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<blockquote data-quote="Edena_of_Neith" data-source="post: 1304690" data-attributes="member: 2020">(Post 4) The Second IREdena_of_Neith &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 1235 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 04:05 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; There is genuine astonishment as the NeoIllithid entertains the kender (although the kender is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; absolutely delighted beyond even his wildest imaginings.)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Even the Chosen look amazed (for that matter, even the Phaerimm ambassador and the City of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Shade ambassador look amazed.)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; It is probably the first time in maybe all of history that such a thing has happened.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Chosen from Silverymoon, the young lady, beams at the NeoIllithid, and smiles in genuine&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; delight.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; She says, to the NeoIllithid, directly:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You give me hope that the our true purpose in summoning you here will succeed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Mystra bless you, and I pray to Mystra that we may succeed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; She then addresses everyone:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; When the rest of the ambassadors, and those we summoned, arrive at this Court, we will reveal the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; true purpose of calling you all here.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; DarwinofMind &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2177 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 07:00 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Ladies and Gentlemen, &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I am not a warrior, I am not a leader of men. I am a student. A student of the nature of Mankind and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a student of the Way, and I am a tired old man. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 40 years ago, I was a much younger man, in rapidly changing times. When this all began I looked&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; upon the creations of the gnomes with wonderment. I viewed them with the eyes of a student. But&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; then came the trouble came the horrors. I won't presume to say who started it. That task is for far&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; wiser men then me to decide. But as each side rushed to war, I could only support the sides which&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; appeared to me to be the victim. Such is the nature of the fog, and the horrors of war. I choose lend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; my aid to the Technocracy for they were the peoples begin attacked for having the vision to look&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; forward into the future. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I still support that decision; the elves claimed that new technology would destroy the world. But all I?ve&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; seen is how this technology has made the world better in the past 40 years. You, the Chosen your&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; lives were already extended, the proud the few, but they rest of us, the many. Our life spans have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; doubled, I myself could have never hoped to live this long. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We have not seen the world destroyed, mearly changed. Change is inevitable. Technology is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; inevitable. These things come, and not even the gods themselves can hold back the flow of time for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; long. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We the war escalated, many atrocities happened on either side. I quickly saw that my safety was at&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; risk. And like a coward, I fled. I left this world to explore the multiverse at large. I spent the early part&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; of the war there, I saw what the planes had to offer, and as I did. I met others. Toril being such the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; connected word that it is I met others from here. Some had fled the war, like myself. Many others had&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; been gone for long years and didn?t know of the war. Many wanted to return and to defend the place&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; they once called home. I returned with them. I was not there leader, mearly a teacher, I made a path&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and they joined me as equals. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Since the war I have no armies, not political power. I am a student and a teacher. The people of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Athas, those who I have learned from, and who learn from me, have asked me to speak for them.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The people of Athas, of many races, Thri-Kreen included, entered this world after the defilers, once the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; gates were forged. How the defilers entered I do not know. But the other peoples of Athas entered this&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; world from their hellish own, and I welcomed them. Have you looked into the world they left? How can&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; we of this verdant forest refuse them in all good conscience.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I do not defend my actions because my actions do not need defending. I did what I could to survive in&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a troubled time. It?s what we all did. The world may be different than what we knew, but it is better. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I recognize no authority in you, like I recognize no other authority on this world. I am an old man, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I have little time left. I can leave this world at any time but, I choose to take what time I have left on&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; this world of prosperity, where I am a teacher and a student.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Darwin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Finally felt he needed a .sig&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 1265 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Feb 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Reprisal &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2368 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 07:02 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; quote:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Technocracy&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Aiding and abetting the Humanoids in the destruction of the elves.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Consorting with the devils and demons to achieve your ends, and thus bringing the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Blood War to Toril and Realmspace. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Received the charges, and will reply within 24 hours. Probably less though, hehe.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Intelligence in chains loses in lucidity what it gains in intensity.&quot; - Albert Camus&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 222 | From: Parksville, BC, Canada | Registered: Feb 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto the&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Marvellous &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 4171 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 08:30 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto rises to his feet, and signals to the Chosen.