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RoE Archive => Courts of Anuire => RoE2 Archives => The Imperial City => : X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 26, 2011, 02:23:11 PM

: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 26, 2011, 02:23:11 PM
On the third day of the tourney in the Imperial City, a debate has been scheduled by the Princess, and everyone is invited, provided they have the interest.
 
In a large room, set aside for the purpose, all the furniture has been removed to make place for a table arrangement consisting of two long tables arranged against each other and with a white tablecloth with threads of silver and gold sewn into them in an intricate pattern. Carpets have been lain out underneath the table to ensure the comfort of the participants, and wallhangings and banners have been removed, to give room for a lovingly embroided tapestry depicting the Battle at Mount Deismar. Several benches also stand along the walls, no doubt to allow retainers and persons of lesser import to rest without otherwise disturbing the speakers at the table.

Servants hurry about, ensuring that goblets are in place at each chair, and that cushions allow the occupants to sit comfortably in the high-backed chairs. A few soldiers and an Avanese knight in full parade uniform stand passively in one end of the room, behind the hostess empty chair at the far end of the table, and over in one corner, a couple of scribes have prepared themselves at a small writing desk, ink and pen ready to remember this day for posterity. Several windows are opened to allow a warm summer breeze to enter the room and cool down the atmosphere prior to the debate, the occational gust making the scribes send worrisome glances and hold on to their valuable paper.

There seem to be no predetermined places at the table, although a few of them have been reserved ahead of time. One finely carved mahogany sign has the word "Brosengae" written on it, and stands halfway up the table. Another, with the words "The Western Imperial Temple" graces the spot to Aubrae's immediate right. The other end of the long table, opposite the hostess seat, holds no chair or goblet, and instead has a small lectern placed in front of it.

As people enter, they are offered refreshments and delicacies from a wide variety of plates and decanters held by the servants and asked to find themselves a seat somewhere at the table or along the walls.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) July 26, 2011, 04:52:17 PM
Count Vordhuine Cloene and his entourage arrive to the debates relatively early.

He politely acknowledge the other guests of importance who are already here with a small personal greeting.

After orientating himself in the room - and complementing the delicate tapestry - Cloene assess the size of the table and with a quietly spoken word and a nearly unseen nod towards the benches, his entourage fluently split in two.

Two - a man and a woman - follow the Count to the table and take a seat on each side of him, while the rest find a seat on a bench behind them.

While they wait for the rest of the guests to come, the three of them sit and have a quiet but pleasant conversation.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt) July 26, 2011, 05:32:41 PM
A knot of lean and elegant men and women glide into the room, all wearing identical dusky grey cloaks that almost float as they move. As they near the centre of the room Duke Ghorien and Lady Alizabet of Ghieste slide from the group, dropping their cloaks from their shoulders, which are in turn rapidly recovered by the rest of the small group who immediately take a bench at the wall somehwere near the middle of, about opposite the seat assigned for Brosengae.

Ghorien takes two goblets of wine from a platter and hands one to the Lady with him, taking in the boquet and then placing his upon the table in front of the chair he intends to sit at, leaning on the back of the seat while he chats away with Alizabet at first discussing the quality of the roads within the Imperial City and any learnings that might be adapted for the improvements clearly planned in and around Ghiere.

After a moment Ghorien seems to observe who is sitting opposite him and pauses the conversation to nod a half bow of a greeting to the Count.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) July 26, 2011, 06:26:59 PM
Count Cloene returns the courteous greeting and introduces the rest of the Brosen delegation as Areana Hontier and Cedric Delien.
They then return to their quiet conversation.
The guests closest to them can hear that they are having an informal conversation regarding some trivial matters in Brosengae. They also briefly touch the subject of the state of the fortifications in the Imperial City.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) July 27, 2011, 08:16:26 AM
Carilon Alam enters in the hall with an handful of his dignitaries.

He politely hails Princess Aubrey and Duke Ghiorien and he is briefly introduced to Count Cloene.

He takes alone a seat on the table while his retainers take place behind of him, one of them bringing to him a cup of wine.

Duke Carilon Alam calmly takes a sip in silence.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Sea Witch/Aneira (John) July 27, 2011, 10:58:19 AM
A beautiful young dark-haired maiden enters the hall, dressed in a flowing white dress.  Unaccompanied by aides or servants, she inclines her head respectfully in the direction of each of the nobles in attendance before quietly taking a seat at the far end of the table, towards the lectern.

Turning towards one of the attentive servants, she accepts a watered-down wine.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) July 27, 2011, 12:31:23 PM
Though Archprelate Kharnmoin enters the hall quietly, a sudden silence spreads across the room. Some say he is the holiest man in Anuire, and few would oppose that claim today. His presence is both commanding and serene, his face stern. While his age is starting to show, his eyes are still young and determined, and his smile as he greets his fellow guests is short, but sincere.

He walks quietly through the room, stopping briefly to speak with Duke Ghorien, Count Cloene and Duke Alam. As he reaches his place next to the Princess, she stands and gives a respectful curtsey, deeper than can be expected from someone of her position. The Archprelate gives her a chaste kiss on her forhead and whispers a quiet blessing of Haelyn. He then offers his hand to hers, and escorts her back to her chair. There they talk quietly for a while, waiting for the remaining guests to arrive. As they talk, the Archprelates eyes go to the Sea Witch, nodding slowly, before resuming his conversation with the Princess.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt) July 27, 2011, 07:44:16 PM
Duke Ghorien bows low with great respect to the Arch-Prelate and waits for him to take a seat before he returns to his conversation. After a few moments more he makes his excuses from Lady Alizabet, who takes the chair next to his at the table, and he moves instead towards the Sea Witch.

With a generous bow, and a flourish, he greets her with a smile. "M'Lady, I do not believe I have been fortunate to have been introduced to yourself; I am Ghorien Hriele, Duke of Ghieste."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 27, 2011, 11:04:12 PM
The Princess, and a tall gaunt man and woman, whom she introduces as General Tael Brosuine and Lady Kaeranne Vanadaere, Countess of Algael, tour around the room, greeting the arrivals politely. As more and more people arrive, and the room slowly fills up, the Princess finally makes her way towards her own seat, while her companions follow her to seek spots of their own on her immediate left.

