(IR) IR Interlude Turn 6 - Turn 7 (thread 4)

[LordMelkor{Talos}]

Posted by Zelda:

That remains me, could someone, plese tell me, what was Melkor doing here. By Kord, he hardly has thought even word 'peace' as anything but some twisted, corrupted, entropic state of eternal
nothingless. Btw, that "Diplomacy for Dummies" part was priceless... heheh

Yes, yes, enemies are invited into peace conferences, but there is difference in inviting an enemy and invating a plague. Melkor has spoke with actions more times than once that he is no more than harbringer of decay. Anabastcorian, Union of the Worlds we can still speak with. There is not point in speaking to incarnation of red plague. Anyway, I asked, because I am curious. It just doesn't make sense to me."

Posted by Serpenteye:

I expect no peace from Melkor or Rajaat, all they desire is power and death. I expect little from Iuz or Hellmaster, their doctrine is struggle and war, though I think they , at least understand the danger we are all in at this time and might restrain themselves. I did, however, expect the United Commonwealth to act more responsibly.






Suddenly a Black Portal opens at a conference, and a beautiful female elf emerges from within, glowing with Dark Aura of The Shade.

Greetings, I am Princess Of Shadow, I shall speak for Melkor The Great, who is currently busy, and whose presence doesn`t seem to be appreciated here, those are the words of Shadowking:

-Fouls, I gave you a chance for salvation! By rejecting my offers for Peace, you have sealed your fate! Oblivion awaits you, worlds of Toril, Oerth and Krynn will be purified, and ALL of its inhabitants will meet faith much worse than Death, worse than Ravenloft, their spirits will be forever imprisoned in Red Scourge, and will feel nothing but Torment and Pain, for all eternity, and their suffering will be beyond imagination!

 

[Tokiwong]

I expect no peace from Melkor or Rajaat, all they desire is power and death. I expect little from Iuz or Hellmaster, their doctrine is struggle and war, though I think they , at least understand the danger we are all in at this time and might restrain themselves. I did, however, expect the United Commonwealth to act more responsibly.

Talindra scowls, "The doctrine of milord... the great and Mighty Iuz is not struggle and war... it is life... in all of its facets... you belittle him with your words... and marginalize his beliefs with such flippant remarks... for what is your stance? You seek to seed the United Commonwealth with strife and tear it apart... for your own selfish ends..."

"You beseech the Githyanki Queen to intervene on your behalf to crush your enemies... if any lives for war it is the Pantheon of the Union... the hypocrisy in this room is stinging..." she stands, "you continue to point fingers... never have any learned... you use scapegoats... afraid to face the failure of the self... my love, Iuz has seen his actions the folly they caused... his people grow weary of war... they called to him to stop... the burden too great and he listened. He will not intervene in these conflicts... the Pantheon of Glowing Darkness faces the Night of Long Knives... the struggle will shape and change everything... but he wants no part in it. We are a loose pantheon linked by the touch of the Red Scourge... but as he sees it... and such as I... we work towards divergent goals... you call us evil... extreme then so be it. One evil man will work to sow peace for his people... not out of good but the only selfish act that is noble; survival."

Talindra sits regaining her grace, "If you wish to drag our names through the mud then do so. I see little to justify to any present, for behind the faces of angels hides the souls of demons... this conference is deteriorating into something far short of peace... I send my pity to the people... for it is they that will suffer once more..."

 

[LordMelkor{Talos}]

I am going offline for the weekend.

 

[Serpenteye]

Talindra scowls, "The doctrine of milord... the great and Mighty Iuz is not struggle and war... it is life... in all of its facets... you belittle him with your words... and marginalize his beliefs with such flippant remarks... for what is your stance? You seek to seed the United Commonwealth with strife and tear it apart... for your own selfish ends..."

"You beseech the Githyanki Queen to intervene on your behalf to crush your enemies... if any lives for war it is the Pantheon of the Union... the hypocrisy in this room is stinging... One evil man will work to sow peace for his people... not out of good but the only selfish act that is noble; survival."

The God Emperor speaks in mock severity:
"Then tell your lord that our goal is the same. Survival. That simple goal links all sane creatures, from the most primitive virus to the greatest of Gods. The lowest common denominator.

But it's not quite that simple, is it? Sometimes one creature's survival is mutually exclusive to another's. Sometimes, despite all our hopes for peace, there is war." The God Emperor sighs.

"The United Commonwealth is falling apart, regardless of my actions. What I'm trying to do is making sure that it divides with a minimum of bloodshed, because of the Mists, because of the Red Death, and because of my own concern for the people, especially the opressed humaniods, of Toril. If my ends are selfish... they are no more selfish than your own; survival."


