FSTGOD Main Story Thread

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-10-03 10:28am

The republic of Kirsania will go to war. It is our best interests to do so before the Jihad reaches our doorstep

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-10-03 11:20am

Caliphona

The Hall of the Sea Lord lacked the ornate construction of many centers of government. It was not that wealthy Caliphon couldn't have afforded to build some massive, pillared edifice in the Reman style, but rather that the Sea Lord had traditionally ruled from a hall, like the one on Sarnia from which Gudrun Blackhair had waged her campaign against the Bjorgheim invaders.

Pascent Bjornson sat at the head of the great oaken table. The morning light filtered dimly through the high windows, casting gashes of pale glow across the room. Pascent was a large man, slightly paunchy, with a thinning thatch of blonde hair and a pair of intelligent and humorous eyes. His moustache was quite impressive.

His cadre of advisors was large. Representatives of the assorted Burgs, robed Scholars, the Puissantuary-General of the Army's magik school, a bevy of trade lords- In their merchant finery, polished armor, and embroidered robes, they seemed out of place in this warrior's hall.

Two heralds were already leaving, after having presented the latest missives from overseas. Letters had arrived for the Sea Lord's scrutiny. It seemed that the Normans, controllers of the vital Atlantic coast and it's trade-lanes to the Mediteranean, were interested in sending an envoy. Similarly, neighboring Taladan's Emperor Godric had an interest in improved relations.

Talk went on for quite a while. The Normans were economic rivals to some degree, and the open border which gave the Taladani such easy access to the Cantori plains was a concern to the assorted advisors. Never the less, Caliphon had always advanced it's agendas through trade and diplomatic pressure, rather than the application of force. It was agreed.

Messangers departed for Normandy via longship, and a viceroy bearing letters from the Sea Lord departed for Taladan along the Lord's Road.

-
Budget, Spring:
1 pt spent raising and providing initial training for an Armsmen heavy infantry regiment.
1 pt spent on equipment and hiring workers for a major construction project.

Agent Fisher · Post by **Agent Fisher** » 2004-10-03 12:55pm

Haldir sat in his seat.

He leaned over to Thengel, "What do you think brother? Is it worth it to commit our men to this fight?"

"I think so brother."

"All right then."

Haldir stood.

"Though I have not fully been persuaded by your words, I trust my brother's judgement. Gondor will aid in this struggle. We of Gondor can commit 20 of our frigates, 1 of calavry and 600 of our rangers. We will stand by those here today in the struggle against the Jihad."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2004-10-03 07:13pm

Taladanai, Potala Palace

The massive oak doors swung open. Intircately carved with motifs from Taladani myths and past and loricated with gold and silver, they were impressive pieces of art.
They opened up to a vast hall, high in the Palace. Light came in through large open windows to each side of the hall and crystal lines running through the floor and walls. Massive pillars supported a high-vaulted ceiling, gemstones glittering in the light.
At the other end of the hall, on a throne carved from one giant crystal in the form of a roaring dragon, Emperor Godric, Lord and Protector of all Taladani, was sitting and smiling.
"Viceroy Hugibert Croix of the Burg of Draftsgard, representative of Caliphon," a voice boomed through the hall and a thud went through the floor. He walked slowly to the throne, and slightly bowed.
"It is a pleasure to have such a noble representative of Caliphon, Viceroy."
"And it is a pleasure to be here. A marvelous city you have here, Emperor."
"Yes, it truly is. Though I must think it is...strange to you Caliphoni people," the Emperor chuckled.
"It is no secret we are used to more plain living conditions, indeed," the Viceroy slightly laughed. He nodded to an assistant, and he stepped forward with a formal letter.
"The Sea Lord would like to have me take office here as a permanent ambassador to Taladan, if it is acceptable, of course."
A Imperial scribe walked forward, got the letter and read it. He whispered intot the Emperor's ear.
"Yes," he smiled again, "Viceroy, it would be acceptable. We would like to reciprocate and send a representative of our own to your people. We have taken to ourselves for too long. The times get...difficult as you certainly might have noticed yourself."
"You might say that, Emperor."
"Very well," he nodded, "there other things I'd like to discuss. A treaty of non-aggression for instance. And we would like to increase trade between our nations. Your naval prowess makes you very gifted with goods we might find useful. And as you certainly know, we have literally mountains of ore and metals to give. But this is for a more casual location. I reckon you are tired after your long voyage. You will be shown your quarters for the time being, until we can give you a proper location for an embassy."

