Yet another 'big' Edena post
Yes, this is another 'big' Edena post.
But first, I would like to welcome Melkor to the IR.
Hey there, my friend!
Melkor, this is a writing IR, for now.
Your character can write, and in doing so shape the history of the world, for the written word is powerful indeed.
It is a lot more powerful when you have access to the gnomish Printing Press of Domination - all books produced cause the reader to instantly and totally believe everything read!
9th level domination and 9th level mass suggestion spells, together with permanency and tongues (so all can understand the writing) make this ghastly invention a reality, giving new meaning to the phrase: the pen is mightier than the sword.
- - -
CREAMSTEAK POSTED
My battle plan is more or less to cut down the ability for the demons to increase numbers.
Wherever the demons win battles, and wherever they destroy the traditional defenses of the people, Gustav and his allies will strike somewhere else, preferably from behind the lines or from above.
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
These are devils, not demons. Minor point, since both groups of Fiends are destroyers.
You have succeeded in driving the devils and the Dark Crusaders out of Mulhorand, Damara, Narfell, Murghom, and Semphar - the countries of Imaskari.
For now, because this is a writing IR as of yet, you cannot go further (you would be invading someone else's countries.) Imaskari, I am ruling, is just not ready yet to invade someone else (I want to keep this a writing IR for now.)
- - -
SOLLIR POSTED:
The Fiends take an important role in this matter, and they do something that would perhaps be unexpected by them.
They welcome all the rebellious gnomes with open arms...
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
This fails.
The Enlightened Gnomes want nothing to do with the Fiends. They want to undo the mess their brethren have made.
The Gnomes of Lantan are greedy, hope for world domination, and are many other nasty things, but they are not stupid. They know the Fiends have eons of experience at bargaining, negotiating, and ultimately taking over.
The Gnomes of Lantan, do not wish the devils to take THEM over. Which is what will happen if they so foolishly make agreements with them. So, they make no such agreements. (Hellgate Keep, is not forgotten in Lantan.)
The gnomes of Lantan do not denounce the devils either, though.
The gnomes of Lantan, state they are neutral concerning the Dark Crusaders and the devils, just as they are neutral in other matters.
POSTED BY SOLLIR
Meanwhile...
Mirriam works dilligently to pen her next work, "Ascension, the Divine Right of the True Faith"
In of which, there will be details to an near-irreversable ritual to bond oneself with a fiend, slowly becoming more and more like a devil til one reaches the pinnacle of their ability. It would compel those to read it to follow this dangerous ritual, and would boost the ranks of the infernal hierarchy considerably once its effect would take place.
FROM EDENA
This is an evil book, even by the standards of the general evil of the domination books.
It's effects are gruesome and massive.
Very large numbers of the Dark Crusaders initiate the ritual to become devils. Many die, many turn into strange and horrible mutations, but most become devils.
We are talking about tens of thousands of people here, and if this trend is not stopped, it could run into the hundreds of thousands - the desecration of the Forgotten Realms, really.
This book is banned practically everywhere, I am assuming.
Unfortunately, that does not stop it's spread. Banned books have a way of finding their way around.
The Chosen of Mystra, neutral about Lantan, denounce this book as an atrocity, and request every copy be destroyed, and every person who is found with such a book arrested, detained, questioned, and magically probed (to save that person if possible, and to find out who else read that book, and if they can be saved.)
- - -
POSTED BY BUGBEAR:
In response to Mirriam's "Ascension, the Divine Right of the True Faith", Hannover fist commisions a second printing of Religion in an age of reason, in order to remind people that worshiping a god who causes nothing but misery, only spreads misery. By refusing to give a power venneration, you weaken it. I a new foreword, I ask that people do nothing to empower Asmodius, who is the true incarnation of Tyrrany in the multiverse, and embodiment of all that is oppressive and evil.
FROM EDENA - IMPORTANT
Bugbear, my genuine apologies, but your books are ... how do I put this? ... underpowered.
