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<blockquote data-quote="Edena_of_Neith" data-source="post: 1304714" data-attributes="member: 2020">(Post 10) The 2nd IRPhasmus &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2639 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 01:17 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; A low psionic hum permeates the courtroom... It changes in pitch and tone, keeping some sort of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; incredibly complex rhythm. It gradually builds into a pulsing, throbbing wail... which is joined by mental&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; cries of fear issuing from the Neoillithid.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The entire courtroom shakes... And four pillars of writhing, green energy surge from the floor, wrapping&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; around each other and creating a single twisted cone... The psionic noise reaches the level of a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; scream, causing mental pain to all present... The cries of the Neoillithid cease. Then there is utter&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; silence...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Standing in the center of the room is a creature that, from a distance, might be mistaken for an&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Illithid. Indeed, the primary differences are that this foul being has six tentacles instead of four, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; is well over ten feet tall. Its very presence fills the room with an aura of cold, sinister, evil.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; It is Lugribossk, favored proxy of Ilsensine... the brain-god of the Illithid.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; It speaks, and its thunderous psionic voice grinds against the minds of all who hear...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;THRALLS! You have two choices. Submit to the Illithid... or die by your own hands. You will have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; nothing to fear from your own treacherous ways... The Illithid will not permit any of you to act against&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; another. Your petty differences will be squelched. Your capacity to harm one another will be eliminated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Nothing but Illithid dominion can give you utter, permanent, safety from yourselves!&quot; it pauses for a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; moment and turns its piercing stare to the Drow representative, &quot;You will all be protected from the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; pitiful attempts at hostility of lesser beings, and their lesser deities.&quot; It stares straight ahead again&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and roars, &quot;You will be shown the TRUE purpose of your pitiful existences... To serve the glorious&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Illithid empire! TO SERVE ILSENSINE! Submit, and know peace. Submit and know justice. Submit and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; know safety. Only the Neoillithid, who are an abomination before the great all-knowing Ilsensine, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the undead... who are an abomination before all of creation... need be rent from the surface of Toril.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The rest... will be placed in their natural, proper state... serving those who are their masters by right!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Utopia... is but a thought away.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; With that, it vanishes in a flash of green light that seems to leave the room darker than when it&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; arrived. A pool of glowing mauve slime covers the floor where it stood.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Neoillithid seem to have been particularly adversely affected by the arrival of Lugribossk... They&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; each sit, staring straight ahead... their tendrils hanging limply... their minds silent. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 74 | From: Oregon | Registered: Feb 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Aloïsius &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2977 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 01:43 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; &quot;Was Netheril not the home of the greatest and wisest mages who ever lived ?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;I just hope no other group of past archmage will ever contest such a claim, cause if, said the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Immaskari, come back through another magic trick, you will hard a hard time, and I think there won't&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; be many survivor. Have you ever turned your gaze to the Raurin desert? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Don't be afraid The Balor, I doubt this drow is aware of some detail about Godly politic, especilay the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; fact that his godess throne is somewhat shaky, since Vaeraun, Ghaunadaur and Kiriansalee will never&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; miss the least occasion to increase their own powers. What will happen if Lloth holy warrior and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; priestess desert their home plane to enter Toril ? What will they find when they will return in their home&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ? By the way, Lloth has no responsability in the fall of the Ilythiiri : they discovered the spiderqueen&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; only after being banned. They were before under the influence of the other drow Gods...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Its look like many people still think there isn't anything worth but world domination. Good. If I&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; remember my study, the structure of time, which is the object of chronomancy, allowsthe possibility to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; split an universe in two mirrors parts, both viable. This requiert of course a huge amount of raw&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; energy, such as the one unleashed by the destruction of a dozaine of powerful artefacts, but is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; possible. I propose that one of this part will be left for those dreaming of supreme power, while the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; other part will be left for people of good will. Of course, the two parts will quickly diverge, and one of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; them will probably looks like a new version of the Abyss. Any comment ?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Aloïsius ]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 345 | From: Montpellier, France | 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 03, 2001 01:48 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; The Chosen shield the NeoIllithid from the effect, whatever it was (including an attack) of the Illithid.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; As the Chosen are what they are, they can counter even a Proxy if they wish to, and they wish to.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; JUST before the Deep Illithid arrived and spoke, the kender acts.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Jumping up and down with excitement, the kender shouts:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I HAVE IT! I HAVE IT! I GOT THE ANSWER!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I KNOW HOW TO SAVE EVERYONE. I KNOW HOW TO SAVE TORIL!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; He quickly speaks:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You see, we all give all our bad stuff, the bad weapons and bombs and evil spells, and the psionics,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and all the other stuff that hurts people ... to the Angels!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; For EVERYONE knows the Angels are true and just, and they are wondrous and beautiful, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; everything they do is right!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone knows that the Angels do everything right! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone knows the Angels love us all, and wouldn't think of harming a mouse, or a gully dwarf.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone knows the Angels are kindly and gentle, and in their love they'd do everything in their power&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to make us feel happy and good and comfortable ... and safe and they'd protect us!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; So, let's all give all those rotten, nasty weapons over to the Angels, and let the Angels look over them,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and us.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; And then all of you won't have to be scared anymore!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Let's all pray to the Angels. Pray to the Angels, to come and take the bad weapons away, love us, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; take away the fear.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; (And the kender emissary, in deadly earnest, kneels and starts praying.)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 03, 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; 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 03, 2001 02:16 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; The Chosen of Mystra, for what it's worth, do not laugh at the statements of the kender.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; They don't even crack a smile, not one of them.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Instead, they bow their heads, as if they, too, were praying.&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; The lady Chosen of Waterdeep, their spokeswoman, answers Aloisius:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, we could go back in time.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We could then stop the Gnomish Industrial Revolution before it ever started.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; However, if we did that, and then subsequently travelled back to this time, we would be in the Alternate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Reality the change in history caused, and not in our own Reality.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, we could never return to our own Reality.