(IR) IR Interlude Turn 6 - Turn 7 (thread 4)
- Thread starter Edena_of_Neith
- Start date
William Ronald
Explorer
Hazen responds:
"I would like to thank the God Emperor of the Union for his kind words. I am constantly in search of the contents of my own character, though I do appreciate his advice on the matter. So far the Angels have told me that I am myself. With due respect, God Emperor, I will listen to their judgement. However, I will have myself thoroughly examined. Also, some self-examination by all of us - about our true nature, our motives, and desires - can help further greater enlightenment."
"The Humanoid State and its citizens must reach their own decision. We wish them well, regardless of their decision. However, a proposition to leave the United Commonwealth of Toril should not be taken lightly. Many of the citizens of the Humanoid State have served the UC with their devotion."
"However, a Senate allowing equal representation for all states is not a form of discrimination. Indeed, it serves as a balancing mechanism to ensure that all voices - great and small - are heard. Indeed, let the people of the Humanoid State imagine that their state had only the population of the Psionic League. They would then find that regardless of their numbers, they still have a significant part to play in the affairs of the UC of Toril."
"Indeed, a Senate can help ensure that all states in a government can have equal representation in at least one form. A single voice can make a difference. Forrester's was a single voice when he said we must embrace technological change and make a better future for ourselves and our children. The power of a single voice to change history can not be underestimated. Ian Payne also was a singular voice uniting peoples who were once enemies. I wish that he was at these proceedings, I wish that Forrester was at these proceedings as well."
"Based on what I know of him, Forrester would oppose the proposition that the Humanoid State leave the United Commonwealth of Toril. He has been one of the leading political members of the UC for forty years. Forrester helped ensure that humanoids are in all levels of government. He helped ensure that their civil liberties and cultures were protected and treated with respect. Indeed, one could argue -- based on the historical record -- that Forrester would be among the first to oppose the Humanoid State leaving the United Commonwealth of Toril."
"Indeed, he argued for the integration of the Humanoid State into the UC of Toril. He accepted the elven peoples as his own. Regardless of what words he may have said of late, his actions have largely shown a respect for both elves and humanoids. Perhaps the remarks came in a moment of anger or misjudgement. We all have thoughts that we are not proud of, and later regret? How are we to know that this was not the case of the remarks attributed to Forrester."
"As proof of this, I submit the place that Forrester's own humanoid-elven children have in the Humanoid State. They have been a credit to a worthy father. They rejoice in their diverse heritage. Actions speak louder than words."
OOC: I think Melkor has decided not to go to Ravenloft.
"I would like to thank the God Emperor of the Union for his kind words. I am constantly in search of the contents of my own character, though I do appreciate his advice on the matter. So far the Angels have told me that I am myself. With due respect, God Emperor, I will listen to their judgement. However, I will have myself thoroughly examined. Also, some self-examination by all of us - about our true nature, our motives, and desires - can help further greater enlightenment."
"The Humanoid State and its citizens must reach their own decision. We wish them well, regardless of their decision. However, a proposition to leave the United Commonwealth of Toril should not be taken lightly. Many of the citizens of the Humanoid State have served the UC with their devotion."
"However, a Senate allowing equal representation for all states is not a form of discrimination. Indeed, it serves as a balancing mechanism to ensure that all voices - great and small - are heard. Indeed, let the people of the Humanoid State imagine that their state had only the population of the Psionic League. They would then find that regardless of their numbers, they still have a significant part to play in the affairs of the UC of Toril."
"Indeed, a Senate can help ensure that all states in a government can have equal representation in at least one form. A single voice can make a difference. Forrester's was a single voice when he said we must embrace technological change and make a better future for ourselves and our children. The power of a single voice to change history can not be underestimated. Ian Payne also was a singular voice uniting peoples who were once enemies. I wish that he was at these proceedings, I wish that Forrester was at these proceedings as well."
"Based on what I know of him, Forrester would oppose the proposition that the Humanoid State leave the United Commonwealth of Toril. He has been one of the leading political members of the UC for forty years. Forrester helped ensure that humanoids are in all levels of government. He helped ensure that their civil liberties and cultures were protected and treated with respect. Indeed, one could argue -- based on the historical record -- that Forrester would be among the first to oppose the Humanoid State leaving the United Commonwealth of Toril."
"Indeed, he argued for the integration of the Humanoid State into the UC of Toril. He accepted the elven peoples as his own. Regardless of what words he may have said of late, his actions have largely shown a respect for both elves and humanoids. Perhaps the remarks came in a moment of anger or misjudgement. We all have thoughts that we are not proud of, and later regret? How are we to know that this was not the case of the remarks attributed to Forrester."
"As proof of this, I submit the place that Forrester's own humanoid-elven children have in the Humanoid State. They have been a credit to a worthy father. They rejoice in their diverse heritage. Actions speak louder than words."
OOC: I think Melkor has decided not to go to Ravenloft.
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))Edena_of_Neith
First Post
Melkor
Edena is he right that I would be unable to take part in IR if I accept?
Can I step through The Mirror later?
ANSWER:
If Melkor steps through the Mirror, you are out of the IR.
Unless Realmspace, Greyspace, Krynnspace, and Athas are pulled into Ravenloft, in which case you would have the upper hand, to some extent, over all the other IR Powers put together.
I have explained this repeatedly, and I will explain it once more:
Once you go to Ravenloft, you STAY in Ravenloft.
Leaving Ravenloft, is not an option.
ESPECIALLY NOT an option if you are a Darklord.
You cannot even communicate with beings outside of Ravenloft, nor can you scry them, or in any way interact with them.
There is no way that ANYONE or ANYTHING in Ravenloft, can communicate, interact with, or otherwise have anything to do with ANYTHING outside of Ravenloft.
As for whether you can step through the Mirror later ...
The Red Robed figured looks at Melkor, and states, rather harshly:
There will be no later.
If you do not step through now, you will be crushed by your enemies.
Your Shade Army and your Red Army will be destroyed.
Do you think we will grant the privileges of a Darklord to someone who has proven himself inept by getting his people slaughtered?
We offer this to you, now.
We may or may not offer it to you later.
If you walk away from this offer, know that you may well be walking away from an opportunity that will NEVER come again.
As you rot in the prisons of the United Commonwealth, you will look back on this moment, and remember you had a way to destroy them all, and turned it down.
OOC: In other words, Melkor, you do not know.
OOC: I would REALLY suggest you read up on Ravenloft, Melkor, or talk to someone who knows the setting, before you make your final decision.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Edena, if I accept the proposition, do I have to take my Red Army with me?
ANSWER: No. However, you must take all of your Shade.
- - -
creamsteak
This is a repost of something from the last thread that got skipped. Just sort of want a response, it doesn't have to answer every question, mainly just "How do I become your chosen" will do.
Diety of Elves, I am Sanctus Punitor. I am Paladin. I am Ranger. I am Elven Defender. I am bearer of Infectio Onis Ferrum. I am watcher of Delrune. I am Master of the Wild Hunt. I am student of Tensor. I am the carrier of the Eagle. I am Knight of the Round Table. I am Elf. I am Man. I am Servitor of your Judgement.
I call you here to ask you of your bidding. I come here to call upon your will. I come here for you to pass judgement. I come here to bring my case to your divine court. I ask you for wisdom for my people. I ask you for mercy when I pass from your favor.
Diety of Elves, Corellon Larethian; I beseech you!
Have I shown your intentions to my people and earned your favor upon them?
CORELLON ANSWERS:
You have allied with Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and this displeases us. However, Delrune stands, and this is to your great credit - does not the Union of the Worlds stand next to you, and has it not threatened your borders (through the whole IR), and are you not yet free? This is to your credit, Sanctus.
Now, you must drive the Mists from the elves.
Drive them away, and protect our people.
Have I served your people as you would see them served?
ANSWER
You have served well, although we disapprove of your alliances.
Now, serve us again, and vanquish the Mists.
Have I asserted your will as you would see it used?
ANSWER:
You have done your best.
Now, you must do more.
Defeat the Mists.
Defeat those who would oppress or destroy our people.
Bring strength and power to the elven people, so that they may have peace.
Bring joy and happiness back to our stricken people.
Who would you see me vanquish from Oerth?
ANSWER:
The Mists.
Others, as you choose.
Who would you see me protect and serve?
ANSWER:
The elves. The elves, first. Everyone else, second.
Who would you see me honor?
ANSWER:
The elves and anyone who stands with them.
What must I do to become your Divine Agent?
ANSWER:
Fight and win against the Mists.
Give battle to all the foes of the elves, and preserve our people.
What must I do to become your Chosen?
ANSWER:
Show you are worthy of it.
Show your dedication to the elves. Show your willingness to sacrifice all for the elves. Show your faith in your cause in all your deeds.
What must I do to become one of your Court?
ANSWER:
Bring back the elven paradise that once flourished on Oerth.
See our people empowered, strengthened, given back the stature they have lost.
See our people realize a just peace.
See health and happiness returned to our people.
Kindle the fires of joy and merriment in the hearts of our people, and let them set aside bigotry and hate, anger and fear.
See peace between our people and all the other races come to pass.
Then we will make you one of us.
Your blood formed that which is my people. Your wounds bleed the magic into the blood of the Elves. Your spirit, though distilled, runs through us bone and sinew. You have seen Oerth wracked. I will restore the health of my people, of my home, and of the world. I ask only for Mercy from you. Mercy and Sanctum when I pass from this world to another.
ANSWER:
We will have no mercy on you, if you allow our people to be taken by the Mists.
We will repudiate you, and we will turn our backs upon you.
You must protect our people - you must halt the Mists.
OOC - This takes care of my words with Corellon Larethian.
I am sharing my forests with Sollir. He may use whatever techniques I have used for himself in replanting and regrowing his forests. Restoration will be necessary in order to heal the world of the touch and to help restore the happy hearts and free spirits of my people. With the limited 11th level magic available in the interlude and possibly summoning some (non-combat) plant elementals to quicken the process.
ANSWER:
I repeat what I said before. If you attempt too much 11th level magic, you cannot state Category 4 Attacks / Defenses or greater.
This is not minor - it could cause your Power to be Disarmed.
Once Disarmed, your Power cannot reattain 11th level magic until Turn 8. Of course, it has to survive to Turn 8, and the enemy can attempt a Coup de Grace against it once it is Disarmed.
Check the lists on what you can do with 11th level magic, concerning this matter.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Could you explain it, Dark One?
The Red Robe figure laughs, and speaks:
Lord Melkor, is it not enough that I have stated that Iuz and Anabstercorian move to attack you?
Do you doubt the perception of the Dark Powers?
They come for you with 11th level magic, Melkor.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your Avatar.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your Red Army.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your people.
The Shade will be eradicated upon Oerth and Toril.
Then they will assail the Plane of Shadow in force, and take your citadels there one by one.
Until all who worship Melkor are broken and cast down, and none remain.
And that, will be the end of you, Melkor.
Do not presume to question our judgement in this matter.
We understand your opponents better than even you.
- - -
William Ronald
OOC: Melkor, I am posting a few things from the temp boards here. I believe that you would have to take all your forces into Ravenloft if you accept the offer. Also, do realize that the Dark Powers are trying to manipulate you, to tempt you. Edena is doing his job as a DM in having them try to do so.
Melkor, I hope this helps you to make your decision.
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
The Dark Powers are very unhappy with Hazen.
They have something especially unpleasant planned for him, if Greyspace is pulled into Ravenloft.
However - for the moment - the Mists pull back a little bit from the Kevellond League.
- - -
kaboom
Helping hands
After leaving the World Forum, the Chosen start to help people. When someone is in pain, a Chosen is there to help him or her. If they do not want help, the Chosen leaves, wishing that person good luck with whatever troubled them. They do not attempt make converts, but if someone wants to join the ranks of the faithful, then that person is given directions to a place where they can receive training.
OOC: Edena, I need to know whether my plots that I emailed you will work.
ANSWER:
My regrets, Creamsteak. Haven't been able to read my e-mail yet.
I simply received more e-mail than I could handle, as I stated repeatedly.
Creamsteak, the situation in Realmspace is bad and getting worse.
People in the UC are fearful of war with the Eternal Empire.
The people of the Eternal Empire want war with the Oerthians, who have the gall to sit and talk with Anabstercorian, after he just murdered 5 million of their people.
The Scro Star League wants the Dragon Overlords of Krynn destroyed, since they destroyed one of their fleets, and since the Dragon Overlords are in league with Alzem, relations between Hope Isle, Toril, and the Scro Star League have collapsed.
The World Forum has been abandoned and sealed off by the military.
I cannot speak for the heads of the Powers of Realmspace, but I will state there is a great deal of hostility toward the Nations of the Chosen from all sides, among the common populace.
Instead of being seen as peacemakers and voices of reason, the Chosen are seen as troublemakers, people who have violated the sovereign rights of other nations and think they can get away with it, people who would usurp power in the name of Mystra, people who would dictate how people should behave and think.
This suspicion was always there, but under the leadership of the United Commonwealth it lessened and dwindled away almost to nothing.
Now, it is back, and triplefold, because of the Mists, and because of the inflammatory statements made by several people in the World Forum (points the finger at Tokiwong and Melkor.)
The agents and emissaries of the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra suddenly find themselves with a cold welcome and colder hospitality across Realmspace - unless Reprisal and the others specifically do something to make it otherwise.
- - -
William Ronald
Member
A voice for calm and hope
Gwilym rushes over to the lost child and helps her find her parent or guardian. He is loving and protective.
Hazen prays to Rao and all the powers of light that he can reach through to those who need to hear this message on Oerth, on Toril, and beyond. He prays that the Angels will aid his efforts and reach out to those in pain. He prays that the Angels or an Angel will stand beside him, if they will. He prays that people will listen.
sounds like a bad public service commercial. I suppose it soothes
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
Unfortunately, William, your speech does not have it's intended effect.
The people of Toril have already been through all of the horrors that were spoken of in the speech, and they are bemused that someone from Oerth (or Earth) would decide to lecture them concerning the matter.
This bemusement, however, soon changes to irritation or boredom.
The speech is too long.
The audience in Realmspace listens intently at first, then the kender walk away, bored.
Then other people grow inattentive, start talking. More grow bored. They have heard all this before.
The general consensus is that Hazen is a good man, but apparently unable to put his words into action - why has the Kevellond League not dealt with these criminals and traitors and enemies already?
How is it, that even after everything Forrester did - he nearly destroyed the planet, afterall! - these enemies are still there in strength?
Obviously, this Hazen, although enlightened and noble, cannot handle the situation.
Others take offense at being lectured to about morality.
Others take offense at what is said about Forrester - especially the humanoids, who believe Forrester can do no wrong.
The elves of Evermeet are not appeased by this speech, but instead are angered - they do not believe forgiveness is due Forrester, but instead justice, and they denounce the idea of giving forgiveness unearned to someone who just planted a knife in their back.
