Dust and blood

[Iron Dragoon]

K:A/Bibliotheca/Cunning Knowledge:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+103 : 17 + 103, total 120[/blockquote]

[Anastasia]

Oh yes. This is far below your ability and you can think of a dozen ways in a few moments to improve it.

As of now it's stumbling in the right direction but it has a ways to go.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa rolls the scroll up and taps it against the table, "Yes, you're headed in the right direction... Roughly. I can help you improve on this, but that will be outside of any agreements pertaining to your war. My instance on our investigation is to ascertain your goals, tactics, and, in general... Morality. Provided we are satisfied, I will likely extend an offer for your project leaders to come study at the Alyssum Royal Academy. We'll go over the details of it once we decide completely, but our requirements won't be too onerous. Likely along the lines of an exchange program, access to your library, and open doors for our followers. Opinions?"

[Anastasia]

There is silence - perhaps telepathy. It matters little until the old man bows his head, "It will be as you say, great lady."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Mmmm... You know, you don't have to blindly follow what I say. And just making a show of it won't endear you to me. I venerate personal choice and freedoms, not followers. If you have something to say, please, do so."

[Anastasia]

It's the old woman who speaks, "Forgive us, those that directly disrespect the divine are often idiots."

"Big idiots,"Jarem agrees, "But be direct here. Tell us."

One of the old men, voice stronger than the others, "Great lady, you are not familiar with our world? Our...Prime, as the realms beyond ours reckon them?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Not specifically. I've done some surface checking into it, but I prefer to discover things personally. Research and exploration are my great passions."

[Anastasia]

"Then you don't know how bad it is, and trust what you call the tribals far too much," He goes on boldly. "Investigate, but you'll soon understand what is our way and why it is right."

[Iron Dragoon]

"To be clear, I don't trust, or distrust, anyone. I'm reserving my judgement for now. You're all well educated. I'm sure you've come across history books about wars, yes? They're rarely impartial. I know you've been at war for a long time. Possibly too long. How many conflicts have become enduring simply because of ingrained animosity, when the true reason for the starting of the conflict has been lost in that animosity? Grudges between noble houses are often like this, and they often turn into conflict.

It's rare that either side of a conflict on this scale is truly innocent. Whatever evils they have visited on you, can you truly look me in the eye and swear on your souls that your own people have visited none at all on them? All I want is to remain impartial in my investigation, and the chance to find a way other unilateral action, if possible. As deep as the pain and grudge you bear is, theirs is equal. It takes mutual agreement to continue a war for this long. And can you tell me with honesty that their culture has produced nothing of value? No music? No art? No agriculture? No veneration of elders? No cherishing of children? No love of a sunrise? Nothing at all?"

[Anastasia]

Give me a Diplo check here, -5 penalty.

[Iron Dragoon]

Diplo/Cunning Knowledge:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+99 : 19 + 99, total 118[/blockquote]

[Anastasia]

Silence falls after your words. There's no real argument against them, as after a short silence, "We'll look and we'll find out," Emily puts in, "Fear not. There is hope yet."

You look about and see they're quiet, a few downcast at your words, or perhaps simply introspective. It's hard to tell, but not a one is stone faced.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa smiles, "Yes, I don't intend for any side in this to come to ruin of any sort if we can avoid it. Like I said, we'll look into it and meet with you about it after. All I want is for you to be willing to consider things other than extreme actions."

[Anastasia]

General agreement to that - none dare speak against you.

[Iron Dragoon]

"Then if no one has anything else, we'll retire and begin our investigation."