Post by **Beowulf** » 2004-10-03 07:30pm

Raven's Mill
Patrician's Palace

"The envoy from Taladan is here to see you m'lud."

"Send him in."

Later

"Dispatch an Ambassador to the Taladani."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2004-10-03 07:48pm

Taladanai, Potala Palace

The representative was led towards the throne. The Emperor nodded towards him and smiled friendly.
"I welcome you to Taladan, ambassador," his voice firm. "Of course we have rooms made ready for you after your long journey."
"It was indeed a long one, Emperor," the ambassador answered.
"Then I won't hold you for much longer. But I hope we can have a more formal, ratified, peace between our nations. In those times of trouble it is good and wise to have good relations with those closest to you, even though our histories haven't touched that much. And we might as well discuss trade. But it would be best to have tals with a refreshed ambassador," he chuckled. "Sso I leave you to your quarters."

Marcao · Post by **Marcao** » 2004-10-04 02:28am

The Alidrial representative considered for only a moment as he saw the forces which were arrayed against the Jihad. They were more than adequate, and the opportunity which existed would only last for so long. The Alidrial could not afford to expand or do much of anything, with the vast power of the Jihaddi to their south. Should the Jihaddi be removed as a threat, the Alidrial would be able to consider a strategic redelployment of assets.

"The Alidrial will support those that seek to remove the Jihaddi as a threat to the peace and stability of the region."

The Cleric · Post by **The Cleric** » 2004-10-04 03:09am

"We are grateful that so many are willing to fight the jihad alongside us. Since a consensus seems to have been made concerning the need for an alliance, let us discuss how best to deploy our combined forces to maximum effect. Tomorrow, we shall discuss these matters."

A guard approached Dalleth IX as he left the great hall
"My Lord, there is an emmissary from the Swordbearer here to see you. They come bearing gifts, but will not allow us to inspect them."
"Dammit. This complicates things. Alright, they can have it their way, but we'll play it safe. Disarmed, and at the other end of the room. Oh, and have a couple Grolims in the alcoves just in case. Let's do this now; I believe the antechamber will serve well."
"Yes my Lord, it will be done."

Thirdfain · Post by **Thirdfain** » 2004-10-04 02:57pm

Draftsgard

The second largest city in all of the realm of Caliphon was an impressive metropolis. Sitting at the mouth of the Draft river, she played host to three powerful avenues of trade. The Lord's Road from Anarchia was swallowed by the bulk of her enchanted walls. The Draft River, laden with all the wealth o the fertile Cantori lowlands, was bridged in a half-dozen places by massive structures of stone and sentient Order. The vast supplies of grain and meat that came down the river would travel across the Baltic to the shores of Bjorgheim. The city's harbor, wide and fortified, was the final source off wealth. Goods from as far away as Riva could be found here, brought by the far-ranging vessels of Caliphon's merchant sector.

In one corner of the harbor was the walled naval station, where a dozen longships sat in their moorings. The place was an uncommon flurry of activity. A half-dozen longships, and ten large merchantmen, were moored there. Sonomancer-amplified orders echoed across the bay, as Lieutenants organized their companies for boarding. The tramp of marching feet and the high chanting of puissance-shapers filled the air. Sullen figures in dark cloaks, bearing long spears and wearing studded leather armor marched in organized lines onto the vessels. Strings of horses were being herded on to the merchantmen, and a trio of Stone Elementals labored silently, hip deep in the water, pulling vast pallets of supplies onto the ships. Each soldier wore on his shoulder a brown patch inscribed with the Reman numeral "II." They were The Gentlemen, hard-bitten borderers and scouts- Caliphon's semi-irregular unit of light horse.