The reaction to Hazen's speech is very mixed indeed.
A few are very impressed.
A few think Hazen are very outraged.
Most think Hazen is a good man.
Some think Hazen is only good at talk.
Most became bored, considering the speech irrelevant - the more immediate threat of war from the Eternal Empire (or the UC, in the Eternal Empire), is much more on their minds.
Hazen's words, in the end, have little effect.
OOC: You need to be much more forceful, with far fewer words. Sorta like: LISTEN UP, FOLKS! WE'RE ALL GOING TO RAVENLOFT IF YOU DON'T STOP FIGHTING RIGHT NOW. DO YOU WANT TO BE COUNT VON STRAHD'S NEWEST VAMPIRE SLAVES? KEEP FIGHTING EACH OTHER, AND YOU'LL ENJOY THAT PRIVILEGE. GET THE PICTURE, FOOLS?!
That would have gotten their attention, and made them listen.
- - -
Reprisal
My apologies everyone, I've been a bit tied up with my final exams and studying for such exams... The good news is that I've completed my History and International Relations exams, and only have two more ahead of me... I find, however, that I've fallen behind (yet again)...
ANSWER: Why are you apologizing? You don't need to. I just hope you are doing well on your exams. Post when you have the time, Reprisal.
All right, well, these are the issues as far as I know of:
(1) The United Commonwealth is starting to break up due to the First and Second Touches, as well as the actions and repercussions of the whole "Forester Affair." This is definately a detrimental process in the minds of the government, especially in these dangerous times...
ANSWER: And the Third Touch, and the debacle in the World Forum, and the fear and panic spreading through Realmspace concerning the Mists, and the general sense that the other nations of Realmspace are all becoming potential or real enemies, and ...
(2) Enemies of the Commonwealth have allied themselves with the Eternal Empire, the UC's next door neighbour. Therefore, the threat is compounded and something must be done, militaristically or diplomatically.
ANSWER:
They know, now, that the Oerthians, Krynnish, and Athians can come to Realmspace and attack them. They aren't very happy about that.
Now that they know the history of the IR - compliments of William - they are fearful.
Will the Oerthians summon the Elder Ones again?
Will the Oerthians try to attack Toril with the Red Army?
Will the Oerthians deliberately try to strengthen the Mists?
How many nations have been poisoned by the Oerthians, and turned traitor to the common peace of Realmspace?
How many people has Melkor bought off?
If the Eternal Empire has allied with Iuz, and thus allied with MELKOR, then who else is preparing to assail the UC?
If the leadership in the World Forum acts like that, then - well, WHAT leadership is at the helm?
Will the UC have a military coup?
Are the Scro going to side with the Oerthians?
Are the Chosen going to interfere in some drastic way that betrays the UC?
Are the humanoids really breaking away?
Is everything falling apart, as it appears to be doing?
Just how long before the Mists take Realmspace?
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT ALL THIS?
Anti Eternal Empire riots and demonstrations are breaking out.
The Eternal Empire consulate is attacked.
Citizens of the Eternal Empire are attacked, many injured, some killed.
In the Eternal Empire, demonstrations and riots break out against the Oerthians.
More demonstrations and riots break out against the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
There are calls for war against the Chosen of Mystra.
There are demands the UC step aside (the Nations of the Chosen are inside the UC's main territory) so that an invasion can be mounted.
The Scro Star League is being played by another, so I cannot speak for them - if I could, I would state they are ready to champion the cause of their humanoid brethren on Toril, and support their move to become an independent country.
- - -
William Ronald
Edena,
I ask that you consider Reprisals message on Friday to be delivered in a timely manner.
It may be assumed that this message occurs in game time, brief minutes after Reprisal's post.
ANSWER:
Correct. Otherwise, the above situation would be far worse.
Also, we need more people to post. Some have been busy, some have been ill.
However, if you can please post. Your voice is your vote in how the IR is determined.
We, the players of the IR, can shape its ultimate destiny.
ANSWER:
Indeed you can. You people now speak for the Scro Star League, the UC, the Republic of Selune, the Church of Toril, the Church of Mercy, the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
If you want to calm down your people, you have to do it.
Melkor and Tokiwong have made a very great effort to stir your people into panic, anger, and war fever, and William is ineffective against them, because he is not playing a Realmsian Power.
Someone else is going to have to step up to the plate, and soon.
So far, only Creamsteak has done so, and his efforts have not worked ... indeed, Tokiwong and Melkor have managed to turn Creamsteak's efforts into a PR disaster for the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
- - -
creamsteak
The four court members of Delrune, brought here to the home of peace on Toril shall sit silent no more. The words of the Archcleric are enough to break their soveriegn silence. They do not begin with speaches and unprepared talk, they applaud. They stand up, and applaud the Archcleric.
Sanctus Punitor - Sanctus applauds out of respect for Hazen, and out of some fealing that there is a level of heroism that he is partaking in, eminating the light of by watching Hazen.
Regina Canities - Regina applauds with tears in her eyes. The second Gamma world sending was the same as the first, but it is far more than she can bear. She turns to cry on Baeron's shoulders as the court members look into Hazen.
Brohagan - Brohagan is the Paladine of Zakarum's Hand and is not known for much.
He is the Lancelot of Sanctus Punitor's round table. He is also the devout bodyguard of Sanctus. Brohagan applauds the Archcleric and thinks about the decietfulness of the forces of evil, whether proven as deceit or not. He thinks about how unfortunate it would be for someone to trap an entire world in Ravenloft. He thinks about how pointless fighting is. He thinks about how much he wants to end this war.
Baeron - Baeron the Dwarf is a clan leader in his tribe. He is the largest and stoutest Dwarf there. He is the most shaken of the court members. He literally falls on the floor, but his hands are still held alloft in the air, applauding the Archcleric. He reaches for his axe sheeth, a leather sac, to cry into, but finds that his weapon was confiscated and his leather is not available. He too, cries on Brohagan's shoulders.
Sanctus waits to see the people follow his applause. He waits patiently for such a front.
He also considers to himself what he is worthy to say. He steps up to the podium finally and stands behind Hazen, waiting his turn to speak. He waits for the audience to applaud, and then recess appropriately.
The Archcleric speaks the truth. The Red Goo, the Touch, and the poor mune of Luna on Oerth are what must be cured. Pacify your aggesive urges. Good and Evil will wage war another day. Heal the planet, heal the moon, heal the touch. Remove these three and all things that would support them, and then the multiverse will unify itself.
Do not simply be swayed by the last to speak. Do not automatically follow whomever spoke last. Think about this rationally, and what is to blame? Not Melkor, Iuz, or Anabstercorrian. Not any man of his own right. It is the Goo and the Touch that have allowed them to commit such attrocities. If they had no such climatic weapons, the war could finally stop. Nuclear weapons are to the Technomancy and Red Goo is to an evil willing to use it. The Nuke is useless in the hands of one who does not have the ability to use it. The Red Goo cannot be used by someone who does not have evil thoughts.
I am not a public speaker, I am a quite man. I don't believe in broadcasting public display, but I do believe that there are concerns far more dangerous than those people who are in this room right now.
ANSWER:
This speech does not go over well in Realmspace.
Why?
Sanctus spoke the words: do not blame Iuz, Anabstercorian, Melkor ... and that was it.
Everyone realizes this speaker is speaking nonsense - obviously, Melkor, Anabstercorian, and Iuz are major threats, and why should they be absolved from the responsibility for the deliberate massacre of millions of people???
The general attitude in Realmspace is that high tech weapons and powerful magic ARE the answer, when used by the right people.
They could be used to destroy the enemies of Realmspace, and then the trouble would stop.
However, it gets worse, Creamsteak.
The agents of the Church of Shade have been busy.
They have been pointing out across Realmspace how Sanctus allied himself with Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and then lurid descriptions of what Phibrizzo has been doing have been given (such as running around eating corpses.)
The dark truth is being enhanced by careful lies and distortions.
A lot of people watching Creamsteak over the airwaves denouce him as a hypocrite, a person willing to tolerate murderers, a weakling, someone utterly incapable of accomplishing anything towards achieving the peace.
- - -
Kalanyr
Kalanyr stands
As Hazen said I am not an ally of Anabstercorian. I spoke of the Oerth Alliance in the word 'we', we are a group of nations with a purpose of bringing peace and enlightenment to Oerth, as you have achieved on Toril. Sanctus speaks truth, think not of the last speaked alone but on the totality of what has been said. Perhaps you need to see true evil to realise, I ask you now to think on your own thoughts and feelings, do you normally feel so? Is the hate and resentment the Mists and the Goo feed on and feed native to you?
ANSWER:
The Torilian public is not impressed.
The Torilians ask: Why are they all sitting around in the presence of mass murderers who are obviously not interested in peace, but only interested in butchery and mass destruction?
It is patently obvious that only force is going to work, for these Powers - Anabstercorian, Iuz, Melkor, Mina, Rajaat, and perhaps most of the others - apparently understand only force.
It is apparent to the people of Realmspace that these people understand only force, and that words are useless.
The Torilians also ask:
Why do they give vague speeches about peace and tolerance?
Where are the specifics?
Where are the specific demands?
Talk is talk. Where are the demands for treaties, for disarmament, for the disabling of the weapons of destruction, for the dismantlement of the Red Army?
Is that all they can do, these leaders of the Alliance of Oerth, is to give vague speeches about goodness and peace?
If so, then they obviously cannot handle the situation on Oerth, or are not willing to.
The people of Realmspace begin to murmer: This general talk is easy for them. Where are the specifics? And, if the other side won't talk specifics, where are the demands?
Where is the action? Where are the bold moves? Where are the strong leaders?
- - -
Alyx
Preface: This is a post of selfish character development. Be warned.
Chrysalis
The mists hung thick in the skies. Ash fell everywhere, hurled from uncountable volcanic maws. The skies roared with lightning and thunder – yet no rain fell. The air was dead. It tasted of demise. The sun did not pierce this cloud, but hovered somewhere far above and out of sight, ashamed and unready to face the world it had scorched. The ground was somewhere below, and the magna it contained lit the ash, which drifted aimlessly above.
He who watches floats in the middle of this disarray, hanging limp in the air, listening to the lightning. He who watches waves a hand. The ash is pushed to one side, yet the mist remains undisturbed. He who watches creases his face in a frown. Then he is gone.
The shattered remnants of a mountain lie on the ground. Stones lay everywhere. This is where the watcher reappears. This time he walks on the ground, looking neither left nor right but taking step after step further into the mists. A white stone catches his attention, and he looks hopefully towards it. A grinning skull stares up at him. The walker stares at the skull, at those empty sockets. Neither blinks for a long, long time.
Then the walker is gone.
Blackened husks that once could be called trees line the hills and the fields in endless rows, while the thorn bushes coiled about them seem to smile in the fog. Here and there are the remains of an elven flet or an orcish stronghold. This fire burnt all things alive, living and unliving alike. The walker is here as well, passing through the once-trees with measured steps, not once breaking his stride. Once he pauses and turns to the side, where lies a burnt out home of human origin. The walker steps into the house and sees nothing. All that remains is blackened oak and pinewood, and that has begun to fade and contribute to the airy ash. The walker touches one wall and his hand comes away smeared with char. Voiceless, the watcher disappears.
Now he is deep underwater, far beneath the surface above. This was a shallow bay once, but it is no longer. A massive ship juts from the ground. Its decks are shattered and the mast has sunken somewhere else. Harpoon heads are still embedded in the wood, and swords are in the hold. The mist is even here. No true mist could enter the water. This is not mist. This is something more. Emotionless, the watcher is gone. Here is where he is now: far to the north, at the base of a mountain where men once climbed over to reach streams of gold. Even now a few remnants remain – a pick head here, a hatchet head there. The watcher, the walker, looks about him. This place is untouched, almost. The ash is less here, filtered through the mountains. The mist is here, black and representing some distant danger, but it holds no menace. Trees grip the ground with unshakable roots. The watcher nods. There is a pool of Oerthblood near by, a natural one, and it has bestowed upon this place a gift that few other locations hold.
‘Who are ye?!’ comes a below from behind the watcher. Swiftly he turns, careful not to touch his sword. A grizzled old man is before him, holding a mighty crossbow before him like a talisman against evil.
‘I am a wanderer.’ says the wanderer, voice emotionless and sounding distant.
‘I thought as much.’ The old man mutters. Some inner flame, a force of will that the watcher has not seen, possesses his eyes. Then the flame seems to die, the crossbow goes limp in the old man’s hand. His voice is strong when he speaks again. ‘You may as well kill me now, lad, if that is what you came to do.’ Wordlessly, he lifts the crossbow to reveal that the trigger mechanism was shattered.
‘I will not hurt you.’ Says the watcher.
‘Won’t hurt me?’ The old man’s voice reflects genuine surprise. ‘Let me tell you, stranger, you’re the first person who has said that to me in three months!’ He hesitates, then turns around and beckons over his shoulder at the watcher. ‘Come with me. I have a home near here, and I confess I want some decent company. Too many wild things about these days, and wargs as well.’
The watcher follows. He does not know why – perhaps it is curiosity that moves his feet.
Or perhaps something more.
The two come to a log cabin, made out of five-foot thick walls of sod and a roof of solid, honest wood. It is a cabin that has seen a lot of conflict and a lot of hate. The roof is marred with small slashes of black and the sod is pitted hard in some places.
But the building has withstood everything. It lasts as a testament of unsurpassed fortitude.
The old man lights an old iron stove, rubbing his hands to its warmth and then moving to a quiet chair to sit on. The watcher sits across from him. For a lingering moment the two stare at each other, eye to eye.
The old man smiles. ‘You might be wondering why my crossbow is all smashed up.
She’s a beauty. I carved her two years ago, took two months to do it just right. I forged the iron myself – got a full shop for iron mongering nearby. Today I tripped while chasing Kobolds from my food cache and the trigger just clean broke off. Gave me a nasty surprise, although the little yippers seemed happy. Chased me off into the bush. Two months effort broken in a moment.’ Then the old man grins, and looks expectantly at his visitor for an answer. A long moment goes by.
‘That’s too bad’ says the watcher.
Gleefully, the old man slaps his thigh. ‘Ha! That’s what you think, and those yippers too. But what I know that you don’t is this.’ Springing up from his chair without any signs of age, the old man rushes to the chest at one side of the room and rummages through it. Quickly he finds what he is looking for, and pulls out another crossbow, like the first. But this one is whole and unbroken. ‘I started on this one right when all the troubles began.’ For a second, the old man frowns, but that second passes fleetingly.
‘I knew I might need it. And I did. That’s what you get for planning, lad, never forget it.’ And he laughs, crossbow cradled in his hands.
The watcher cracks. A corner of his lip turns, and then he smiles. His eyes join in, as he watches this ancient soul bubbling over with joy. This is what life is all about, he remembers. The triumphs made day by day. The past was a pale thing in comparison.
The watcher stands. ‘You know, I don’t think I will.’
