(IR) 4th ooc-thread of the 5th IR

[Gurdjieff]

TO EDENA:

The Elves of Aliador did not at first realize the Orcs of Orcreich were not as evil and horrific as their cousins in the Rakers.
Once they see that Orcreich is allied with Baklunim, and the other things Orcreich has done, the Elves of Aliador offer their (cautious) friendship and goodwill to Orcreich. They offer to set up diplomatic relations and to exchange ambassadors and emissaries on a friendly basis.
The Elves simply did not understand Orcreich at first. Now, seeing the situation, they realize Orcreich is a potential ally and even friend.

And yes, Venus, the plea to protect the children and civilians of Aliador, the Theocracy, and Ratik was a public plea indeed.

PUBLIC:

Orcreich responds to the plea, the cry for help, from Elves. Even though the Elves misjudged Orcreich at first, they seem to ignore this. They respond with haste, and offer shelter to any of the children or other refugees the elves of Aliador need to place somewhere. If Aliador accepts this help, only word is needed and refugee camps will be set up as soon as possible.

Does Aliador accept this offer of help?

 

[Guilt Puppy]

The Scarlet Brotherhood would like to invite the children of Aliador to a safe haven in Hepmonaland. Unlike the other nations offering aid, ours is a remote one, unlikely to be scathed by war. There they will find attentive caretakers and a verdant environment which will feel more familiar to them. Just name your price, and we can work out the details.

 

[James Heard]

Aestia begins preparing field trips for "special needs students" to Aliador. Said one Aestian official, "Poor students, students with discipline problems, who won't wear hats or eat muffins, those children that disgrace their parents or blaspheme against the Alci - we believe that field trips far away where they'll never see their friends or family, where they can work out the errors of their ways in violent, bloody peace, these are the examples that Aestia needs to establish for bad little girls and boys. And let that serve notice to all children in Aestia, if you don't behave we're going to send you to live with elves."

The crown authorities on the other hand deny any such activities, despite what the Aestian Culture Society might proclaim. "This is not an official Aestian policy, we do not approve of this measure. Legally though, there is only so much we can do."

 

[Rikandur Azebol]

TO RIKANDUR
From Edena to Rikandur:
The Lord and Lady immediately and without fanfare have the First Maid brought before them.
The Lord and Lady stand: He bows, she curtsies, both of them showing somber respect to the ambassador of Iuz, giving the First Maid all due courtesy.
A comfortable chair is brought for the First Maid, and the Lady offers the First Maid any drink (which the elves can provide) of her pleasure.

Aliador's Throneroom
*Iuz smiles to himself, when elves honour his proxy. Maid thanks for ... courtesy, seemingly new to such customs, but respectfully responds that her needs are unimportant and she doesn't need drink ... but will drink, if Their majesties wish so. It's obvious that she don't know ways of the elves of Aliador ! And her bows during the presentation were of strange, but definitively elven standarts. But wich elf would be glad of total domination of other ?*

OOC:Hint, Edena. Hint.

The Lord Leathnor, then speaks quietly:

Iuz the ... God-Tzar offers his protection to Aliador ...
We appreciate this offer from his gracious Majesty.

*Girl's eyebrows moved a little upside, as if gentle words of Lord of elves ... No, se stared with suprise at Lady of Aliador. Did she expected that Lady will lead the conversation ? Or that she didn't responded in a way ... she was used to ? In response she only bowed her head, first to Lady and seemingly deeper, then to Lord. Where women are more important than men among the elves ?*

Exactly what terms of protection does his Majesty offer to us?
What terms does Iuz require of us, for his protection?

Total annihilation of Your agressors. Elven druids, to grow His harvest trees and gardener for His garden. He opens Empire's borders for Aliador merchants.

*Now her words were harsh, as if she were repeating someone. Furious and feverish person. Afterwards she curtsies before Lady and speak softly and gently, in voice trained for pleasing ears of listeners.*

My Master also sends back unicorn from these forests ... foolish paladin who tried to waste his life, paid the price of failure. And ... I ask You not to slaughter my guards for their disbehavior, they are only treasuring my safety more than their lives. And don't want report failure to my Master.

Certainly, we are surrounded by many powerful nations, and yet more enemies threaten from above, Below, and by magical means.
How would Iuz halt these aggressors against our people?

Both the Lord and the Lady, their power veiled, sit in quiet, solemn repose, faces intent and grave, listening carefully, as the First Maid gives her reply ...