This goes for the works of William, Venus, Lichtenhart, and the others who did not use domination magic.
The problem is simple: they are using domination magic in their books, and you are not.
So, unfortunately, those who read your books merely mull over them, while those who read the domination books fanatically believe them.
I am not saying this is a good thing - it is an evil thing, really - but it is the case.
As a result, your efforts are not paying off.
The domination books written by Serpenteye, Sollir, and now even Kalanyr, are the ones people want to read (because everyone is yelling that these books should be read, because the books TOLD them to start yelling such.)
My regrets.
The only consolation I can give you is that the Countercharm is about ready.
- - -
POSTED BY WILLIAM
In response to the recently release works supporting the fiends, Ardan Turval releases an expanded version of his work oEthics: Divinity, Magic, Mortality, and the Multiverse.
He writes pamphlets condemning the summoning of fiends.
Ardan also writes several letters to the leaders of the Dauntless and the Free Nations of Faerun, urging reconciliation and mutual cooperation. He offers his services as a mediator, praising the coruage and resourcefulness of both factions and writing of shared interests and history.
FROM EDENA
William, see my post directly above yours, to Bugbear.
You have the same problem he does.
The Dauntless have declared the gnomes of Lantan an enemy.
The Free Nations of Faerun, led by the Chosen, maddenly insist on friendship and neutrality with Lantan (probably out of expediency.)
As a result of this, the Dauntless and the Free Nations are at odds with each other.
They ARE willing to appoint you as a mediator, because both see you as an eloquent speaker.
Consider yourself a mediator between the Dauntless and the Free Nations.
- - -
CREAMSTEAK POSTED
The Warriors Path
This lovely 900 page tome is the complete photo-genic and easy to read guide to 'how to be a fighter'. This guide is meant to compel the reader to be able to understand and comprehend the entire knowledge and talents to being a controled and skilled martial individual. It includes an appendix of different fighting methods from the overwhelming 'power attack' to the well to do use of 'expertise'. This lovely tome comes bound in a heavy case, and is included with a longsword. This package comes together with an incredible number of soft-bound books for individuals that need more specialized training like, "Who would wear full plate mail?" and "Why you should understand and respect long weapons and creatures with long arms."
The Metalworkers Guide to Armor and Weapons
FROM EDENA
Creamsteak, even YOU are suffering the problem bedeviling Bugbear and William and others (see my posts directly above.)
Your works, unsupported by domination magic, are selling very well in Imaskari.
Outside of Imaskari, they are not selling at all (although a few copies are released in the Free Nations.)
- - -
WILLIAM POSTED:
From Ardan Turval's "Light Beyond the Darkness: An Exploration of the Divine."
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
Again, this sells very well in the Free Nations, and among neutral countries.
However, in the Meritocracy, hardly a single copy gets sold. Everyone has been instructed by Serpenteye not to buy any books but his books, and ... well, they are following the domination effect and not buying other books!
And in the general chaos, it is becoming really hard to ship books across Faerun.
The Dark Crusaders, the anarchy as elements of the Meritocracy tries to take over nations, the nationalism in the City of Shade, the efforts by neutral countries to save themselves from this crazy gnomish magic ... books just aren't getting out.
- - -
MR DRACO POSTED:
Tanirth Daiwo begins work on a new book.
The Value of Freedom
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
Again, this is a hit in Imaskari.
Also, a lot of copies are distributed in the Free Nations.
However, elsewhere books just aren't getting through ... or people have been dominated into reading only what one person writes.
- - -
POSTED BY WILLIAM
Justice and Freedom by Ardan Turval
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
Same problems as above.
King Obold sends back a reply, stating that Serpenteye's character is wiser and more intelligent than ANYONE in the Free Nations or the Adamant, and why would anyone in their right mind not follow him???
How can you possibly speak of such lofty, noble things, and not be in the service of Aravah??!
The Church of Eilistraee is joining the Adamant, along with all the good drow.
