[h3]Day 1[/h3] [h1]Reports[/h1] [h3]Treasury[/h3] The reports received last night indicate that the current treasury amounts to... [img]http://s29.postimg.org/olok7swgj/GOLD.png[/img] [h3]Territories[/h3] The reports received last night indicate that the number of loyal provinces amount to... [img]http://s29.postimg.org/h6z8ffakz/Teritories.png[/img] [h3]Esteem[/h3] [img]http://s29.postimg.org/3sm5je3x3/Standing_Bars.png[/img] [h3]Morale[/h3] [img]http://s29.postimg.org/5vwkr23pz/Morale_Bars.png[/img] [h1]Report End[/h1] [center] The rays of the rising sun peeked through the long windows of the Throne Room, merely glancing inside as the Fortress flew through a dense patch of clouds. The Imperial Guard were standing stoic next to the decorated columns, their armor glistening slightly as the thin rays passed them slowly, standing at attention and saluting Aleko as he approached the center of the room. The large chamber was still and silent, save for the slight echoes of the Halfling’s footsteps across the marble floor before he reached the carpet and the occasional rustling of the guard’s armor as they adjusted their stance. The stillness of the room was interrupted by the large gates of its front entrance opening giving way to the flowing white robes and sharp tapping of the gnarled staff on the floor as the newcomer approached Aleko. Cyrus bowed his head once he was close to the young Emperor “[b]Good morning, sire.[/b]” His gray eyes scanned over Aleko and a small smile appeared on his lips “[b]Eager to take your rightful place early I see. Tis’ good to see your dedication.[/b]” The Imperial Wizard proceeded to place his free hand on the staff, leaning on it which only accentuated his hunched posture. “[b]The servants told me that you requested a number of documents and reports regarding our general situation. That and judging by your appearance, if you would allow me, I assume you didn’t get much sleep.[/b]” Cyrus paused, closing his eyes for a brief moment before continuing “[b]Its is good to see you are dutiful and take your responsibilities serious, sire, but if you would allow me an early advice, you should take care of yourself properly. On that notice, would you like to join me for breakfast?[/b] “ After a bit, Aleko and Cyrus reached the Dining Hall where one could notice that a great number of the Fortress’ staff were breaking their fast. Only a few of the faces were familiar, such as the generals Rougan and Pepper apparently enjoying a rich breakfast what appears to be a pleasant conversation. Another person Aleko would recognize would be the Lizardman T’chun, rushing through the exit carrying a plate of cooked vegetables, no doubt hurrying to get back to his work. Right at the bar, one couldn’t help but notice the dark and lightly plated robes of Markov, sticking out like a sore thumb. One wouldn’t normally expect any Undead to be in the Dining Hall for obvious reasons, yet there was the general himself, apparently nursing a tall glass of sparkling white wine which seems untouched. The Imperial Wizard offers Aleko a seat at a vacant table and shortly after a servant with a small note approaches and gives both of them a proper bow along with morning greetings and asked what they would like for breakfast this morning. While waiting for their food to come, Cyrus briefly glanced behind Aleko, apparently a little further away at a more crowded table were some off-duty guards having a card game, Bojor Ironfist, Marcus Gwynpath and Eamon Weissnout were among the players and judging by their facial expressions, the Anthro envoy was winning. “[b]I can imagine this is all very different from your former life. Living as an officer of a militia from a small provincial town and then virtually over-night out-ranking virtually everyone.[/b]” Cyrus almost immediately drooped his gaze after finishing that sentence as if he had said something rude “[b]My pardon for being improperly personal, sire. I only wish to ensure that you are adjusting to your new life without much trouble. [/b]“ After a bit, Aleko and Cyrus found themselves chatting about the information that the Halfling gathered last night, the different troops available, the moral and economical state of the Empire and the provinces under their control. By the time their food arrived, Cyrus told him a bit about the Emperors of the past, a subject which Aleko seemed familiar whit much to the Imperial Wizard’s delight. Oddly enough, when wanting to talk about the Halfling’s father, Cyrus was visibly hesitant, telling him that they may speak more in detail about that some other day. The Wizard then inquired something “[b]Sire, if I may ask, have you formed any opinions about the generals and envoys? They are important and their aid necessary for our campaign to succeed, yet I would like to know your thoughts about them if you will permit, ofcourse.