Albearaca, the Dead City
Albearaca is a pitiful sight, crumbled shops and buildings on all sides, so ruined that it seems like they might collapse at a moment's notice. As your eyes scan the streets, you notice a few figures, perhaps human, perhaps orcish, or perhaps some other race, hiding in the dead stores. They might have been nomads, seeing this city as salvation from the wars of the larger cities, but Albearaca can by no means support them for long. Soon enough, they'll move out.
The arrangements are to meet in the old palace of Albearaca, to discuss future arrangements. Armies are to stay at least twenty miles from Albearaca during the talks, or it will be seen as a declaration of war.
The representative of Rem, Lord Azi, is wrapped in white silk, even down to his fingers, revealing only his tattooed head, scarred in resemblance to a skull. He carries two ornate daggers, quite possibly made from bone. He is accompanied by two guards, wrapped in grey silk and masked to look like demons, carrying spears.
The orcish representative, Chief Urin, wears a gold breastplate and carries a large, thin sword. His features are strangely human, he seems to have shaved and wrapped his hair into a ponytail. His guards are two orcs, less well groomed than their leader, and armed to the teeth.
Finally, the Lord Magi of Manna, Yuran, wears a crimson robe, adorned with black details. He carries a large, golden staff wears a variety of jewelry. Two, identically dressed guards accompany him, dressed in black robes and carry scroll cases on their belts.
Alright, go wild guys. Feel free to introduce your characters, describe them in as much detail as you want, interact with the PCs and NPCs.
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Letting his arm rest on the hilt of his longsword Stefan leaned back against a wall, calmly listening for any hints of fighting among the smaller nations. His only other visible armament is a shortsword strapped across his lower back. He has long clothing on, though his only armor is a right-side shoulder protector and a buckler strapped over the short sword.
His two bodyguards are a boy, not older that 15 and a gruff looking man. The boy has a long katana strapped across his back, the pommel connected to a crescent blade via a long chain wrapped around his arm. The man has a number of throwing knives strapped across his body, and probably more hidden, across his back is a spear.
Jaffekiah Sul sits on a makeshift bench, he is a small, wiry man. Perhaps no older than 23 or 24 human years. His features are bland, he stands out in no particular way, except for his grey eyes. They pierce the gloom of this meeting with such conviction it is difficult to maintain direct eye-contact with him, without fearing that he knows more than you would wish about yourself.
Behind stands an impressive man, nearly seven feet tall and four feet wide at his shoulders. He stands in a way that hints at years and years of training, his muscles bulge and twitch constantly. A long scar runs the length of his face, disappearing somewhere beneath his jawline, blending in with his hairline.
Jaffekiah has not spoken a word since arriving, he seems to be listening to all sides of each demand. His face is grim, he shifts slightly and the tall guard crouches with a grace unexpected from such a large figure. He seems to be whispering to the man, however neither show any emotion on their faces. Truly diplomats through and through... even their warriors.
What do you mean by 'slave nation?' Do they keep a lot of slaves, trade a lot of slaves, or are they all slaves? That could be interesting, a nation that is entirely slaves owned by the abstract entity of the nation, maybe ruled by a single figure who is himself nominally a slave, or a council in the same way. I have slaves; are they my subjects?
"To whom did you sell Prince Alzimbagra? I hope you got a price worth these threats of war. Did you have no concern for the well-being of royalty?
"My small friends, I may be able to assist in the recovery of your prince, if, that is, you return to me the mines you illegally took from Tarrask 60 years ago. You took advantage of my grandfather's commitment to defend against our mutual enemy, the Orcs, and put two hundred of our slaves to the sword." Alfred's wild eyes fix on the gnome, making him uncomfortable. Alfred IX, Furst von Tarrask, is dressed in a black tunic, emblazoned with the crest of Tarrask, over simple leggings. His large, intimidating figure is flanked by two even more imposing figures. They are shaped like men, dressed in full length black habits, but one has small horns, like a ram's, and the other has talons at the tips of his splayed toes. No boots would fit those feet. Both have leathery skin, almost a hide. Alfred is physically normal, though his arms are covered in ritual scars.
"We did help them. One day, the Beast will break free and destruction will reign across the earth. By preforming the proper sacrifices and rituals we hold that day off. Some must die that others may live. We, as the caretakers of the Beast, make those decisions. When the Apocalypse comes, those villagers will walk again as the foot soldiers of the Beast. Their part in the Apocalypse will be glorious. They, and you, should thank us for granting them the role of sacrificial victims.
"As for how we will help you, we will see what we can do, but I assure you that your prince will not long remain in the hands of Manna." He turns and whispers in the ear of the horned lictor, who turns and runs off in the direction of the Tarrasker camp. "I have sent for funds with which to bargain with Manna. My man should return by morning. Now, as to my requests, will you agree?"