So are the Churches of Eldath and Sune.
Skullport states it is neutral, and that things will remain that way.
The Skulls state anyone caught bringing Domination Books into Skullport will be killed, regardless of their alliegance.
- - -
WILLIAM POSTED
Ardan Turval asks his patrons to work on improving relations between the Dauntless, the Free Nations of Faerun, and the Imaskari.
FROM EDENA
Then you must talk directly with Creamsteak's character, for he now controls Imaskari.
As stated above, the Free Nations and Dauntless have chosen you as moderator between them (they are at odds with each other), but Lichtenhart, Kalanyr, Bugbear, and others are welcome to moderate as well.
- - -
WILLIAM POSTED
Ardan also contacts the dwarven and halfing peoples, urging them to stand with the Dauntless and the Free Nations against "fiend summoning tyrants and power-hungry fools who wish to enslave us all."
FROM EDENA
The dwarves and halflings, for the most part, already are standing with the Dauntless.
- - -
BUGBEAR POSTED:
Hannover asks: Is it really neccesary to send these to the Orcs? I lived among them for some time, and found them to be an utterly reprehensible race. Their newborns regester as evil for Lathander's sake.
Just so you know, the Drow of Cormanthor are followers of Vhaurian, a neutral Evil deity, and the precence of Ellistraeians in skull port accounts for less than 1% of it's poulation. The bulk of drow in Skullport are also followers of Vhaurian. I really think you are barking up the wrong tree here Ardan.
Of course, you are welcome to try and convince them with your books about universal love. I just don't think that they will respond to your preaching.
FROM EDENA
See the above posts.
The drow of Vhaeraun were able to save themselves, and escape the domination books.
They are now eagerly trying to create Domination Books of their own. (Imagine the drow foisting Domination Books off on Faerun ... (shudders))
- - -
WILLIAM POSTED:
Ardan, who has been to Kara Tur, secretly translates an important work by an ancient general/scholar of Shou Lung. Copies of the Art of War by Chao Tzu are given to the top leaders of the Dauntless, the Imaskari under Gustav, and the Free Nations of Faerun's commanders. Ardan asks the leaders of these groups to keep a tight rein on the book for now.
FROM EDENA
Noted. Creamsteak, take note, since these books are coming your way.
William, Queen Amlaruil definitely thinks very highly of your character, and he is welcome on Evermeet at any time. Indeed, he is given tokens to teleport there and back at will as an Elf-Friend.
Queen Amlaruil will accept any help you wish to give.
Queen Amlaruil is suspicious of Gustav and Imaskari. Can you blame her? She sees another massive human confederation rising, which has a history of aggression.
Vaasa is about to fall to the Meritocracy (if they haven't already.)
Sossal is so remote the trouble hasn't reached them yet.
The Hordelanders are too busy pillaging the outskirts of the nations of eastern Faerun to listen to reason, right now.
Ok ... the leaders of the Dauntless want to know WHY they should be on good terms with the Free Nations, who INSIST on friendship with Lantan???
The leaders of the Free Nations want to know WHY they should be on good terms with the Dauntless, who consider the gnomes enemies?
WELL??!
- - -
FROM EDENA
Khelben Arunsun Blackstaff and Laeral are defecting from the Chosen, along with the Heralds and Harpers at Berdusk, and the Harpstars, and are joining the Adamant.
The Harpers at Twilight Hall are joining the Free Nations.
- - -
POSTED BY KALANYR
Arkanyl will go to those who his books have aided and request that they use their arcane powers to summon such aid as they can against the infernal. Creatures such as Seelie,Noble Djinn, Elementals,Celstials and similar.
Arkanyl himself tries to rally together all those good and neutral aligned mages who benefited from his books into some kind of force capable of defending the Dauntless and the Free Nations of Faerun.
Arkanyl will also try to rally the Sharn, since the Phaerim are opposed to the Dauntless and The Free Nations, he also promises the Sharn copies of his books and as much as he knows of the magical progresses while they have stayed underground, as well as other news of the Realms and planes.