[/b]” After the conversation and after they both finished their breakfast, Cyrus asked Aleko to accompany him for a little more, leading the Halfling out of the Dinning Hall and towards the Map Room. On their way, they passed by many people, all seemingly heading in the opposite direction and bowing their heads on the way while passing the Emperor and the Wizard. The Map Room was empty this time, dimly lit by the lamps and lampposts, the stone wrought eyes of the people on the carved walls seem to eerily follow the Emperor and Wizard’s movements as they walked to the center of the room. Aleko stopped at the center, examining the room only now noticing the great carving of the Avalon Empire Crest on the ceiling, surrounded by the carving of 4 small stone dragons holding the lamps in their mouths. Cyrus in the meantime appeared to retrieve a an elongated box from under the large wall carving of the map witch gave the room its name. The box was made of dark cherry wood and decorated with gold-coated hinges as well as a small lock and a crest of the Empire on its lid. “[b]Your…coronation..[/b]” Hesitation was practically tangible when Cyrus said the word “[b].. will begin soon, sire. Let us go to the Throne Room now.[/b]” And with that, the two were once again walking through the hallway heading to the large room where they first met today. Once the large double doors of the Throne Room were in sight, one could notice that there were more Imperial Guards than usual on each side of the hallway leading to the room, each of them standing at attention and holding a salute as Aleko passed them by, two of the guards saluted and then proceeded to open the large doors for them, revealing a radically different room from what Aleko found himself earlier this morning. The Fortress rose above the clouds and as such the golden rays of the sun bathed the Throne Room, and the guests, in grossly incandescent luminosity. The once empty room was now filled with people, practically elbow to elbow, some were familiar faces, like the envoys, the generals and a few others yet most were like the people who occupied the Dining Hall, servants, guards and some workers, all here to attend the would-be-coronation of their new emperor. The noise of chatter which could be heard from just outside the room now fell silent as the people all turned their gazes to face Aleko and in a matter of mere moments they stepped aside, clearing a path through the crowd leading to the vacant throne. A large number of gazes were set upon the Halfing, some welcoming, others less so yet all had one thing in common, they were eager to see what their new emperor could accomplish. Cyrus gave a smile and an approving nod when Aleko turned his gaze to him as if hoping the Wizard would give him some answer and they proceeded to walk towards the throne where it would seem Scribe was waiting next to it , Aleko leading and Cyrus following closely holding on to the box he was still carrying. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNbcEPdJEg]Theme 1:54 – 4:07[/url] When they were just in front of the throne, the Halfing and the Wizard turned to face the crowd. All eyes were upon them, upon Aleko more than anyone. Scribe gave the future emperor a deep bow and then stood at attention, eagerly waiting to scribble away at the scroll he was holding. Cyrus cleared his throat and then addressed the crowd. “[b]People, comrades, friends. Today marks the end. The end of our search, the end of our doubts, the end of our disbelief. Today, we proved that there is still hope ! Hope that an age of peace and prosperity will come, an age like it was so many generations ago when our Empire was formed, an age when all our people would come together as one. This war has taken a great toll on us all and I am afraid it is far from over…However… Today is when we stop fighting to survive, to flee, to be afraid. Today, we start fighting back. Today we begin our campaign against those misguided ,who would throw our home back in the Pre-Unity ages. The death of our late emperor and his family marked the beginning of a dark time ahead for us all, yet we are here to tell all that there is still hope ! That the noble bloodline of our emperors who ruled Avalon for the very beginning has yet to run dry ! In our darkest hour, this young man presented himself like a lighthouse in the midst of a storm, a beacon of hope to guide us through, to channel our courage and strength, to shoulder the needs of the land and hear the call for justice ! All this without so much as a flinch ![/b]” “[b]My people, my comrades, my friends… I present to you, Aleko Sendrakon, first of his name, last of the Sendrakon bloodline and true emperor of the realm.