Stopping next to her chair, she rests her slender hand on the high backrest and looks out over the gathered people. Waving a servant with a platter on which a small silver bell rests over, she reaches out and lifts the bell, allowing its clear tinkling to fill the room and call for silence. She smiles.

"Welcome, one and all, to this rather special day. I hope you are all comfortably seated, and that your cups are full? If not, then we shall certainly see that remedied.

I imagine many of you may be wondering what the intention of this debate is, and why we have gone to such great lengths to make it a reality. To answer that, I need to bring you back to a most unpleasant, but ultimately necessary event that took place in the great city of Ilien this last season. Though I was not there myself, I have been informed, in no small detail, of the proceedings, and what came of it. Anuire is now a crusading force - we aim to pull down one of the greater evils of this world, and through the light of Haelyn I imagine we cannot but prevail.

But for those of us, who are not versed in the realms and dealings of evil, this threat that shall see many a stalwart Anuirean venture forth is something unfathomable and distant. It is my hopes that after today, we shall be more knowledgable and understand what must be done and why."

The Avanese Princess holds a small pause, before she continues.
"But other things took place in Ilien as well. A threat much closer to home was revealed, as it turns out the shadows seek not only to threaten Anuire from afar, but also to infiltrate our courts and sway the hearts and minds of our people. It is also my intent, that following this debate, those sitting in this room will be better equipped to face this new threat under our very noses."

"But in order to do that, honoured guests, we need knowledge more than anything. We need to be aware of what we are up against, and what is already being done - just as we need to know what we ourselves are able to do. I cannot promise you answers to all, but it is my hope that just by talking about it, we will increase awareness - and that by doing so, it will become all the harder for these closer threats to undermine our very home."

She looks down the table, letting her lucid gaze settling on each face in turn before moving on. Once more she the corners of her mouth tugs upward in a smile.

"Should you need anything during this debate, please do not hesitate to call on one of my servants, and they shall provide. But for now, I would like to draw your attention to the Pontiff-elect of the Conclave of Temples, His Holiness, Archprelate Toreas Kharnmoin, who has taken time out of his rather busy schedule to speak to us today. Your Holiness?" 

The Princess gives a respectful nod towards the head of the WIT, before she turns towards her seat, where General Brosuine stands ready, and gently pulls out the chair in a display of gallantry. Aubrae slides into it with all the poise and grace one would imagine of a Princess.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East July 28, 2011, 12:29:58 AM

IC:

Then, entres a woman:  seemingly, a woman in her early-thirties, with a softness of skin and a considerable voluptuousness of figure, with dark, lustrous hair, and with eyes, upon whose nearly black irides the lights in the room dance, from time to time, almost savagely; a woman, none the less, who must be that same Elamien Lamier, whose figure was far more athletic, who was comely yet no wondre to behold, and who looked to be in her mid-thirties, at the Sword & Crown of 1535.

"The Amira-Zawja of Elinie is come", she states, smiling somewhat politely and curtseying toward the Princess of Avanil before walking to an empty seat and taking it.


: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Sea Witch/Aneira (John) July 28, 2011, 03:24:45 AM
Duke Ghorien bows low with great respect to the Arch-Prelate and waits for him to take a seat before he returns to his conversation. After a few moments more he makes his excuses from Lady Alizabet, who takes the chair next to his at the table, and he moves instead towards the Sea Witch.

With a generous bow, and a flourish, he greets her with a smile. "M'Lady, I do not believe I have been fortunate to have been introduced to yourself; I am Ghorien Hiriele, Duke of Ghieste."

The young Sea Witch rises from her chair and curtsies towards the Duke, her large eyes bright blue and unguarded.  "The good fortune is mine, Your Grace," she says in a soft, musical voice. "It is an honour to meet Your Grace, having witnessed Your Grace's bravery from afar during the recent conflict in Ilien."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) July 28, 2011, 08:12:31 AM
Duke Alam, after the Princess' speech, looks to the Archprelate, eagerly waiting for anything he's going to say.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt) July 28, 2011, 08:13:06 AM
The young Sea Witch rises from her chair and curtsies towards the Duke, her large eyes bright blue and unguarded.  "The good fortune is mine, Your Grace," she says in a soft, musical voice. "It is an honour to meet Your Grace, having witnessed Your Grace's bravery from afar during the recent conflict in Ilien."

For just a moment it is almost as though the Duke blushes before he waves away the compliment. "I did what was necessary, what was required. It is saddening that so many good men and women had to die on those walls, but it seems it is done now - we shall have to see how long what was made by those agreements forged will last, hopefully a long time. And I assume I am correct in understanding you to be the Lady Aneira, for if so then the reports by my commanders at Ilien spoke very well of you and your efforts there too?"

Ghorien looks up to see the Arch-prelate being introduced, apologises to the Lady and quickly returns to his seat smiling gently.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) July 28, 2011, 04:57:57 PM
Archprelate Kharnmoin smiles as he stands to address the nobles.

"It will be my pleasure, Your Highness. Before I start, let us all offer our thanks to Haelyn, the All-father". He bows his head and recites a short prayer. "Now, as her Highness said, I have been asked to speak to you about the evils that threaten Anuire. I wish I could come here under more jolly circumstances, but fate has led us down a dangerous path. The Shadow threatens the people of Anuire, and while the Conclave of Temples will never rest while the Lost walk among us, the people of Anuire and you - the nobility - as their leaders play a vital role in stopping the taint from spreading across the lands.