‘Bah. You’re like everyone else. You will forget.’ the old man said, his laughing long and hard. ‘But it looks like I’ve broken your ice. Perhaps now you’ll join me for dinner, and tell me something about yourself. I don’t get many friendly folk around here, you know. Maybe I already said that, but it bears repeating.’
They ate.
That night passed quickly, and without nightmares, as the old man of the mountains and the more ancient but less wise red elf named Jand ate together, and remembered again what it is to laugh.
ANSWER:
So, Jand the Red Elf thinks that this is what life is all about?
Creating weapons to kill starving kobolds?
Creating weapons of war?
Triumphing over the dead bodies of foes?
Or does Jand believe that triumphing over the obstacles of life, and making the best of the time one has in life, is the real triumph?
That obtaining joy and merriment somehow even in the face of the worst that reality can throw at one, is the real triumph.
That succeeding in one's efforts, finding fulfillment, and achieving great accomplishments, despite all the unreasonable and impossible adversary one is facing, is the real victory?
The story above is not clear on the matter. A curious DM wishes to know the answer to this question.
- - -
Serpenteye
The God Emperor appears before her, radiant in golden light and power, and speaks ruefully,
Well said, Lich Queen of the Githyanki. Well said, and well thought, and if the situation was different I might agree with you. But this is no ordinary war, this is not a matter of 'Good' versus 'Evil'. Melkor, Iuz, and their servants seek to bring the Red Death into this Multiverse and throw the Prime into the Domains of Dread.
He explains the nature of those two threats.
These are foes far greater than the mortal children Hazen and Lesange. Consider, for a moment, how their success would affect you. You and your people would be slaves of the Red Death, your very nature makes that unavoidable. If they succeed your own power will cause your downfall, regardless of were in all the infinite planes you stay. If you allow them to win you will truly be wasting your armies and your life.
The situation is complicated, the battle tangled and confused, chaos rules the Multiverse and nothing can be predicted with certainty but, know this, the battle must be fought. We can not afford to be passive. You can not afford to stand by the sidelines looking in, you cannot afford send your armies away and there is none else for you to ally with. The Union of Worlds will stand triumphant in the end. The middle road, between the twin madnesses of the Alliance of Oerth and the Glowing Darkness, the road of sanity between two different paths to oblivion, will lead us to victory. And you will be elevated to new heights beyond your wildest dreams.
He says this with crystal clear certainty, his aura radiating the resonances of a definite promise.
What say you to this?
DC 150 Sence Motive to detect a hint of amusement and (could it be??) condescension.
Well?
The God Emperor donates 5'000'000'000 gold pieces (in electronic form) in a huge number of separate transactions, laundring the money in thousands of bank accounts on Oerth, Sigil, Krynn, Mystara and Toril, to the separatist faction (with which he has an extremly friendly secret relation) of the Humanoids of the UC of Toril to support their cause and aid them in achieving independence.
How are the secret plans and research/manufacturing projects we e-mailed to you turn 6 proceeding? You've answered some of them, but not all. There's no reason to hurry, I just wanted to remind you so you won't forget about them entirely.
ANSWER:
I do not know. I received more e-mails than I could handle, and was whelmed by them.
The Lich Queen speaks:
You're as bad as that Hazen person.
I want action, not words.
If you are going to win this war, you're going to have to show me that you're a capable leader, who can take capable action.
That is what I want to see.
If you have plans, good plans to win this war for the Union of the Worlds, tell me of them! ((e-mail me privately.))
If you have weapons that can withstand the Torilians and Forrester, and Erika and Gith knows who else, tell me.
If you have secret alliances and these will win the war for your side, tell me.
If I take my githyanki back to the Astral Plane, the Mists will not touch us.
No Mists have come to our homes in the Astral Plane.
We appreciate the danger of the Mists - AND WE APPRECIATE THAT IF WE STAY AND FIGHT, THE MISTS WILL COME TO OUR HOMES.
Do you think I wish to endanger my people like that, without good cause?
I do endanger them, if I leave them here on Oerth - I endanger us all.
Now, I want some reasons - GOOD reasons - out of you why we should stay, and why we should fight at your side.
No more words. I want facts. Answers. Plans. Secrets. Weapons systems. All of it.
If you can win this war, I want to know the how, the why, the when, and the where.
I want to know, and I want to know now.
- - -
Alyx
Back at the Conference
Anfaren stands with Kalanyr, Sanctus, Regina, Brohagan, and Baeron to show his solidarity with his allies. He claps long and hard. At the next best opportunity he takes the podium from Kalanyr.
'I will be brief.
'I urge the people of Toril to listen to us. I ask them to consider our words. Our world is less then it was because of indifference and misguided, insane evil. Already it threatens you, in the form of mists and the breaking of your world forum. Do not allow it to continue unhindered. To do so would break the foundations of your civilization and cast it to ruin.
ANSWER:
A lot of now angry Torilians quite agree. The Oerthian menace must be dealt with. Send the starfleet to Greyspace and incinerate the (deleted) planet of Oerth, and THAT would take care of the problem.
No more Oerth, no more problem.
Hunt the Shade down in their pitiful escapes in the Plane of Shadow, and eradicate them to the last and least.
'All that you will hear from Hazen and his friends this day are truthful. We plead with you to listen because we would hate to see another world shattered.'
ANSWER:
A lot of outraged Torilians state:
Since when is it OUR fault that you have a mess? Much less that your mess threatens us now?
We are listening. Why don't you say something useful? Where is the action? Where is the leadership? We don't want to hear empty words.
Anfaren stares at the ground. He looks up at the audience of dignitaries. He scans the cameras. Then he speaks again.
'But it is more then that. No, we do not lie to you because to do so would be to shake the common ground we share. Your nations are of truth. Our nations are of truth also. It is in truth that the bonds between us may be set. And truth by its very definition is an unbreakable bond.'
With that, Anfaren returns to his seat.
ANSWER:
Many Torilians roll their eyes, and are disgusted. No action out of this one.
The Eternal Empire is preparing to launch a nuclear war against them (or, the UC is preparing to launch a nuclear war against them), and all these Oerthians do is talk.
Except for the evil ones - they do much more than talk. They kill and destroy millions of people, and now they've corrupted the Eternal Empire in Realmspace, and perhaps others, and wish to kill everyone in Realmspace.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Well, maybe they only THINK they are manipulating me, this is a dangerous game, but I will propably play.
Edena, I don`t intend to take all my forces to Ravenloft, only 20 000 worth of Red Army, I don`t think that Dark Powers can absorb millions of beings into Domain Of Dread against their will, not until the Sixth Touch takes place.
ANSWER:
Did I ever say you got a choice about how much of your army went into Ravenloft?
I am the DM, and play the Dark Powers. I know what they are capable of, and not capable of.
When they stated you and your army would go to Ravenloft, THEY MEANT IT.
They HAVE the power to transport you and your entire army to Ravenloft, and to keep you there.
If you are playing a game, play it against the Dark Powers, yes!
However, DO NOT make assumptions concerning the magnitude of power the Dark Powers have, arbitrarily!
NEVER make assumptions with the Dark Powers - they are too powerful and too dangerous.
The Dark Powers never said anything about you being allowed to take only a small part of your army into Ravenloft.
The Dark Powers never said anything about you having a choice in the matter.
The Dark Powers said: You may enter, with your army, or you may not enter, and your enemies will destroy you.
I would suggest, Melkor, that you attempt to ask questions of the Dark Powers.
Ask questions, and do not assume. For that matter, do not assume they are telling you the truth.
They are quite capable of lying - they are about as good at lying as it ever gets.
Be careful. Ask questions. Make your decisions with caution. These are very dangerous forces Melkor is dealing with.
- - -
Zelda Themelin
Thillronian League - Eidor speaks
Eidor (big man, apperantly of Frost Barbarian tribe) stands up. ((He apperently has no real experience with speeches)).
Unlike press' misleading statements say, none of the emissaries of the Thillronian League have walked out, if one of us remains.
ANSWER:
Mistake. You just openly insulted the press. Some of them take offense, and they are the ones who write the story.
I just wanted to correct this cultural misunderstanding.
Very nice speech and all, now, what should we do next? Yeh, there are mists and there is goo, and there are damned big mistakes and understandable lust for power mixing into rest of it. I vote for healing and some healthy ass-kicking reserved for those, who won't laydown their wars and power-mongering, or actually use power of goo and mists to their own ends, effectually disturbing the healing process. Like my granfather used to say, 'there can never be peace without war' and I say, there is nothing 'evil' in agressiveness.
ANSWER:
There is nothing evil in aggressiveness?
A lot of Torilians who were about to cheer and applaud stop and scratch their heads at that statement.
We must put stop to this 'who is to blame' insanity. But, in the process we must not forget who our enemies are. 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.
ANSWER: A cheer erupts across Realmspace at this speech, followed by much applause.
Oh, and neutrality with some of the 'enemies' would be quite acceptable. Some of them want a bit more to conquer, than wasteland of broken lands and suffering souls, drifing like big blood-sweating cheese into realms of oblivion.
Our ultimate wars of good vr. evil, law vr. chaos, freedom vr. tyranny, tech vr. magic, human vr. illithid and wait the other day, yes?´Some of our enemies are smart enough to realize this situation is no-win even their goals in mind, and then there is pantheon of glowing darkness, or whatever it is called now, whose mere tools point, that they are nothing more than cancer for nature, that we should kindly cure. I don't mean destroy, kill, kill. I mean cure. Red goo is souls trapped into twisting hatred. Like many wiser than me have stated, we must free and purify those souls, and take them out of hands of misusers. Yes, and good old-fashioned ass-kicking will be involted, I except.
Oh, and as far as we are concerned, we might even let Iuz have change in this universe, should he be willing to give up power gained from said tortured souls of red goo and return to good old 'old evil one' we used to know and 'love to hate'. Of course it is not for me to decide.
But first things first.
Eidor sits down.
ANSWER:
There is mixed reaction to this speech in Realmspace, because there is a lot of confusion.
Some people think Eidor is for war, and they cheer that.
Some people think Eidor is for peace through strength, and they cheer that.
Some people think Eidor is for a negotiated peace, and they cheer that.
And, of course, those who favor war, and believe Eidor wants a negotiated peace, boo and hiss.
Those who believe Eidor wants war, when they think a negotiated peace is possible, sadly shake their heads.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Zauron, you seem to hace a fair amount of knowledge concerning Ravenloft, could you email me the info on how Vecna and Soth managed to escape Ravenloft? Of course, my plans are much more ambitious.
ANSWER: Wise idea, Melkor. I hope Zouron has responded - Zouron, could you talk to Melkor?
- - -
Black Omega
Interesting. Trying to think of what Ravenloft would do to Melkor. The bits with Soth in Ravenloft were very nicely done, some very subtle and nasty ways of tormenting the big S.
After the whole in the ceiling is fixedand those injured or traumatized by the incident are taken care of, Siobhan returns to the press for one last statement.
I know there are some among you who can't imagine that certain people have been allowed here. Whether it is Anabastcorian or Melkor or whoever.
ANSWER:
In Realmspace, two sentences are roared in countless rooms and restaurants:
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! WE CAN'T IMAGINE!
We've just seen these feelings run high. But the point of a peace conference is not only inviting your friends.
Everyone must be able to come or there is no hope of peace. And Hope is one thing I refuse to give up. I'll drop by later to answer any further questions but for now duty calls. Thank you.
ANSWER:
There are jeers and booing across Realmspace at the end of this speech.
Those who want peace, do not jeer. However, they look sad and exasperated.
- - -
zouron
Melkor, about Domains of Dread
Melkor you cannot decide what you bring along with you to Domains of Dread (or Ravenloft as the place is falsely called).
In domains of Dread Darklords never gain what they want the most. The Darkpowers tempts you, but they don't care about getting anyone but YOU under their foot. The Darkpowers will keep their initial word, but not in any form you will like, not at all.
yes you get to rule something in Ravenloft, it might not be the mega domain you thought it would be, it all depends on your worth to the mist (vecna actually had a very small domain). You don't take anything with you, you go alone everything created in your new domain is a mockery of what you know, everything will be just wrong, but seem right on surface (Lord Loren Soth's Bashees that were suppose to tell him the story of his own damnation kept changing the story, twisting it, still able to reconize it but just not right... very annoying for a man of strict rules and behaviour like Lord Loren Soth).
WHEN more then one person is brought to Domains of Dread, it seems that the actual Darklord is not nessecary the one everyone thinks it to be (a former dark sun domain, whom is no longer described due to license transfere, has a dragonking as Darklord, but in reality it is the high priestess that is the Darklord).
Okay finally one rule when dealing with the dark powers, you will never get what you want (vecna wanted kas dead but never could and vice versa), you will never like what you get but it is what you asked for. The darkpowers are more tricky to deal with then a wish under a wish hating DM, the Darkpowers don't manipulate you, they just offer you your darkest desire in return for nothing... on the surface.
Okay Vecna I am not sure of I did not buy the modules where Vecna escapes Ravenloft, but in those he DOES escape he takes over sigil in a short period. I believe basically he became very powerful (he is a greater god now right? so that is part of the reason).
As for Soth, this is a bit twin fold.
Out of Character: Soth is a very priced trademark of WotC and the rights to the campaign setting Ravenloft was given to Arthause (whom produces RL material today)
In Character: Soth was rejected by the Darkpowers, he was better at being his own doom then they were his, but while he was in RL he seemed to be unwilling to act at all, so why not let him be his own doom elsewhere.
Soth's highest wish was to gain his family back (or so he thinks) as well as when he entered to gain the spirit of Kitiara to serve him. in the end he he offered his family and everything, he kills them all and it all starrts over again.
basically I would say both escaped cases are due to real world reasons rather then game vice.
ANSWER:
All of the above is basically true.
However, I am playing the Dark Powers, and they play to win.
They reserve the right to reward Melkor anyway they see fit, within their power.
They know very well that they are winning the battle to pull Realmspace and the others into Ravenloft.
Since Melkor's people are in all the Crystal Spheres, it enables the Dark Powers to create a truly giant Domain for Melkor.
Since Melkor's people are, indeed, in all the Crystal Spheres, it gives them the capability of creating a Domain that will house Realmspace, Greyspace, Krynnspace, and Athas - all in this one Domain.
Melkor's evil is so great, and the destruction he has caused, and the loss of life, is so great, that it empowers them to accomplish vast things, if he accepts their offer.
Thus, they CAN create a Domain where Melkor is Darklord over an area the size of several Crystal Spheres.
They CAN set this Domain up so that, if Realmspace and the others are pulled in, they become subservient to Melkor.
It would amuse the Dark Powers to NO END if Melkor was made ruler of all these lofty and enlightened people ... with the subsequent consequences.
I will repeat what I said before:
If Melkor accepts their offer, and Realmspace and the others are not pulled in, the Dark Powers have Melkor.