*She looked at them with bright blue eyes, then removed her veil. Elven Lords could clearly see that she is almost a child, even if her behavior is much more mature. And she is ... rare beauty. But horror that they saw carved in her forehead, mark of such evil ... how someone bearing such blasphemous sigil could touch an unicorn ? Even drow wouldn't scare his face ... with mark that is so, so ... ugly.*

As You could clearly see, Your Majesties, I'm his First Chosen ... and he sends me as hostage, to prove his goodwill. My escort will depart with Your anserw. All I ask for myself is freedom of quiet prayer. If His word wouldn't stop someone, then his wrath will stop them, forever. So speaks Lord of Chaos, Scion of Darkness and Changer. Iuz the Old One.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

TO RIKANDUR

The Lady Gwyndilyn smiles and encourages the First Maid to drink some fruit juice, which is astonishingly good and invigorating (regardless of the alignment or race of the drinker.)
She smiles at the First Maid, and speaks softly: 'be welcome in Aliador.'

The Lord Leathnor, seeing the First Maid bow more deeply to him, speaks gently: 'We are all elves here. Individuals. Unique, and special. There is no superiority amongst men or women in Aliador. We who bear the burden of rule do so in humility, in service, and our lives are given over to our people.'

The Lady speaks concerning Iuzs' offers: 'Ambassador, there are no elven druids in Aliador. Druidism is alien to us, for it is a religion of Balance, and we always seek for the Light, both Without and Within. Also, we have no merchants to send to the Empire of Iuz. Our people do not have a monetary economy in the ... sense you think of. We do have a system of trade, but it is not ... like that of other nations. We appreciate your offer. Yet we cannot avail ourselves of it.'

The Lord then adds in: 'We do not grow gardens and trees for food ... food is plentiful in Aliador, and we thank the Seldarine for it. We grow gardens of great beauty, but each elf does that from the heart, an expression of personal appreciation, exhaltation and unbridled joy.'
The Lord continues, softly: 'We do not seek the annihilation ... the deaths ... of anyone. We do not slay even the most aggressive intruders into Aliador, if we have any other choice. We revere Life, First Maid. We will not take life away ... if there is any other way.'

The Lady speaks 'We do not wish war. The devils, the ancient enemies of Iuz, seek war. They grant gifts, knowing war will result. They would entrap both you and us in a spiral that would lead to the rending of Oerth.'
The Lady continues: 'We council that the our world should reject these gifts, and choose peace. The quietude of the forest, the serenity of the summer breeze. The joy of lovers under the moon. We would hope that they listen, and choose not to return to ... all the horror, red madness, and death that is war. Iuz should know well the devils mean harm to him, and would see his downfall.'

Upon hearing what the First Maid has to say, the Lord speaks up again: 'We thank you for returning the Spirit of the Forest back to us. The Unicorn, as you know him.'
The Lord and Lady stand, he bows, and she curtsies ... in a gesture of appreciation. Then they set, and the Lord continues: 'We regret that there must be bloodshed and strife. The ways of humans are strange to us, and in paladins we see parallels to us ... and yet differences that are a great chasm we cannot cross. We understand, and yet we do not understand. If Iuz defended himself against this paladin, we understand that.'

The Lady speaks up: 'We will not harm your guards or entourage. They are under our protection ... harm upon them would be ... it would be ... unacceptable. Your people will have honor and respect while they are here. And ... failure? They have not failed in any way. Are they not here? Do they not ... they do their best.'

The Lord and Lady become very grave indeed when they see the ugly mark upon the First Maids' forehead.
They turn and look at each other, and there is a look of ... sorrow. Acceptance. Understanding. A sad, profound comprehension.

The Lord speaks softly: 'Your escort will return to Iuz. Have them tell him that Aliador is at peace. The devils will not draw Aliador into their schemes, anymore than the devils would fool Iuz into playing their games. Aliador is at peace, with Iuz and his people, and thanks to his First Maid and her entourage, that peace will continue. Thanks to them.'
The Lady adds: 'You shall have your quiet prayer, First Maid. Anything you wish, we will provide. You are welcome to stay here for as long as Iuz requires. You have served Iuz well, and he should be proud of you. If he is wrathful, let him be angry at those devils who seek to manipulate and destroy him. First Maid, thanks to you Iuz has our goodwill and friendship. Let the entourage tell him so. Their mission has been a resounding success, a triumph for Iuz. The Lord and Lady of Aliador wish to compliment the First Maid and her entourage for their success in winning the hearts and minds of Aliador.'

 

[William Ronald]

RIKANDUR AZEBOL origninally posted:
[sblock]


IC:
*An orcy figure grunted cheavily again, over the ear of snorting frogman. Gate guards were bit accustomed to this strange ambassador of Empire of Iuz. After the first shock of their inhuman apperances passed, they quickly realised that this group resembled more squad of soldiers than mad beasts that were usually ravaging Balkuni borders. Frogfaced avoke finally and snarled at orc.*

What ?! I'm going to sleep well before we return for impaling.

Um, boss ... humie com' and azk'd Yo' to go to AbaAbark. We're goin' to be gutted ?