You have all heard the news from Ilien. Pontiff Isilviere has called a crusade to wage war against the mighy Swordhawk, a formidable foe who threatens all of Anuire down to our very souls. As we speak, the Pontiff gathers his forces and prepares to take on one of the greatest challenges of his life. The crusaders will face the Swordhawk from Rohrmarch, and by the grace of Haelyn they will be victorious. But the Swordhawk is not the only foe we face, though his name may be spoken the loudest these days. No sane person would ignore the constant threat of the Red Wind, and expect to live through it. His corruption in Ilien spread all the way to it's ruler, where Geraldine el-Mesir forfeited her soul in return for power. An Alamie and Tuornen, the legacy of the Eyeless One still lingers. Even after his defeat, his legacy plague us with constant threats to the veil, and infestations of the undead and evil creatures of the living leaving death and terror in their wake. While this particular threat is somewhat contained for now, through the work of the WIT, CJS and MOC, our vigilance can never stop. In the Spiderfell, the Spider still resides.

But these are only the threats clearly visible to us. Perhaps equally dangerous, if not more, are what the Shadow keeps hidden from us". The Archprelate looks to Elamien Lamier. "Present here today, I am certain the Amira-Zawja would testify to the evil that was the Grey Duke, and how he threatened not only Elinie and it's neighbours but the rest of Anuire, had he been left unchallenged. Many sacrificed much to stop him, both among the temples and the nobility. I could also mention the corruption of Braecous Bellamie, or rumors of the elusive group called the Hand of Azrai. The list continues on.

Lately it has become clear that the Shadow does not only face us on the battlefield, or in hidden lairs, it also walks among us. This has lately become more clear than ever before, as the Conclave have discovered agents of the Shadow hiding in plain sight, taking the shape of whoever they can in order to spread their evil. These agents have been found among the ranks of clergy, nobility and commoners alike. The temples of Anuire stand a vigilant guard over it's people, as is our holy responsibility, and rest assured that the Conclave will do everything in it's power to protect the people, but our efforts will be in vain, should we stand alone".

The Archprelate nears the end of his speech, and looks across his audience. "As I said, these are perilous times. But while my words sound bleak, rest assured that there is hope. Haelyn the All-father stands with us. Nesirie stands with us. Curiaècen also. Our gods will not forsake their loyal followers, and through their wisdom and guidance we can prevail. Look into your hearts, nobles of Anuire, and you will find the love of your gods. Treasure that, both in times of good and times of evil, and never doubt".
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) July 28, 2011, 10:41:09 PM
Count Cloene indicates that he want to speak, and when he is acknowledged he walk over to the lectern and speak in a loud but calm voice.

"Thank you your Holiness.

Friends, Nobles, Clergy... Brethren of this debate. I am sure the Archprelates words weigh heavy on us all."

He looks at the Archprelate before continuing:

"We need to stand  together against this threat. Not only in words, but also in action.
Brosengae agreed to give a grant to the Archprelate this season, but hearing the severity of the threat, I feel compelled to aid more, and therefore Brosengae will grant a total of fifty gold bars for the Archprelate and WIT this season."

After a short pause he continues.

"But standing together is so much more than that. Doubtless you will all support your local representatives of the Conclave with the gold they need, and hopefully many will follow my example and use this occasion to pledge more than they thought they could spare. So my question is:..... How else may we best serve the gods?"

He take a breath and ask again, but with other words: "How else do we fit into the divine plan to cleanse this evil?"

Seemingly not done speaking, he looks around at the different representatives of temples, starting and ending with the Archprelate. But then he take a step back, make a small bow and say: "Thank you." Calmly walking back to his seat.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 29, 2011, 12:56:20 AM
The Princess purses her lips slightly throughout Cloene's reply, her eyes never leaving the man's face. When he is done, she rises to her feet, and brings her hands together in a delicate clapping motion.
"You prove a most generous character, Count Cloene, and I am certain the Archprelate appreciates your dedication towards the cause, and your readiness to increase the size of your previously agreed upon grant to the Western Imperial Temple. It shows a bit of the spirit that should inhabit every Anuirean nobleman. With a sizeable donation to the temple from the people of Avanil and Taeghas already in His Holiness hands, it seems that everything west of the Maesil and south of the Seamists stand behind the Western Imperial Temple, and the Conclave of Temples in these trying times."

Still clapping, she turns to the Archprelate of the Western Imperial Temple.
"Thank you, Your Holiness. Although your words where bleak, we take comfort in knowing that there are those that seek to protect us in these trying times."

She stops her movement, and allows her hands to rest gently on the table in front of her.
"Some words are more troubling than others though. These shape changers you mention, can they be anyone? How does one determine the true identity of such an abomination? I ask, because I imagine many among us here have been feeling slightly paranoid since the rumours of this first trickled out of Ilien. Is there some way for us to locate these wretches ourselves? What, if anything, can we, the nobles, do, to prevent the shadowspawn from infiltrating our court?"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-CJS/Ruormad Coumain (Tristan) July 29, 2011, 01:43:04 AM
Patriarch Coumain speaks, having slipped into the room, with a grace belying his age, just before the Archprelate speaks.

"Whilst there methods available to the temples of Haelyn that allow them to detect these foul shape changing spawn of Azrai they are the province of only the most faithful, and as I am sure you can understand, as much as we would wish it the Archprelate cannot be everywhere at once."

He pauses briefly, waiting to ensure that he has the attention of all in the room.

"So in this we can area we can advise threefold, do firstly as Count Cloene has done and support your local temple that they may be free to act on matters of the faith and Azrai without concern for more mundane matters.

Secondly to prevent infiltrators to your court act as you have always done to detect the spies of your enemies in times of war. Watch all around you, for those whose behavior has changed, who send unusual messages or meet with unusual people. For you must understand that we are in a state of war with Azrai and our responses must be those of people fully committed to striking down this grave threat."

Thirdly, listen to the counsel of the Conclave on matters of local concern. Cooperate with their reasonable requests and provide them the assistance that they need to face the Shadow. In this one I can give you practical example. The Archprelate spoke of the undead that plague Northern Alamie. The Celestial Jewel moved to counter this threat by harnessing the faithful of Alamie, and those of her near neighbor Avanil to cast a great warding 'gainst the Shadow over the provinces affected, In fact three is the time that I have cast this spell since ascending to the Patriarchy of the Celestial Jewel . As I am sure you understand such great magics are a drain on the resources for great temples such as the Western Imperial Temple of Haelyn so for the Celestial Jewel they represented a more significant cost."