If Melkor accepts their offer, and Realmspace and the others ARE pulled in, Melkor tortures and destroys all these lofty people, and makes them his slaves.
If Melkor REFUSES to go to Ravenloft, that means he STAYS in the war. This strengthens the Mists, which speeds up the process of sucking Realmspace and the others into Ravenloft.
Any way you cut it, the Dark Powers win.
- - -
You can defeat the Dark Powers. However, it isn't an easy thing to do.
And the things required to do so, have not been done.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Well Melkor is supposed to be a Greater God, My PC is only his Avatar.
ANSWER: READ IT, AND BELIEVE IT, MELKOR:
For the purposes of this IR, and Ravenloft, Melkor is considered an Intermediate Power.
If Melkor chooses to step through that mirror, HE (the God, not the Avatar) goes to Ravenloft, and HE does not get to leave again.
I just want you to appreciate the gravity of the situation, before you do anything, Melkor.
- - -
Zelda Themelin
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.
ANSWER:
This elicts a cheer in Realmspace.
Anabastcorian, Union of the Worlds we can still speak with.
ANSWER:
The cheers turn to boos and then hisses, and then nobody pays any further attention to Eidor.
- - -
Serpenteye
The God Emperor projects a part of his conciousness to the conference (while most of him is with the Lich Queen in the Astral Plane). He appears as an extremely handsome young man, in formal and dignified garb, glowing subtly with divine power. He listens to the speeches of the assembled while exchanging polite smalltalk with other delegates.
The God Emperor chuckles mirthlessly at the above statement and applauds Eldor after his speach. Then he turns to the barbarian (and the press):
There is much wisdom in your words, northman, but we must do more than that. It's not enough to eradicate the enemies of peace with loving acts of murder. It's not enough to heal the evil of the Red Scourge or the wounds of Oerth, we must go further than that.
The Mists and the Red Death are drawn to suffering, strife and hatred. To win our freedom from a fate worse than death we must achieve peace, both external and internal, within our societies, our worlds and our hearts. All our conflicts must be resolved.
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.
They claim to be a democracy, they claim that all their citizens are equal under the law, they lie. Ever since the founding of the United Commonwealth one people have been discriminated against. The Humanoid state is by far the largest in the commonwealth, despite of that the state has no greater representation in (the senate) than even the smallest of the others. The purpose for this injustice is obvious, to marginalize the humanoid population, to reduce the humanoid people, with their vast industrial and military might, to a servitor race for the masters of the Commonwealth, to Ian Payne and Erika Lesange and their favoured peoples.
Now the humanoids rise up against their oppressors, demanding freedom and independence. Now the Commonwealth stands on the brink of civil war. But this war cannot be allowed. If Toril is thrown into war, if billions of innocents are slaughtered, if the planet itself is torn to pieces and devoured by death, the mists will come. The mists will pull us all into the Domains of Dread for eternal torture. Death is no release, for the realms of your Gods will be closed to you and you will spend eternity as tortured spirits. Even the Angels will, in time, be turned into twisted abominations, ironic mockeries of everything they are now.
Therefore, for the sake of all our worlds, I ask of you, peoples and leaders of Toril to allow the Humanoid state its independence. You can prevent your own unmaking, the destruction of your entire society, if you allow the democratic ideals you claim to have to triumph.
ANSWER:
You goofed, Serpenteye. The God Emperor had a legitimate point, and it would have been heeded, should have been heeded - the point about the Mists and Ravenloft.
However, by the time the God Emperor gets to that part of your speech, nobody is listening.
At first, the people of Realmspace listen with respect, for they have not seen the God Emperor before, and are curious about this powerful being from Oerth.
After all, he and Kas are the leaders of the Union of the Worlds, a major force on Oerth.
But then he starts insulting the United Commonwealth.
The people of the United Commonwealth are already in a heightened state of aggravation, and this new insult is infuriating.
Boos and hisses turn into a clamor, a riot. Mugs of beer are thrown at the plasma displays, smashing against the screens. Some people cry out for eradication of the Oerthians. People spit, shout epitaphs, shout denunciations.
In a few places, the anger leads to fights, which erupt into small scale brawls or riots.
There is much cheering amongst the humanoids, though, and where humanoids and the others sit together, the two sides give each other ugly looks.
Then someone says something - it is inevitable that they do, in most cases - and hundreds of brawls break out in bars and taverns across Realmspace.
A few of these brawls turn into full-scale battles, with large numbers of people injured or killed.
Among the intellectuals of Realmspace, sitting and quietly sipping drinks as they watch - such as the neoillithid - there is a general shaking of heads, and a shared look of disgust.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
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!
ANSWER:
There is consternation among those quietly watching the Peace Conference, at this speech.
Those who are still watching, and who advocated peace, agree that no peace is possible.
The hatemongers, the warmongers, have a field day.
Wild shouts break out, there are calls for immediate war with the Eternal Empire, many call for the destruction of Toril.
Of course, a lot of people do not hear this speech for the very good reason that they are caught in the midst of the brawl caused by the God Emperor's speech prior to this one.
Where the people are still listening in large numbers, and there is no fighting or yelling, yelling and jeers, and exclamations of anger, break out.
- - -
Tokiwong
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...
ANSWER:
Since it is known now in Realmspace that Iuz is allied with Melkor, the boos, jeering, and hisses continue, along with many derogatory comments I cannot repeat on this message board.
Nobody in Realmspace, not even the intellectual neoillithid, are taking the Peace Conference seriously now.
They are jeering, laughing, shouting, angrilly denouncing, everyone they see. Restaurants and bars have erupted into one continuous riot against the Oerthians.
Hate and anger fills the faces of those watching.
Steins and mugs are thrown and shatter, bartenders are helpless to stop it, the authorities smugly look on and do nothing.
In the streets, where the plasma screens look down upon huge squares, the thunderous roar of thousands of people shouting denunciations and calling for war rises into a deafening clamor.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
I am going offline for the weekend.
ANSWER:
You never gave me a final answer, on whether you went through the mirror. However, I was not online to answer your questions.
I will wait until Monday to find out your final answer.
- - -
Serpenteye
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.
ANSWER:
There is anger even on the faces of the intellectuals. They know the God Emperor is deliberately saying one thing, while trying to accomplish the opposite.
The jeers and denunciations grow louder, more steins are hurled, along with food and plates.
More fights break out between humanoids and the other races.
The authorities who should be keeping order, smugly look the other way - and some of them start hinting that maybe it would be a good thing if the humanoids were put in their place (or, that the humanoids should be independent of the rest of the trash.)
Forrester's statement, in which he explained to Melkor that he could have the concubine, and do his worst to her, for all he was concerned ... the dark truth is being enhanced by the lies of the agents of the Church of Shade, and everyone in Realmspace has heard of this by now.
Rumors are spreading that the government has been secretly infiltrated by the Church of Shade.
Rumors are spreading that Forrester was secretly in league with Melkor.
Rumors are spreading that the Humanoid State is secretly in league with Melkor.
Rumors are spreading that the humanoids are about to massacre all the elves in their domain.
Rumors are spreading that the elves are about to massacre all the humanoids in THEIR domain.
Rumors are spreading of a military coup.
Rumors are spreading that even now the Eternal Empire is about to attack (and vice versa with the UC.)
Rumors are spreading the Shade have bought the Scro Star League off.
Rumors are spreading the Chosen of Mystra want the Shade back in Realmspace, to correct the Balance.
Rumors are spreading the Chosen of Mystra, always viewed with suspicion by the UC, are secretly planning to use this as a way of taking absolute control of Realmspace back into their hands.
Rumors are spreading that Hazen is a put-up job, a fake, to lull the people of Realmspace into believing the Oerthians can somehow be reasoned with.
Rumors are spreading that ... (must I go on?)
- - -
Anabstercorian
Anabstercorian, irked, drops a Temporal Stasis that will last until the end of the Peace Conference on the emissary from Melkor.
ANSWER:
Overruled. Kalanyr put a Magic and Psionic Dead Zone over the Peace Conference, and Kalanyr is a demipower.
<< 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.
ANSWER:
Anabstercorian is not even heard in Realmspace, except in a few intellectual circles.
Seeing their ancient enemy, and already infuriated, the people of Realmspace shout down Anabstercorian, drowning him out with jeers, cat-calls, yelling, threats, denunciations, calls for war, calls for vengeance and retaliation, calls for a slow painful death.
More steins are thrown at the plasma screens, with great force.
Many of those screens shatter and collapse.
Angry patrons smash plates, break tables, attack each other, attack any humanoids present.
Looting breaks out, fires are set, riots erupt in cities across Toril.
The ringleaders, all too many of them secretly in the employ of the Shade or Iuz, goad the angered people on.
Rumors continue to fly, growing with each telling, and the dark reality of the current situation is ever enhanced with each new rumor.
Serpenteye
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?
ANSWER:
In the intellectual circles of Realmspace, where they are still listening, they look at each other and shake their heads.
This one is a liar alright.
The Army of Darkness came because of the True Staff of Ancient Penumbra.
- - -
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.
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
At first, the rioting and clamor dies down as Hazen appears.
His first impression on the people of Realmspace was very great, and they wish to hear him speak.
However, after they hear what he has to say concerning the interference of the Union of the Worlds in Realmspace, the anger erupts again.
Then, the riot and clamor drowns out the rest of Hazen's speech, even though it is not directed at him.
- - -
Serpenteye
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.
ANSWER:
The jeers and boos rise to a deafening tumult, as the God Emperor reappears. Steins, cups, plates, and even large pieces of crockery are thrown at the plasma screens.
Reason has been lost, and replaced by the mob mentality.
Nobody notices that the Mists outside are growing heavier, darker, and denser, in cities across Toril.
- - -
William Ronald
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Generally, the speech is ignored, or lost amidst the clamour in Realmspace.
Those who are still listening, shake their heads.
- - -
Serpenteye
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Generally, the speech is ignored, or lost amidst the clamour in Realmspace.
Those who are still listening, shake their heads again.
- - -
Festy Dog
Silver Phase remains in his seat, listening and keeping an air of silence about him. It almost seems that he is confused by all that has happened, but that is reserved to those with a trained eye.
ANSWER:
The agents of the Powers of Oerth bring the news, discreetly, to everyone at the Peace Conference:
Riots and demonstrations are breaking out across the United Commonwealth of Toril, and the Eternal Empire of Toril.
Riots against the Oerthians in general, against Melkor, against Iuz, against the Eternal Empire, against the United Commonwealth, against the Chosen of Mystra, against the Humanoids, even against the Scro Star League.
- - -
William Ronald
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Again, Hazen's speech is not heard.
It is hard to hear a speech in the middle of a riot, especially when all the plasma screens have been smashed.
- - -
Reprisal
A Question of Unity, Sovereignty, and Freedom
((This space reserved for a time when I can get the post written up... Damn life, hehe.))
ANSWER:
Reprisal, you have a problem.
The Humanoid Generals of the UC just staged a coup.
They have seized all the antimatter missile fields, particle cannon artillery, and docked starships in their part of the United Commonwealth.
The civilian government has been seized and imprisoned, their fate unknown.
This just happened, and indeed, it is still happening.
It looks like the Humanoid State is making a bid for independence by force.
Unless the UC or some other Power crushes this revolt quickly - somehow - I am awarding the new 11th level Power created to Serpenteye and Mr. Draco.
Yes, you heard me right, folks. To Serpenteye and Mr. Draco.
Meanwhile, there is widespread rioting and a breakdown of law and order across large parts of the United Commonwealth.
The local authorities are doing nothing to stop the rioting - they are aiding in the rioting, egging on the rioters.
The wreckage of the World Forum is empty, silent, and dark.
Abandoned.
Just as reason seems to have been abandoned.
The Mists in Realmspace are growing, becoming thicker, turning the green sky of Toril murky, the sun blearily shining through the filmy haze.
The trouble is equally bad in the Eternal Empire. Anti-Oerthian, Anti-Chosen, and now anti-United Commonwealth riots and demonstrations are occurring across that nation.
- - -
The trouble has not yet spread to the Republic of Selune.
Nor is there any trouble in the Scro Star League.
The Nations of the Chosen of Mystra are on alert, but their people are still peaceful.
A large majority of the peoples of the UC and EE are calling for a halt to the riots, calling for the authorities to do something, calling for reason and peace.
Even in the Humanoid State, a majority of the humanoids do not support the coup, and they are not attacking their elven friends (the elves of Evermeet, now with them as one people.)
However, the hatemongers, the warmongers, and those who are working in the shadows, seem to be getting the upper hand.
Edena is he right that I would be unable to take part in IR if I accept?
Can I step through The Mirror later?
ANSWER:
If Melkor steps through the Mirror, you are out of the IR.
Unless Realmspace, Greyspace, Krynnspace, and Athas are pulled into Ravenloft, in which case you would have the upper hand, to some extent, over all the other IR Powers put together.
I have explained this repeatedly, and I will explain it once more:
Once you go to Ravenloft, you STAY in Ravenloft.
Leaving Ravenloft, is not an option.
ESPECIALLY NOT an option if you are a Darklord.
You cannot even communicate with beings outside of Ravenloft, nor can you scry them, or in any way interact with them.
There is no way that ANYONE or ANYTHING in Ravenloft, can communicate, interact with, or otherwise have anything to do with ANYTHING outside of Ravenloft.
As for whether you can step through the Mirror later ...
The Red Robed figured looks at Melkor, and states, rather harshly:
There will be no later.
If you do not step through now, you will be crushed by your enemies.
Your Shade Army and your Red Army will be destroyed.
Do you think we will grant the privileges of a Darklord to someone who has proven himself inept by getting his people slaughtered?
We offer this to you, now.
We may or may not offer it to you later.
If you walk away from this offer, know that you may well be walking away from an opportunity that will NEVER come again.
As you rot in the prisons of the United Commonwealth, you will look back on this moment, and remember you had a way to destroy them all, and turned it down.
OOC: In other words, Melkor, you do not know.
OOC: I would REALLY suggest you read up on Ravenloft, Melkor, or talk to someone who knows the setting, before you make your final decision.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Edena, if I accept the proposition, do I have to take my Red Army with me?
ANSWER: No. However, you must take all of your Shade.
- - -
creamsteak
This is a repost of something from the last thread that got skipped. Just sort of want a response, it doesn't have to answer every question, mainly just "How do I become your chosen" will do.
Diety of Elves, I am Sanctus Punitor. I am Paladin. I am Ranger. I am Elven Defender. I am bearer of Infectio Onis Ferrum. I am watcher of Delrune. I am Master of the Wild Hunt. I am student of Tensor. I am the carrier of the Eagle. I am Knight of the Round Table. I am Elf. I am Man. I am Servitor of your Judgement.
I call you here to ask you of your bidding. I come here to call upon your will. I come here for you to pass judgement. I come here to bring my case to your divine court. I ask you for wisdom for my people. I ask you for mercy when I pass from your favor.
Diety of Elves, Corellon Larethian; I beseech you!