[/b]” Cyrus let go of his gnarled staff ,which started to float by itself nigh an inch off the ground and waiting patiently behind its owner, as he proceeded to open the wooden box and presenting Aleko with its contents. Inside the box was a scepter, about as long as Aleko’s forearm, made of solid gold and glistening in the sunlight. The rod was polished felt steady on grip, the head was housing a rather rough and edgy pale sapphire, held in place by the top decoration wrought in the shape of a pair of dragons circling the gemstone. “[b]This, sire…[/b]” The Wizard said as Aleko reached to take the scepter “[b]..is the Scepter of Sefnir, one of the few artifacts of the Ancient Times, a relic held and passed down the Imperial bloodline from Arkturious Sendrakon himself. All the Emperors of Avalon have held this scepter and now it is your turn.[/b]” The moment Aleko set his hand on the scepter, the pale sapphire at the top flashed, so briefly that perhaps no one other than the young Emperor, and maybe Cyrus, may have noticed. A strange sensation of familiarity could be felt, similar to how a blacksmith would feel when picking up his hammer or how a solider would feel when tightening his grip upon the handle of his weapon, so too did it feel when Aleko held the scepter in hand, examining it closely for a moment before turning his eyes to the crowd. The people were all apparently captivated in the moment. No one made a sound and all their attention was focused on Aleko. Voicing perhaps what everyone in the room may have been waiting for, Cyrus whispered aside to the newly ‘crowned’ Emperor “[b]Sire, would you perhaps say a few words to your people?[/b]” After the speech, the whole room was cheering. ‘Hail Emperor Aleko Sendrakon’ could be heard, along with ‘Glory to the New Avalon Empire’, the Imperial Wizard smiled proudly to Aleko and then gave him a formal bow. The celebration was short-lived however, after a few more cheers and the occasional toast in the new Emperor’s health, the Throne Room slowly started to empty until the only ones left were the Imperial Guards, the Imperial Wizard, the newly crowned Emperor and Scribe. Cyrus got hold of his staff, once again leaning heavily on it as he spoke “[b]While this may quite the…informal coronation and technically you are Emperor in name only, I wish to be the first to congratulate you, sire. It is only a matter of time until you will win back the crown and this war will be over, I have great faith in you and know that you have my full support in everything.[/b]” The Wizard stretched his back, letting a few faint pops being heard before he leaned back on his staff “[b]Speaking of which… It is time we all attend to our duties sire. No doubt the Generals and the Envoys have plenty of tasks which require your attention. I shall accompany you, should you have need for my advice.[/b]” Before they had the chance of walking away, the small Undead rushed to Aleko’s side and stood at attention, apparently Scribe also wanted to accompany the Emperor if only to record his deeds. Thus, Aleko’s duties as the Emperor and new leader of the New Avalon Empire have begun. [i]The Map Room[/i] [hr] The Generals were discussing and nearly arguing even before Aleko, Cyrus and Scribe made their entrance. Their attentions shifted to their new leader as he approached them in front of the large Map carving, the somewhat-dim lighting of the room alone would not be enough to get a proper look upon it, luckily enough, as Cyrus mentioned on their way here, the large map was enchanted with a bit of magic which was made apparent by the fact that the edges of the lands were glowing in different colorations representing their allegiance, blue for the Old Avalon Empire, red for the New, purple for the Stainless Empire and green for those neutral. The Generals were standing on each side of the map with the young Emperor and his followers directly facing it. “[b]Congratulations, sire.[/b]” Duncan was the first to speak, his helmet cradled in his left arm akin to a child while giving Aleko a formal salute by holding his heels together, his back straight, forming a fist with his right hand and holding it across his chest over where his heart would be. The Human General obviously wanted to say more yet before he had the chance, the Dwarf General spoke up “[b]Save ye’r adulation’ fo’ when it’ matters.[/b]” A few brief moments of silence passed in which Duncan and Bojor exchanged evil gazes “[b]Whot? This ai’n tha’ time ta’ be celebratin’. In case ye’ all hav’ forgotn’ , we’re in deep shite an’ we need ta’ do somethin’ bout’ that.