Phoenix

[Corwin]

"Kossuth is in possession of a great many artifacts, some of which hail from Earth. He is willing to provide them in exchange for support, with the specifics being dependant on the level of support he shall receive in return. An alliance with Kossuth for the duration of the stated conflict with the Crimson Firebrand could run from remaining neutral combat-wise and providing information on elements on Earth and elsewhere that would be acting against him and all the way to fighting side by side with his own forces."

I'd appreciate a name+short brief on a couple such artifacts Kossuth said he holds, as well as whether he has anything that belonged to the dao.

[Anastasia]

Sure.

Dramzan: An earthen scimitar said to be made by an old Khan. Strong and powerful, able to command the earth and elementals just incidentally to its true ability - the ability to create gems and gold. Hugely valued by mortals due to this.

Delvemap: Said to be one of the few, if any true maps of the Great Dismal Delve. Stories say it has the ability to update itself as the Delve grows and changes. Attempted to be repossessed by the the nobility, but instead it somehow ended up on Fire.

Three Coins: Three gold dao coins. According to myths, one has power over wealth, one has power over trade and the last has power over travel.

"That would depend on the artifacts," The Khan says at last, "As well as any other concessions."

[Corwin]

"Have you heard of the uninspiringly-named Delvemap?" Seira voices, testing the waters. "It's nice that it also happens to be self-descriptive, and unlike artifacts of great direct value to mortals, some woud favor Earth's native powers far more."

[Anastasia]

"I have," The Khan agrees, "And what would Kossuth expect to buy with that?"

[Corwin]

"Logistical and diplomatic support on Earth, as well as neutrality in combat," Seira responds. "You've fought alongside the efreet fairly recently, by planar terms, so if you'd like to stay out of any battles altogether and provide Kossuth with information on the movements of his enemies, this would be the simplest way to make it work. As for the aforementioned diplomacy, that would cover intervening in Kossuth's favor at Grumbar's court. I doubt he is interested in supporting an usurper and establishing a precedent that applies right back to him, but just because the risk is slight doesn't make it nonexistent."

[Anastasia]

A mere thoughtful nod after, "And any other offers?"

[Corwin]

"There is a myth," Seira muses, curling a lock of her hair around her index finger idly. "Power over wealth, power over trade and power over travel. An inconspicious set, at a glance, but one with a proud and ancient legacy."

After all, this is all a taste of Kossuth's treasury. She has no doubt that he could, in fact, make it worth the Khan's while to fight on his side. And for Kossuth, who is engaged in a battle for his life, any artifact not directly boosting his standing on Fire is ultimately expendable towards the goal of total victory. Her words suggest as much, so now it would be up to the Khan to either call, raise or fold, and if it's the first two he'll be playing the same game as she is at last.

[Anastasia]

Give me a charisma check there, you did something very right.

[Corwin]

21:30 <Corwin> roll 1d20+15+6+2
21:30 <Rei-chan> Corwin rolled : 1d20+15+6+2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{34}

[Corwin]

I forgot a +3 bonus, so it's 37.

[Anastasia]

The Khan leans forward, "I'll take that under..." You get a slow, considering look as well. "Advisement. What else?"

[Corwin]

"Kossuth has quite a few ways to show his favor, but that depends on what he'll be getting in return," Seira points out, wishing to hear more from the Khan. If he has a nonstandard proposition, it might fit even better than anything she herself comes up with, as she doesn't quite have a full understanding of his capabilities outside of combat.

[Anastasia]

After that, "I do. You see, I have a competing offer." The Great Khan explains, then with a slow smile, "The Crimson Firebrand has offered me wealth, magic and other considerations. I'm weighing which one is the better offer."

[Corwin]

Seira nods her understanding. "Kossuth clearly wins on wealth, however you look at it, and the same is likely on magic as well if only due to his superior connections. The other considerations mentioned are the real issue, as I see it, so please correct me if I'm wrong. To follow that thought a bit further, if it were something truly indispensible to yourself or to the dao, your decision would have already been made. Since it's like that, Kossuth will certainly provide superior recompense for your support, so the only real decision that remains is who you believe will win. Would you say this is a fair assessment?"

This is a bit of a diversion from an intermediary, but Seira decides to add, "Incidentally, I'm betting on Kossuth, myself, and I intend to help make that happen."

[Anastasia]

"In simple words," Amaryl says, "I frankly don't care that you're using us to get the best deal from whomever we choose. That's between you and Kossuth. Tell us what you truly want and I have few doubts Kossuth will make it so."

"Who I believe will win?" The Khan of the Dao smiles, not kindly. "I don't know." He spreads his arms and laughs, "Wonderful! Someone has grown so far as to challenge an elemental lord credibly! That Kossuth politics openly speaks to the magnitude of the Firebrand's victories so far. No. The greater question is that we all think but few are brave enough to say? What doors open if the Firebrand wins?" A simple question. "What impossibilities become possible?"