Have I shown your intentions to my people and earned your favor upon them?
CORELLON ANSWERS:
You have allied with Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and this displeases us. However, Delrune stands, and this is to your great credit - does not the Union of the Worlds stand next to you, and has it not threatened your borders (through the whole IR), and are you not yet free? This is to your credit, Sanctus.
Now, you must drive the Mists from the elves.
Drive them away, and protect our people.
Have I served your people as you would see them served?
ANSWER
You have served well, although we disapprove of your alliances.
Now, serve us again, and vanquish the Mists.
Have I asserted your will as you would see it used?
ANSWER:
You have done your best.
Now, you must do more.
Defeat the Mists.
Defeat those who would oppress or destroy our people.
Bring strength and power to the elven people, so that they may have peace.
Bring joy and happiness back to our stricken people.
Who would you see me vanquish from Oerth?
ANSWER:
The Mists.
Others, as you choose.
Who would you see me protect and serve?
ANSWER:
The elves. The elves, first. Everyone else, second.
Who would you see me honor?
ANSWER:
The elves and anyone who stands with them.
What must I do to become your Divine Agent?
ANSWER:
Fight and win against the Mists.
Give battle to all the foes of the elves, and preserve our people.
What must I do to become your Chosen?
ANSWER:
Show you are worthy of it.
Show your dedication to the elves. Show your willingness to sacrifice all for the elves. Show your faith in your cause in all your deeds.
What must I do to become one of your Court?
ANSWER:
Bring back the elven paradise that once flourished on Oerth.
See our people empowered, strengthened, given back the stature they have lost.
See our people realize a just peace.
See health and happiness returned to our people.
Kindle the fires of joy and merriment in the hearts of our people, and let them set aside bigotry and hate, anger and fear.
See peace between our people and all the other races come to pass.
Then we will make you one of us.
Your blood formed that which is my people. Your wounds bleed the magic into the blood of the Elves. Your spirit, though distilled, runs through us bone and sinew. You have seen Oerth wracked. I will restore the health of my people, of my home, and of the world. I ask only for Mercy from you. Mercy and Sanctum when I pass from this world to another.
ANSWER:
We will have no mercy on you, if you allow our people to be taken by the Mists.
We will repudiate you, and we will turn our backs upon you.
You must protect our people - you must halt the Mists.
OOC - This takes care of my words with Corellon Larethian.
I am sharing my forests with Sollir. He may use whatever techniques I have used for himself in replanting and regrowing his forests. Restoration will be necessary in order to heal the world of the touch and to help restore the happy hearts and free spirits of my people. With the limited 11th level magic available in the interlude and possibly summoning some (non-combat) plant elementals to quicken the process.
ANSWER:
I repeat what I said before. If you attempt too much 11th level magic, you cannot state Category 4 Attacks / Defenses or greater.
This is not minor - it could cause your Power to be Disarmed.
Once Disarmed, your Power cannot reattain 11th level magic until Turn 8. Of course, it has to survive to Turn 8, and the enemy can attempt a Coup de Grace against it once it is Disarmed.
Check the lists on what you can do with 11th level magic, concerning this matter.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Could you explain it, Dark One?
The Red Robe figure laughs, and speaks:
Lord Melkor, is it not enough that I have stated that Iuz and Anabstercorian move to attack you?
Do you doubt the perception of the Dark Powers?
They come for you with 11th level magic, Melkor.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your Avatar.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your Red Army.
With 11th level magic, they will destroy your people.
The Shade will be eradicated upon Oerth and Toril.
Then they will assail the Plane of Shadow in force, and take your citadels there one by one.
Until all who worship Melkor are broken and cast down, and none remain.
And that, will be the end of you, Melkor.
Do not presume to question our judgement in this matter.
We understand your opponents better than even you.
- - -
William Ronald
OOC: Melkor, I am posting a few things from the temp boards here. I believe that you would have to take all your forces into Ravenloft if you accept the offer. Also, do realize that the Dark Powers are trying to manipulate you, to tempt you. Edena is doing his job as a DM in having them try to do so.
Melkor, I hope this helps you to make your decision.
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
The Dark Powers are very unhappy with Hazen.
They have something especially unpleasant planned for him, if Greyspace is pulled into Ravenloft.
However - for the moment - the Mists pull back a little bit from the Kevellond League.
- - -
kaboom
Helping hands
After leaving the World Forum, the Chosen start to help people. When someone is in pain, a Chosen is there to help him or her. If they do not want help, the Chosen leaves, wishing that person good luck with whatever troubled them. They do not attempt make converts, but if someone wants to join the ranks of the faithful, then that person is given directions to a place where they can receive training.
OOC: Edena, I need to know whether my plots that I emailed you will work.
ANSWER:
My regrets, Creamsteak. Haven't been able to read my e-mail yet.
I simply received more e-mail than I could handle, as I stated repeatedly.
Creamsteak, the situation in Realmspace is bad and getting worse.
People in the UC are fearful of war with the Eternal Empire.
The people of the Eternal Empire want war with the Oerthians, who have the gall to sit and talk with Anabstercorian, after he just murdered 5 million of their people.
The Scro Star League wants the Dragon Overlords of Krynn destroyed, since they destroyed one of their fleets, and since the Dragon Overlords are in league with Alzem, relations between Hope Isle, Toril, and the Scro Star League have collapsed.
The World Forum has been abandoned and sealed off by the military.
I cannot speak for the heads of the Powers of Realmspace, but I will state there is a great deal of hostility toward the Nations of the Chosen from all sides, among the common populace.
Instead of being seen as peacemakers and voices of reason, the Chosen are seen as troublemakers, people who have violated the sovereign rights of other nations and think they can get away with it, people who would usurp power in the name of Mystra, people who would dictate how people should behave and think.
This suspicion was always there, but under the leadership of the United Commonwealth it lessened and dwindled away almost to nothing.
Now, it is back, and triplefold, because of the Mists, and because of the inflammatory statements made by several people in the World Forum (points the finger at Tokiwong and Melkor.)
The agents and emissaries of the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra suddenly find themselves with a cold welcome and colder hospitality across Realmspace - unless Reprisal and the others specifically do something to make it otherwise.
- - -
William Ronald
Member
A voice for calm and hope
Gwilym rushes over to the lost child and helps her find her parent or guardian. He is loving and protective.
Hazen prays to Rao and all the powers of light that he can reach through to those who need to hear this message on Oerth, on Toril, and beyond. He prays that the Angels will aid his efforts and reach out to those in pain. He prays that the Angels or an Angel will stand beside him, if they will. He prays that people will listen.
sounds like a bad public service commercial. I suppose it soothes
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
Unfortunately, William, your speech does not have it's intended effect.
The people of Toril have already been through all of the horrors that were spoken of in the speech, and they are bemused that someone from Oerth (or Earth) would decide to lecture them concerning the matter.
This bemusement, however, soon changes to irritation or boredom.
The speech is too long.
The audience in Realmspace listens intently at first, then the kender walk away, bored.
Then other people grow inattentive, start talking. More grow bored. They have heard all this before.
The general consensus is that Hazen is a good man, but apparently unable to put his words into action - why has the Kevellond League not dealt with these criminals and traitors and enemies already?
How is it, that even after everything Forrester did - he nearly destroyed the planet, afterall! - these enemies are still there in strength?
Obviously, this Hazen, although enlightened and noble, cannot handle the situation.
Others take offense at being lectured to about morality.
Others take offense at what is said about Forrester - especially the humanoids, who believe Forrester can do no wrong.
The elves of Evermeet are not appeased by this speech, but instead are angered - they do not believe forgiveness is due Forrester, but instead justice, and they denounce the idea of giving forgiveness unearned to someone who just planted a knife in their back.
The reaction to Hazen's speech is very mixed indeed.
A few are very impressed.
A few think Hazen are very outraged.
Most think Hazen is a good man.
Some think Hazen is only good at talk.
Most became bored, considering the speech irrelevant - the more immediate threat of war from the Eternal Empire (or the UC, in the Eternal Empire), is much more on their minds.
Hazen's words, in the end, have little effect.
OOC: You need to be much more forceful, with far fewer words. Sorta like: LISTEN UP, FOLKS! WE'RE ALL GOING TO RAVENLOFT IF YOU DON'T STOP FIGHTING RIGHT NOW. DO YOU WANT TO BE COUNT VON STRAHD'S NEWEST VAMPIRE SLAVES? KEEP FIGHTING EACH OTHER, AND YOU'LL ENJOY THAT PRIVILEGE. GET THE PICTURE, FOOLS?!
That would have gotten their attention, and made them listen.
- - -
Reprisal
My apologies everyone, I've been a bit tied up with my final exams and studying for such exams... The good news is that I've completed my History and International Relations exams, and only have two more ahead of me... I find, however, that I've fallen behind (yet again)...
ANSWER: Why are you apologizing? You don't need to. I just hope you are doing well on your exams. Post when you have the time, Reprisal.
All right, well, these are the issues as far as I know of:
(1) The United Commonwealth is starting to break up due to the First and Second Touches, as well as the actions and repercussions of the whole "Forester Affair." This is definately a detrimental process in the minds of the government, especially in these dangerous times...
ANSWER: And the Third Touch, and the debacle in the World Forum, and the fear and panic spreading through Realmspace concerning the Mists, and the general sense that the other nations of Realmspace are all becoming potential or real enemies, and ...
(2) Enemies of the Commonwealth have allied themselves with the Eternal Empire, the UC's next door neighbour. Therefore, the threat is compounded and something must be done, militaristically or diplomatically.
ANSWER:
They know, now, that the Oerthians, Krynnish, and Athians can come to Realmspace and attack them. They aren't very happy about that.
Now that they know the history of the IR - compliments of William - they are fearful.
Will the Oerthians summon the Elder Ones again?
Will the Oerthians try to attack Toril with the Red Army?
Will the Oerthians deliberately try to strengthen the Mists?
How many nations have been poisoned by the Oerthians, and turned traitor to the common peace of Realmspace?
How many people has Melkor bought off?
If the Eternal Empire has allied with Iuz, and thus allied with MELKOR, then who else is preparing to assail the UC?
If the leadership in the World Forum acts like that, then - well, WHAT leadership is at the helm?
Will the UC have a military coup?
Are the Scro going to side with the Oerthians?
Are the Chosen going to interfere in some drastic way that betrays the UC?
Are the humanoids really breaking away?
Is everything falling apart, as it appears to be doing?
Just how long before the Mists take Realmspace?
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT ALL THIS?
Anti Eternal Empire riots and demonstrations are breaking out.
The Eternal Empire consulate is attacked.
Citizens of the Eternal Empire are attacked, many injured, some killed.
In the Eternal Empire, demonstrations and riots break out against the Oerthians.
More demonstrations and riots break out against the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
There are calls for war against the Chosen of Mystra.
There are demands the UC step aside (the Nations of the Chosen are inside the UC's main territory) so that an invasion can be mounted.
The Scro Star League is being played by another, so I cannot speak for them - if I could, I would state they are ready to champion the cause of their humanoid brethren on Toril, and support their move to become an independent country.
- - -
William Ronald
Edena,
I ask that you consider Reprisals message on Friday to be delivered in a timely manner.
It may be assumed that this message occurs in game time, brief minutes after Reprisal's post.
ANSWER:
Correct. Otherwise, the above situation would be far worse.
Also, we need more people to post. Some have been busy, some have been ill.
However, if you can please post. Your voice is your vote in how the IR is determined.
We, the players of the IR, can shape its ultimate destiny.
ANSWER:
Indeed you can. You people now speak for the Scro Star League, the UC, the Republic of Selune, the Church of Toril, the Church of Mercy, the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
If you want to calm down your people, you have to do it.
Melkor and Tokiwong have made a very great effort to stir your people into panic, anger, and war fever, and William is ineffective against them, because he is not playing a Realmsian Power.
Someone else is going to have to step up to the plate, and soon.
So far, only Creamsteak has done so, and his efforts have not worked ... indeed, Tokiwong and Melkor have managed to turn Creamsteak's efforts into a PR disaster for the Nations of the Chosen of Mystra.
- - -
creamsteak
The four court members of Delrune, brought here to the home of peace on Toril shall sit silent no more. The words of the Archcleric are enough to break their soveriegn silence. They do not begin with speaches and unprepared talk, they applaud. They stand up, and applaud the Archcleric.
Sanctus Punitor - Sanctus applauds out of respect for Hazen, and out of some fealing that there is a level of heroism that he is partaking in, eminating the light of by watching Hazen.
Regina Canities - Regina applauds with tears in her eyes. The second Gamma world sending was the same as the first, but it is far more than she can bear. She turns to cry on Baeron's shoulders as the court members look into Hazen.
Brohagan - Brohagan is the Paladine of Zakarum's Hand and is not known for much.
He is the Lancelot of Sanctus Punitor's round table. He is also the devout bodyguard of Sanctus. Brohagan applauds the Archcleric and thinks about the decietfulness of the forces of evil, whether proven as deceit or not. He thinks about how unfortunate it would be for someone to trap an entire world in Ravenloft. He thinks about how pointless fighting is. He thinks about how much he wants to end this war.
Baeron - Baeron the Dwarf is a clan leader in his tribe. He is the largest and stoutest Dwarf there. He is the most shaken of the court members. He literally falls on the floor, but his hands are still held alloft in the air, applauding the Archcleric. He reaches for his axe sheeth, a leather sac, to cry into, but finds that his weapon was confiscated and his leather is not available. He too, cries on Brohagan's shoulders.
Sanctus waits to see the people follow his applause. He waits patiently for such a front.
He also considers to himself what he is worthy to say. He steps up to the podium finally and stands behind Hazen, waiting his turn to speak. He waits for the audience to applaud, and then recess appropriately.
The Archcleric speaks the truth. The Red Goo, the Touch, and the poor mune of Luna on Oerth are what must be cured. Pacify your aggesive urges. Good and Evil will wage war another day. Heal the planet, heal the moon, heal the touch. Remove these three and all things that would support them, and then the multiverse will unify itself.
Do not simply be swayed by the last to speak. Do not automatically follow whomever spoke last. Think about this rationally, and what is to blame? Not Melkor, Iuz, or Anabstercorrian. Not any man of his own right. It is the Goo and the Touch that have allowed them to commit such attrocities. If they had no such climatic weapons, the war could finally stop. Nuclear weapons are to the Technomancy and Red Goo is to an evil willing to use it. The Nuke is useless in the hands of one who does not have the ability to use it. The Red Goo cannot be used by someone who does not have evil thoughts.
I am not a public speaker, I am a quite man. I don't believe in broadcasting public display, but I do believe that there are concerns far more dangerous than those people who are in this room right now.
ANSWER:
This speech does not go over well in Realmspace.
Why?
Sanctus spoke the words: do not blame Iuz, Anabstercorian, Melkor ... and that was it.