[/b] “ The Dwarf concluded which made Duncan sigh deeply and return his attention back to Aleko. “[b]Pardons, sire. As always my colleague may lack tact, but he has a point.[/b]” The Human General then presented the large map to the Emperor “[b]As you may be aware of, the situation if quite dire. Allister’s Old Empire holds the grand advantage, having the large majority of the land under his control while Brune Emeberland is focusing his efforts in the Human Kingdoms, particularly about half of Wolfcore and a hefty portion of Mystraven while steadily trying to spread to the other three.[/b]” The Elven General then stepped forward “[b]However, while Emeberland himself is concentrating his efforts in the Human Kingdoms, his followers are spreading his influence among the other Races. The Dark Elves and Undead have little favor towards him, unsurprisingly, yet the Elves and Orcs sing a different tune and I fear that he may be starting to gain some significant support from the Dwarves. The Anthors, however, still seem reluctant, which is good news considering…[/b]” Pepper Bulkwyn then took over “[b]Whatever support or resistance Emberland is getting, the Old Empire is still pretty much the winning horse right now, the majority of the lands from each Kingdom have sworn their allegiance to Allister. Again, the Human Kingdoms are their main backbone, yet the supporters from all the other Kingdoms outnumber both Emberlands and ours, but by different variations…[/b]” The Dwarf General took out a thick cigar from under his coat as he walked “[b]Emberland an’ Allister are buttin’ heads agains’ eachother while we’re left with tha’ scraps an’ doin’ worse tha’n either o’ them.[/b]” He proceeds to light his cigar and take a quick smoke from it before continuing “[b]Az’ I sai’d, we’re deep in tha’ shite an’ need ta’ do somethin’ bout’ it. An’fast.[/b]” After a few moments of silent contemplation, Duncan turned his attention to the young Emperor, one hand still grasping at his helmet and the other behind his back “[b]Sire, it is clear that we need…nay, MUST expand our holdings if we wish to have the slightest chance at this war. The fighting is already happening, whatever semblance of a treaty is left will soon vanish and the people of Avalon will know that the war was never over once the battles occur in their backyard. As for your secrecy, sooner rather than later it will be common knowledge that the last Sendrakon heir has emerged, therefore I say there is no point in wasting our efforts in trying to keep you hidden.[/b]” The old general clears his throat “[b]My colleagues and I have gathered information regarding potential territorial expansions which we wish to relay to you for further orders.[/b]”The generals were now standing on each side of the large map carving, ready to inform Aleko on what they learned and hear what he decides to do with the information. --Duncan Primelyt-- The Human General steps closer to the map and with a gesture of his hand the outlines shift and turn, changing what the map shows. Instead of the whole of Avalon, the map was now focused on the 5 Human Kingdoms. “[b]As you can observe, sire…[/b]” Duncan was standing stoic, his voice clear and uncharacteristic for his age “[b]…The Kingdoms of Lioncross, Wolfcore and Mystraven are, for the moment, out of our reach. For now, we should concentrate our efforts in securing the allegiance of Eagleblade and Winterpeak as much as we can. Once we have a considerable mass of territory on both we can begin making plans to expand to the other Kingdoms.[/b]” The General then makes another gesture with his free hand which zooms the map upon the regions of Eagleblade. “[b]Eagleblade is often called the ‘Kingdom of Merchants’, for good reasons. Securing territories here will not only give us a good foothold but the profits through trade that the provinces provide will be most profitable. Particularly since Eagleblade has a potential connection to the sea, therefore I recommend we secure the allegiance of a province with a port-city.[/b]” Duncan approaches the map and circles with his finger a small province at the edge of the coastline “[b]The province of Whealbee, currently under the banner of the Old Empire, was attacked a few days ago by Emberland’s forces, stationed at the nearby province of Treadsheim. Whealbee’s troops managed to repel the attack but their defenses suffered greatly and the fortress close to town is no position to resist a second assault. [/b]“ Duncan then circles another province no to far from the port-city “[b]We could mobilize our forces from Falkheave to reach Whealbee within 3 or 4 days, capture the fortress with virtually no effort and then force the port-city to surrender to us, should they refuse we are in a strong position to take it by force though I hope it won’t be necessary.