Across the quay, in the deeper region where the largest cogs anchored while their exotic goods were brought ashore, a vast beast of wood and metal. Banks of large mangonels and ballistae lined it's deck, and the carved stone figures of puissance-batteries could be seen amidships. The Pride of Caliphon was one of the largest oceangoing warships in the World, build to be a match for five triremes in open battle. Her huge square sails were simple, but her sinks of puissance allowed Wind Elementals to be harnessed for extended periods, giving the great vessel decent range for a craft it's size. Cold weather gear was being loaded aboard, and a large retinue of guards, marines, and assorted courtiers was boarding. A gentleman in the distinctive robes of a Burgher of Caliphon, flanked by two impassive Artificer-Corporals, strode aboard. It was clear the ship was headed for parts both distant and cold, even in the early spring.

By sunrise the next day, the vessels had all left port.

Agent Fisher · Post by **Agent Fisher** » 2004-10-04 04:49pm

It was dark when the Gondor Frigate pulled away from the docks. On board was the crew and Captain Ritter, Second in Command of the Rangers. Haldir had sent him to return to Gondor with all speed and get the men ready to be deployed.

Minas Edoras

Haleth stood next to a table, on it were two maps on of Gondor and one of the region. Erkenbrand, Gambold,and Madril stood there with him.

"Father," said Gambold. "We have reports from civilians and rangers of beings inside our border. Dark shapes at night, strange travelers there one second, gone the next. There are also more reports of theives and rogues wandering in the wilderness. And there is the Jihad to the south, Tear and what lies in the wilderness to the north. And we lack allies. We must seek out friendship."

"True," Said Haleth. "Very well then, dispatch envoys to some of the neighboring countries. Which units are on training?"

"Sir, two of our infantry regiments are training, and so is our calavry."

OOC: 1 RP spent on Infantry trainung, 1 on Calavry

Bugsby · Post by **Bugsby** » 2004-10-04 04:50pm

Delas stood in ranks, as he had been trained to do. Delas was a member of the First Legion, Dragon's Claw. He had been in many battles in his time, some like this one, some very different. But whatever the situation, he knew his job. The orders were to fight to the last man. It would be a difficult mission, but with his comrades to either side, he knew he would succeed.

"Front line, advance and plant! Second line, conver and aim. Third and fourth lines, at the ready. Tighten flanks! Pikes forward! Lock those shields! Here they come!"

Delas was part of the second line, and at the command of the bannerman, he moved forward and took his position behind the shield wall. His crossbow was in his hand, held easily. Behind him, his seconds, Seve and Jaral, loaded two more crossbows and held them at the ready. Behind them, the bannerman strode back and forth, his armor glistening, receiving messages from runners and delivering orders. The general was located a quarter mile back, but he would know what was happening on the front a minute after it happened, and orders would be back to the front in another minute. The infantry command was a model of efficiency. Delas did not need to look back to know all this. He remained facing forward, crossbow at the ready, focused on the treeline where the charge would be coming from. Any second now....

With a deafening yell, the opposing army broke through the treeline and charged his position. His unit was defending the flank, as always, so he had to deal with the cavalry charge. Quickly taking aim, he sent a crossbow bolt rifling through the air and through the throat of a horse, the bolt piercing the weak leather armor that the horse had down its front. The horse screamed and collapsed, taking its rider down with him. Around him, thirty other crossbows from other men in his division went off at the same time and more horses fell. Delas slid his crossbow back to Seve and accepted a loaded one from Jaril in one practiced motion. Never taking his eyes off the next target, he aimed quickly and fired again. Slide to Seve, take from Jaril. Fire. Slide to Seve, take from Jaril. As he was firing, the two men behind him were quickly reloading his used crossbows and feeding them forward. It was a steady routine, and it worked.

