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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3008384" data-attributes="member: 3448">The Eldar voller and the Noldar dreadnought turned out to not be the only flying vessels to arrive before the coronation.  Lady Meredith the Dazzling, chief of the Mages of Northern Aurelian, arrived in inimitable style, aboard a great silver disc that simply floated through the air.  After the formal honors upon her arrival, Kit met with her immediately.After the introductions, Lady Meredith wasted no time getting to more pressing matters.  "As we flew down, we saw a great army massed to the northwest of Canberry.  It was perhaps 10,000 strong, although we did not stop to investigate in great detail.  A huge mass of Uruks had gathered with them.  They were preparing to march, although not on Canberry.  They appear to be aimed at the coast.""We know, Lady Meredith.  We fear they may intend to attack the Forest of Singing Leaves, with the aid of the Noldar.""Suicide.  They would be slaughtered if they were foolish enough to try.  And the Noldar would never agree to the risk.""Even if Hanal also marched on the Forest?""Even then.  Hanal is too far away to mount an effective campaign against the Forest of Singing Leaves.  They would be unable to move their armies into position quickly, and unable to keep them in supply after battle was joined.  No, their target must be elsewhere."Kit nodded in understanding and shifted topics.  "Lady Meredith, you should know, I believe the Duchess of Brightspan is in league with demons."The Archmaga frowned.  "The Duchess of Brightspan was always a loyal member of our Order, although she has not been heard from in some years.  It would be most unfortunate if she had turned.  I find it hard to imagine; perhaps she has remained loyal and entered deep cover.""I fear not, your ladyship.  She seems to be truly working against us.""Perhaps," said Lady Meredith, not entirely convinced.  She closed her eyes for a moment.  "Nonetheless, we must take precautions.  I have ordered the youngest Brightspan son moved.  She placed him in fosterage almost immediately after the fall of the southlands, and we have raised him since.  He's now ten, but attaining his second circle power."  A note of pride came into her voice in the last phrase."I think that's wise.  I'm not certain whether the Duke of Brightspan is connected to her corruption, or whether he just plots on his own.""She married for love originally.  If she has been led into evil, I think he would have to be involved.""What about the tieflings in the Duchy of Brightspan?  Could that be a sign of her involvement with demons?""The tieflings could be her relatives, from the third Deeping of Hell.  Her forefather was most prolific, especially with humans, so many tieflings were produced.""We also know that there are tieflings active among the slavers in the south and thought she might be involved.""The tiefling slavers seek to fill the void left by Region 9's withdrawal from the slave trade, and the reduction of Region 6's take as they have stopped heavily raiding the refugees.  But while some tieflings profit from that trade, it is unlikely that the Duchess would engage in slaving.  Although if she has forsaken her vows..."Kit swallowed hard.  "Lady Meredith, several of her daughters...""Yes, I know.  I do not know who took the grandchildren or what happened to them, but I know of the tragedy."Kit thought for a moment.  "If the army isn't planning on attacking Canberry or the Forest, what could its target be?""I do not know for certain.  There are no other open settlements nearby.  If they are heading to the coast, there is some sort of garrison there that hates humans.  I do not know what they are; clearly intelligent, but what kind I cannot say.  Some form of psionic power.""Could it be the illithids?""I shouldn't think so; the psionics seem too powerful for them.  But I can't be certain.  As for other possible targets... They could plan on marching south through the Sunken Lands to the Spice Lands, where the ruined city of Shur is. The Abomination of Shur is seeking to elevate itself to the status of a demon-god; it tried with a ritual that failed two years ago.  It sought to sacrifice a large number of children with elven blood to release enough power for the elevation.  But, if they have prepared the means, this army has enough military power to seize the city of Shur and conduct a new ritual.  If they could elevate the Abomination, their success would then put it in their debt.  There is no proof as to their intentions, and we did not have time to investigate further.  But it seems the most likely possibility."Kit quickly thanked Lady Meredith and returned to share this new information with her friends.</blockquote>

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