[/b]” Once Duncan finished his explanation, Markov Ashadde stepped in with a proposition “[b]Duncan, if I may? Treadsheim is also in a weakened state since they lost most of their troops in that failed assault. What if instead of Whealbee we march upon them? I doubt there will be much of any resistance left and once Treadsheim is under our control, we stand in a stronger position to convince Whealbee to surrender.[/b]” The Human General placed his free hand on his chin, pondering yet not interrupting his colleague. “[b]This way we could bring both Treadsheim and Whealbee under our control.[/b]” Markov finished and after a few moments of silence, Duncan nodded “[b]Indeed, Treadsheim has no fortress of its own, so it shouldn’t be much of a problem to conquer it. However, I doubt they will simply surrender out of fear from Emberland so a fight is going to be inevitable even if it will be an easy one. My concern is this…[/b]” Duncan clears his throat and then traces lines on the map as he spoke “[b]Our forces from Falkheave will need about a week to reach Treadsheim, lets assume the town will be ours within a single day, our troops will need one more day to get their bearings and then begin marching to Whealbee which they will need another 2 days to reach at best. I am worried that this may give them sufficient time to reinforce their defenses and would make both their surrender and defeat harder to achieve…[/b]” Duncan once again ponders for a few moments “[b]..Although… There is a chance this idea of yours could work, Markov.[/b]” He spoke yet in a significantly softer tone, before he finally turned his gaze back at Aleko “[b]The final decision is, ofcourse, yours, sire. What are your orders?[/b]” --Marteen Leafdancer-- The Elven General steps forward, wasting no time and switching the view on the large map carving to display a small portion on the southern edge of the Elven Kingdom. “[b]Sire, my homeland is one of the vastest and most resource-richest Kingdoms in the whole of Avalon. Every bit of territory we control from it is a strong step towards our victory in our campaign.[/b]” Marteen circles an allied province close to the borderline “[b]Our troops stationed at Fion’ebrad report that a messenger came yesterday with interesting news. It appears that the province of Graw’aa, currently aligned to Emberland, wishes to join our side…[/b]” The Elf General circles a rather close-by province from the one previously showed. “[b]..The message mentions that they are forced into submission by the troops stationed there. The mayor requests that we mobilize our troops upon them and promises us inside support from the town and their militia against Emberland’s troops. In exchange for their freedom, Graw’aa will pledge its allegiance to us. The mayor also asks us to hurry before there are exposed as traitors, apparently Emberland’s Inquisitors already began questioning the townsfolk.[/b] ” The General turns on his heel, his pale green eyes almost piercing through Aleko “[b]Mobilizing the troops from Fion’ebrad to Graw’aa would take about 4 days, maybe sooner, sire.[/b]” Marteen was silent yet his expression was anything but happy about his report. Pepper Bulkwyn couldn’t help but inquire “[b]You don’t seem all that glad about this plan. Is something bothering you?[/b]” The Elf General gave a slight ‘mphm’ before turning back at the map “[b]Sire, I suspect this may be a trap. If we were to march our troops, Fion’ebrad would be too lightly defended for my taste, considering that there is no fortress defending it. If we march our forces, the town will be vulnerable to a potential assault lying in wait nearby . I would recommend that we first send reinforcements to bolster their defenses before sending the troops to Graw’aa.[/b]” The Anthro General crossed her arms “[b]How long would it take to bring these reinforcements from a nearby allied province?[/b]” Marteen places both his hands behind his back, straightening his spine “[b]About 5 days[/b]” he answers curtly to which Pepper protested “[b]That means it will take you more than a week to finally launch the assault. In this whole time the Inquisitors would most probably have interrogated a large number of townsfolk and we all know what that means. The gallows would be littered with ‘traitors’![/b] “ The Elf General maintained his posture, visually unfazed by the Anthro’s remarks. “[b]It is a risk we may have to take if we..