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Ah-hem. I believe I have something that may prove of great use to you. I bear with me a device from&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the height of Great Moltham itself, which allows conversations with the dead to be conducted with the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; utmost of ease and accuracy. Why, if I could tell you the times I've had, conversing with the Tyrant&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Aragem, or the Five Nymphs of Dyphose--&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Here Rhialto stops, as if realizing that the conversation is taking an unwholesome turn.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Well, anyway, I offer--for a mild, and most affordable fee--to use this device to summon the spirit of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; an elf of Evermeet here before you to offer their own defense. This, I feel, acts in no way against my&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; neutral status as a witness, and provides a valuable service to the court.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto relaxed, smiling at his own odd fancies, and poured out a final cup of tea...He let it cool&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; untasted. On impulse he rose to his feet and went into the parlour, where he donned a cloak, a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; hunter's cap, and took up that baton known as 'Malfezar's Woe.' He then summoned Ladanque, his&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; chamberlain and general factotum.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Ladanque, I will be strolling around in the forest for a period. Take care that Vat Five retains its roil. If&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; you wish, you may distill the contents of the large blue alembic into a stoppered flask. Use a low heat&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and avoid breathing the vapor; it will bring a purulent rash to your face.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Very well, sir. What of the clevenger?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Pay it no heed. Do not approach the cage. Remember, its talk of both virgins and wealth is illusory; I&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; doubt if it knows the meaning of either term.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Just so, sir.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto departed the manse.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;The Murthe&quot;, Rhialto the Marvellous, by Jack Vance&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2760 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 09:08 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; quote:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Originally posted by Edena_of_Neith:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; A woman Chosen stands, and looks at the Humanoid emissary coldly, and says&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You rationalize your destruction of the children of the elves by stating they would grow&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; into adults who were your enemies.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Although this is, indeed, the truth of the past, this is not the past, but the present.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; If you can change your ways, the elves can change their ways.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; They might well have done so, had you given them that chance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; If you are so enlightened and noble, and you live in a world of peace that you created,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; why do you not allow us to return the elves, and the Faerie perhaps can be brought&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; back, and then perhaps you would work together with them, no?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps you'd work with the elves and Faerie to advance the cause of civilization,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; peace, and learning?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The elves showed no evidence that they would change their ways . . . for they have *never* changed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; their ways. &quot;Give them a chance&quot;? How many more hundreds of generations of humanoids should have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; lived in caves and been slaughtered by elves before we decided that they had had enough time? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; NO. They had millenia. That should be long enough. We could not afford to wait another ten thousand&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; years. In fact, the representative of the drow at this meeting *just called* for all elves to unite under&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; one banner, so that they may try to destroy us yet again! Are we supposed to ignore this? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Fae hate us, and worked against us. We are supposed to invite them back? WE HAVE NO NEED OF&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; THEM. We will not invite our enemies to live among us simply because you miss their company, or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; simply because there is some possible disaster a thousand years hence with the Weave. Give us a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; few hundred years without them, and then, we'll see. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Perhaps you'd work with the elves and Faerie to advance the cause of civilization, peace, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; learning?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Once there is substantive evidence that the elves are interested in advancing the cause of civilization,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; peace, and learning, perhaps. The last time I checked, though, they tried to destroy those interested&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; in advancing civilization, and when that failed, tried to blow up the world. We really don't need that&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; again, do we? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Peacemaker&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Forrester ]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto the&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Marvellous &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 4171 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 09:20 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto glances at the Humanoid ambassador.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You know, in my mind the death of a race, though tragic, is perhaps inevitable in matters of war. Thus&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; your actions may be understandable, if not conscienable. After all, war makes its own morals. I have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; no doubt that if things had gone differently--had you been facing the Technomancy, for example--you&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; would have done the selfsame thing--the utter annihalation of those who opposed you. I am correct in&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; my thinking am I not? This is simply the way in which you conduct wars, and nothing special in and of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; itself.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Here Rhialto breaks into a dazzling smile--literally so, as the shine from his teeth could be used to light a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; small cave. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2760 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 09:28 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; quote:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Originally posted by Edena_of_Neith:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rough Power Levels (excluding Doomsday Weapons):&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Technomancy: 10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Humanoid Alliance: 9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Zouron's Magocracy: 5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Thri-Kreen Nations: 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Tuigan: 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Nations of Kara-Tur: 15 (combined), 1 to 3 (singly)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Nations of Zakhara: 8 (combined), 1 to 4 (combined)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Faerie and Dragons (if they returned): 20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Just wanted to kvetch a little bit -- how can any mortal nation or group of mortal nations (i.e., Kara-Tur&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and Zakhara) even *think* to compare to the Technomancy or the Humanoids in power? We have late&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 20th century technology, and they are living in the stone age! Is India more powerful than the United&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; States just because they outnumber us 5 to 1? (And that is an unfair comparison, because India isn't&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; in the Stone Age.) And in this case, given the vast number of humanoids . . . I don't even know that&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; they outnumber us! We can grow far more food than they can in a smaller space, for one. And we&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; humanoids breed . . . &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Also, I imagine that at this point, we are at least five times more powerful than we were when we&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; exterminated the elves, purely through technologic and psionic advances. If the Fae and Dragons, with&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *no* evolutionary development, are as twice as powerful (or more) than us *now*, they would have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; been able to wipe us from Toril without blinking, forty years ago. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dragons are decidedly less impressive against 20th century technology than they are against swords. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; And Rhialto . . . it was different, this time. We have never tried to exterminate a race before. The&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; elves, though, showed themselves to be not just a threat to us, but a threat to Toril itself. If we had&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; fought against the Technomancy (what a horrible idea!!) and won, we no doubt would have killed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; enough of them that they couldn't retaliate, but there would have been no need to kill ALL of them. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Enough said about that uncomfortable subject. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Elves, however, are a different story. It seems that if there are but TWO left, you can be sure that in a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; few hundred years, those two elves' children will all be High Mages and will start trying to blow up the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; world yet again. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Forrester ]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; maddman75 &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3494 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 09:37 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Hah - I picked the right time to come back to the boards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Pit Fiend lord appears before the council.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Ladies and gentlemen, I am most pleased to appear before you and present my position. *gates in&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; five imps carrying sheafs upon sheafs of forms* &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;It is well established that devils have a role in the multiverse as tempters of mortals. Our role in the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 7 year war served exactly that purpose. We urged the humanoids to more extreme tactics than they&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; would have otherwise. To thier credit, from your point of view anyway, they held us back in many ways.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We did not invite the foul demons here, nor did the humanoids. THis would have violated the contract,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; in which case the humanoid leadership would be boiling in oil in Baator right now. We gave our services&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and were compensated with superior weaponry that the humanoids had developed. This is perfectly&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; legal and has precedent, as these 4,562,456,342 previous contracts will show the court.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;In short, the devils merely offered a service. We were in the employ of the humanoids. Any actions of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ours that we committed that you find offensive is their responsibility. If the chosen would like&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; assistance in dealing with any of the war criminals, the devils are always willing to make a deal.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The demons eat the emmisary of the chosen, almost wondering what the creature was talking about&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; as they ripped his body apart.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; With a name like Maddman, he's got to be honorable!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;When a fool hears of the Tao, he will laugh out loud&quot; - Lao Tzu&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 629 | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2760 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 09:54 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester pulls the Pit Fiend lord aside after his speech. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You know, Madd, we might have another deal to broker in a little while. I'll let you know. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Forrester&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; PS The Devils should really have a higher power level than the Demons . . . it is, after all, the Devils&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; with the machine-guns. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto the&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Marvellous &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 4171 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 10:10 AM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto nods thoughtfully, then continues.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;So then, you specifically went after the elves, with the intent of the utmost destruction of the entire&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; species, am I correct?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto relaxed, smiling at his own odd fancies, and poured out a final cup of tea...He let it cool&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; untasted. On impulse he rose to his feet and went into the parlour, where he donned a cloak, a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; hunter's cap, and took up that baton known as 'Malfezar's Woe.' He then summoned Ladanque, his&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; chamberlain and general factotum.