At this he gestures towards the Alamien delegation, "Duke Alam, ever a faithful man, after being made aware of our plight, was pious enough to guarantee the support of himself and his nobles to supporting the Celestial Jewel in this cause. He bears from his own purse half the cost of this undertaking and the nobility of Alamie support the Celestial Jewel that we may be free to focus on this great task."

As he retakes his seat beside the Archprelate many of the gathered courtiers, and even some of the nobility politely applaud Duke Alam.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby) July 29, 2011, 02:53:53 AM
Countess Vanadaere stands in turn, bowing her head respectfully to the Patriarch and looking to the Archprelate for a nod of permission before speaking in a strong, forceful voice.  "Lords and ladies, I can speak from experience in support of the Patriarch's wise advice.  Osoerde has been forced to answer such questions repeatedly, not only in regards to these demons, but also in hunting out those corrupted by the vampire Manethander."

"My lords understood that they could not simply deem these as problems of the temples.  They set those in their courts who possessed both wisdom and cunning to watching for signs of this control: changes in behavior; actions that harmed the kingdom or, more commonly, seemed to serve it while turning its neighbors against it; contact with others who had been discovered to be corrupted; and long absences from those who might have seen through their deceptions."

"Such signs cannot be taken as proof of threat, or the accusations would have torn the kingdom apart.  Instead, my lords took these names and gave them to the Impregnable Heart and the Eastern Temple of Nesirie, and had them resolve the question for sure and certain.  It is this cooperation, active and full, between noble, guild, and temple that protected Osoerde and allowed the temples to cleanse it.  Only Faith can stand against these creatures, but you can act as the eyes and ears of that Faith - its scouts and outriders, if you will."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) July 29, 2011, 08:56:29 AM
Duke Carilon waits for his turn to speak.

"As Patriarch Coumain said before, an agreement between us was made. I've personally taken care of the undead's problem in Northern Alamie and Tuornen and, even if my men were able to stop the activities of the walking dead, protecting the lives and the houses of the inhabitants,  my investigations have determined that this plague could not be removed by mundane forces. The source of the evil, at least of the evil acting in those areas, lies in the Five Peaks, but I'm concerned with a subtler evil...."

He pauses looking around at every regent, mundane or divine, attending at the assemply

"...we, as Anuirean Realms, continue to battle, fight and quarrell among us...As long as we'll continue in this way we could never be enough strong to win over the Shadow. Avan-Boer war, the army of the Marquis of Thasbyrn in Tuornen and many minor wars are making critical wounds in Anuire and I think many realms are waiting to gain profit if we'd be weakened after our battles against the Shadow..."

" My proposal is simple, Lords and Patriarchs...let us create an alliance, offensive against the Shadow, defensive against anyone will threat one of his members, lead by a council, one seat for every regent, be a landed lord or a holy man"

"The council will then decide how to act, in a cooperative way, against the Shadow"

"This is the only way to survive and if we will we could also get stronger and more prosperous; I, Carilon Alam, Duke of Alamie, will make my army, my gold, even my body and soul, available for every crusade, every mission, every effort will be decided by the council, if my proposal would ever be accepted..."

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 29, 2011, 09:14:58 AM
"Thank you Patriarch" the Princess says with a little smile tugging at the corner of her mouth and a nod to Ruormad.
"However, it does not answer the question I posed to His Holiness in full. What can we, the nobility, do ourselves? Sending more money to the temples is all well and good, but I need to know what I can do here and now, immediately upon my return to my own court."

She indicates the Countess on her left, and places a slender hand on her shoulder.
"Her Ladyship touches upon something of what I mean. Combing through ones court in a quest to seek out irregular behaviour. But even this does not give us the perfect answer - it just increases the paranoia and suspicion, while potentially alienating every single subject we keep close. No one likes to know that they are being audited by their liege-lord. It denotes a lack of trust."

The Princess' hand glides down Kaeranne's arm and stops at her elbow in an almost affectionate gesture, as she continues to speak.
"But is spying on your own subjects, and handing the temples notes on their behavioural pattern the only way to combat this? Indeed, as Her Ladyship notes, such actions might tear the realm apart as easily as the changelings themselves, and who is to say that does not simply play into their favour?

"Is the temples of Haelyn - no strike that - the heads of the temples, for I understand they are the only ones faithful enough, whatever that means, our only true defence against this threat?"

She looks to the Archprelate again.
"Do I understand that only you and the leaders of the other Haelynite temples are able to pierce the veil that surrounds these infiltrators?"

She releases Kaeranne's arm, and turns towards Carilon.
"Yours is an intriguing proposal, Your Grace - but I am not sure that yet another Council is the way forward. At least not at this point."

"I do, however, like the notion that spiritual and secular forces pool their resources together more openly towards a common goal. Far to often I find that we live in seperate worlds, with little idea of what is going on. It is one of the reasons for this meeting here and now - to keep us appraised of the Conclaves work and what can be done by us. And it certainly warms my heart to hear, that at least one other present wishes for the temples and the landed lords to work more closely together in an effort to banish these threats against our way of living."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) July 29, 2011, 10:35:54 AM
"Your Highness, I fear you are mistaken, as may the good Patriarch be. As of today, the knowledge on how to identify these agents of the Shadow with certainty, are shared only among a few select people who are close to Pontiff Isilviere. The rest of us will have to do what we can, and follow such advice as given by the Countess and the Patriarch. One can argue that such spreading of paranoia and mistrust only works to the advantage of the Shadow, but until a proper method to identify them are made accesible to a wider range of people, there is precious little we can do about that".

"Rest assured that the WIT will not idly by while agets roam amongst us. I have myself seen such a test performed on an agent of the Shadow, and I believe it may be reproduced - but it will require time and effort".

He looks to Count Cloene. "Thank you, Your Grace, for increasing the already generous donation. Rest assured that it will be put to good use in our fight against the Shadow".