*Demon smiled broadly, a sigh of relief escaped his lungs.*

Avoke the Priesstess, and prepare Yourselves ! Guys, we're going to visit this Al'Akbar. And behave or I'll gut You all myself.

Ekbir, Audience Hall.

*After all bowing, every step demanded by etiquette followed flawlessly, Hezrou spoke in neutral, diplomatic tone. His fiendish eyes weren't displaying any emotion as well as ans his respectful yet proud stance. His armour was of finest quality, and exotic workmanship ... probably elven ? But wich elf would make something for a fiend ?! Most unusual.*

His Emperor Highness, God-Tzar, Lord of Demons, Master of the Land and leader of People Iuz the Old, sends You greetings and gifts ... as he ordered, delivered to Your hands only. Here are signs of My Lord's goodwill.

*Clean and shaved Orc come forward, lay jug filled with alcohol and sealed with wax. After crude bow it walked away o the rest of diplomat's team.*

Head of Ali Baba, known tomb robber and insane murderer, caught while fleeing trough Empire of Iuz. Also know for his disrespect for gods of his country, robbed many temples devoted to Your Enlighted Higness.

*Another Orc came, with one tusk missing and laid next to jug a small paper box with flashy writings over the cover, and picture displaying greedily smiling gnome grabbing world.*

A game of complex and difficult rules, monument of gnomish mathematic forethought. Best to try it Yourself ... and "Build! Empire". No one has ever bested international champion of Aestia, GreenBorrowGimmnick. Youngest Gnome who achieved such results.

*Three Gnolls, with furs shining clean, wawing their tails and looking around in excitment come closes with package and small jewlery box each. They laid it near other gifts.*

And Lord Iuz gives You also this three sets of jewelry, pride of an elven princess. They are of great antiquity and telling their story would take ten days, for each. And also these dresses, that fit the jewels perfectly, spider silk of rare quality molded by best fashion designers in Queendom of Eclavdor.

*Demon smiled, intending to behave nicely, but his smile was this sort that many saw it last time in their lives. And laid delicate small box of sandal wood next to other gifts.*

And this small token, pipe of unicorn ivory and fine dwarven tobacco, Strong No'3. And Emperor invites Your Enlighten Hingness to send emmisary and establish embassy in Dorakaa.

*All is good, but why this frog-demon is so repulsively ugly ? And they wish to establish embassy.*

OOC:

Finally ! Well, now I have to nag a little our mutual friend Bugbear. Please recive my ambassador Pleeancis before Merchant Guild start rits in protest for unfair competition.

[/sblock]

Al'Akbar rises as the representatives of Iuz arrive.

"II am honored to receive the gifts of your lord. I graciously accept your gifts, and I have several gifts for Emperor Iuz."

A huge chest, carved of precious wood, set with gold and gems is brought forth by a genie. "This ornate chest contains what was wrongfully stolen from your lord with my original missive. Additionally, beyond the precious woods, gems, and items of great craftsmanship, I have placed a rare book detailing the first defeat of the Whispered One. I also offer a compliment as well, as I found your lord to be most resourceful in his own defeat of the Whispered One. "

"I had hoped to receive some diplomatic reply from an ally of your lord, a warrior of magnificent skill whose mind is far keener than any blade that he may wield. Perhaps the Wolf God will send his ambassador to my court. I hope that no one interferred with the delivery of the missive I sent to him. I suspect that even the Whispered One pauses in considering fighting both Iuz, Lord of Demons, and the Wolf God."

A man brings out what seems to be a series of chess boards arranged in tiers. There are seven boards in all, arranged in a U-shape. The last board on the right is higher than the others. "This is the Game of Thrones, a favorite of the ancient Baklunish Emperors. The shape of the boards is symbolic of the ultimate victory."

Another man brings out a Tenser's floating disk, containing several jars of wine.

"Finally, a gift that I think Emperor Iuz will enjoy."

Two half-ogres, dressed in heavy armor, carry a rolled tapestry. Carefully, they spread it out. The rich threads, some of gold and other precious metals, and the gems show an image of the warrior Kas fighting Vecna, and chopping off the hand of the Whispered One.

"Tell your lord that I am prepared to stand with him and the other leaders of Oerth against the Whispered One. I urge him and all leaders to avoid war with one another. If nation wars against nation, the Whispered One may appear in secret to offer help. Naturally, the price will seem small. Yet a common foe may soon be able to rule openly or in secret."

The ambassadors are lead to their embassy, a fortress of black stone that seems to have a stark beauty. The gardens in the embassy have fruit trees and there are three fountains outside of the embassy's central tower.



"Your embassy also awaits. I will find an ambassador for an embassy in Dorakaa."