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Ladanque, I will be strolling around in the forest for a period. Take care that Vat Five retains its roil. If&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; you wish, you may distill the contents of the large blue alembic into a stoppered flask. Use a low heat&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and avoid breathing the vapor; it will bring a purulent rash to your face.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Very well, sir. What of the clevenger?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Pay it no heed. Do not approach the cage. Remember, its talk of both virgins and wealth is illusory; I&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; doubt if it knows the meaning of either term.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Just so, sir.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Rhialto departed the manse.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;The Murthe&quot;, Rhialto the Marvellous, by Jack Vance&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp; All times are US Central Time &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 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&nbsp; » Hello, Edena_of_Neith [ log out ] &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; EN World Messageboards&nbsp;&nbsp; » Bits N Pieces&nbsp;&nbsp; » In Character&nbsp;&nbsp; » (IR) All involved in the Gnomish IR: You are&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; summoned by the Chosen to face charges (Page 3) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This topic is comprised of pages:&nbsp; 1&nbsp; 2&nbsp; 3&nbsp; 4&nbsp; 5&nbsp; 6&nbsp; 7&nbsp; 8&nbsp; 9&nbsp; 10&nbsp; 11&nbsp; 12&nbsp; 13&nbsp; 14&nbsp; 15&nbsp; 16&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Author &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Topic: (IR) All involved in the Gnomish IR: You are summoned by the Chosen to face charges &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; johnbrown &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3531 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 12:58 PM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; A corner of the meeting hall fills with thick black boiling smoke and the stench of brimstone waffes&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; through the meeting hall. A small, decrepit old man, slowly hobbles through the darkness&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; accompanied by an honor guard of four well-equipped ogres. He leans heavily on his staff as he&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; makes his was to the left side of those representatives already gathered there placing himself so that&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; he faces both the various faction representatives and the Chosen. With a wave of his hand, a large&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; throne made of the skulls of a myriad of races appears. The ogres take up positions at the four&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; corners of throne as the stooped old man sits upon it. He looks upon the faction delegates as hawk&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; might look at mouse: how tasty their souls would be. He turns and looks upon the Chosen with a look&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; of open defiance and contempt that is tempered with a respect for their power. After a moment the old&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; man speaks?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;I, Iuz, The Master of Oerth have arrived. But let me be clear, I do not appear because you compel&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; me to do so. You godlings have no authority over me. And according to you own words; I stand&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; accused of no crimes. I am here for I have my own grievances to air&quot;, he says as he glances toward&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the faction delegates, &quot;and to represent Lord Graz?zt, Lord Pazrael, and various other Abyssal powers&quot;,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Iuz chuckles, &quot;Who jokingly accuse of crimes against crimes against humanity and nature.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Let us deal with the absurd first, then we can move on to more important matters. You accuse&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; demon-kind of ?bringing the Blood War to Realmspace, on the excuse that you were summoned. The&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; mass destruction that you caused.?&quot; Iuz laughs out loud. &quot;You, the Chosen, you are powerful, and I&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; respect power, but the audacity of your hubris that you think that you can sit in judgment of powers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and beings that have existed long before any of your ancestors, nay, even the world upon which your&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ancestors where born was even created, I dare say surpasses even my ego. Did the demons bring&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; destruction upon Toril? Of course they did. They are fiends. It is their nature. They feed upon the fear&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and carcasses of mortals. Do you blame the wolf when he downs the deer? No. It knows no better. And&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; before any of you esteemed judges dare mention ?free will? and ?sentience?; do any of you blame the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; human, or elven hunter who brings down the same deer? No. The hunter must eat. He must survive.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The demons were only trying to do the same.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;You speak of the Blood War, yet another thing clearly beyond your full comprehension. That is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; understandable. Your mistress?s preconceptions and prejudices against those of us with Abyssal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; lineage clouds your judgment. The Blood War is more than just a war between fiends, and it is more&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; than just a clash of philosophies. It too, is a battle for survival. Would the Devils, destroy all the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; demons if they could? Would they enslave them? The answer is most assuredly, yes. So, you see, the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Blood War too is a struggle for survival. Once the devils had entered Toril, the Demon Lords had no&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; choice but to commit troops to this new front in their fight for survival.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;And as far as your statements about ?the excuse that you were summoned?, the first demons didn?t&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; summon themselves did they? The demons didn?t initially open the portals, did they? No, they didn?t.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; They couldn?t have done it even if they wanted to. Mortals undertook those actions. It was the mortals&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; who summoned both Infernal and Abyssal beings in such numbers. It was they that opened the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; portals. It is unfortunate that once the blood lust, greed, and pride of elf, dwarf, human, gnome,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; humanoid, and all the rest of the mortals snowballed into the 7 Year War. The demons, however, did&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; not cause any of those events. They were simply a manifestation of the evil in mortal hearts, and they&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; were simply acting in self preservation, against the devil threat.