--
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LordMelkor{Talos}: I am going offline for the weekend.
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OOC: Bye Melkor, have a nice time, in Ravenloft and elsewhere.

 

[Anabstercorian]

Anabstercorian, irked, drops a Temporal Stasis that will last until the end of the Peace Conference on the emissary from Melkor. << That's for speaking in cliche-evil. >>
He turns to the halfling with the microphone.

<< Allow me to apologize for the lack of clarity in my previous statements. I am going to attempt to sum up my motivations and goals in a single sound-bite, so it will be easier to grasp. >>
<< Maximum possible Illithid happiness at all costs. >>
<< While this SOUNDS bad, please allow me to explain further. Conflict with other species is bad for Illithid happiness because we have to fight and die. Enslaving other species is bad for Illithid happiness because we become dependent and jaded. Assimilating new species in to the fold is good for Illithid happiness because there's more happy Illithids. These ideas came to me as I compared the Neoillithid with the Illithid, and I realized that, blasphemous as it was, the Neoillithid were having much more fun having sex with mammals than we were having eating their brains. I'm hoping to make being an Illithid fun again, without disrespecting our history and heritage. >>
<< What does this have to do with the Dark Powers? If the Dark Powers win, all Illithid will sink back in to the semi-savagery of the underdark. If I get captured by the UC - Well, I'm screwed, but my brethen will live on. >>
<< Also, I've realized that my mere presence here is disruptive to the peace process, and the opinion that Torilians have for Oerthians. Because of this, I'm going to be leaving the conference early, and, if Erika Lesage allows, I'll be going on a book-signing tour. Specifically, I'll be signing copies of An Illustrated History Of The Illithid Peoples, as well as promoting my next book, Maximum Illithid Happiness At All Costs. Thanks for listening to me in a civilized manner, even though I'm sure what I've said has angered many of you. If you want to beat me up, odds are good I'll be passing through your city shortly for a book signing. Thanks, and have a nice day. >>

He vanishes in a shimmer of geometric dissolution. Moments later, he appears near the Torilian border guard, waving to show he's unarmed.

 

[Serpenteye]

the Neoillithid were having much more fun having sex with mammals than we were having eating their brains. I'm hoping to make being an Illithid fun again, without disrespecting our history and heritage. >>

OOC: That's a dangerous thing to say. The Fleet of Darkness came to Oerth to avenge the perversion of the Illithid race on Toril and stop it from happening on Oerth. Are they really ok with being changed into Neoneoillithid?

 

[William Ronald]

Serpenteye:

OOC: You have agents trying to forment separation of the Humanoid State. If Hazen was able to learn of this, everyone on Toril knows about this. Also, last time I checked the Githyanki Queen was at the peace conference. You spoke to her publicly. Also, if you can try to manipulate public opinion with words and bribes, I can try to address my views. No personal insult meant.

Also, do realize that the UC of Toril probably has one of the best darn spy networks around. Also, Krynn, Mystara, and Athas do not have banks so transferring credits means moving gold (or steel in the case of Krynn). In the last case, your actions will be noticed. Heck, on Athas your delivery people will likely be jumped on for any metal they have.

Hazen speaks, moving slowly to the microphone. It is obvious he is weary. Even with a form like that of the Angels, it is ovbvious that he is tired.

"God Emperor of the Union, I am personally offended by your remarks implying that the Oerth Alliance is insane. Considering how much help you could have provided to Oerth, you have done little except build your power. When there was a chance to clean the Red Waste, the Union of Oerth did nothing. Indeed, there is a growing opinion that the Union of Oerth is about nothing but greed and the accumulation of power. Some have said you wish to have the other nations of Oerth solve all the problems, fight in all the battles, and then you will move in to conquer all."

"Also, I have identified this person" shot of a goblin mentioned in Serpenteye's previous post "as an agent of the Union of Oerth."

The individuals remarks to members of the Humanoid State is mentioned. About separatism.

"I have people on Toril as well. I evacuated my civilians to Hope Isle. I asked a few people to keep their eyes open for any interference in Torillian affairs by powers of Oerth. As I speak, copies of this tape are being provided to the media on Toril and all intelligence agencies."

You have said:

"The United Commonwealth is falling apart, regardless of my actions. What I'm trying to do is making sure that it divides with a minimum of bloodshed, because of the Mists, because of the Red Death, and because of my own concern for the people, especially the opressed humaniods, of Toril. If my ends are selfish... they are no more selfish than your own; survival."