-[/b]“ Before he could finish his sentence, Pepper protested “[b]You can’t! They are your own people, you can’t just…-[/b]“ this time it was Marteen who interrupted her with a simple gesture of the hand “[b]It is our Emperor’s command that I will follow, not yours.[/b]” He then turned to face Aleko “[b]Sire, what are your orders?[/b]” --Bojor Ironfist-- A large puff of smoke makes way to the Dwarven General stepping forward “[b]A’ight, listen ‘ere an’ listen good.[/b]” He then manipulates the map to show a southern portion of the Dwarven Kingdom, where it meets with the shared border of the Human Kingdom of Winterpeak. Bojor circles a province which supposedly controls one part of the border “[b]This ‘ere is tha’ province o’ Paletower. A border-town which we’l be needin’ if we eve’r plan ta’ have a’n easier time in conquerin’ this ‘ere Human Kingdom ta’ tha’ north. Unfortunately, them boys ar’ bein’ under constan’ attack by tha’ forces from this ‘ere province..[/b]” He circles a neighboring Human province on the other side of the border. “[b]Northspark, I think it’s be called. One thing I known’ fo’ shure it’s be sworn’ ta’ Allister an’ his blasted Old Empire.[/b] “ Bojor turns around to face you, still smoking from his cigar “[b]Now, Paletower’s defenses be one hell’ ‘o a kind. Outh’a be since them boys managed ta’ repel attacks from Northspark time’ an’ time’ again’, now that be good’an all but…[/b]” he takes a long smoke “[b]..we need ta’ do somethin’ ta’ make sure it ain’t happenin’ again, we need ta’ take over Northspark an’ secure a real strong border-point fer’ ourselves in tha’ process.[/b]” He takes one last smoke before tossing the butt away “[b]Now, I’ realize that Northspark’s defenses ar’ preatty tough themselves....fo’ Human-made maesonry… not ta’ mention that them Wizards make lots’a problems also. But… They won’ be expectin’ ta’ be flanked by anoth’er force.[/b]” The Dwarven General turns around to circle a nearby province in Winterpeak “[b]This ere’ be tha’ province o’ Coldshire. If they be’ sendin’ their troops ta’ march on Northspark’s fortress from tha’ rear, tha’ town will send em’ reinforcements ta’ hold tha’ fort, while my’ boys be attackin’ tha’ town’ itsesalf, in less thaen a day an than its’ goin’ ta’ be a solid victory.[/b]” A hint of a smile was present on Bojor’s face, apparently he was pleased with himself yet not all shared the sentiment as Duncan stepped forward with a protest. “[b]One moment, Bojor. If we send the troops, Coldshire would be defenseless. It has no fortress to defend the town and it is dangerously close to a province controlled by the Stainless Empire, what if they observe this and decide to attack? Coldshire would be lost ![/b]” The Dwarf General’s hint-of-a-smile vanished bringing back his usual frowned expression “[b]If we work fast enougf’ tha’n we can send them troops back home az’ soon az’ tha’ town be ours an’ none woul’ be tha’ wizer.[/b] “ He then produces a new cigar from under his coat while Duncan once again protested “[b]You may be fine with taking that kind of a risk but I disagree.[/b]” Bojor then lit his cigar and took a short smoke “[b]Well, it ain’t yer call ta’ be made, mate.[/b]” The Dwarf General then eyes Aleko while taking another long smoke “[b]So, what’s it goin’ ta’ be laddy?[/b]” Once Aleko issued his orders and the plans were set into motion, the Generals bowed as the Emperor and his companions took their leave. Cyrus lead Aleko to the next place where his attention was required, namely the Council Chamber. [i]The Council Chamber[/i] [hr] The Council Chambers offered a distinct difference from the Map Room. The wooden floor, carpets and cushioned chairs offered comfort to the inhabitants during their stay, the gazes of the stone carved statues were replaced by the gazes of the portraits hanging on the walls though somehow they didn’t seem as menacing. The Envoys were already seated at the large table, conversing in a much more soft and mannered tone compared to the loud chatter of the generals. A pair of servants were standing behind them, close to the wall, armed with large jugs filled with wine, ready to be called. When Aleko and Cyrus entered the room, all the Envoys rose from their seats and bowed, each as gracefully as they could, offering warm welcomes to their Emperor, congratulating him on his coronation and asking him to take a seat on the vacant chair at the head of the table. “[b]Sire, we understand that you will mostly be busy with the military campaign..[/b]” Ethel Shroudmyr spoke as she sat back to her seat along with the rest of the Envoys “[b]..but surely you know that there is more to being a ruler of an Empire than simply having a strong arm and an inkling to military strategy.