OOC: Sorry for ceasing to exist for a while, it's been a long, long week.
IC: Stefan slowly walks over toward the arguement between the two soutern human nations trying to figure out what is going on, but more importantly, who Azi favors. Preferably, Stefan will wait until the arguement ends to speak with one of the human lords, but if Azi is favoring one, Stefan will step in to "back" the other.
Jaffekiah stands briskly as the representative of Urin addresses him in a rude manner.
Awaiting for the man to pause, Jaffekiah speaks, "Do not disrespect yourself with such a boisterous manner of addressing your needs. Nicander is a free state, it has been since it's inception and will be till the end of time. You have been told in the past that you and your men are welcome within our boarders at your slightest desire. However, as for handing over so called dissidents, I have no intention. Our city-state has not existed on betraying it's people, and we certainly shan't begin because of your feeble attempts at saber-rattling." His voice is just short of beautiful, it nearly sounds like his voice exists on many vocal frequencies, almost androgynous. A faint base vibrates in the chests of those around him, while a lilting alto calms the nerves of those around him.
OOC: Can someone please tell me what the special abilities of the Illithid/Mind Flayer are? Apparently Wizards of the Coast is muscling websites that offer that information into removing it because it's considered patented or something like that.
"Orc, you insult my land, my people, and my tenets. You are, as I have mentioned in the past as well as just now, welcome to our city. Where if you would choose, may hunt down and incarcerate your own people. I have no interest in assisting you with this activity, however... I also shall not slow your progress." Jaffekiah's eyes darted from the lead orc to his two body guards, and then back to his leader.
Urin considers for a moment. "You make a fair offer. I will send a group of soldiers to your city, with a message bearing my signet, for that task."
After the two smaller human nations finish their arguement, Stefan will step up to one of them, doesn't really matter which.
"I see you have a... conflict one your hands, is there any way I can be of service? Perhaps aiding in your effort to obtain rights to that oasis that I can imagine you must like to have free of that other nation."
If there is no real stop to the arguement, Stefan will go speak to the representative of the dwarven nation, after all no reason to deprive Crimilia of possible business.
"Well, if it's an apology your looking for, you might want to speak with Azi instead, he's the one who hired my mercenaries. Would you demand repentance from a weaponsmith if he sold the weapon that killed a freind or the killer himself? However, if you wish to get back your artifact, you could hire my men as well, I'll even give you a discount in leu of recent events."
"What sort of price are we talkin' here? You'd better be offering a serious discount to...ease the pain a little."
Meanwhile, the arcmage approaches Jaffekiah Sul. "Sir, I believe that you are the representitive from Nicander? I would like to speak with you regarding some...sensitive information. In a few weeks, possibly sooner depending on conditions, my country will be recieving a package, which we would like to get to us without it being opened. However, there is an issue, as it requires us to travel across the mountains. We cannot affoard to give much military might towards its guard, so we need your help. We believe that if we could bring it through Nicander, it could simply be put on a trade caravan to Mana, have someone lose the paperwork, and there would be no problem. Would you be willing to help?"
"well, the price itself is negotiated based on the agreement we come to, what unit or units you want, the actual mission, things like that. But we can start with a 25% discount and move from there if you like.
Jaffekiah Sul contemplates Yuran's request for a moment before speaking.
"Lord Magi, it is an honor." The intoxicating timbre of sound that parts the young ruler's lips brings an unexpected peacefulness to Yuran's heart, if only for a moment. The wiry man, with the grey eyes continues, "It pleases me that you call upon our services for transport and I appreciate your honesty. I believe that you will find our services," he pauses for a moment as if looking for the right word, "perfect."
Jaffekiah Sul's eyes never falter, nor flick about the room. His focus reminds Yuran of a master hunter's arrow, aloft, and bearing on its mark. This ruler's reputation precedes him; Yuran has heard rumors of Jaffekiah Sul's skills of debate, of negotiation, and deal brokering. Tales whispered during breaks in negotiations have spread rumors of his uncanny ability to convince the most devout opponents to concur with his stance on next to anything.
“…pensation of course.” With a sickening shock, Yuran’s daydreams burn off like valley fog in the rays of the morning sun. “How long had Jaffekiah Sul been speaking, how long had he been daydreaming, what had this ruler just said? Something about compensation, was he requesting money, trade resources, or nothing at all?” The final option worried the arch mage the most; nations were lost due to poor negotiations.
The quietness hung about the two, Jaffekiah Sul’s eyes drilled into Yuran. Then, a slight grin spread across the bland face of the young man. “Perhaps today’s discussions weigh heavily upon you, Lord Magi. Would you like for me to repeat my offer? I mind not, it has been quiet a long time since we’ve all had a chance to congregate and minor misunderstandings should not be taken as direct insults.” Jaffekiah Sul smiled warmly at Yuran; his androgynous voice soothed and sated the arch mage’s nerves.