Everyone realizes this speaker is speaking nonsense - obviously, Melkor, Anabstercorian, and Iuz are major threats, and why should they be absolved from the responsibility for the deliberate massacre of millions of people???
The general attitude in Realmspace is that high tech weapons and powerful magic ARE the answer, when used by the right people.
They could be used to destroy the enemies of Realmspace, and then the trouble would stop.
However, it gets worse, Creamsteak.
The agents of the Church of Shade have been busy.
They have been pointing out across Realmspace how Sanctus allied himself with Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and then lurid descriptions of what Phibrizzo has been doing have been given (such as running around eating corpses.)
The dark truth is being enhanced by careful lies and distortions.
A lot of people watching Creamsteak over the airwaves denouce him as a hypocrite, a person willing to tolerate murderers, a weakling, someone utterly incapable of accomplishing anything towards achieving the peace.
- - -
Kalanyr
Kalanyr stands
As Hazen said I am not an ally of Anabstercorian. I spoke of the Oerth Alliance in the word 'we', we are a group of nations with a purpose of bringing peace and enlightenment to Oerth, as you have achieved on Toril. Sanctus speaks truth, think not of the last speaked alone but on the totality of what has been said. Perhaps you need to see true evil to realise, I ask you now to think on your own thoughts and feelings, do you normally feel so? Is the hate and resentment the Mists and the Goo feed on and feed native to you?
ANSWER:
The Torilian public is not impressed.
The Torilians ask: Why are they all sitting around in the presence of mass murderers who are obviously not interested in peace, but only interested in butchery and mass destruction?
It is patently obvious that only force is going to work, for these Powers - Anabstercorian, Iuz, Melkor, Mina, Rajaat, and perhaps most of the others - apparently understand only force.
It is apparent to the people of Realmspace that these people understand only force, and that words are useless.
The Torilians also ask:
Why do they give vague speeches about peace and tolerance?
Where are the specifics?
Where are the specific demands?
Talk is talk. Where are the demands for treaties, for disarmament, for the disabling of the weapons of destruction, for the dismantlement of the Red Army?
Is that all they can do, these leaders of the Alliance of Oerth, is to give vague speeches about goodness and peace?
If so, then they obviously cannot handle the situation on Oerth, or are not willing to.
The people of Realmspace begin to murmer: This general talk is easy for them. Where are the specifics? And, if the other side won't talk specifics, where are the demands?
Where is the action? Where are the bold moves? Where are the strong leaders?
- - -
Alyx
Preface: This is a post of selfish character development. Be warned.
Chrysalis
The mists hung thick in the skies. Ash fell everywhere, hurled from uncountable volcanic maws. The skies roared with lightning and thunder – yet no rain fell. The air was dead. It tasted of demise. The sun did not pierce this cloud, but hovered somewhere far above and out of sight, ashamed and unready to face the world it had scorched. The ground was somewhere below, and the magna it contained lit the ash, which drifted aimlessly above.
He who watches floats in the middle of this disarray, hanging limp in the air, listening to the lightning. He who watches waves a hand. The ash is pushed to one side, yet the mist remains undisturbed. He who watches creases his face in a frown. Then he is gone.
The shattered remnants of a mountain lie on the ground. Stones lay everywhere. This is where the watcher reappears. This time he walks on the ground, looking neither left nor right but taking step after step further into the mists. A white stone catches his attention, and he looks hopefully towards it. A grinning skull stares up at him. The walker stares at the skull, at those empty sockets. Neither blinks for a long, long time.
Then the walker is gone.
Blackened husks that once could be called trees line the hills and the fields in endless rows, while the thorn bushes coiled about them seem to smile in the fog. Here and there are the remains of an elven flet or an orcish stronghold. This fire burnt all things alive, living and unliving alike. The walker is here as well, passing through the once-trees with measured steps, not once breaking his stride. Once he pauses and turns to the side, where lies a burnt out home of human origin. The walker steps into the house and sees nothing. All that remains is blackened oak and pinewood, and that has begun to fade and contribute to the airy ash. The walker touches one wall and his hand comes away smeared with char. Voiceless, the watcher disappears.
Now he is deep underwater, far beneath the surface above. This was a shallow bay once, but it is no longer. A massive ship juts from the ground. Its decks are shattered and the mast has sunken somewhere else. Harpoon heads are still embedded in the wood, and swords are in the hold. The mist is even here. No true mist could enter the water. This is not mist. This is something more. Emotionless, the watcher is gone. Here is where he is now: far to the north, at the base of a mountain where men once climbed over to reach streams of gold. Even now a few remnants remain – a pick head here, a hatchet head there. The watcher, the walker, looks about him. This place is untouched, almost. The ash is less here, filtered through the mountains. The mist is here, black and representing some distant danger, but it holds no menace. Trees grip the ground with unshakable roots. The watcher nods. There is a pool of Oerthblood near by, a natural one, and it has bestowed upon this place a gift that few other locations hold.
‘Who are ye?!’ comes a below from behind the watcher. Swiftly he turns, careful not to touch his sword. A grizzled old man is before him, holding a mighty crossbow before him like a talisman against evil.
‘I am a wanderer.’ says the wanderer, voice emotionless and sounding distant.
‘I thought as much.’ The old man mutters. Some inner flame, a force of will that the watcher has not seen, possesses his eyes. Then the flame seems to die, the crossbow goes limp in the old man’s hand. His voice is strong when he speaks again. ‘You may as well kill me now, lad, if that is what you came to do.’ Wordlessly, he lifts the crossbow to reveal that the trigger mechanism was shattered.
‘I will not hurt you.’ Says the watcher.
‘Won’t hurt me?’ The old man’s voice reflects genuine surprise. ‘Let me tell you, stranger, you’re the first person who has said that to me in three months!’ He hesitates, then turns around and beckons over his shoulder at the watcher. ‘Come with me. I have a home near here, and I confess I want some decent company. Too many wild things about these days, and wargs as well.’
The watcher follows. He does not know why – perhaps it is curiosity that moves his feet.
Or perhaps something more.
The two come to a log cabin, made out of five-foot thick walls of sod and a roof of solid, honest wood. It is a cabin that has seen a lot of conflict and a lot of hate. The roof is marred with small slashes of black and the sod is pitted hard in some places.
But the building has withstood everything. It lasts as a testament of unsurpassed fortitude.
The old man lights an old iron stove, rubbing his hands to its warmth and then moving to a quiet chair to sit on. The watcher sits across from him. For a lingering moment the two stare at each other, eye to eye.
The old man smiles. ‘You might be wondering why my crossbow is all smashed up.
She’s a beauty. I carved her two years ago, took two months to do it just right. I forged the iron myself – got a full shop for iron mongering nearby. Today I tripped while chasing Kobolds from my food cache and the trigger just clean broke off. Gave me a nasty surprise, although the little yippers seemed happy. Chased me off into the bush. Two months effort broken in a moment.’ Then the old man grins, and looks expectantly at his visitor for an answer. A long moment goes by.
‘That’s too bad’ says the watcher.
Gleefully, the old man slaps his thigh. ‘Ha! That’s what you think, and those yippers too. But what I know that you don’t is this.’ Springing up from his chair without any signs of age, the old man rushes to the chest at one side of the room and rummages through it. Quickly he finds what he is looking for, and pulls out another crossbow, like the first. But this one is whole and unbroken. ‘I started on this one right when all the troubles began.’ For a second, the old man frowns, but that second passes fleetingly.
‘I knew I might need it. And I did. That’s what you get for planning, lad, never forget it.’ And he laughs, crossbow cradled in his hands.
The watcher cracks. A corner of his lip turns, and then he smiles. His eyes join in, as he watches this ancient soul bubbling over with joy. This is what life is all about, he remembers. The triumphs made day by day. The past was a pale thing in comparison.
The watcher stands. ‘You know, I don’t think I will.’
‘Bah. You’re like everyone else. You will forget.’ the old man said, his laughing long and hard. ‘But it looks like I’ve broken your ice. Perhaps now you’ll join me for dinner, and tell me something about yourself. I don’t get many friendly folk around here, you know. Maybe I already said that, but it bears repeating.’
They ate.
That night passed quickly, and without nightmares, as the old man of the mountains and the more ancient but less wise red elf named Jand ate together, and remembered again what it is to laugh.
ANSWER:
So, Jand the Red Elf thinks that this is what life is all about?
Creating weapons to kill starving kobolds?
Creating weapons of war?
Triumphing over the dead bodies of foes?
Or does Jand believe that triumphing over the obstacles of life, and making the best of the time one has in life, is the real triumph?
That obtaining joy and merriment somehow even in the face of the worst that reality can throw at one, is the real triumph.
That succeeding in one's efforts, finding fulfillment, and achieving great accomplishments, despite all the unreasonable and impossible adversary one is facing, is the real victory?
The story above is not clear on the matter. A curious DM wishes to know the answer to this question.
- - -
Serpenteye
The God Emperor appears before her, radiant in golden light and power, and speaks ruefully,
Well said, Lich Queen of the Githyanki. Well said, and well thought, and if the situation was different I might agree with you. But this is no ordinary war, this is not a matter of 'Good' versus 'Evil'. Melkor, Iuz, and their servants seek to bring the Red Death into this Multiverse and throw the Prime into the Domains of Dread.
He explains the nature of those two threats.
These are foes far greater than the mortal children Hazen and Lesange. Consider, for a moment, how their success would affect you. You and your people would be slaves of the Red Death, your very nature makes that unavoidable. If they succeed your own power will cause your downfall, regardless of were in all the infinite planes you stay. If you allow them to win you will truly be wasting your armies and your life.
The situation is complicated, the battle tangled and confused, chaos rules the Multiverse and nothing can be predicted with certainty but, know this, the battle must be fought. We can not afford to be passive. You can not afford to stand by the sidelines looking in, you cannot afford send your armies away and there is none else for you to ally with. The Union of Worlds will stand triumphant in the end. The middle road, between the twin madnesses of the Alliance of Oerth and the Glowing Darkness, the road of sanity between two different paths to oblivion, will lead us to victory. And you will be elevated to new heights beyond your wildest dreams.
He says this with crystal clear certainty, his aura radiating the resonances of a definite promise.
What say you to this?
DC 150 Sence Motive to detect a hint of amusement and (could it be??) condescension.
Well?
The God Emperor donates 5'000'000'000 gold pieces (in electronic form) in a huge number of separate transactions, laundring the money in thousands of bank accounts on Oerth, Sigil, Krynn, Mystara and Toril, to the separatist faction (with which he has an extremly friendly secret relation) of the Humanoids of the UC of Toril to support their cause and aid them in achieving independence.
How are the secret plans and research/manufacturing projects we e-mailed to you turn 6 proceeding? You've answered some of them, but not all. There's no reason to hurry, I just wanted to remind you so you won't forget about them entirely.
ANSWER:
I do not know. I received more e-mails than I could handle, and was whelmed by them.
The Lich Queen speaks:
You're as bad as that Hazen person.
I want action, not words.
If you are going to win this war, you're going to have to show me that you're a capable leader, who can take capable action.
That is what I want to see.
If you have plans, good plans to win this war for the Union of the Worlds, tell me of them! ((e-mail me privately.))
If you have weapons that can withstand the Torilians and Forrester, and Erika and Gith knows who else, tell me.
If you have secret alliances and these will win the war for your side, tell me.
If I take my githyanki back to the Astral Plane, the Mists will not touch us.
No Mists have come to our homes in the Astral Plane.
We appreciate the danger of the Mists - AND WE APPRECIATE THAT IF WE STAY AND FIGHT, THE MISTS WILL COME TO OUR HOMES.
Do you think I wish to endanger my people like that, without good cause?
I do endanger them, if I leave them here on Oerth - I endanger us all.
Now, I want some reasons - GOOD reasons - out of you why we should stay, and why we should fight at your side.
No more words. I want facts. Answers. Plans. Secrets. Weapons systems. All of it.
If you can win this war, I want to know the how, the why, the when, and the where.
I want to know, and I want to know now.
- - -
Alyx
Back at the Conference
Anfaren stands with Kalanyr, Sanctus, Regina, Brohagan, and Baeron to show his solidarity with his allies. He claps long and hard. At the next best opportunity he takes the podium from Kalanyr.
'I will be brief.
'I urge the people of Toril to listen to us. I ask them to consider our words. Our world is less then it was because of indifference and misguided, insane evil. Already it threatens you, in the form of mists and the breaking of your world forum. Do not allow it to continue unhindered. To do so would break the foundations of your civilization and cast it to ruin.
ANSWER:
A lot of now angry Torilians quite agree. The Oerthian menace must be dealt with. Send the starfleet to Greyspace and incinerate the (deleted) planet of Oerth, and THAT would take care of the problem.
No more Oerth, no more problem.
Hunt the Shade down in their pitiful escapes in the Plane of Shadow, and eradicate them to the last and least.
'All that you will hear from Hazen and his friends this day are truthful. We plead with you to listen because we would hate to see another world shattered.'
ANSWER:
A lot of outraged Torilians state:
Since when is it OUR fault that you have a mess? Much less that your mess threatens us now?
We are listening. Why don't you say something useful? Where is the action? Where is the leadership? We don't want to hear empty words.
Anfaren stares at the ground. He looks up at the audience of dignitaries. He scans the cameras. Then he speaks again.
'But it is more then that. No, we do not lie to you because to do so would be to shake the common ground we share. Your nations are of truth. Our nations are of truth also. It is in truth that the bonds between us may be set. And truth by its very definition is an unbreakable bond.'
With that, Anfaren returns to his seat.
ANSWER:
Many Torilians roll their eyes, and are disgusted. No action out of this one.
The Eternal Empire is preparing to launch a nuclear war against them (or, the UC is preparing to launch a nuclear war against them), and all these Oerthians do is talk.
Except for the evil ones - they do much more than talk. They kill and destroy millions of people, and now they've corrupted the Eternal Empire in Realmspace, and perhaps others, and wish to kill everyone in Realmspace.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Well, maybe they only THINK they are manipulating me, this is a dangerous game, but I will propably play.
Edena, I don`t intend to take all my forces to Ravenloft, only 20 000 worth of Red Army, I don`t think that Dark Powers can absorb millions of beings into Domain Of Dread against their will, not until the Sixth Touch takes place.
ANSWER:
Did I ever say you got a choice about how much of your army went into Ravenloft?
I am the DM, and play the Dark Powers. I know what they are capable of, and not capable of.
When they stated you and your army would go to Ravenloft, THEY MEANT IT.
They HAVE the power to transport you and your entire army to Ravenloft, and to keep you there.
If you are playing a game, play it against the Dark Powers, yes!
However, DO NOT make assumptions concerning the magnitude of power the Dark Powers have, arbitrarily!
NEVER make assumptions with the Dark Powers - they are too powerful and too dangerous.
The Dark Powers never said anything about you being allowed to take only a small part of your army into Ravenloft.
The Dark Powers never said anything about you having a choice in the matter.