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Now, that all of that has been cleared up, let us move on to more important matters. I, Iuz, provided&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; some small services for some of the factions of that war, and I have yet to be fully compensated for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; those services. If you, The Chosen, are truly seeking justice, may I suggest that you use your powers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to provide me with some, and compel those parties to make good on the arrangement we had.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; --------------------&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; After all, it is all about having fun .....&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 67 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Edena_of_Neith &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 1235 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 02, 2001 01:02 PM&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Chosen from Silverymoon, the young lady, speaks in her soft voice:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We accept your gracious offer, Rhialto.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We shall use the device to summon the spirit of Queen Amlaruil of Evermeet, for we consider her a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; reasonable spokesperson for the elven race.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; She takes the device of Rhialto's, when offered, and after listening to his instructions on it's use, sets&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; it up for the procedure.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; That done, the device is activated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The ghostly shade of Queen Amlaruil of Evermeet appears in the Court of the Chosen.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Seeing the situation, the solemn faced shade of the Queen moves to one side of the Court, and waits&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; for her turn to speak.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; (Blood Jester or any neutral person is free to speak for her.)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Gnomish Ambassador chimes in at this point, out of order, and off-topic, saying:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We are currently experimenting with genetics, and we expect to be able to extend life expectancy of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the Human, Humanoid, and Demi-Human races to several thousand years.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We expect to achieve this accomplishment within the decade.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Ambassador from the City of Shade snorts, and says:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; With Ioulaum's Longevity and our great magic, we don't NEED your foolish toys and pathetic cantrips&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; you dare to call spells.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; WE have lived for 5000 years with our magic, and our lifespans are eternal, if we will it!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Phaerimm Ambassador is heard to snort and comment softly:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We can change that situation ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Kender Ambassador chimes in:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Look at all the neat beings and creatures in this room!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Wow!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I've never seen so many different types of people and ... well, you aren't exactly a person, sir ... you&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; look like a tornado ... uh, how exactly do you use those tentacles? ... I wonder what that'd be like, to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; have tentacles instead of a mouth ... Do female gnomes have beards like female dwarves do? I heard&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; they did ... uh ... did anyone ever tell you you're very beautiful, your Highness (this to Amlaruil) but I&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; can see through you ... of course I can, because you're dead ... I'm sorry you're dead, I'm sure you&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; wish you were alive ... Uh, I sure wish the Chosen would show off their Silver Fire. I hear it makes great&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; fireworks. I hear ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; At this point the Dwarven Emissary breaks in:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; SHUT UP!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An now, I be speakin fer me people.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Enough o this here nonsense.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Me friends, the gnomes, they be havin good thinkin an makin beautiful new objects fer ye, an ye be&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; profitin from it, an yer lives be betterin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Ye all be makin a fair bit o money out o the deal, an the gnomes they be makin a honest coin or two.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An that was all it were, an no more.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; So what do ye do? Ye maniacs be buildin bombs an firearms an all manner of ways o killin each other,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; an then ye be settin to it, an relishin it, until the very rocks they be turnin red and the earth be retchin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; from the blood.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Now, I be admittin that we dwarves might - might! - have been a bit pushy concernin our demands on&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; them there elves, an fer that we be apologizin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We been sufferin great casualties, an we were mad, an not gonna take it no more, an people blew&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; their tops, an they were fer reason at that there time.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An then ye maniacs be summonin the Fiends, ye did, and bringin the Blood War to this here world, an&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; mucking it up further, an then we be getting truly mad, an we be siding against them that be doin this&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; thing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Our leadership be not perfect, an we be makin mistakes, but we been victimized by all yer titantic wars&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; an explosions an all the ridiculous things ye been doin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; All we dwarves be wantin was peace, an ye idiots be runnin around shootin each other, an there been&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; no peace to be had, an we tired of it, an we been decidin to knock some sense into yer heads.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An ye still ain't be havin no sense, especially ye, ye Chosen, fer now ye summon us here, an ye&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; threaten us, an gather these idiots together an as so they can be fightin all over again.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Dwarf Ambassador then plants his feet, places his hand on his axe, and says:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Well, me axe an the axes o me people still be better than all yer bombs an magic an spellfire an&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; other nonsense.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An if ye be makin war on me people, or threatenin us, we be showin ye just how good them axes are.