"Is the UC of Toril falling apart regardless of your actions or because of your actions?"

"Also, a friend on Athas has reported mass shipments of gold by persons who are walking through a gate. What role do you have to play in this?"

"I have given the people watching this conference full knowledge of the events on Oerth. I have shared with them the knowledge of my world and others. I have shared the knowledge of the peoples and cultures of Earth with you. Arthur MacKeppoch said if I thought it was needed to do so when I saw the need. It is obvious that we need as much wisdom as we can obtain."

"I pray that this conference will lead to something besides dischord. However, there are those who are indifferent to the fate of their own world. There are those who seek to conquer all. Yet there are those who will stand for peace, fighting if they must on behalf of their people, and stand for tolerance, understanding, forgiveness, and reconcilliation."

"As Lady Shyntara of the Baklunish-Esmerin confederation may not appear until later, I will relay a message from her:

" You are the people of Oerth, the people of Toril, and many worlds. What can you not achieve? You do not yet fully realize your own wisdom, your own glory, or your own strength? There is no burden you cannot bear, there is no problem you cannot solve, there is no adversity over which you cannot triumph. If you choose wisely. The hour is late. The multiverse is watching."

"A senate insures that all voices, no matter how small, can be considered equally? What is the power of one voice? It depends on who that voice is? What if that voice is Ian Payne's? Or Goldmoon's? One voice can make a difference. A democratic republic ensures that a minority is not subjected to unfair treatment by a majority."

"A senate helps ensure that all voices are heard from equally in a society. Sometimes the small still voice is the one that speaks most truthfully and eloquently."

Hazen holds up two documents in either hand.

"Here are copies of two of the most influential documents in the history of the planet Oerth. Both come from a single great nation. Here is their Declaration of Independence and their Constitution. I have separate copies for the press, but everyone can find these documents in the information I included."

"Let me quote briefly from the Declaration, whose words inspired a new birth of freedom on an entire world. Though centuries and worlds apart, this statement also summarizes the views at the core of the Oerth Alliance."

"'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness -'"

"There are choices we all must make. I pray that the people of Oerth, Toril, Athas, Krynn, and Mystara will chose wisely."

"Again, I thank you for your time. I realize I am but one old man, but one who wishes well for us all. May all the powers of goodness and Light bless us all. May we listen to the nobler parts of our being and take actions that our posterity will honor."


Hazen sits down, wearily. Gwilym is chatting with the parents of the lost child.

 

[Serpenteye]

William Ronald:

OOC: As far as I knew (even if I did not, the God Emperor certainly would) the God Emperor spoke to the Lich Queen in her palace in the Astral Plane, not at the conference. Your PC knows nothing of that conversation.

Obvoiusly, the Gold was transferred via the safest and most reliable channels. We're not sending caravans packed with gold coins, but quite modernly as electronic code through numerous banks and corporations. Tracing that flow of cash would be almost impossible in an open market economy. (The UO knows what it's about even if I, personally, sometimes do not express myself clearly.

_____
"Also, I have identified this person" shot of a goblin mentioned in Serpenteye's previous post "as an agent of the Union of Oerth."
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still ooc:
The woman in my post was a hobgoblin, you have caught the wrong person.

__________
"'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness -'"
__________

The God Emperor responds with a small smile:
"Nice, and it might even be true, on that world. But I sem to recall that that declaration was written by slaveowners and that their great nation abolished slavery after a bloody civil war over eighty years after their decietful declaration, several years after the nation they originally rebelled against abolished slavery in its own territory and colonies. The slaves in those United States might well have been better off if there had been no revolution in the first place.
It took a war for the slaves to be free in that nation, even though they were still discriminated against for another century after the war. I hope the same is not required on Toril for the oppressed and discriminated humanoids to gain their equality. I hope that they will finally be granted their own nation, their own sovereignty."

OOC: Sorry about the realworld politics, but you started it. Remember, the comments were IC, I do not want an OOC argument on why this or that part of Humanity is superior to another part, or why this or that nation is the greatest the world has ever seen.

-
Absolutely no offence was intended in the above post. If anyone feels insulted by this ooc I will remove it in the interests of peace.

 

[William Ronald]

Hazen replies.


"Governments, built by mortals, are flawed. They are far from perfect. In deed, a historian of the United States once stated that the key problem of the history of his nation was what was meant by the words ' all men are created equal.'"

"Even the descendants of those slaves still fought for their nation in its great wars. They rose in time to full equality, led by the visions of heroes. Among them were mean whose eloquence far outweighs that of any now amongst us. Indeed, the descendants of slaves and sharecroppers became captains of industry, generals, and even presidents."