The Dark Powers said: You may enter, with your army, or you may not enter, and your enemies will destroy you.
I would suggest, Melkor, that you attempt to ask questions of the Dark Powers.
Ask questions, and do not assume. For that matter, do not assume they are telling you the truth.
They are quite capable of lying - they are about as good at lying as it ever gets.
Be careful. Ask questions. Make your decisions with caution. These are very dangerous forces Melkor is dealing with.
- - -
Zelda Themelin
Thillronian League - Eidor speaks
Eidor (big man, apperantly of Frost Barbarian tribe) stands up. ((He apperently has no real experience with speeches)).
Unlike press' misleading statements say, none of the emissaries of the Thillronian League have walked out, if one of us remains.
ANSWER:
Mistake. You just openly insulted the press. Some of them take offense, and they are the ones who write the story.
I just wanted to correct this cultural misunderstanding.
Very nice speech and all, now, what should we do next? Yeh, there are mists and there is goo, and there are damned big mistakes and understandable lust for power mixing into rest of it. I vote for healing and some healthy ass-kicking reserved for those, who won't laydown their wars and power-mongering, or actually use power of goo and mists to their own ends, effectually disturbing the healing process. Like my granfather used to say, 'there can never be peace without war' and I say, there is nothing 'evil' in agressiveness.
ANSWER:
There is nothing evil in aggressiveness?
A lot of Torilians who were about to cheer and applaud stop and scratch their heads at that statement.
We must put stop to this 'who is to blame' insanity. But, in the process we must not forget who our enemies are. 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.
ANSWER: A cheer erupts across Realmspace at this speech, followed by much applause.
Oh, and neutrality with some of the 'enemies' would be quite acceptable. Some of them want a bit more to conquer, than wasteland of broken lands and suffering souls, drifing like big blood-sweating cheese into realms of oblivion.
Our ultimate wars of good vr. evil, law vr. chaos, freedom vr. tyranny, tech vr. magic, human vr. illithid and wait the other day, yes?´Some of our enemies are smart enough to realize this situation is no-win even their goals in mind, and then there is pantheon of glowing darkness, or whatever it is called now, whose mere tools point, that they are nothing more than cancer for nature, that we should kindly cure. I don't mean destroy, kill, kill. I mean cure. Red goo is souls trapped into twisting hatred. Like many wiser than me have stated, we must free and purify those souls, and take them out of hands of misusers. Yes, and good old-fashioned ass-kicking will be involted, I except.
Oh, and as far as we are concerned, we might even let Iuz have change in this universe, should he be willing to give up power gained from said tortured souls of red goo and return to good old 'old evil one' we used to know and 'love to hate'. Of course it is not for me to decide.
But first things first.
Eidor sits down.
ANSWER:
There is mixed reaction to this speech in Realmspace, because there is a lot of confusion.
Some people think Eidor is for war, and they cheer that.
Some people think Eidor is for peace through strength, and they cheer that.
Some people think Eidor is for a negotiated peace, and they cheer that.
And, of course, those who favor war, and believe Eidor wants a negotiated peace, boo and hiss.
Those who believe Eidor wants war, when they think a negotiated peace is possible, sadly shake their heads.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Zauron, you seem to hace a fair amount of knowledge concerning Ravenloft, could you email me the info on how Vecna and Soth managed to escape Ravenloft? Of course, my plans are much more ambitious.
ANSWER: Wise idea, Melkor. I hope Zouron has responded - Zouron, could you talk to Melkor?
- - -
Black Omega
Interesting. Trying to think of what Ravenloft would do to Melkor. The bits with Soth in Ravenloft were very nicely done, some very subtle and nasty ways of tormenting the big S.
After the whole in the ceiling is fixedand those injured or traumatized by the incident are taken care of, Siobhan returns to the press for one last statement.
I know there are some among you who can't imagine that certain people have been allowed here. Whether it is Anabastcorian or Melkor or whoever.
ANSWER:
In Realmspace, two sentences are roared in countless rooms and restaurants:
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! WE CAN'T IMAGINE!
We've just seen these feelings run high. But the point of a peace conference is not only inviting your friends.
Everyone must be able to come or there is no hope of peace. And Hope is one thing I refuse to give up. I'll drop by later to answer any further questions but for now duty calls. Thank you.
ANSWER:
There are jeers and booing across Realmspace at the end of this speech.
Those who want peace, do not jeer. However, they look sad and exasperated.
- - -
zouron
Melkor, about Domains of Dread
Melkor you cannot decide what you bring along with you to Domains of Dread (or Ravenloft as the place is falsely called).
In domains of Dread Darklords never gain what they want the most. The Darkpowers tempts you, but they don't care about getting anyone but YOU under their foot. The Darkpowers will keep their initial word, but not in any form you will like, not at all.
yes you get to rule something in Ravenloft, it might not be the mega domain you thought it would be, it all depends on your worth to the mist (vecna actually had a very small domain). You don't take anything with you, you go alone everything created in your new domain is a mockery of what you know, everything will be just wrong, but seem right on surface (Lord Loren Soth's Bashees that were suppose to tell him the story of his own damnation kept changing the story, twisting it, still able to reconize it but just not right... very annoying for a man of strict rules and behaviour like Lord Loren Soth).
WHEN more then one person is brought to Domains of Dread, it seems that the actual Darklord is not nessecary the one everyone thinks it to be (a former dark sun domain, whom is no longer described due to license transfere, has a dragonking as Darklord, but in reality it is the high priestess that is the Darklord).
Okay finally one rule when dealing with the dark powers, you will never get what you want (vecna wanted kas dead but never could and vice versa), you will never like what you get but it is what you asked for. The darkpowers are more tricky to deal with then a wish under a wish hating DM, the Darkpowers don't manipulate you, they just offer you your darkest desire in return for nothing... on the surface.
Okay Vecna I am not sure of I did not buy the modules where Vecna escapes Ravenloft, but in those he DOES escape he takes over sigil in a short period. I believe basically he became very powerful (he is a greater god now right? so that is part of the reason).
As for Soth, this is a bit twin fold.
Out of Character: Soth is a very priced trademark of WotC and the rights to the campaign setting Ravenloft was given to Arthause (whom produces RL material today)
In Character: Soth was rejected by the Darkpowers, he was better at being his own doom then they were his, but while he was in RL he seemed to be unwilling to act at all, so why not let him be his own doom elsewhere.
Soth's highest wish was to gain his family back (or so he thinks) as well as when he entered to gain the spirit of Kitiara to serve him. in the end he he offered his family and everything, he kills them all and it all starrts over again.
basically I would say both escaped cases are due to real world reasons rather then game vice.
ANSWER:
All of the above is basically true.
However, I am playing the Dark Powers, and they play to win.
They reserve the right to reward Melkor anyway they see fit, within their power.
They know very well that they are winning the battle to pull Realmspace and the others into Ravenloft.
Since Melkor's people are in all the Crystal Spheres, it enables the Dark Powers to create a truly giant Domain for Melkor.
Since Melkor's people are, indeed, in all the Crystal Spheres, it gives them the capability of creating a Domain that will house Realmspace, Greyspace, Krynnspace, and Athas - all in this one Domain.
Melkor's evil is so great, and the destruction he has caused, and the loss of life, is so great, that it empowers them to accomplish vast things, if he accepts their offer.
Thus, they CAN create a Domain where Melkor is Darklord over an area the size of several Crystal Spheres.
They CAN set this Domain up so that, if Realmspace and the others are pulled in, they become subservient to Melkor.
It would amuse the Dark Powers to NO END if Melkor was made ruler of all these lofty and enlightened people ... with the subsequent consequences.
I will repeat what I said before:
If Melkor accepts their offer, and Realmspace and the others are not pulled in, the Dark Powers have Melkor.
If Melkor accepts their offer, and Realmspace and the others ARE pulled in, Melkor tortures and destroys all these lofty people, and makes them his slaves.
If Melkor REFUSES to go to Ravenloft, that means he STAYS in the war. This strengthens the Mists, which speeds up the process of sucking Realmspace and the others into Ravenloft.
Any way you cut it, the Dark Powers win.
- - -
You can defeat the Dark Powers. However, it isn't an easy thing to do.
And the things required to do so, have not been done.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
Well Melkor is supposed to be a Greater God, My PC is only his Avatar.
ANSWER: READ IT, AND BELIEVE IT, MELKOR:
For the purposes of this IR, and Ravenloft, Melkor is considered an Intermediate Power.
If Melkor chooses to step through that mirror, HE (the God, not the Avatar) goes to Ravenloft, and HE does not get to leave again.
I just want you to appreciate the gravity of the situation, before you do anything, Melkor.
- - -
Zelda Themelin
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.
ANSWER:
This elicts a cheer in Realmspace.
Anabastcorian, Union of the Worlds we can still speak with.
ANSWER:
The cheers turn to boos and then hisses, and then nobody pays any further attention to Eidor.
- - -
Serpenteye
The God Emperor projects a part of his conciousness to the conference (while most of him is with the Lich Queen in the Astral Plane). He appears as an extremely handsome young man, in formal and dignified garb, glowing subtly with divine power. He listens to the speeches of the assembled while exchanging polite smalltalk with other delegates.
The God Emperor chuckles mirthlessly at the above statement and applauds Eldor after his speach. Then he turns to the barbarian (and the press):
There is much wisdom in your words, northman, but we must do more than that. It's not enough to eradicate the enemies of peace with loving acts of murder. It's not enough to heal the evil of the Red Scourge or the wounds of Oerth, we must go further than that.
The Mists and the Red Death are drawn to suffering, strife and hatred. To win our freedom from a fate worse than death we must achieve peace, both external and internal, within our societies, our worlds and our hearts. All our conflicts must be resolved.
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.
They claim to be a democracy, they claim that all their citizens are equal under the law, they lie. Ever since the founding of the United Commonwealth one people have been discriminated against. The Humanoid state is by far the largest in the commonwealth, despite of that the state has no greater representation in (the senate) than even the smallest of the others. The purpose for this injustice is obvious, to marginalize the humanoid population, to reduce the humanoid people, with their vast industrial and military might, to a servitor race for the masters of the Commonwealth, to Ian Payne and Erika Lesange and their favoured peoples.
Now the humanoids rise up against their oppressors, demanding freedom and independence. Now the Commonwealth stands on the brink of civil war. But this war cannot be allowed. If Toril is thrown into war, if billions of innocents are slaughtered, if the planet itself is torn to pieces and devoured by death, the mists will come. The mists will pull us all into the Domains of Dread for eternal torture. Death is no release, for the realms of your Gods will be closed to you and you will spend eternity as tortured spirits. Even the Angels will, in time, be turned into twisted abominations, ironic mockeries of everything they are now.
Therefore, for the sake of all our worlds, I ask of you, peoples and leaders of Toril to allow the Humanoid state its independence. You can prevent your own unmaking, the destruction of your entire society, if you allow the democratic ideals you claim to have to triumph.
ANSWER:
You goofed, Serpenteye. The God Emperor had a legitimate point, and it would have been heeded, should have been heeded - the point about the Mists and Ravenloft.
However, by the time the God Emperor gets to that part of your speech, nobody is listening.
At first, the people of Realmspace listen with respect, for they have not seen the God Emperor before, and are curious about this powerful being from Oerth.
After all, he and Kas are the leaders of the Union of the Worlds, a major force on Oerth.
But then he starts insulting the United Commonwealth.
The people of the United Commonwealth are already in a heightened state of aggravation, and this new insult is infuriating.
Boos and hisses turn into a clamor, a riot. Mugs of beer are thrown at the plasma displays, smashing against the screens. Some people cry out for eradication of the Oerthians. People spit, shout epitaphs, shout denunciations.
In a few places, the anger leads to fights, which erupt into small scale brawls or riots.
There is much cheering amongst the humanoids, though, and where humanoids and the others sit together, the two sides give each other ugly looks.
Then someone says something - it is inevitable that they do, in most cases - and hundreds of brawls break out in bars and taverns across Realmspace.
A few of these brawls turn into full-scale battles, with large numbers of people injured or killed.
Among the intellectuals of Realmspace, sitting and quietly sipping drinks as they watch - such as the neoillithid - there is a general shaking of heads, and a shared look of disgust.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
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!
ANSWER:
There is consternation among those quietly watching the Peace Conference, at this speech.
Those who are still watching, and who advocated peace, agree that no peace is possible.
The hatemongers, the warmongers, have a field day.
Wild shouts break out, there are calls for immediate war with the Eternal Empire, many call for the destruction of Toril.
Of course, a lot of people do not hear this speech for the very good reason that they are caught in the midst of the brawl caused by the God Emperor's speech prior to this one.
Where the people are still listening in large numbers, and there is no fighting or yelling, yelling and jeers, and exclamations of anger, break out.
- - -
Tokiwong
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...
ANSWER:
Since it is known now in Realmspace that Iuz is allied with Melkor, the boos, jeering, and hisses continue, along with many derogatory comments I cannot repeat on this message board.
Nobody in Realmspace, not even the intellectual neoillithid, are taking the Peace Conference seriously now.
They are jeering, laughing, shouting, angrilly denouncing, everyone they see. Restaurants and bars have erupted into one continuous riot against the Oerthians.
Hate and anger fills the faces of those watching.
Steins and mugs are thrown and shatter, bartenders are helpless to stop it, the authorities smugly look on and do nothing.
In the streets, where the plasma screens look down upon huge squares, the thunderous roar of thousands of people shouting denunciations and calling for war rises into a deafening clamor.
- - -
LordMelkor{Talos}
I am going offline for the weekend.
ANSWER:
You never gave me a final answer, on whether you went through the mirror. However, I was not online to answer your questions.
I will wait until Monday to find out your final answer.
- - -
Serpenteye
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.
ANSWER:
There is anger even on the faces of the intellectuals. They know the God Emperor is deliberately saying one thing, while trying to accomplish the opposite.
The jeers and denunciations grow louder, more steins are hurled, along with food and plates.
More fights break out between humanoids and the other races.
The authorities who should be keeping order, smugly look the other way - and some of them start hinting that maybe it would be a good thing if the humanoids were put in their place (or, that the humanoids should be independent of the rest of the trash.)
Forrester's statement, in which he explained to Melkor that he could have the concubine, and do his worst to her, for all he was concerned ... the dark truth is being enhanced by the lies of the agents of the Church of Shade, and everyone in Realmspace has heard of this by now.
Rumors are spreading that the government has been secretly infiltrated by the Church of Shade.
Rumors are spreading that Forrester was secretly in league with Melkor.
Rumors are spreading that the Humanoid State is secretly in league with Melkor.
Rumors are spreading that the humanoids are about to massacre all the elves in their domain.
Rumors are spreading that the elves are about to massacre all the humanoids in THEIR domain.
Rumors are spreading of a military coup.
Rumors are spreading that even now the Eternal Empire is about to attack (and vice versa with the UC.)
Rumors are spreading the Shade have bought the Scro Star League off.