"As to what else can be done, it is known that the veil is weakened during times of violence and death. Keeping the peace among mankind is more important now than ever. Support your temples, approach them and ask how you can be of aid, for it is their work that sustains and nurtures the faith of the people. And without faith, we will surely lose".
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) July 29, 2011, 11:30:28 AM
The Princess arches an eyebrow and tilts her head slightly as she looks at the Archprelate.
"You do not know how to identify these creatures, Your Holiness? Cannot you simply get Pontiff Isilviere to show you how?"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) July 29, 2011, 11:38:07 AM
"As much as it pains me to admit it Your Highness, I do not. As I said only the Pontiff and a few select people know how to identify these creatures with certainty. I have requested that His Holiness share this technique with the Heads of the Conclave factions, but as of today this has yet to happen. I do not know why it has not been shared with the rest of the Conclave, but rest assured I will look into the matter once I take over the position as Pontiff".
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Sea Witch/Aneira (John) July 29, 2011, 12:12:02 PM
The young Sea Witch rises briefly to her feet and inclines her head respectfully towards the Archprelate and her host, the Princess.

"Your Eminence, Your Highness.  Following the recent events in Ilien I investigated the possibility of whether a practitioner of the arcane arts might be able to detect these shadow creatures.  I tested the theory that pure, natural flows of meibhaighl, being somewhat an antithesis of what might crudely be termed shadow stuff, might be capable of unearthing these creatures.  Unfortunately my attempts proved unsuccessful, though I thank Your Highness for supporting my research."

"My research, though perhaps not exhaustive, indicates only those capable of channeling the divine essence of the Gods are capable of detecting these shadow creatures."

Having said her piece, the Sea Witch resumes her seat, smoothing her skirts and sipping her watered wine.

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) July 29, 2011, 01:08:50 PM
Duke Carilon looks at Princess Aubrey

"Your Grace, I'm glad you recognize the necessity of cooperation. Maybe a council is not the best answer but AN answer must be made."

he speaks to all the assembly "Dear lords, in the next season I'm planning to go personally, with a few of brave men of mine, to the Five Peaks to find answers for the many mysteries tied to the undead. I'll gladly accept every offer of help, both form the lords or from the temples"

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East July 29, 2011, 09:53:31 PM

IC:

A moment of silence follows, which Elamien Lamier breaks, without rising from her seat:  "I hope that the Archduke of Alamie will forgive me for changing the subject, for the time being.  But few specifics have reached my ear in distant Elinie, regarding the crusade against the Swordhawk.  And this lack of information has perhaps inspired the following questions, which I should like to ask, on this occasion.  Firstly, then, why has the Anuirean Conclave of Temples presently targeted, of all awnsheghlien, the Swordhawk?  And, relatedly, why has there been almost no mention, of late, of the awnshegh, who, more than any other, has plagued Anuirean civilisation for centuries and whose strength could swiftly increase, were a power vacuum along the shores of the Dauren Arm to develop?"

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 01, 2011, 09:31:16 AM
Aubrae shifts uneasily at the words of Elamien.
"To my knowledge, the Black Prince's forces where all but broken when the dead rose against him, and he had lost massive tracts of land to the Swordhawk when the dust settled in. But there has been no sight of Raesene's minions for quite some time - or at least as far as I am aware. Have you heard any different since you choose this time to bring it - and him - up?"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) August 01, 2011, 10:08:47 AM
The Archprelate nods to Aubrae's words.

"As to why the Swordhawk has become an active target of the Conclave at this time, to get a detailed answer I suggest you voice your concern with the Pontiff. He is still the one who sits with intimate knowledge of his plans and so we must put our faith in him. What I can tell you is that the Swordhawk, aside from being an agent of the Shadow and therefore by definition a sworn enemy of the Conclave, also clashed with him at the end of the war against the Gorgon. We know what he is capable of, and he has grown much more powerful during the last years. The Pontiff reports that he has now set his eyes on Anuire, and must be brought under control".

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East August 02, 2011, 02:57:48 AM

IC:

"I did attempt to contact the Pontiff in spring but received no response", says Elamien.

Then, after a pause, she continues, "But, leaving that silence aside, I believe that some seven years have passed since the crusade against the Crown, which is plentiful time, in which to recover broken units, to muster and train new ones, and to hire mercenaries.  Additionally, there are indications that, in Anuire, agents, who are more commonly associated with the Gorgon than with the Swordhawk, are active . . . which activity, in my mind, indicates, not weakness, but strength.  Of course, I do not doubt that the Swordhawk could have designs upon Anuirean territory; but my worries regarding the Gorgon none the less remain."


: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: DM B August 02, 2011, 10:21:33 AM
There seems to be no shortage of noble sons willing to go east to join the crusade - but they seem primarily motivated by the prospect of glory and booty than any real concern for the Swordhawk or other shadowy characters.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby) August 02, 2011, 03:40:53 PM
Kaeranne seems about to speak, then stops and motions quietly with one hand, summoning a servant to her side.  A minute later, the servant approaches behind Elamien and quietly murmurs, "If it pleases you, your Excellency, Countess Vanadaere would ask to speak with you following the discussions, regarding the agents you speak of." 
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) August 02, 2011, 03:57:41 PM
The Archprelate notices the exchange of words.

"Countess Vanadaere, if you have anything to say, do not be too shy to share it with all of us. You are among friends, and we are all here for a common purpose".
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Bellam & BC/TB (Bobby) August 02, 2011, 04:08:02 PM
The Countess looks startled by the attention.  "There is nothing to share, your Holiness - my lord's lands border Countess Lamier's, and if the Gorgon's agents are active within her domain, they may have entered his as well, or intend to.  A more detailed discussion of their activities would help him discourage them, but I felt this meeting would only be distracted and delayed, not improved, by the fine details."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-WIT/Toreas Kharnmoin (Rune) August 04, 2011, 11:51:24 AM
"I see. Please convey to your Lord that I would very much like to meet him in person, should our schedules permit. From what I hear, he has already crossed swords with the Shadow numerous times, and his experience may prove useful. And naturally, should he uncover any agents of the Shadow within his realm, whoever their masters might be, I ask that he informs the Conclave of his findings".
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 04, 2011, 01:36:33 PM
Cloene, having been quiet for a while now ask: "So in order to best help our citizens we should agree not to fight among each other?"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) August 04, 2011, 06:16:01 PM
Duke Carilon looks at Cloene with an undefinite smile ad says "Dear Count, fighting among each other must surely be avoided but I think we should also agree about who's our enemy and who we must fight against."