The cavalry peeled off from the direct charge as they lost over fifty horses in the first ten seconds of combat. They wheeled and raced to the extreme flank, trying to get behind the enemy position. The horsemen already had bows out and were firing at the line of crossbowmen. The shieldmen stood vigilantly and most of the arrows pounded harmlessly into the shields. Another volley of bolts lanced out for the cavlary. The horsement wheeled and charged for the very side of the line, but as the horsemen advanced, the line curved back to keep the horsemen in the biggest possible fire arc. Delas could make out the lances now, and he tensed for the inevitable collision.

"Pikes up!"

The shieldman in front of him grabbed the pike off the ground where he had laid it. The shield wall shifted slightly as all the shieldmen reached for their pikes in unison. Small holes opened in the shield line and a few arrows whistled through. One took Delas in the left leg, and he went down on one knee. He fired off his last bolt and then crouched back and down, letting Seve take his position with the crossbow. He began to reload, and the cavalry charge hit. The pikes were up, and horses impaled themselves in scores on the upraised points. Some managed to twist just in time and avoid the pike line, but those were met by a full barrage of crossbow bolts at close range. It was too much. The enemy cavalry division broke, wounded and scared, and headed back for the treeline from whence they came. It was much the same case all along the line. Enemy cavalry had only been used sparingly, but the infantry had fared little better. Although they were not as easy targets as the cavalry had been, they were unable to cross distances as quickly and had been exposed to fire longer.

Delas took time to look around. A handful of men were down all over, some taken by lances, some by arrows. Not bad. The downed men stirred and rose, their wounds disappearing as the enemy arrows and lances vanished. The enemy dead vanished as well, and moments later there was no sign that any battle had taken place. The unit was whole again.

"FALL IN! To barracks! On the double.... harch!"

The Legion set off at a quick trot from the main battlefield. On his way out, Delas gave a quick salute to one of the many illusionist mages who had worked together to create this kind of simulation. They were all exhausted from the effort of phantasmal summoning on such a large scale, but their effort was necessary if this kind of training was to be successful. It would take the mages a week to fully recover, and then they would work on attack drills. Then defense against dragons, he had heard rumors. And in the meantime, more marching, more dry drills, target practice with the crossbows, everything. It was exhausting, but Delas wouldn't trade it for anything. The soldier's life for him.

1 regiment point added onto the Illianer First Legion of the Dragon

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-10-04 08:33pm

One of the Guards announced: "People of WolGar, representatives of Empress Rebecca III, the most noble and fair ruler of the Khazar Imperium, have arrived to meet with representatives of your Counsil to discuss trade. Now introducing Ambassabors Anna Netanyahu and Joseph Ben Yakar!"

"We come from the Khazar Imperium in the name of peaceful trade. We have come with samples of our many metals, ores and products alike, to show you what we can offer in trade."

The villege headman, Arne, crooked an eyebrow at these grand pronoucements. This was Tapper's fault he was sure. Arne wasn't a head in the mud traditionalist, but this? This was a bit over the top for him, at least they hadn't expected him to read one of their chicken swarl messages. He could hear the Shamen Nodain muttering under his breath at this.

"This is not the place for such high speaking, waveriders of Khazar. To the counsil you must go, to Halonmark you must ride. I will provide you horses if you need them waverider and your wavemen can rest and be guest here, though most like you will need some to carry your... samples. I will send a messengers to my cousion Ernar, he leads the Windrunner lodge not more than 2 days run away. They will guard you, has fitting for host to guard guest."

admiral_danielsben · Post by **admiral_danielsben** » 2004-10-04 09:27pm

frigidmagi wrote:
One of the Guards announced: "People of WolGar, representatives of Empress Rebecca III, the most noble and fair ruler of the Khazar Imperium, have arrived to meet with representatives of your Counsil to discuss trade. Now introducing Ambassabors Anna Netanyahu and Joseph Ben Yakar!"

"We come from the Khazar Imperium in the name of peaceful trade. We have come with samples of our many metals, ores and products alike, to show you what we can offer in trade."
The villege headman, Arne, crooked an eyebrow at these grand pronoucements. This was Tapper's fault he was sure. Arne wasn't a head in the mud traditionalist, but this? This was a bit over the top for him, at least they hadn't expected him to read one of their chicken swarl messages. He could hear the Shamen Nodain muttering under his breath at this.