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Edena_of_Neith, post: 1304690, member: 2020"] [b](Post 4) The Second IR[/b] Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 02, 2001 04:05 AM There is genuine astonishment as the NeoIllithid entertains the kender (although the kender is absolutely delighted beyond even his wildest imaginings.) Even the Chosen look amazed (for that matter, even the Phaerimm ambassador and the City of Shade ambassador look amazed.) It is probably the first time in maybe all of history that such a thing has happened. The Chosen from Silverymoon, the young lady, beams at the NeoIllithid, and smiles in genuine delight. She says, to the NeoIllithid, directly: You give me hope that the our true purpose in summoning you here will succeed. Mystra bless you, and I pray to Mystra that we may succeed. She then addresses everyone: When the rest of the ambassadors, and those we summoned, arrive at this Court, we will reveal the true purpose of calling you all here. [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ] Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged DarwinofMind Member Member # 2177 posted December 02, 2001 07:00 AM Ladies and Gentlemen, I am not a warrior, I am not a leader of men. I am a student. A student of the nature of Mankind and a student of the Way, and I am a tired old man. 40 years ago, I was a much younger man, in rapidly changing times. When this all began I looked upon the creations of the gnomes with wonderment. I viewed them with the eyes of a student. But then came the trouble came the horrors. I won't presume to say who started it. That task is for far wiser men then me to decide. But as each side rushed to war, I could only support the sides which appeared to me to be the victim. Such is the nature of the fog, and the horrors of war. I choose lend my aid to the Technocracy for they were the peoples begin attacked for having the vision to look forward into the future. I still support that decision; the elves claimed that new technology would destroy the world. But all I?ve seen is how this technology has made the world better in the past 40 years. You, the Chosen your lives were already extended, the proud the few, but they rest of us, the many. Our life spans have doubled, I myself could have never hoped to live this long. We have not seen the world destroyed, mearly changed. Change is inevitable. Technology is inevitable. These things come, and not even the gods themselves can hold back the flow of time for long. We the war escalated, many atrocities happened on either side. I quickly saw that my safety was at risk. And like a coward, I fled. I left this world to explore the multiverse at large. I spent the early part of the war there, I saw what the planes had to offer, and as I did. I met others. Toril being such the connected word that it is I met others from here. Some had fled the war, like myself. Many others had been gone for long years and didn?t know of the war. Many wanted to return and to defend the place they once called home. I returned with them. I was not there leader, mearly a teacher, I made a path and they joined me as equals. Since the war I have no armies, not political power. I am a student and a teacher. The people of Athas, those who I have learned from, and who learn from me, have asked me to speak for them. The people of Athas, of many races, Thri-Kreen included, entered this world after the defilers, once the gates were forged. How the defilers entered I do not know. But the other peoples of Athas entered this world from their hellish own, and I welcomed them. Have you looked into the world they left? How can we of this verdant forest refuse them in all good conscience. I do not defend my actions because my actions do not need defending. I did what I could to survive in a troubled time. It?s what we all did. The world may be different than what we knew, but it is better. I recognize no authority in you, like I recognize no other authority on this world. I am an old man, and I have little time left. I can leave this world at any time but, I choose to take what time I have left on this world of prosperity, where I am a teacher and a student. -------------------- Darwin Finally felt he needed a .sig Posts: 1265 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged Reprisal Member Member # 2368 posted December 02, 2001 07:02 AM quote: The Technocracy Aiding and abetting the Humanoids in the destruction of the elves. Consorting with the devils and demons to achieve your ends, and thus bringing the Blood War to Toril and Realmspace. Received the charges, and will reply within 24 hours. Probably less though, hehe. -------------------- "Intelligence in chains loses in lucidity what it gains in intensity." - Albert Camus Posts: 222 | From: Parksville, BC, Canada | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged Rhialto the Marvellous Member Member # 4171 posted December 02, 2001 08:30 AM Rhialto rises to his feet, and signals to the Chosen. Ah-hem. I believe I have something that may prove of great use to you. I bear with me a device from the height of Great Moltham itself, which allows conversations with the dead to be conducted with the utmost of ease and accuracy. Why, if I could tell you the times I've had, conversing with the Tyrant Aragem, or the Five Nymphs of Dyphose-- Here Rhialto stops, as if realizing that the conversation is taking an unwholesome turn. Well, anyway, I offer--for a mild, and most affordable fee--to use this device to summon the spirit of an elf of Evermeet here before you to offer their own defense. This, I feel, acts in no way against my neutral status as a witness, and provides a valuable service to the court. -------------------- Rhialto relaxed, smiling at his own odd fancies, and poured out a final cup of tea...He let it cool untasted. On impulse he rose to his feet and went into the parlour, where he donned a cloak, a hunter's cap, and took up that baton known as 'Malfezar's Woe.' He then summoned Ladanque, his chamberlain and general factotum. "Ladanque, I will be strolling around in the forest for a period. Take care that Vat Five retains its roil. If you wish, you may distill the contents of the large blue alembic into a stoppered flask. Use a low heat and avoid breathing the vapor; it will bring a purulent rash to your face." "Very well, sir. What of the clevenger?" "Pay it no heed. Do not approach the cage. Remember, its talk of both virgins and wealth is illusory; I doubt if it knows the meaning of either term." "Just so, sir." Rhialto departed the manse. "The Murthe", Rhialto the Marvellous, by Jack Vance Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged Forrester Member Member # 2760 posted December 02, 2001 09:08 AM quote: Originally posted by Edena_of_Neith: A woman Chosen stands, and looks at the Humanoid emissary coldly, and says ... You rationalize your destruction of the children of the elves by stating they would grow into adults who were your enemies. Although this is, indeed, the truth of the past, this is not the past, but the present. ... If you can change your ways, the elves can change their ways. They might well have done so, had you given them that chance. ... If you are so enlightened and noble, and you live in a world of peace that you created, why do you not allow us to return the elves, and the Faerie perhaps can be brought back, and then perhaps you would work together with them, no? Perhaps you'd work with the elves and Faerie to advance the cause of civilization, peace, and learning? The elves showed no evidence that they would change their ways . . . for they have *never* changed their ways. "Give them a chance"? How many more hundreds of generations of humanoids should have lived in caves and been slaughtered by elves before we decided that they had had enough time? NO. They had millenia. That should be long enough. We could not afford to wait another ten thousand years. In fact, the representative of the drow at this meeting *just called* for all elves to unite under one banner, so that they may try to destroy us yet again! Are we supposed to ignore this? The Fae hate us, and worked against us. We are supposed to invite them back? WE HAVE NO NEED OF THEM. We will not invite our enemies to