[/b]” The refined Half-breed lady gracefully picked up her chalice of wine and took the tiniest of sips before continuing her idea “[b]An Emperor needs to be diplomatic, clever and sly at times. You must keep the people happy if you wish for them to support you.[/b]” She puts the chalice down and then places both her hands over her lap “[b] Fear can also do the trick though which you find easier is up to you, ofcourse.[/b]” Her mismatched eyes were affixed on Aleko, as if looking right through his soul, one eye judging it to the essence while the other seemed to offer comfort, even if it may be in the smallest of dozes. Markus Gwynpath cleared nodded “[b]Milady Shroudmyr is correct, sire. Now that you are here we may begin our discussions, there are a few important issues which require your attention and ultimately your judgment.[/b]” The Envoys were now sitting on each side of the table, ready to begin discussion. --Marcus Gwynpath-- “[b]Sire..[/b]” Marcus’ voice betrayed his age in spite of his appearance “[b]..as you may know, wars have grave consequences upon the common folk, many losing family and home during this dark time. We found that some of our provinces have been overflowing with refugees and I have received many letters from the mayors claiming that provisions are limited and something must be done if they wish to be able to support so many people.[/b]” Eamon Weissnout shook his head and made light ‘tsk’ sounds. “[b]Poor people. I can’t imagine how it is to lose everything. War can be much more taxing upon the commoners.[/b]” The Human Envoy nodded “[b]Indeed and the Stainless Empire is not making it any easier, especially for us.[/b]” That statement attracted some attention “[b]Many of the refugees in our provinces from the Human Kingdoms come from the provinces loyal to Emberland. The majority being Half-Breeds and their families fleeing from the persecution and…[/b]” Marcus grimaced for a slight moment “[b]..the so-called ‘purge’ of the Inquisition.[/b]” A few moments of silent contemplation passed before Ethel Shroudmyr spoke “[b]Well in this case, the solution is quite simple, my dear sir.[/b]” The Human Envoys rose an eyebrow in suspicion and paired his hands “[b]Do tell..[/b]” he said softly “[b]The supplies from each province is limited, especially in this time of war…[/b]” she answered “[b]…and there won’t be a shortage of refugees anytime soon. Thus, the solution is obvious : Turn the refugees away from our provinces.[/b]” The other envoys were struck with silence for a few long moments until Gymor Cloudkeeper stuttered “[b]M..m.m-m-Mi…Milady, are you…are you serious about this? Turn refugees…away?[/b]” Ethel seemed unfazed “[b]Not ALL refugees ofcourse. Only those that are not from our side. These refugees made their choice in allegiance, now let them deal with the consequences.[/b] “ Marcus was tightening his grip to the point where one could faintly hear the material from his white gloves stretch “[b]These people have lost everything and are viewed as…outcasts, worse, criminals to be executed! By the very faction they supported ! Don’t you think they suffered enough? Don’t they deserve our sympathy?[/b]” The Darkelf Envoy gently touched the obsidian gemstone on her chest as she spoke “[b]Indeed, they do deserve my sympathy and they have it, but this war did not start yesterday. They made their choices in who they support and on which side they stand when it started, we have our own refugees and we take care of them, if the faction they supported does not care about them then what do they expect us to do? Simply welcome them with open arms when we barely have the capacity of caring for our own?[/b]” Her tone was never raised, her calmness was akin to the waters of the Frozen Sea, calm and cold as ice. “[b]My thoughts go to them and I wish we could do more to help them, yet the reality is that we simply can not. Not unless we cripple ourselves and that won’t help anyone.[/b]” Eamon Weissnout stood solemnly, his gaze pointed downward and with a deep sigh he spoke “[b]Mmmm…As much as it pains me to say it, Milady is right. Burdening ourselves with more refugees than we can manage will cause more damage than good. It’s a hard choice but such is the way of war…[/b]” Marcus placed his palms flat on the table as if he was ready to stand up “[b]I’m sorry…but, I can’t believe what I’m hearing. We cannot simply turn away desperate people in need for help to fend for themselves![/b] “ He then turns to Aleko “[b]Sire, what do you say about this?