"This is not the place for such high speaking, waveriders of Khazar. To the counsil you must go, to Halonmark you must ride. I will provide you horses if you need them waverider and your wavemen can rest and be guest here, though most like you will need some to carry your... samples. I will send a messengers to my cousion Ernar, he leads the Windrunner lodge not more than 2 days run away. They will guard you, has fitting for host to guard guest."

"That is reasonable... except that we fear a problem: we of the Khazar go by night and sleep by day. Which might be a strain on your men... this is why we generally request evening and morning negotiations. "

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-10-04 09:31pm

"That is reasonable... except that we fear a problem: we of the Khazar go by night and sleep by day. Which might be a strain on your men... this is why we generally request evening and morning negotiations. "

"The Son's of Gar can ride night or day. It is no problem. I shall send my son to Ernar, it will take some days but we will be honored to extended guest rights to the Khazar waveriders." Arne replied, sometimes outrealmers worried about the strangiest and most foolish of things, but so be it. He nodded to his son, a young boy, who grinned and took off running toward cousin Ernar villege. The boy had a girl he was interested in there anyway and it would do good to reestblish blood ties with those nieghnors.

admiral_danielsben · Post by **admiral_danielsben** » 2004-10-05 04:31pm

frigidmagi wrote:
"That is reasonable... except that we fear a problem: we of the Khazar go by night and sleep by day. Which might be a strain on your men... this is why we generally request evening and morning negotiations. "
"The Son's of Gar can ride night or day. It is no problem. I shall send my son to Ernar, it will take some days but we will be honored to extended guest rights to the Khazar waveriders." Arne replied, sometimes outrealmers worried about the strangiest and most foolish of things, but so be it. He nodded to his son, a young boy, who grinned and took off running toward cousin Ernar villege. The boy had a girl he was interested in there anyway and it would do good to reestblish blood ties with those nieghnors.

"We thank you for your hospitality."

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-10-05 11:17pm

In the port cities of Alyandria work began on on upgrades to the wall defenses.

On each tower would be a large ballistae(8 in total) and each of the 6 lengths of wall(one on each side and two leading down into the harbor) would be 2 heavy scorpions(more mobile field ballistae) As well as speacial splatforms for the support of Onagers(6 in total)

1 RP spent on heavy weapons for the port

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-10-06 05:01am

Cyprus.

As the galley slowly sailed its way into the harbour, the local authorities recognized the well-known banner of the Nectarin Republic. The Republican representative for the meeting being at Riva had finally arrived after being delayed by some last minute arguments within the Conclave. But finally, the High Lord had managed to impose his viewpoint over that of the dissidents and a Master Diplomat had been sent.

After dropping anchors, a boat was lowered with an elegantly dressed old man and two big men that were obviously the bodyguards of the older man. When the boat reached the piers of the town, the three men disembarked and the old man looked around, searching for whoever might have been sent to greet them or at least some guards to ask them for directions. With the meeting already underway and Riva still a long ride away, the Diplomat only hoped that he would arrive before the end of it.

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-10-06 05:41am

Bridge over the Danuv. WolGar-Nectarinian border.

Yivan Treetin, master trader, had a long experience in dealing with the WolGars and liked them, perhaps because half his blood was of WolGar ancestry. Although he enjoyed the advantages of civilization, he couldn't deny the wild strength of this WolGar blood that he had received from his father, who had left the lands of his ancestors when his lodge had refused to declare him an adult upon reaching the traditional age, but even after his exile and adopting the ways of the civilized Nectarinians, his father had still been a WolGar in heart.

Yivan had received from his mother the education that allowed him to blend with the citizens of the republic and from his father the stories about Father Gar that enabled him to understand the "barbarians" that lived in the other side of the Danuv in his dealings. He believed himself to be the best of both worlds: a civilized barbarian.

Even with the slow pace of his horse, Yivan had soon crossed the great bridge that spanned the wide river and was in WolGar territory. Usually, he would have stopped first in the villages in the rivershore to talk with some of his local friends and make the first deals, but not this time. He hadn't brought wagons or mules loaded with goods. This time he didn't carry anything but an small parchment, that was ironically enough the most important thing he had ever carried. It was an important message with the seal of the High Lord that he was to deliver to the WolGar Council.

