A Shot of Crisis

[Brian]

"Quite right," Radagast says, nodding at Nathan.

Devin scowls, and glances around the table.  "Don't let fear blind you to possibility," he says to Parthipan.

[Ginrai]

Ginrai shakes his head.  "I'm confident that I'll be able to handle this.  The problem here is if the other two lorekeepers linked with me will be okay.  Is there any way we can test out the periapts and see what sort of effect they'll have?"

[Brian]

"They'll alter or invert the path that a lorekeeper uses," Radagast says, frowning.  "If a lorekeeper of the Path of Fire wears the Periapt of Flame, then his skill and ability will be increased."

[Bjorn]

"And we are quite certain that's all they do?" Bjorn asks, leaning forward intently.  "There are no ties or links to Solariat himself?"

[Brian]

"No," Radagast says, shaking his head.  "I checked rather carefully for that myself.  As much as I'd rather have destroyed them...."

[Ginrai]

"Will using it have any sort of negative effect on the user?"

[Brian]

"Not in the short term, but it is a ... a crutch.  It would, after weeks of use, develop a dependancy on it," Radagast says.  "But, I think we're digressing.  I think we can all agree that it's a poor idea to use them, yes?"  Radagast glances around the table for support.

Everyone else looks confused, except for Astryd, who's apparently indifferent, and Devin, who looks vaguely smug and self-satisfied.

[Bjorn]

"If everything is as you've described, Loremasters," Bjorn says briskly, "then it seems that the periapts are unnecessary, and not a risk worth taking.

"I'll admit that I'm skeptical about the plan in general.  It sounds like a tremendously effective weapon, so I find myself asking: why has this not been suggested before?  Why haven't you been practicing this, or taking whatever measures you might to make this as safe as possible?"  He frowns across the table at Devin.  "And with all due respect, Master Devin, it seems to me you have a great deal of... personal investment in this plan.  If there are reasons beyond the obvious you wish for this plan to be carried out, perhaps it would be best if they were all made clear?"

[Brian]

Devin eyes Bjorn levelly for a long minute, and then says, "I do have a vested interest in, among other things, showing that we are able to succeed with the strength of our collected will, instead of depending on the Archonae.  As far as to trying it earlier, the lorekeepers involved will most certainly be unable to defend themselves -- they will need to be watched over.

"I thought that earlier while it would have been useful, there were assasins to be aware of.  As Sir Lammermore points out, the dreaded assasin king himself is now locked away below the keep.  I'm certain that our newly enhanced guard will be sufficient to protect us."

[Bjorn]

"I see, then" Bjorn says slowly, nodding.  "You intend to use this as much as a challenge to Solariat and the Archonae as a weapon against the Dreadmarch."  He smiles, faintly and a touch coldly.  "I don't think I'd object to that."

He turns to Kevin, and continues politely.  "My suggestion, my Lord, would be to attempt this plan, if there are volunteers to enter into the link."  He turns back to the assembled Loremasters.  "Nothing that has been said here leads me to believe that this plan would prevent us from arraying the rest of our forces as normal.  If it does fail, then we can proceed as in the previous nights, only slightly weakened from the absence of three Lorekeepers."

[Brian]

Kevin eyes Bjorn calculatingly, then looks at Devin, and then Parthipan.  "Very well," he finally says, shaking his head.  "We shall trust to the lorekeepers, and hold the troops in readiness for the unexpected."

Devin nods, and Radagast frowns, but raises no objections.

[Dracos]

"I don't like this plan.  I don't care so much about showing off to the Arachanoe or encouraging the dreadmarch to take us more seriously than they already do with half-gods in their corner viewing this as playing with their food until the fifteenth night.  But if it is the decision of the rest of you, we'll wait in readiness."

Dracos

[Bjorn]

"Do you have a reason for your objection, Lord Bloom?" Bjorn asks evenly.

[Brian]

"Thirteenth night," Lammermore corrects.  "But I see this tactic as viable.  If it fails, we will be at the ready to battle across the field."

[Dracos]

Dracos shrugged, "I just said why I don't like the plan, Bjorn.  Listen and you may have heard it."

Dracos turned to Lammermore.  "Agreed.  Is there anything else with tonight's battle plan to be addressed?"

Dracos