 

[William Ronald]

For EDENA OF NEITH:

Al'Akbar sends words to the Lord and Lady of Aliador.

"We graciously welcome all refugees that you send to us. While there may be no safe place on Oerth, we offer them our hospitality and protection. May the day come soon when they can return to their homes in a time of peace."

"You are wise to suspect the ways of the devils, for I have never heard of a gift from a devil that did not have a high price to it. In these times of uncertainty, may your people be blessed and sustained."

For KNIGHT OTU:

KNIGHT OTU originally posted:

[sblock]
(The person in the Embassy of Aerdi responsible for not relaying these news wil be .... replaced. )

It is Ashardalon himself, again in human form, who evntually steps before Al'Akbar. For a split second, the dragon evaluates who might win if Al'Akbar and he ever entered combat with each other.
Ashardalon, a great wyrm dragon, once feared until a druidess destroyed his heart, who bound a fiend to replace that heart, who had been in a place the gods themselves feared to even mention...


...kneels before the demigod, realizing his inferior powers.
"Al'Akbar, High Cleric, Restorer of Righteousness.

Oerth is standing on a crossroads, or so say many divinations and omens. Your return to Oerth is a certain sign for changes that will effect the whole world.

The crossroads Oerth stands at is a dangerous one. Each step may bring it closer to devastation, regardless of which step is taken. You understand this, and you have taken steps to prevent this. Likewise, Aerdi understands its responsibility. Seeing Oerth devastated cannot be something anyone wants. Aerdi also is taking steps to prevent this.

This is why Aerdi joined the Treaty of Erelhei-Cinlu. We wish to be a stabilizing factor for Oerth. Stability is what Oerth will need to weather the coming storm. We hope that we can be an important factor in this regard."[/sblock]

Al'Akbar smiles and gestures for Ashardalon to stand. "You are wise to see the dangers of devastation from the Whispered One and other threats. It may be that some threats are hidden from us both."

"There is indeed a great need for stability, and I am pleased that Aerdi is taking a role in this regard. For if the nations war against each other, surely the Whispered One will find someone to accept his help. So, I will hope that Aerdi and the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire, can be agents for stability. The storm is coming, and Oerth as well as all of Greyspace must be ready for what is to come."

 

[William Ronald]

EDENA:

Private:[sblock] I forgot to describe the Greyhawk Defense Pact. It is essentially an agreement with the rulers of Greyhawk and the Bright Lands to defend them against attack from the forces of the Whispered One or Iuz. (OOC: Considering that Lord Robilar and Rary tried to kill Iuz once, they may have a cause for concern. Also, I assume that the Theocracy of the Pale also signed the TEC Pact.)[/sblock]

Al'Akbar announces a new treaty.

"Several of my neighbors have asked for a mutual defense treaty. As the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire, shares borders with them and many cultural ties as well, my government has negotiated a treaty. Other nations who believe they have common cause with the signatory powers are invited to consider the treaty."

The Treaty of the Araphad Isles

"The undersigned nations will respond to an attack on any one of them as an attack on all of them. We shall take whatever actions deemed necessary to support each other in such an event."

"The undersigned nations shall also take actions to support each other in matters of trade and diplomacy. It is the opinion of the undersigned nations that disputes between various nations should ideally be resolved through diplomatic means. As the cost of war is high, it should be the last resort of rational and law-abiding nations in disputes with other nations."

"The undersigned nations realize there is a danger of attack to their nations from forces from beyond Oerth, or such forces as the Whispered One. In the face of such events, the undersigned nations will urge other nations to put aside any differences, declaring truces and armistices if need be, to face a common threat to Oerth."

“The members of the Treaty of the Araphad Isles Alliance offers our assistance in mediating disputes, and our assistance to our respective allies. We urge that no nation make war on its neighbors, in light of the potential threats from the Whispered Ones and other forces."

Signed on this, the fifth day of Needfest in Common Year 604, being the year 3264 (Baklunish Hegira)

King Arden Leonson of Keoland, on behalf of the League of Athyr.

Mordenkainen the Magnificent, on behalf of Perrenland, the Wolf Nomads, the Tiger Nomads, the Vesve Forest, High Folk and allied territories.

Emperor Al’Akbar of the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire

(OOC: I am figuring the appropriate response to the Turn 1 stuff that hasn't happened yet.)

 

[Melkor Lord Of ALL!]

My friend, Vicious, wants to join the IR, he would like to play an evil power. I am going to help him with template.

 

[Rikandur Azebol]

My friend, Vicious, wants to join the IR, he would like to play an evil power. I am going to help him with template.

I propose, for him, Zerglike Khyton from "Book of Vile Darkness", if Serpenteye allows. Edena and William ... I will reply at evening. Sorry.

Don't forget to annonce him that he will start from Turn 2.