Halonmark was his destination and the sooner he arrived there the sooner he would be free of his burden, he decided increasing the speed of his horse. Even if he had been handsomely paid for this, it was extremely unnerving to carry such an important document. He knew of a village a few hours north from the bridge he had pretty good relations with. He would most certainly find a place for the night there and perhaps he would be able to persuade the village headman, who was named Rese if he remembered correctly, to lend him some men as guides or escorts for his journey.

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-10-06 05:56am

Port city of Alyandria, Republic of Karsinia.

"The reports of our traders were accurate. There is a lot of building going on" the captain commented as his galley entered the harbour. "They are building some really impressive defenses here."

"None of our concern, captain. The Karsinians are not a threat for the Republic and for as long as the situatiation doesn't change, they can do whatever pleases them with their cities" replied the Diplomat as he tied a colourful scarf around his neck. "There are far more important matters at hand and those are what we have come to discuss. The Jihad. Trade. Both things are far more important for the welfare of the Republic than the urban renovation of this city."

"What must I do?"

"Wait until my return from Karsinth. Nothing more, nothing else"

Murazor · Post by **Murazor** » 2004-10-06 07:47am

Lake of Wisdom valley, Nectarin Republic.

Trisievich had been a peaceful village where some of the most beautiful rosefields in the whole valley could be found. Not any more. Captain Friesgar had had family in the village as well as some of his men and now they were looking among the charred ruins of the village for the bodies of their beloved ones.

It had been a band of marauding trolls. Again. Over the last ten years, they had grown confident and they had recovered the numbers prior to their defeat at Four Springs. When the presence of the troll party in the valley had been reported, Friesgar had been allowed after confering with the commander of the fortress to take half the company garrisoned there to hunt the trolls. They had seen the burning of Trisievich as they descended from the mountain fortress and had arrived several hours too late.

Once all the corpses were properly buried and those of the fallen trolls burnt before the beasts had a chance to heal their wounds, Friesgar and his men started to track the trolls. It was a pack of about fourty trolls and they were heading back for the mountains, their movements hampered by the booty stolen in Trisievich. Friesgar had with him one hundred and twenty four bloodthirsty men that intended to slaughter the band down to the last troll before the band could make its escape.

High Lord's Hall, Windward.

"Our representatives have just arrived at Cyprus and Karsinia. We believe that there is a good chance of success in both negotiations" softly said a fat and bald man in his late fifties, while cleaning the sweat in his bald patch with a handkerchief.

"For our own sake, I hope that you are right. Some representatives are starting to ask what are we doing with the money" replied a taller man in his early sixties that was looking the streets of Windward from a window that overlooked most of the city.

"That is dangerous, Albian. They might decide to judge you by corruption."

"No. They won't dare. They know that there is nobody else willing to do what must be done to ensure the survival of the Republic. They won't depose me. Not unless my actions doom all of us and I don't intend to do such a thing. If you don't mind, can we move back to business? What about the Khazar?"

"We believe that they are actually attempting to build their own trade network in the Inland Sea. We know that they have contacted the WolGar council proposing a trade agreement. And the council will probably listen to them, if we consider Tapper's influence."

"Unacceptable. We lost the Eastern Mediterranean area to the Jihad. We won't lose the Inland Sea to the Khazar. Such an agreement must not be signed, no matter the cost."

"We are a bit strained right now. We would have to stop operations underway."

"Working out the details is your work. Mine is give the order" repied the High Lord with a smirk. "And just to stay in the safe side, we will appoint a permanent ambassador in the Arashian court. Better to be safe than sorry."

