OOC: MOC has also joined us. - And I would really prefer if we did this on the forum. (Like mentioning Carthage should be destroyed)
But, onward.
IC:
Rashid, smiling at Elamien adds; "While I would gladly let my beautiful wife steal the stage, as the Patriarch of Elinie and host of this gathering, I must welcome you all for coming."
Continuing more somberly, Rashid says; "I am aware that several of you, have felt the hand of Manethander in your own lands. He has been reaching from his tomb for years, now."
"We have all had our fights against his agents. Our wins and our losses. What we stand before now, is more grim than I had ever hoped for."
Looking each of the present people in the eye, he speaks again. "Manethander has the Book of Law that OIT lost. You will note, that they are not present here today. Such was the impact of that blow from agents of Manethander."
"His minions and his own vile presence, has been working with it for two whole seasons. Seeking a way to pervert its words to undo the prison my forefather, Daouta ibn Hammoud, placed him in, so long ago."
"He will succeed in that goal, by the Eve of the Dead."
"So. Our mission is not of leisure. It is of necessity. What we have felt so far, is but the faint trailings of darkness emanating from Manethander. If released, he might well prove as formidable in his own way, as the Gorgon. More so even, for his ability to turn the minds of men, making his armies not goblins and dwarves, but our cousins, sisters and brothers."
"We know Tshalen has gone missing. Along with a core of highly skilled units. Archduke Osoer will tell us more on that, in a moment."
"We also know, that for all appearances, the Mhor lost men to Tshalen, where they struck not one blow in return. At this juncture, the only thing the two armies had in common, was that they entered the Grey Hills, and have not been seen or heard from ever since. - Mhor, have you found any evidence to the opposite?"
"Lastly, the creature known as the Ogre is still unaccounted for. And he too has units under his command. The Sword Mage and others have faced him before, and he alone is formidable."
"To be honest with you, I remain doubtful, that the forces of arms we have between us, is enough to deplete Manethanders forces in a pitched battle."
"The duty of our armies then, is to protect us, and provide cover and distraction, while we locate and break into the tomb of Manethander."
"Once there, it will be up to us. With Blood and valor, only we have a chance to stand before Manethanders manipulations."
"We are a disparate group. We have our own histories and conflicts, and in this struggle Manethander may prey upon those. To tempt you to do things that will doom our mission. Resist this urge, should you feel it, to solve disputes of realm or honor while on this mission."
"We go, armed as we are, with tools against any known kind of undead."
"But facing this evil, the final solution may only be found in situ. In the tomb itself."
"Steel yourselves."
With that, Rashid yields the floor to whom ever wish to speak next.