FROM EDENA
The Free Nations and the Dauntless both benefit from what you are doing, Kalanyr.
However, they remain at odds.
I repeat myself:
The Dauntless want to know why they should cooperate with the Free Nations when the FN are FRIENDS of Lantan?
The Free Nations want to know why they should cooperate with the Adamant when the Adamant are ENEMIES of Lantan?
For what it's worth, the Celestials brought in join the Dauntless.
The other Outsiders brought in have the attitude of: it's your world, it's your problem, we have our own problems, so why are you bothering us?
- - -
KALANYR POSTED
He will also suggest to the Chosen that allying with the Dauntless would be a mutually beneficial idea.
FROM EDENA
The Chosen WILL NOT do so (except for Khelben and Laeral.)
The Chosen state, flatly, that they are the friends of Lantan, will protect Lantan if it is attacked, that the phaerimm are a greater threat, and that Free Will ultimately will triumph in the end.
The gnomes are spreading knowledge, state the Chosen. That is Mystra's Mandate, to spread knowledge. Now, that knowledge may not be accurate, and it may be put to evil uses, and always magic can be misused ... but it IS a spreading of knowledge, and they will not cut it off.
What do you want, state the Chosen? A world where knowledge is disallowed, magic must be approved by the Chosen first before anyone can have it, and everyone must behave and act in some sort of 'approved' fashion?
If you so dislike what the gnomes are doing, and the abuses to which their books are being put, then talk to the Dauntless. THEY seem to want to put a stop to it, and bring Truth to the world - as if one absolute truth existed and no other possibilities could exist! (the Chosen snicker at that one.)
- - -
POSTED BY SERPENTEYE
Wherever the battles are raging between the Meritocracy and other powers a lone man will appear and will be immediately recognized by his followers as Alarah Gomenei. He will be protected by whatever defensive spells a 45th level bard and his cohorts can cast, will fly over the battlefield and sing.
(etc.)
FROM EDENA
It is paying off. Look at the list of nations now under the control of the Meritocracy, Serpenteye.
- - -
FORSAKEN ONE POSTED:
Powerfull wearers of Purple shall travel far and abrode to all chromatic and gem dragons each powerfull in their own right and deliver to them the texts and wise words of the Archmage Sammaster, former Chosen of Mystra. They shall proclaim to them that it is the goal for all dragons to gain immortality and rule the world in splendor and might till all eternity.
FROM EDENA
It doesn't work, Forsaken One.
You aren't even using books of domination, and dragons are not impressed by speeches, generally.
Furthermore, the Metallic and Gem Dragons want nothing to do with the Cult of the Dragon.
They are not impressed by the name of Sammaster. They know his history.
On the other hand, the CHROMATIC Dragons of Krynn are very happy to hear you out, and some are enticed to join the Cult of the Dragon.
Now, Forsaken One, if you managed to convince some of the Metallic Dragons and Gem Dragons to read some of those Books of Domination, they might change their minds ...
- - -
POSTED BY JANOS
Janos spreads a pamphlet, non magical, throughout the City of Shade.
The Evil in the Realms that are the Gnomes.
(etc.)
FROM EDENA - IMPORTANT
(I was wondering where you were, Janos. Welcome back.)
The City of Shade listens well to your warning, Janos.
They will declare the gnomes of Lantan enemies, if that is your call.
They will ALSO commense research into their own Books of Domination, if that is your call.
With the combined might of Halruaa, Thay, and the City of Shade, it shouldn't take you long to create your own Books of Domination - ones immune to the Counterspell that Bugbear is just about now readying against the gnomish Books of Domination.
- - -
JANOS POSTED
Janos, using his new position in the City of Shade and the Phoenix Alliance, will try to liberate Thay.
FROM EDENA
Thay has joined you.
How many times can a wizard pay 5,000 XP, and not lose a level? Ummm ... can someone more familiar with 3E than me answer that question?