live among us simply because you miss their company, or simply because there is some possible disaster a thousand years hence with the Weave. Give us a few hundred years without them, and then, we'll see. "Perhaps you'd work with the elves and Faerie to advance the cause of civilization, peace, and learning?" Once there is substantive evidence that the elves are interested in advancing the cause of civilization, peace, and learning, perhaps. The last time I checked, though, they tried to destroy those interested in advancing civilization, and when that failed, tried to blow up the world. We really don't need that again, do we? Forrester Peacemaker [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Forrester ] Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Rhialto the Marvellous Member Member # 4171 posted December 02, 2001 09:20 AM Rhialto glances at the Humanoid ambassador. You know, in my mind the death of a race, though tragic, is perhaps inevitable in matters of war. Thus your actions may be understandable, if not conscienable. After all, war makes its own morals. I have no doubt that if things had gone differently--had you been facing the Technomancy, for example--you would have done the selfsame thing--the utter annihalation of those who opposed you. I am correct in my thinking am I not? This is simply the way in which you conduct wars, and nothing special in and of itself. Here Rhialto breaks into a dazzling smile--literally so, as the shine from his teeth could be used to light a small cave. Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged Forrester Member Member # 2760 posted December 02, 2001 09:28 AM quote: Originally posted by Edena_of_Neith: Rough Power Levels (excluding Doomsday Weapons): The Technomancy: 10 The Humanoid Alliance: 9 Zouron's Magocracy: 5 The Thri-Kreen Nations: 2 The Tuigan: 1 The Nations of Kara-Tur: 15 (combined), 1 to 3 (singly) The Nations of Zakhara: 8 (combined), 1 to 4 (combined) The Faerie and Dragons (if they returned): 20 Just wanted to kvetch a little bit -- how can any mortal nation or group of mortal nations (i.e., Kara-Tur and Zakhara) even *think* to compare to the Technomancy or the Humanoids in power? We have late 20th century technology, and they are living in the stone age! Is India more powerful than the United States just because they outnumber us 5 to 1? (And that is an unfair comparison, because India isn't in the Stone Age.) And in this case, given the vast number of humanoids . . . I don't even know that they outnumber us! We can grow far more food than they can in a smaller space, for one. And we humanoids breed . . . Also, I imagine that at this point, we are at least five times more powerful than we were when we exterminated the elves, purely through technologic and psionic advances. If the Fae and Dragons, with *no* evolutionary development, are as twice as powerful (or more) than us *now*, they would have been able to wipe us from Toril without blinking, forty years ago. Dragons are decidedly less impressive against 20th century technology than they are against swords. And Rhialto . . . it was different, this time. We have never tried to exterminate a race before. The elves, though, showed themselves to be not just a threat to us, but a threat to Toril itself. If we had fought against the Technomancy (what a horrible idea!!) and won, we no doubt would have killed enough of them that they couldn't retaliate, but there would have been no need to kill ALL of them. Enough said about that uncomfortable subject. Elves, however, are a different story. It seems that if there are but TWO left, you can be sure that in a few hundred years, those two elves' children will all be High Mages and will start trying to blow up the world yet again. Forrester [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Forrester ] Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged maddman75 Member Member # 3494 posted December 02, 2001 09:37 AM Hah - I picked the right time to come back to the boards The Pit Fiend lord appears before the council. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am most pleased to appear before you and present my position. *gates in five imps carrying sheafs upon sheafs of forms* "It is well established that devils have a role in the multiverse as tempters of mortals. Our role in the 7 year war served exactly that purpose. We urged the humanoids to more extreme tactics than they would have otherwise. To thier credit, from your point of view anyway, they held us back in many ways. We did not invite the foul demons here, nor did the humanoids. THis would have violated the contract, in which case the humanoid leadership would be boiling in oil in Baator right now. We gave our services and were compensated with superior weaponry that the humanoids had developed. This is perfectly legal and has precedent, as these 4,562,456,342 previous contracts will show the court. "In short, the devils merely offered a service. We were in the employ of the humanoids. Any actions of ours that we committed that you find offensive is their responsibility. If the chosen would like assistance in dealing with any of the war criminals, the devils are always willing to make a deal." The demons eat the emmisary of the chosen, almost wondering what the creature was talking about as they ripped his body apart. -------------------- With a name like Maddman, he's got to be honorable! "When a fool hears of the Tao, he will laugh out loud" - Lao Tzu Posts: 629 | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Forrester Member Member # 2760 posted December 02, 2001 09:54 AM Forrester pulls the Pit Fiend lord aside after his speech. You know, Madd, we might have another deal to broker in a little while. I'll let you know. Forrester PS The Devils should really have a higher power level than the Demons . . . it is, after all, the Devils with the machine-guns. Posts: 699 | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Rhialto the Marvellous Member Member # 4171 posted December 02, 2001 10:10 AM Rhialto nods thoughtfully, then continues. "So then, you specifically went after the elves, with the intent of the utmost destruction of the entire species, am I correct?" -------------------- Rhialto relaxed, smiling at his own odd fancies, and poured out a final cup of tea...He let it cool untasted. On impulse he rose to his feet and went into the parlour, where he donned a cloak, a hunter's cap, and took up that baton known as 'Malfezar's Woe.' He then summoned Ladanque, his chamberlain and general factotum. "Ladanque, I will be strolling around in the forest for a period. Take care that Vat Five retains its roil. If you wish, you may distill the contents of the large blue alembic into a stoppered flask. Use a low heat and avoid breathing the vapor; it will bring a purulent rash to your face." "Very well, sir. What of the clevenger?" "Pay it no heed. Do not approach the cage. Remember, its talk of both virgins and wealth is illusory; I doubt if it knows the meaning of either term." "Just so, sir." Rhialto departed the manse. "The Murthe", Rhialto the Marvellous, by Jack Vance Posts: 122 | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged All times are US Central Time This topic is comprised of pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Hop To: Contact Us | EN World - D&D/d20 News & Reviews Powered by Infopop Corporation Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3 my profile | register | search | faq | forum home » Hello, Edena_of_Neith [ log out ] EN World Messageboards » Bits N Pieces » In Character » (IR) All involved in the Gnomish IR: You are summoned by the Chosen to face charges (Page 3) This topic is comprised of pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Author Topic: (IR) All involved in the Gnomish IR: You are summoned by the Chosen to face charges johnbrown Member Member # 3531 posted December 02, 2001 12:58 PM A corner of the meeting hall fills with thick black boiling smoke and the stench of brimstone waffes through the meeting hall. A small, decrepit old man, slowly hobbles through the darkness accompanied by an honor guard of four well-equipped ogres. He leans heavily on his staff as he makes his was to the left side of those representatives