Rumors are spreading the Chosen of Mystra want the Shade back in Realmspace, to correct the Balance.
Rumors are spreading the Chosen of Mystra, always viewed with suspicion by the UC, are secretly planning to use this as a way of taking absolute control of Realmspace back into their hands.
Rumors are spreading that Hazen is a put-up job, a fake, to lull the people of Realmspace into believing the Oerthians can somehow be reasoned with.
Rumors are spreading that ... (must I go on?)
- - -
Anabstercorian
Anabstercorian, irked, drops a Temporal Stasis that will last until the end of the Peace Conference on the emissary from Melkor.
ANSWER:
Overruled. Kalanyr put a Magic and Psionic Dead Zone over the Peace Conference, and Kalanyr is a demipower.
<< 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.
ANSWER:
Anabstercorian is not even heard in Realmspace, except in a few intellectual circles.
Seeing their ancient enemy, and already infuriated, the people of Realmspace shout down Anabstercorian, drowning him out with jeers, cat-calls, yelling, threats, denunciations, calls for war, calls for vengeance and retaliation, calls for a slow painful death.
More steins are thrown at the plasma screens, with great force.
Many of those screens shatter and collapse.
Angry patrons smash plates, break tables, attack each other, attack any humanoids present.
Looting breaks out, fires are set, riots erupt in cities across Toril.
The ringleaders, all too many of them secretly in the employ of the Shade or Iuz, goad the angered people on.
Rumors continue to fly, growing with each telling, and the dark reality of the current situation is ever enhanced with each new rumor.
Serpenteye
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?
ANSWER:
In the intellectual circles of Realmspace, where they are still listening, they look at each other and shake their heads.
This one is a liar alright.
The Army of Darkness came because of the True Staff of Ancient Penumbra.
- - -
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.
(rest of article deleted)
ANSWER:
At first, the rioting and clamor dies down as Hazen appears.
His first impression on the people of Realmspace was very great, and they wish to hear him speak.
However, after they hear what he has to say concerning the interference of the Union of the Worlds in Realmspace, the anger erupts again.
Then, the riot and clamor drowns out the rest of Hazen's speech, even though it is not directed at him.
- - -
Serpenteye
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.
ANSWER:
The jeers and boos rise to a deafening tumult, as the God Emperor reappears. Steins, cups, plates, and even large pieces of crockery are thrown at the plasma screens.
Reason has been lost, and replaced by the mob mentality.
Nobody notices that the Mists outside are growing heavier, darker, and denser, in cities across Toril.
- - -
William Ronald
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Generally, the speech is ignored, or lost amidst the clamour in Realmspace.
Those who are still listening, shake their heads.
- - -
Serpenteye
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Generally, the speech is ignored, or lost amidst the clamour in Realmspace.
Those who are still listening, shake their heads again.
- - -
Festy Dog
Silver Phase remains in his seat, listening and keeping an air of silence about him. It almost seems that he is confused by all that has happened, but that is reserved to those with a trained eye.
ANSWER:
The agents of the Powers of Oerth bring the news, discreetly, to everyone at the Peace Conference:
Riots and demonstrations are breaking out across the United Commonwealth of Toril, and the Eternal Empire of Toril.
Riots against the Oerthians in general, against Melkor, against Iuz, against the Eternal Empire, against the United Commonwealth, against the Chosen of Mystra, against the Humanoids, even against the Scro Star League.
- - -
William Ronald
(article deleted)
ANSWER:
Again, Hazen's speech is not heard.
It is hard to hear a speech in the middle of a riot, especially when all the plasma screens have been smashed.
- - -
Reprisal
A Question of Unity, Sovereignty, and Freedom
((This space reserved for a time when I can get the post written up... Damn life, hehe.))
ANSWER:
Reprisal, you have a problem.
The Humanoid Generals of the UC just staged a coup.
They have seized all the antimatter missile fields, particle cannon artillery, and docked starships in their part of the United Commonwealth.
The civilian government has been seized and imprisoned, their fate unknown.
This just happened, and indeed, it is still happening.
It looks like the Humanoid State is making a bid for independence by force.
Unless the UC or some other Power crushes this revolt quickly - somehow - I am awarding the new 11th level Power created to Serpenteye and Mr. Draco.
Yes, you heard me right, folks. To Serpenteye and Mr. Draco.
Meanwhile, there is widespread rioting and a breakdown of law and order across large parts of the United Commonwealth.
The local authorities are doing nothing to stop the rioting - they are aiding in the rioting, egging on the rioters.
The wreckage of the World Forum is empty, silent, and dark.
Abandoned.
Just as reason seems to have been abandoned.
The Mists in Realmspace are growing, becoming thicker, turning the green sky of Toril murky, the sun blearily shining through the filmy haze.
The trouble is equally bad in the Eternal Empire. Anti-Oerthian, Anti-Chosen, and now anti-United Commonwealth riots and demonstrations are occurring across that nation.
- - -
The trouble has not yet spread to the Republic of Selune.
Nor is there any trouble in the Scro Star League.
The Nations of the Chosen of Mystra are on alert, but their people are still peaceful.
A large majority of the peoples of the UC and EE are calling for a halt to the riots, calling for the authorities to do something, calling for reason and peace.
Even in the Humanoid State, a majority of the humanoids do not support the coup, and they are not attacking their elven friends (the elves of Evermeet, now with them as one people.)
However, the hatemongers, the warmongers, and those who are working in the shadows, seem to be getting the upper hand.
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Serpenteye
First Post
"Disproportionate representation is not democratic. It's not democratic when the vote of 500 humanoids is no more valuable than the vote of one Psionic Leaguer. To give the Humanoid State no more power in the senate than the smaller states, even though the humanoids contribute vastly more to the power and wealth of the Commonwealth, is discriminatory. The logic of this is can not be denied. The humanoids know this.
Forrester might still oppose the liberation of his people, he might and he might not, only he knows that and he has been forced to flee from the 'justice' of the Commonwealth. When the Humanoid State was free he was the supreme leader of his people, leading them from triumph to triumph. He saved Toril from the Illithid and the Shade and, as a servant of the Commonwealth, the Red Scourge. Now the thankless Commonwealth has reduced him to a hunted refugee."
__________
Many of the citizens of the Humanoid State have served the UC with their devotion."
__________
"Yes, they have served. That's what they've been reduced to. Servants of Lesange and her Commonwealth. Maybe it's time for them to serve themselves and their own people."
Forrester might still oppose the liberation of his people, he might and he might not, only he knows that and he has been forced to flee from the 'justice' of the Commonwealth. When the Humanoid State was free he was the supreme leader of his people, leading them from triumph to triumph. He saved Toril from the Illithid and the Shade and, as a servant of the Commonwealth, the Red Scourge. Now the thankless Commonwealth has reduced him to a hunted refugee."
__________
Many of the citizens of the Humanoid State have served the UC with their devotion."
__________
"Yes, they have served. That's what they've been reduced to. Servants of Lesange and her Commonwealth. Maybe it's time for them to serve themselves and their own people."
Serpenteye
First Post
Edena_of_Neith said:
The God Emperor immediately declares his support for and a formal declaration of recognition of the sovereignty of the new country. He departs from the peace conference and offers the leaders of the revolution his full military support. Money, weapons and archmages (most of them Oerthian Humanoids and Cydians) pour into the Humanoid State and the propaganda machinery of the Union of Worlds work at maximum capacity to support the new regime. The Union of Oerth prepares an 11th level attack/defence but holds it to see how the situation develops. A formal warning goes out to the international community:
"The Humanoid State of Toril is achieving its independence from the United Commonwealth. The Union of Worlds will defend their liberty with all the means at our disposal. Do not interfere. An escalation of the war will be disastrous for us all. The Humanoids have earned their freedom and shall never be opressed again."
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Kalanyr
Explorer
Message to humanoid generals delivered by one of the priests I sent to Toril.
"General's of the Humanoids, we wish it known we fully support your right to independence, however look there at the mists. See them grow? Independence is the right of all but it should not be done at the cost of the innocent. The Union of Oerth pretend to aid you for there own benefit only. Do you think Forrester would approve of you ripping apart a Toril he worked so hard to build and defend? There are easier ways to get your indpendence just declare it formally in your World Forum, it is highly unlikely that they would stop you. After the World Forum is rebuilt. Remember this of the God Emperorm, he now declares himself your ally, remember that at one time he came to the Alliance of Oerth with a Honey Tongued and a poisoned dagger behind his back. He will show his true colours whenever it suits him and you and your people will come out the losers, enslaved under his yoke!"
(Edena- I'm reasonably sure the elf post by Forrester was out of character since I seem to remember there being a statement about the part of the IR where Forrester set a trap, Melkor got caught and Forrester lost a family member for it in the same paragraph. Obviusly Forrester IC would not speak of a part of the IR leaving a bad taste in his mouth.)
***************************************************
Peace Conference
(How did that emissary of Melkor's make it into an effectively dead magic zone (especially with the flashy magic using entrance)? I didn't think Melkor had random Divine followers)
Kalanyr stands, and THIS time his words are not soft or prepared but are spoken with quiet a lot of passion. (Not to mention a voice at a volume normally only deliverable through some quiet complex audio equipment) (The goal is that if they can't hear me over the squabbling they are either deaf or embarked in World War 3 with a full nuclear arsenal)
"TORILIANS! Those of you in a petty and pointless feued even as I speak! Cease your petty fighting and you brawls and look at the mists as you fight! See them grow? Do not become nothing more than pawns for your own doom!
That is why several people I would rather not have here are at this conference the point is to avoid the foolishness you are embarking in! I know you are capable of more than the unreasoning squabbles you are engaged in, I WAS impressed by your enlightenment ,please, do not prove me wrong!
I Fought my way out of the Darkness and now you are dragging yourselves headfirst into Ravenloft! Think! "
"General's of the Humanoids, we wish it known we fully support your right to independence, however look there at the mists. See them grow? Independence is the right of all but it should not be done at the cost of the innocent. The Union of Oerth pretend to aid you for there own benefit only. Do you think Forrester would approve of you ripping apart a Toril he worked so hard to build and defend? There are easier ways to get your indpendence just declare it formally in your World Forum, it is highly unlikely that they would stop you. After the World Forum is rebuilt. Remember this of the God Emperorm, he now declares himself your ally, remember that at one time he came to the Alliance of Oerth with a Honey Tongued and a poisoned dagger behind his back. He will show his true colours whenever it suits him and you and your people will come out the losers, enslaved under his yoke!"
(Edena- I'm reasonably sure the elf post by Forrester was out of character since I seem to remember there being a statement about the part of the IR where Forrester set a trap, Melkor got caught and Forrester lost a family member for it in the same paragraph. Obviusly Forrester IC would not speak of a part of the IR leaving a bad taste in his mouth.)
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Peace Conference
(How did that emissary of Melkor's make it into an effectively dead magic zone (especially with the flashy magic using entrance)? I didn't think Melkor had random Divine followers)
Kalanyr stands, and THIS time his words are not soft or prepared but are spoken with quiet a lot of passion. (Not to mention a voice at a volume normally only deliverable through some quiet complex audio equipment) (The goal is that if they can't hear me over the squabbling they are either deaf or embarked in World War 3 with a full nuclear arsenal)
"TORILIANS! Those of you in a petty and pointless feued even as I speak! Cease your petty fighting and you brawls and look at the mists as you fight! See them grow? Do not become nothing more than pawns for your own doom!
That is why several people I would rather not have here are at this conference the point is to avoid the foolishness you are embarking in! I know you are capable of more than the unreasoning squabbles you are engaged in, I WAS impressed by your enlightenment ,please, do not prove me wrong!
I Fought my way out of the Darkness and now you are dragging yourselves headfirst into Ravenloft! Think! "
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William Ronald
Explorer
Hazen prays that his coice can be heard by the people of Toril and Oerth. He prays that the Angels will help him stand this brief message.
"People of Oerth and Toril! Unless we stop spreading hate and dissension, our worlds will become neighbors with Ravenloft. We will have the Vampire Lord Strahd and worse trying to turn us into undead slaves. Melkor will only have peace when we are dead or in chains! Let us unite against the Mists! Let us unite against those who would unmake our worlds! We are strong. Let us stand as one - against thosw who would destroy us all! Peace sometimes demands fighting against evil. People of the Humanoid State, your generals have fallen into wickedness. Stand for unity and brotherhood!"
"The Mists are growing throughout Toril. Stand for peace and freedom! Preserve our worlds! It has been made apparent there are those who have no interest in peace! Oerth and Toril! Stand as one!"
"I am prepared to fight and die for both our worlds. Resist the Mists! Resist the Mists!"
"People of Oerth and Toril! Unless we stop spreading hate and dissension, our worlds will become neighbors with Ravenloft. We will have the Vampire Lord Strahd and worse trying to turn us into undead slaves. Melkor will only have peace when we are dead or in chains! Let us unite against the Mists! Let us unite against those who would unmake our worlds! We are strong. Let us stand as one - against thosw who would destroy us all! Peace sometimes demands fighting against evil. People of the Humanoid State, your generals have fallen into wickedness. Stand for unity and brotherhood!"
"The Mists are growing throughout Toril. Stand for peace and freedom! Preserve our worlds! It has been made apparent there are those who have no interest in peace! Oerth and Toril! Stand as one!"
"I am prepared to fight and die for both our worlds. Resist the Mists! Resist the Mists!"
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Thayadon teleports into the Peace conferance.
QUIET!!!!!
DO YOU WANT TO GET DRAGGED INTO RAVENLOFT AND BECOME THE VAMPIRE COUNT VON STRAHD'S LUNCH? DO YOU?
We, the Chosen, try to help you, but you think of us as manipulators! We try to slow the fools draging us into Ravenloft, but you seem like you WANT to become the afor mentioned count's lunch! Thayadon's voice suddenly grows quiet, and in a defeated voice he says: I will disband the Chosen, if it comes to that. I will give the Eternal Empire the lands that thier nations rested on to prevent war, a war that would plunge us into Ravenloft.
QUIET!!!!!
DO YOU WANT TO GET DRAGGED INTO RAVENLOFT AND BECOME THE VAMPIRE COUNT VON STRAHD'S LUNCH? DO YOU?
We, the Chosen, try to help you, but you think of us as manipulators! We try to slow the fools draging us into Ravenloft, but you seem like you WANT to become the afor mentioned count's lunch! Thayadon's voice suddenly grows quiet, and in a defeated voice he says: I will disband the Chosen, if it comes to that. I will give the Eternal Empire the lands that thier nations rested on to prevent war, a war that would plunge us into Ravenloft.
Tokiwong
First Post
kaboom said:
Talindra nods, "You will do this to halt peace... then the Eternal Empire will welcome such a notion... for the people demand blood for the accusations but perhaps this will sate their desires for bloodshed..."
Talindra looks to Thayadon, "If you wish to do this... then make it known now. For it will prevent war..."
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