he grunts " As for now it seems to me we're still to choose between the Sowrdhawk and the Gorgon"

he composes himself and continues

"My apologizes dear lords and ladies, but we're the proof we lack of unity of intentions and actions"  he looks at Princess Aubrey "as Your Grace said, maybe a council is not the right idea, but we must to show to all Anuire and to the awnshegh, we're united in arms,  hearts and minds. If not a council, let us choose a leader, a First among Peers, or what else but please...we cannot make of this meeting another one full of only empty words"


: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 04, 2011, 07:49:25 PM
The Princess nods thoughtfully.
"Perhaps you are right, Your Grace. Unity goes a long way, when it comes to battling the shadow - that much is certain."

She bows her head gracefully in the Duke's direction.
"I of course shall be more than happy to accept such a charge - to work as a banner for the nobility of Anuire to gather around and present a united front towards any that would threaten our way of life."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) August 04, 2011, 10:57:09 PM
The Duke nods smiling

"I'm glad you agree Your Grace"

He touches his chin with his left hand for a few seconds, seeming just lost in far thoughts

"and I'm also glad you want accept the burden of a charge"

he looks at her, smiling

"but now I'm also curious...what kind of charge do you mean? the charge of fighting the Shadow mercilessy or the charge to lead us against the awnshegh?"

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 05, 2011, 12:06:16 AM
"Brosengae will support the fight against the shadow no matter what. But if the idea is to unify temples and nobles in the fight against shadow, wouldn't it be prudent to choose a member of the Clergy, as they have greater experience in such matters? And if we choose the new Pontiff it would eliminate the problem of two leaders!
Or if we prefer a noble, then Archduke Osoer? As the Archprelate of WIT so knowledgeable states, he has experience in fighting the shadow."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 05, 2011, 12:56:59 AM
"The fight against the Shadows is led by the Conclave of Anuire, Your Grace, and the Pontiff and High Priests of the Conclave first and foremost among those. That is why they have gathered as one - to face the foe and drive them out."

She indicates the Archprelate of the WIT.
"As he is next in line for Pontiff, it will in fact soon be His Holiness, Toreas Kharnmoin, whom we must look to in trying times. It is him, as it was the Pontiffs before him, who directs the spiritual sword of Anuire against the fell creatures of the dark."

The Princess looks to Carilon again.
"As we've heard today, there are those among the shadows minions we cannot touch, nor identify. Just as there are things that can posses even great men and drive them to despair and dark deeds. Where it not for the temples, our souls as well as the soul of every living person in Anuire would be in grave peril.

But where the temples direct the fight against evil on a spiritual level, we nobles must look to lead men of flesh and bone.
*We* must be prepared to act, if and when it is needed. To be, as Duke Carilon so eloquently put it, united in arms, hearts and minds... we also need the clear and distanced overview of the situation."

She leans back in her chair and draws her shawl closer around her body.
"This is not about rushing headlong into the fray to die a glorious death... simply because if the ultimate foe wins, there will be no one to remember our glory or splendor. No, this should first and foremost be a matter of preparedness and planning. Of gathering knowledge of who the foe is, and how he is defeated, and seeing to it, that this information is in the hands of everybody, and those with the information has the adequate training to understand and utilize it.

If, as I understand His Grace's wish, we need to unite forces too, it will be a veritable diplomatic and logistic nightmare - seeking permissions for troops from different realm to move hither and dither, and arrange things so that no realm is left in a weakened state, open for an attack."

Looking around the room, she continues.
"None of this can be done properly from the front - as any man, or woman, who've ever been in the field can tell you. It needs a centralized strong-point and with someone at the helm at all times, to ensure rapid response, without word first having to travel the breadth and length from the east coast to the west.

And I gladly offer myself and my court for that cause."



 
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 05, 2011, 02:20:57 AM
Cloene shake his head a bit "Your Highness, your offer is graceful, and completely acceptable if no more suitable candidate want the honor... But as I see it, word will have to travel weather it travels from Taeghas, Osoerde, or from the seat of the Conclave in the Imperial City. And I fail to see how it doesn't help to have experience with the Shadow, and to be involved in the matter of peoples souls. When the task as you see it is to create a center of intelligence on that exact matter.

But you are right that time will be important, and if you truly have more time for the task than those who might be more qualified, it would justify choosing you. Or do you have some experience on the subject that you have not shared, that might make you as qualified?

Furthermore, I see a lot of the important people of Anuire here today, and representatives of other. But I see far from enough of the Nobles of Anuire here to start electing a first of peers, to be a Banner for all of the Anuirian Nobility to gather around.

But agreeing that one will be chosen and electing someone to host a gathering this fall where all Anurian Nobility, with proper warning can send an envoy to speak their case on who will be that banner.  That idea would have my full support."

He looks at Aubrae:
"I nominate that Brosengae host it in Bindier, with Princess Aubrae as the speaker."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 05, 2011, 03:03:27 AM
"I am a full-blooded member of the College of Sorcery, Vordhuine" Aubrae remarks matter-of-factly. "And deal in ancient and arcane powers on a near-daily basis. I believe that gives me several distinct advantages that those with a more traditional schooling do not have. Combine that with my noble blood and divine right it provides me with alternatives to that which the temples provide. How many others can say the same?"

The Avanese Princess smooths down a crease in her dress.
"Now, all credit should go to Duke Carilon for suggesting this in the first place, but point of fact is, that we would not even be discussing this, if I had not taken the initiative to set up this event and invited you all to participate.

I think it is an idea with a lot of merit; to unite the nobility in a common cause alongside the Conclave. That said, if we talk this to death, it will never happen. We need to agree on mutual action here and now, to pledge ourselves to action and progress from there. And if even just a few are willing to join me in this, then we shall have assembled a strong foundation for the future."