“If it pleases you, Lord Magi, I want you to find safety for any item that you send through our boarders. Furthermore, with your interest in this package’s secrecy… our nation can provide some additional aid. Though, I must ask, does this item require significant space for storage? For, I’m sure you would understand that something of great might may draw a good deal more attention from certain onlookers and would require a bit more preparation on our part. And of course, all these preparations would require a certain level of compensation.”
"Naturally. The package has a three-by-three foot base, and is a little over five and a half feet tall. Unforunetly, Manna, while being a prosperous country, will not be officially involved in the moving of this package, and therefore the amount of monet that would be required to make payment cannot be removed from the treasure. Strictly speaking, this package is to have never existed. However, I was wondering if perhaps we could substitute payment, gold for a spell?"
Jaffekiah Sul's eyebrows arched slightly, "Hmm, yes, I do believe we can come to an agreement. I believe that a mass enchantment would best benefit my people. Perhaps a mass hasten spell... not only would that aid in the delivery of your parcel, but my kingdom's caravans would be even better protected."
OOC: If this isn't a possibility, then perhaps we could devise a different option.
"You speak wisely, sir. Perhaps I should suggest a different price then for the offer of safekeeping and travel that my lands can give. In return for not opening, and allowing this package to arrive at the location of your choosing, I ask for a retainer."
Jaffekiah Sul allows for a moment of silence and continues, "This retainer shall of course hold citizenship of your fair lands, but he or she will be subject to my kingdom's rule. Certainly a city-state such as yourself can release one of it's magical casters in return for Nicander's word that your package will be handled with the utmost care."
Jaffekiah Sul weights his words, as his androdgenous voice subtlety stresses choice words and terms. His tone and inflections are overlooked by those within earshot.
"No, certainly not." Jaffekiah Sul's eyes sparkle as he speaks.
"We will offer your mage the very best in all things, including every and all benefits associated with a citizen of our humble lands. However, we expect this person to bring with him or her a dutiful and beneficial skill over the 'ether'."
"In that case I'm going to need more specifics on what this entails, from there we can negotiate, perhaps come up with an agreement for some other type of payment. I can't think of anything off-hand, but I'm sure we can work something out."
"That is a wonderful thing, please tell me more about this package. I will certainly see to it that it arrives unopened and secure."
"The Hizalacian mountains boarder our lands, we would loose significant natural defenses. Not to mention that you have just requested that territories should no longer grow in size, but, in the same breath you contradict yourself and request the entire mountain range to be added to your resources. Please, Master Magi, even that seems a bit much to swallow." Jaffekiah Sul's voice drips with sarcasm.
"What's more, Magi, who would you propose to head these trials? Perhaps you would suggest yourself? This is unacceptable, your offer leaves Nicander wanting, and I would rather tread lightly were I you." Jaffekiah Sul's androgynous voice peaks and dips in a rhythmic pattern.
"You can't have the mountains. My nation is in those mountains. And your claim that they are devoid of valuable resources is also false. The Beast has granted us ample mines filled with iron ore. I imagine you'd try to take those too? No, you go too far and we none of us will stand for it.
"Your basic proposal is also without merit. How can we be expected to give up conquest? What else are rulers to do? Do you expect us to farm? And how can we be sure of the neutrality of your proposed judges? No, this meeting provides us with a good opportunity to settle some issues that have haunted us for a long time, but perpetual peace is not only impossible, but undesirable."
"We all have certain desires, desires which we will go to no lengths to fulfill. I believe that perhaps this topic should be laid to rest and perhaps we can move on to others, of loftier intents."
Alfred stares for a moment. "Not accepted? What exactly do you mean? You throw the sacrifice in the hole. It falls. We never see it again. Sometimes there's screaming, sometimes not. Sometimes there's rumbling, sometimes not. How was it not accepted? This is a simple process, how could you people screw it up in my absence?"
Jaffekiah Sul's eyes sparkle at this news and motions for his guard to come close. He turns to whisper in the brute's ear, it is unknown what Sul's message is.
After a brief moment, the man nods slowly and stands he turns and begins to make his way from the room back into the halls that lead to the city. He seems to be in a bit of a rush.
Alright Josh, just send me your orders for the body guard at your convenience."
OOC: Heh, I'll hopefully get that to you before the end of the day.
I wonder if you guys randomly check this post
I don't actually check anything. I have it set to automatically email me any new comments.
Was there something you wanted to do here? I could declare war, say the Beast made me do it, see what Jeremy comes up with for a system for mass warfare.
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