"Considering that the God Emperor hosted the Olympics of Torture, banned all religions except his own -- including the execution of clergy, and until very recently granted little civil rights in their own land, he should be wary of casting aspersions on other governments. Especially in a world where the benefits of magic do not exist, and a detect lie spell would be a boon beyond imagination."

"So, is the reason you are supporting independence of the Humanoid State is to gain another ally? In what ways have you supported this position? I believe the citizens of the Humanoid State can chose their own destiny? However, you seem eager to see the United Commonwealth of Toril torn asunder? Have you invited leaders of the Humanoid State to join or ally with the Union of Oerth?"

"Also, have you restored those creatures created with the help of Red Steel back to their former states. I have -- out of respect for the people of the Union and out of concern for Oerth -- freely given your government this knowledge."

"For my part, I have endeavoured to treat the peoples of the Union with respect."

OOC: The Union may not have 5 trillion gold pieces to spend. Also, there is no bank network -- to my knowledge -- between Oerth and Toril. Goblin, hobgoblin -- considering that Hazen has been to a place worse than Hell, and delivered a bunch of speeches - a little linguistic error is allowable.

No offense taken, Serpenteye. I brought Earth history into the IR because -even with the details of the Greyhawk and FR settings -- a common chain of reference might help. (Besides, I think the God Emperor could probably read the Encyclopaedia Brittanica in 30 seconds or less.)

Melkor: Edena needs you to make a final decision. Power does not avail you much against the Dark Powers. If you go in, you go in to them completely - lock, stock and barrel. I suggest you do not accept their offer. You can make your own path.

 

[Serpenteye]

Hazen replies.

"So, is the reason you are supporting independence of the Humanoid State is to gain another ally? In what ways have you supported this position? I believe the citizens of the Humanoid State can chose their own destiny? However, you seem eager to see the United Commonwealth of Toril torn asunder? Have you invited leaders of the Humanoid State to join or ally with the Union of Oerth?"

"Also, have you restored those creatures created with the help of Red Steel back to their former states. I have -- out of respect for the people of the Union and out of concern for Oerth -- freely given your government this knowledge."

"For my part, I have endeavoured to treat the peoples of the Union with respect."

OOC: The Union may not have 5 trillion gold pieces to spend. Also, there is no bank network -- to my knowledge -- between Oerth and Toril. Goblin, hobgoblin -- considering that Hazen has been to a place worse than Hell, and delivered a bunch of speeches - a little linguistic error is allowable.

"I have offered the humanoids of Toril my support. What later comes of this support is fully dependant on the wishes of the humanoid people. If they wish to embrace the Pantheon and join the Union of Worlds as an equal partner then that shall be done. If they choose to remain neutral then neutral then they shall be, and if they choose to remain the servants of Lesange there is nothing I can do about it.
I also believe that the citizens of the Humanoid state can chose their own destiny but I, contrary to yourself, have faith in their intelligence. Their future should rest in their own hands. Their glory should be their own and not stolen by the selfglorifying burocrats in the Commonwealth Capital. I believe that the humanoid people of Toril will choose freedom. I believe, no I know, that when they rule their own fate once again, like they did under Forrester, that they will rise to new and greater glory."

The God Emperor looks bored. "The Red Steel programme of the Union of Oerth has been terminated. Whatever creatures we once created with those substances have been restored or destroyed. When we realised the true nature of the Red Steel and Red Death we acted immediatley to dismantle those projects, it's no longer an issue."

"The respect between us is mutual. I have long been moved by your eloquence and impressed by your cunning plots. You are the face of the Alliance of Oerth and one of the most powerful beings, both internally and politically, on the core worlds. Your personal battle against the dark powers is intriguing, there is much to be learned from it, and I wish to congratulate you on your survival, though I sense that you were not entirely unscathed by your ordeal. You've grown both greater and lesser. I advice you to look deep into your soul to find whatever evil taint that might be hidden there. The danger might not be at an end."



OOC: We might not have 5 trillion gold pieces (what is the IR conversion between $ and gp?) but I believe we mave 5 billion (5'000'000'000). There might, or might not, be direct financial connections between Oerth and Toril, but there's almost certainly connections between Oerth and Sigil and Sigil and Toril. I do not remember reading any post of Reprisal's that declared realmspace completely closed to all non UC-government trade. Even if he did, Realmspace is divided and full of cracks and holes, I'm pretty sure we could sneak in some harmless capital.