She glances around the table.
"The time may come when what we may need the most is a warrior. But if we are going to do this, what we need now is someone with enough force and drive to pull together all the pieces of this new puzzle, and make them stick - and to be frank, I come as highly recommended in that area as it gets."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East August 05, 2011, 03:24:24 AM

IC:

"With all due respect, agreeing to vague terms is a rather difficult thing to do", states Elamien.

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) August 05, 2011, 08:03:11 AM
" Princess Aubrae humbly proposes herself as a leader of a united front of Anuirean nobles and, of all of us gathered here today, none can deny she has some qualities. She runs a powerful realm, she's from one of the noblest lineages in all Cerilia, and she's an expert of arcane things. All of them make her as a suitable candidate for that role, and I'd be tempted to put myself and my men in an alliance leaded by herself."

He lookes for a few moments at the Princess of Avanil.

"and if anyone else doesn't candidate himself I think she'd be the best choice"

He looks again at the Princess

"but before, Your Grace, you must give answer to some doubts of mine:

1) We spoke about an alliance of nobles of all Anuire but here, in this debate, I see verey few of them. Many of the most important realm aren't attending. Shuold you be able to include all, or at least many of them, in this alliance? if yes who? If not the others could see our group only as an attempt to create a kind of group of force to manovrate the political affairs of Anuire.

2) In my humble opinion Your Grace nothing can be obtained if before you've no dealt with the Westeners. I apologize for that for I know that speaking of it can reopen old wounds and scars, since tragedies to your realm and to your own Noble House have happened a few months ago, but the Butcher of Daulton, the Marquis of Thasbyrn, Draco Moergan still roams with his huge army in lands near to yours, and, I must admit, to mine. He's got the support of many, if not all the old vassals of Brandon Boer, and If we'll start a campaign against some Shadow's minions what will prevent him to attack and make a mortal blow to our realms.

Can you make him a non menacing one, with the subtle ways of diplomacy, or do you think the first move of this hypothetical alliance wuold be to remove phisically this menace?"




















: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Sea Witch/Aneira (John) August 05, 2011, 08:36:58 AM
The Sea Witch shifts in her seat, brushing hair from her face.  She takes a small drink of her watered wine but says nothing.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt) August 05, 2011, 08:48:36 AM
Duke Ghorien then signals his intention to speak, now that everyone else has begun to chatter and snipe. He stands to speak and looks at every face at the table while he does so.

"First I would like to thank her Highness for inviting Ghieste to this debate and the festivities that surround the tourney. Second I would also extend those thanks to the Arch-Prelate for speaking so comprehensively on the matters before us."

He clears his throat and looks directly at Cloene. "I have always considered manners to be important; it is one of the things that seperates us from the animals in the field or Goblins in the forest. Those who fail to show them sully their own reputations and would perhaps do well to mind them." A pause and a more generous smile for the room. "His Grace the Duke of Osoerde, as excellent a candidate as he might be, is already very heavily committed personally to the Crusade that the current Pontiff has declared. That, combined with the complicated political history of his Grace, makes it very difficult to see how he could successfully manage those people we have here present in such an activity let alone the wider auspices of Anuire."

"As to the efforts and missions themselves? Of course Ghieste will do at it may to ensure the satisfactory process of the mission. The Steel and Blood of Ghieste will provide all it can for the fight we all face." And with that he sits back down and sips his drink.



: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 05, 2011, 10:34:00 AM
Cloene signals his his intention to speak and stands to speak again.

"Thank you Duke Ghorien for bringing civility back to the order of speech."

He make a small graceful bow at the duke. and turns his head to Aubrae.

"Thank you your highness, your have laid my doubts to rest."

He then adress the entire room

"Duke Alam and Baronetess Lamier both raise valid points though... What of those nobles not here today? And how can we make the terms more clear?"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 05, 2011, 01:47:09 PM
"That would be one of my charges - to expand the number of members in this initiative to include those not present today.  Or at the very least give them the opportunity to join, free of any outside pressure and from an educated viewpoint."

The Princess signals a servant to refill her glass, and continues.
"However I believe that if sufficient of those present today where to show a favorable mindset towards this initiative, then others *will* flock to the banner, if given half of an opportunity.

To answer your questions, Duke Carilon, I cannot know the mind of the Boer's. But so far neither them nor I have engaged in renewed hostilities - and even though peace-talks broke down when last we met, at least we are talking. I do not want yet another war like the one that laid waste to most of the Heartlands and the West, and thus I will not work towards it, but strive to maintain the status quo, that was broken when Boeruine invaded. That is all I can presently promise in that regard.

It is my hope and belief, however, that if we look to fight alongside the temples against the shadow, the council in Boeruine will acknowledge the greater threat, and see the wisdom in not drawing steel against their fellow man again."

Waving the servant away she takes the glass and touches it lightly to her lips, before setting it down before her.
"As for vague terms, I agree. A framework would need to be set down... if nothing else, then at the very least the intent and purpose of this initiative. Of the top of my head, I would propose the following:

Firstly, that we pledge ourselves to creating a defensive initiative or pact against the shadow. The specifics of this initiative will be hammered out in the coming season, at a meeting in Bindier, Brosengae, but I would suggest that its sole area of influence will be to prepare and act against the shadow as best we are able.

Secondly that this alliance will seek to work in concert with the conclave, be it through force or other secular and arcane means.

Thirdly, that while we cannot claim neutrality, nor withdraw ourselves from the politics anymore than a fish can withdraw from its natural element, the members of this initiative are to be held accountable for their actions and the actions of those that serve under them at any and all times in which they act under the directions and charges as put forth by this initiative. Again, the specifics needs to be hammered out, but I would suggest that it will be up to a select group of peers to make judgement in case of a breach of this point, and that any and all sentencing will be dealt with by every other member.
Simply put - if one man dishonors himself and this initiative through villainous or downright treacherous acts, and needs to be dealt with accordingly, the punishment will come from *every* other member of the initiative at the behest of a tribunal of his peers."