already gathered there placing himself so that he faces both the various faction representatives and the Chosen. With a wave of his hand, a large throne made of the skulls of a myriad of races appears. The ogres take up positions at the four corners of throne as the stooped old man sits upon it. He looks upon the faction delegates as hawk might look at mouse: how tasty their souls would be. He turns and looks upon the Chosen with a look of open defiance and contempt that is tempered with a respect for their power. After a moment the old man speaks? "I, Iuz, The Master of Oerth have arrived. But let me be clear, I do not appear because you compel me to do so. You godlings have no authority over me. And according to you own words; I stand accused of no crimes. I am here for I have my own grievances to air", he says as he glances toward the faction delegates, "and to represent Lord Graz?zt, Lord Pazrael, and various other Abyssal powers", Iuz chuckles, "Who jokingly accuse of crimes against crimes against humanity and nature." "Let us deal with the absurd first, then we can move on to more important matters. You accuse demon-kind of ?bringing the Blood War to Realmspace, on the excuse that you were summoned. The mass destruction that you caused.?" Iuz laughs out loud. "You, the Chosen, you are powerful, and I respect power, but the audacity of your hubris that you think that you can sit in judgment of powers and beings that have existed long before any of your ancestors, nay, even the world upon which your ancestors where born was even created, I dare say surpasses even my ego. Did the demons bring destruction upon Toril? Of course they did. They are fiends. It is their nature. They feed upon the fear and carcasses of mortals. Do you blame the wolf when he downs the deer? No. It knows no better. And before any of you esteemed judges dare mention ?free will? and ?sentience?; do any of you blame the human, or elven hunter who brings down the same deer? No. The hunter must eat. He must survive. The demons were only trying to do the same." "You speak of the Blood War, yet another thing clearly beyond your full comprehension. That is understandable. Your mistress?s preconceptions and prejudices against those of us with Abyssal lineage clouds your judgment. The Blood War is more than just a war between fiends, and it is more than just a clash of philosophies. It too, is a battle for survival. Would the Devils, destroy all the demons if they could? Would they enslave them? The answer is most assuredly, yes. So, you see, the Blood War too is a struggle for survival. Once the devils had entered Toril, the Demon Lords had no choice but to commit troops to this new front in their fight for survival." "And as far as your statements about ?the excuse that you were summoned?, the first demons didn?t summon themselves did they? The demons didn?t initially open the portals, did they? No, they didn?t. They couldn?t have done it even if they wanted to. Mortals undertook those actions. It was the mortals who summoned both Infernal and Abyssal beings in such numbers. It was they that opened the portals. It is unfortunate that once the blood lust, greed, and pride of elf, dwarf, human, gnome, humanoid, and all the rest of the mortals snowballed into the 7 Year War. The demons, however, did not cause any of those events. They were simply a manifestation of the evil in mortal hearts, and they were simply acting in self preservation, against the devil threat." "Now, that all of that has been cleared up, let us move on to more important matters. I, Iuz, provided some small services for some of the factions of that war, and I have yet to be fully compensated for those services. If you, The Chosen, are truly seeking justice, may I suggest that you use your powers to provide me with some, and compel those parties to make good on the arrangement we had." -------------------- After all, it is all about having fun ..... Posts: 67 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 02, 2001 01:02 PM The Chosen from Silverymoon, the young lady, speaks in her soft voice: We accept your gracious offer, Rhialto. We shall use the device to summon the spirit of Queen Amlaruil of Evermeet, for we consider her a reasonable spokesperson for the elven race. She takes the device of Rhialto's, when offered, and after listening to his instructions on it's use, sets it up for the procedure. That done, the device is activated. The ghostly shade of Queen Amlaruil of Evermeet appears in the Court of the Chosen. Seeing the situation, the solemn faced shade of the Queen moves to one side of the Court, and waits for her turn to speak. (Blood Jester or any neutral person is free to speak for her.) The Gnomish Ambassador chimes in at this point, out of order, and off-topic, saying: We are currently experimenting with genetics, and we expect to be able to extend life expectancy of the Human, Humanoid, and Demi-Human races to several thousand years. We expect to achieve this accomplishment within the decade. The Ambassador from the City of Shade snorts, and says: With Ioulaum's Longevity and our great magic, we don't NEED your foolish toys and pathetic cantrips you dare to call spells. WE have lived for 5000 years with our magic, and our lifespans are eternal, if we will it! The Phaerimm Ambassador is heard to snort and comment softly: We can change that situation ... The Kender Ambassador chimes in: Look at all the neat beings and creatures in this room! Wow! I've never seen so many different types of people and ... well, you aren't exactly a person, sir ... you look like a tornado ... uh, how exactly do you use those tentacles? ... I wonder what that'd be like, to have tentacles instead of a mouth ... Do female gnomes have beards like female dwarves do? I heard they did ... uh ... did anyone ever tell you you're very beautiful, your Highness (this to Amlaruil) but I can see through you ... of course I can, because you're dead ... I'm sorry you're dead, I'm sure you wish you were alive ... Uh, I sure wish the Chosen would show off their Silver Fire. I hear it makes great fireworks. I hear ... At this point the Dwarven Emissary breaks in: SHUT UP! An now, I be speakin fer me people. Enough o this here nonsense. Me friends, the gnomes, they be havin good thinkin an makin beautiful new objects fer ye, an ye be profitin from it, an yer lives be betterin. Ye all be makin a fair bit o money out o the deal, an the gnomes they be makin a honest coin or two. An that was all it were, an no more. So what do ye do? Ye maniacs be buildin bombs an firearms an all manner of ways o killin each other, an then ye be settin to it, an relishin it, until the very rocks they be turnin red and the earth be retchin from the blood. Now, I be admittin that we dwarves might - might! - have been a bit pushy concernin our demands on them there elves, an fer that we be apologizin. We been sufferin great casualties, an we were mad, an not gonna take it no more, an people blew their tops, an they were fer reason at that there time. An then ye maniacs be summonin the Fiends, ye did, and bringin the Blood War to this here world, an mucking it up further, an then we be getting truly mad, an we be siding against them that be doin this thing. Our leadership be not perfect, an we be makin mistakes, but we been victimized by all yer titantic wars an explosions an all the ridiculous things ye been doin. All we dwarves be wantin was peace, an ye idiots be runnin around shootin each other, an there been no peace to be had, an we tired of it, an we been decidin to knock some sense into yer heads. An ye still ain't be havin no sense, especially ye, ye Chosen, fer now ye summon us here, an ye threaten us, an gather these idiots together an as so they can be fightin all over again. The Dwarf Ambassador then plants his feet, places his hand on his axe, and says: Well, me axe an the axes o me people still be better than all yer bombs an magic an spellfire an other nonsense. An if ye be makin war on me people, or threatenin us, we be showin ye just how good them axes are. [ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ] Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged [/QUOTE]

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