General Zod · Post by **General Zod** » 2004-10-06 10:27am

The plains of arashi, normally quiet are buzzing with activity this morning. Eleven men and an equal compliment of dragons standing at the ready. each man, save the one with white hair, lobbing spells off at targets in the distance, and otherwise busy going about intensive combat training with their magics. The plain they were training in was starting to resemble a pock-marked moonscape. A young man, barely 18 with stark white hair oversaw the operation, shouting out the occasional order. The Crimson Guard was coming along so far, but they still needed lots of work in order to be considered the best Elite infantry group in the empire.

speaker-to-trolls · Post by **speaker-to-trolls** » 2004-10-06 03:54pm

The theocrat of the kingdom of Jeutak enters the chamber. He is of average size by the standards of the troll race, though somewhat slim, and his hair is a dark red, showing that the blood of the Jolokt tribe runs in his veins.
He approaches the troll already present in the chamber, who appears to be sleeping whilst sitting cross-legged. Kilkas the third, theocrat, is not fooled. He opens his mouth to speak, "greetings, blessed lord". Kilkas smiles "damn, I never will be able to surprise you, will I?". The troll he addresses opens his eyes and grins "not in this world, blessed lord". The clairvoyant troll unfolds his long body and stands up. He is tall by the standards of the troll race, just over seven feet high, he is sixty five years in age, but his hair is black and lustrous as any youths. He is Olatak Hirekt, master of magicians.
"They told me you were insane, an insensate lunatic". Olatak's smile does not fade "a passing thing, my lord. The visions unnerved me somewhat". The theocrat nods, he suffered from dreams of an unnerving and confusing nature, but nothing so vivid as endured by the kingdoms arcane practitioners. "And what do you recall of these visions?". The magician's smile fades and is replaced by a look of concentration. "Very little that is specific. I remember the feeling like trying to remember a dream, but tne times more frustrating. I remember that there were images, but what they depicted I could not say. And I remember an impression of forboding, of... anticipation". He closes his eyes, recalling what he can of the visions. "I feel the world is changed somehow." The theocrat nods, though he does not, in truth, fully understand. "The age of the New Moon is upon us, then?". Olatak shakes his head "no, blessed lord, nothing so obvious, if this is devilry then the devils have learned subtlety and guile. Unfortuneately I fear this may well be the case. Devils may change their tactics after so many defeats, do you not think?, was it not you who said that surely Usar no longer hammers upon the gates of their fortress with his fists, for it has proven inneffective?. Aye, if the Devils are to come we must guard ourselves from them from every venue of attack." He sighs, then his smile returns. "But, what can mortals do against the ending of the world, eh?. A question for us to ponder. But in the meantime, I still have a headache, and I am sure a good flagon of mead would do well to clear it".

speaker-to-trolls · Post by **speaker-to-trolls** » 2004-10-06 04:58pm

Lord Atakt has been sent to the gathering on Cyprus more to wave the flag of Jeutak than anything else. Still, after listening to the other dignitaries speaking for some time now he feels he should contribute. It would not do well for the kingdom to have sent one tenth of it's pitifully small navy to transport him if he were simply to sit and be silent. He stands. "Why should the kingdom be expected to fight a war in a foreighn land to protect the likes of Cyprus and Masotan?, why should our warriors die to protect the trading interests of other nations when I can see no danger to our own country?. What stand we to gain from this?, a few scraps of land in a gods-forsaken desert?, ha!. And no doubt all this coalition will fight over those territories taken, leaving hardly any reward for any nation. Jeutak will not fight your wars for you".

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-10-06 05:05pm

"Jeutak must be a land of fools. The Jihad will not stop, it will not turn and it will not falter unless crushed. If the Trolls of Jeutak, however are afraid to fight the Jihad, let them cower behind those willing to fight."

speaker-to-trolls · Post by **speaker-to-trolls** » 2004-10-06 05:12pm

frigidmagi wrote:"Jeutak must be a land of fools. The Jihad will not stop, it will not turn and it will not falter unless crushed. If the Trolls of Jeutak, however are afraid to fight the Jihad, let them cower behind those willing to fight."

"Do not insult my honour, barbarian. If the land of the Wolgars wishes to throw its warriors into the fire like this so be it. But I do not see why my land should do the same for foreighn powers. Do not confuse cowardice with prudence, savage".