Aubrae rests one delicate hand atop another and looks around in the room.
"If this is agreeable as a starting point, then I shall consider these talks a success and start preparing a more thorough concept and idea for the season to come."

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt) August 05, 2011, 02:35:11 PM
The Duke of Ghieste bangs the table with his fist in approval saying, "aye, aye!"
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 05, 2011, 02:40:41 PM
Cloene applaud and his delegation join in.
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Alamie/CA (Marco) August 05, 2011, 03:16:57 PM
Duke Carilon bows his head towards Princess Aubrae and says

" Aye, Your Grace. The three points of your declarations have Alamie's approval.

As for the leader, the First among Peers as I called him before, I  propose to see how many realms will join our side in Bindier next season. If many will join us and if the Westeners, through diplomacy I  suppose, would no more represent a threat for us then I think Princess Aubrae should have proved to be a worthy leader and organizer and she'll have Alamie's support for that rank."

He then looks around the hall studying other regents' reactions

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East August 10, 2011, 11:27:23 PM

IC:

Elamien Lamier has maintained an indifferent expression on her face, since speaking last.  She now breaks her silence and states, "I believe that appearances matter, particularly in a diplomatic context.  And I therefore suggest that this alliance not be created, in the absence of clear support from, both, Boeruine and Diemed.  In fact, I fear that haste will only alienate those, who are not here present.  And would that not be a sad development, indeed? . . . In other words, I advise patience."

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Brosengae [Cloene] (Linde) August 11, 2011, 12:42:03 AM
Cloene looks a bit puzzled at Baronettess Lamier. But then say: " I am terribly sorry to interrupt like this, but both will be invited to Bindier this fall. "
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Points East August 11, 2011, 07:58:14 AM

IC:

"In my mind", replies Elamien, "to exclude Boeruine, Diemed, and certain other domains from the formal foundation of this initiative would be to insult them . . . whether unintentionally or not."

: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Avanil/Aubrae Avan (Thorsten) August 11, 2011, 02:06:05 PM
Aubrae turns to Elamien, with a small smile plastered to her face.
"I am sorry that you would think my actions insulting - Amira-Zawja is it?. But in *my* mind, we would be insulting all of Anuire if we postponed any initiative to unite against, and fight, the shadow, merely in order to uphold certain formalities and avoid stepping on toes."

She pauses.
"I shall be in contact with the higher nobility in those realms and areas who have not sent a representative today. As a long standing ally of Avanil, I am certain that Archduke Carvaloen will be interested in hearing of this - I understand he's recently had a brush-in with malignant powers, and I assume he will not oppose an act to thwart it - and I imagine that the Archduke of Osoerde would not be opposed against any move that brought more men into a fight he is already engaged in.

As for Boeruine? Well it is my understanding that they are still dealing with the problems of headless state, ruled by a council. I might be able to persuade some, but others will be opposed based solely on the bad blood between us. Until they have solid leadership once more, and an official head, I do not believe we'll see much in the way of word on this matter from them."

She pushes herself up from the table.
"I have sufficient support on this matter, that I will consider the rapid birth and first staggering steps of this initiative a great success. No one has run screaming away, or directly opposed the idea, and every input has so far been of great value. That is good.

I will assume responsibility for this now, and see to it, that when next we meet, in Bindier," she gives a nod of recognition in the direction of Cloene "an outlined paper will be drafted and ready for discussion and signing. Until then, I shall hold those who have voiced their interest and support to their word, and suggest that we even now consider how we might best prepare Anuire against current and former incursions from the Shadow-world.

With that in mind, should anyone present feel they hold valuable information or intelligence that they would like to share with others, now is the time to do so. Or, you can send it to my court, and I shall see to it, that it is copied and transferred on to those with a vested interest in our people's future."
: Re: The Prince's Tourney - The Debate
: X-Sea Witch/Aneira (John) August 18, 2011, 10:19:59 AM
The young Sea Witch sips her watered wine and brushes a lock of dark hair away from her face.

"It is no secret that the Veil which separates our world and the Shadow World has thinned in recent years.  Northern Alamie is but one example of this, Ilien is another," she says in a soft voice.

"This thinning of the Veil and the heightened presence of Shadow-stuff and Shadow-spawn has presaged the return of the Lost.  Some of the Lost we know of, including Shaitan, mightiest of them all, whom many today know of as the Red Wind.  While Shaitan was not present at Deismaar we know that he primarily focused his earthly attentions on menacing those of the Andu who remained in northern Aduria rather than crossing into Cerilia."

"It is hard to know how great cooperation between the Lost is, though the histories would lead us to believe they constantly vied with each other – and against each other – for Azrai’s favour.  What we do know is that they are actively seeking to bring about Azrai’s return.  What we do not know is why the linkage between seeking Azrai’s return and their active promotion of the false faith in the One True God.  The Eyeless One, known in ancient scrolls as the Prophet of the Apocalypse, tried to turn the hearts of men away from our Gods.  That is well known."

"It is also known that Shaitan himself is behind this false faith of the One True God.  The priests of this false god in Ilien were his, and he had further priests spreading their heretical teachings elsewhere – including somewhere that was open to their message, which I suspect to be somewhere outside Anuire itself, most likely northern Aduria.  This was the region he dwelt in prior to Deismaar, and this is again the area where he has been seen since his return."

The Sea Witch pauses to take another sip of her drink before continuing, her voice as soft as before. "The Red Wind spent quite some time digging through the dirt and refuse beneath the streets of Ilien.  The former Countess of Ilien believed he found what he was looking for.  We do not know what it was he was looking for, but in the coming months there will be an expedition to see if anything can be discovered from the bowels of the city."

"The former Countess also revealed Shaitan described Ilien as holy in the eyes of his false god.  If any have any knowledge of Ilien’s history that might explain why, that could be most helpful to all of us as we consider the threat facing Anuire.  Or if any had the resources to study Ilien’s history."

"Should the expedition fail to produce any useful evidence, it is my intention to travel to southern Aduria to see if I might find where Shaitan has located himself or his false church."