meanwhile and sending lily pads floating away. "I haven't decided whether to stick with similar units, or go for joint operations. Both have them pros and cons. Anyway! Just as there are special direct combat units, there would be groups of elite covert operatives. Deploying both types on the same battlefield would allow them to play off each other and enhance the other's skills."

She shrugs then. "It's a very simple idea of brute forcing your way in very overtly, while finessing towards a solution covertly, and having the two meet at a desired point in-between."

[Anastasia]

Oh Seira, we're here!

An interruption, Waukeen's voice traveling to your mind.

[Corwin]

"Oh, before you answer that, Waukeen stopped by for a visit," Seira tells the girls. "Want to invite her over, or do you want to move on? There's plenty forest here since space is a function of will, so we could wander some more. There's even a really nice canyon I've been meaning to explore in person!"

[Anastasia]

"I'll decline for now," Zariel says, "I need more time to think and see the elements you speak of."

"I can visit if you like, I have no hurry," Antenora says. Then in your mind, 'Unless you want me to watch Zariel.'

[Corwin]

"Sure thing! You don't have to answer me right away, after all. It's just... I had the realization that armies aren't cutting it anymore at our level, and roughly what should replace them well, but I'm still working on all the finer points. So an informed opinion is better than an off the cuff one." Seira pushes herself fully to the lake's surface and magically dries herself off. "As for the elements, see if you can say hi to the All-Elemental. Her personifies my approach of elements that are normally in opposition, but happen to compliment each other so that the whole is greater than the parts."

To Antenora, she tells, "I'm sure Waukeen would like to say hi, so that works." It should also answer her mental offer, given that Seira is extending trust to her guest.

'Antenora and I will be over soon,' she responds to Waukeen after a moment's delay.

[Anastasia]

Cool. Where do you want to meet them?

[Corwin]

Let's find a secluded spot at Portal Central~