[/b]” --Ludwyn Groverunner-- The Elven and Undead Envoys were the only ones at the table not drinking wine, the Elf instead had a porcelain cup filled with a warm, thick, green, tea-like beverage which emanated a rather strong floral scent in its vicinity. “[b]Sire, I will not lie to you, the current state of affairs in our campaign is not doing well and what is even more troubling is that this is common knowledge even among the common folk. After so long a period of war, great losses and comparably poor general state of affairs, the people are, as one would expect, loosing heart in our cause and I hear that there are many who would consider abandoning our cause if only for the hope of a better lifestyle.[/b]” Ludwyn’s bright green gaze never left his cup until he took a sip after speaking then stared at Aleko, straight in the eyes “[b]Something must be done to bolster their confidence and help give the common folk some peace of mind and I may have a solution, with your blessing.[/b]” A few moments of silence passed in which the other Envoys paid attention, waiting for the Elf to continue “[b]I have discussed with my people and have come to a proposition, I recommend a pilgrimage of Druids to travel to the different provinces aligned to us, imparting blessings of Nature, tending to the needy and restoring faith in our cause and above all, bring a semblance of solace in the hearts of the people.[/b]” A few moments of consideration passed before Gymor Cloudkeeper inquired “[b]A pilgrimage of Druids to ALL the provinces under our banner? Even from the other Kingdoms than the Elven Kingdom?[/b]” Ludwyn simply answered with a “[b]Yes.[/b]” The next question came from Marcus Gwynpath “[b]I assume the Druid Pilgrims will perhaps request donations from the folk sometimes?[/b]” The Elven Envoy apparently sensed the suspicion in the Human’s tone “[b]Quite the opposite in fact..[/b]” he answered with a hint of superiority in his tone “[b]..The Druid Pilgrims are actually given a sum of income which THEY will donate to the needy wherever they pass and whenever is needed. No donations of coin are needed or ‘requested’, all that is asked for the folk to take a moment and lend a listening ear to what they have to say.[/b]” Eamon Weissnaut was tapping the table with the mechanical fingers of his prosthetic arm “[b]I assume that this sum of coins that they will disperse among the needy will be provided by the Imperial Treasury, no?[/b]” Ludwyn simply nodded in confirmation as he took another sip from his beverage to which the Anthro Envoy glanced in your direction “[b]Just making sure[/b]”. The Dwarven Envoy seemed pleased with the idea “[b]I see no fault in this, surely once cannot simply put a price on the peace of mind and soul of the people, no? I say we commit to sir Groverunner’s proposition.[/b]” The discussion seemed all settled and the Envoys decided to take a brief brake to refresh themselves before resuming to discussing other affairs. “[b]Sire, a moment if you may..[/b]” Korvius Frosthand called, apparently wanting to discuss something away from the ears of the other Envoys. “[b]Quite the charitable idea, sir Groverunner’s proposition no?[/b]” the grin on the Undead Envoy’s face was just as malicious as it was the first time the two met. “[b]Sire, I also just had an idea which may benefit us more in the eyes of the people. You know that a pilgrimage is considered a sacred act, a pious and pacifist movement with the best of intentions for the masses. Only the most heinous and cold-hearted would dare cause any harm to a pilgrimage…[/b]” feeling suspicious, Aleko inquired with a vary tone for the Undead to elaborate to which he complied “[b]What I am saying, sire, is that if someone were to let deceiving information slip to our opponent factions that, say, a small squad of Elven soldiers would move through the land under the guise of Pilgrims, one can expect that they would respond by stopping them from whatever plan they may try to complete… in a deadly fashion only for the world to discover that all they did was mercilessly end the lives of innocent Pilgrims.[/b]” The Undead Envoy could clearly see the disapproval of the Emperor after explaining his proposition as he tried to convince the Half-breed “[b]Sire,I know that what I am proposing is morally and ethically questionable, yet as my colleague said before, the situation we are finding ourselves in our campaign is dire and we need to grasp every advantage we can manage. The people will find their spirits bolstered with the Pilgrims arrivals and after their death they will raise their fists against the faction that murdered them, how loyal and up-lifted do you think their own people will be once they hear that the leaders they support would do such a thing?[/b]” A few moments of silence passed between them before Korvius lightly bowed his head “[b]Just say the word, sire and I will take care of the rest. You will never be linked to this, I promise.[/b]” [/center]