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We would be exiles forever, in a strange world with strange people, where our duplicates in that Reality&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; were the real us, and we were the frauds.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We wish to stay here, with those we cherish, and the world, Toril, Abeir-Toril the Cradle of Life, that we&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; cherish.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We will stay here, and we will fight for this world, and it's future, and your future.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We will fight while we live, and after death we will go on fighting as the undead servants of Mystra,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; even as one of us is already doing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We will serve Toril, and fight for Toril, for all of eternity, and we will never voluntarily give up the battle.&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; The Chosen do not reply to the Deep Illithid (they weren't given a chance to reply anyways, but that is&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; beside the point ...), but they do look around to see how the others react to this pronouncement of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the Deep Illithid.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 03, 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; TheBalor &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3669 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 02:25 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; *Balor gazes sadly at the Drow Ambassador* I have but one thing left that must be said to you,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; madame. A saying circulated amongst the kender: &quot;Evil always feeds upon itself.&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; &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; Persecution. Betrayal. Hatred. These things don't change. -The Maestro&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 244 | Registered: Apr 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 03, 2001 02:29 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; The spokeswoman of the Chosen looks at the Balor, and speaks gently:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Balor, do you have a proposal, a way, to avert the disaster that threatens?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Speak your heart, Balor, and let us hear what it has to say. &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; TheBalor &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3669 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 03:00 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; My only solution would be this: That the major powers of Toril unite into single unified nation,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; governed by a congress of representatives from each of the member countries. Peace may be&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; negotiated for a short time, yes, but as long as we are not together and equal, the same problems will&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; arise again and again and again. Ambassadors must then be sent to the spelljammer fleets around&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; our world, to try and reason with them. Keep them from initiating armageddon on a galactic scale. This&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Republic of Toril I propose possibly has many of the greatest barriers to overcome, but think of what&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; we could achieve if it actually happens?&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; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Persecution. Betrayal. Hatred. These things don't change. -The Maestro&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 244 | Registered: Apr 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 03, 2001 04:16 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; I received this via e-mail from Gez, and am passing it along.&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; Hello,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I'm &quot;Gez&quot; from ENBoards. Sadly I can't post anything on the boards ((rest of sentence deleted for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; privacy,)) so I can't participate. However, I was a gnome player in the original thread, and I have to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; defend the gnomes. So, here is the Gnome Embassador's post.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Gnome Embassador cast a 10-foot tall image of himself in the center of the room to speak.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;As the Chosen have decided to gather everyone for this unlikely trial, I will speak for my people.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We are charged of two points:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Our said refusal to listen to our seers. The point is wrong, we listened to our seers. They shown us all&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the problems that were in our designs, such as &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; some polluting side-effects, and we diligently worked with them to remove these problems. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The technology we created was utterly beneficial for everyone who could have a use for it. So, it was no&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; question of abandonning it. However, everyone agreed to fix the detrimental aspects it had. Nearly all&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; of these problems came from the need of energy. To solve them, we decided to use magic as an&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; infinite, and clean, power source. Like a permanent fire wall giving an endless supply of heat, which&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; can be converted thanks to water vapor to mechanical motion, and then even to electricity thanks to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; magnets. It was thus decided to start a program of ecological power plants that would give a clean and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; endless supply of energy to all our device.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Bran's druid, along with the very one who are trying to place themselves as a neutral justice, started&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; their terrorism campaign at this time. They &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; relentlessly sabotaged our plants and assassinated our engineers, wizards, and the druids who were&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; working with them. With the loss of many a brillant &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; mind, and many a potent caster, it became harder to progress in our ecological power supply&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; construction. Further, the agression against our &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; race, our culture, our way of life, and our humanitarian mission clearly shown that our aggressor were&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; too close-minded to negociate, wait, and see. I can garantee you than, given time (about 15 years),&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; they would have had nothing to complain upon. Yet, they refused all negociation efforts -- and that&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; with the complicity and blindfullness of the harpers and the Chosen !&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The second point we are charged with is our indiscriminate handing out of our new technology. You call&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; it greed. You're wrong.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Gnomes, as a whole, are not greedy, and never was. We gave technology to everyone who politely&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; asked for it. Real greed would have been selling the &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; item, but be sure keeping giving the secrets, in order to get a monopoly and get everyone dependant&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and indebted to us. We didn't make that. We selflessly gave our secret to those who asked for it, after&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; using mind-reading magic to see their intentions.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Our agenda, by doing that, was to better the life of the needy. What technology give, magic can give&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; better, but using technology don't requires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; years of study, contrarily to magic. Magic is inherently selfish, whereas technology is inherently&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; selfless, because a magician control strong forces for his own power, whereas a technician allow&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; everyone to control weaker forces.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; By giving better cropping tools to the humanoids, they would no more need to raid civilised farms for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; food (remember that the Battle of Bones was caused &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; mainly by the starvation of the goblins, kobolds and orcs who were forced southward, in more clement&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; climats, to find things to fill their bellies).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Better yet, by giving them tools that require a minimal instruction to use, we knew that it would force&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; them to become more educated -- and we knew that this would have tamed their &quot;savage and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; bloodthirsty&quot; ways, as the old druid said. And if you look at what happened, indeed, we have civilized&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; them ! It was a total success.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, this was a good way of burrying the war axe with them. Goblins and Kobolds -- especially&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Kobolds -- had a long history of war against us, for no real good reasons, like every vendetta -- I ask&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; you, have you ever see a worthwile, legitime vendetta ? And we wanted this to be over. It's not like the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; war between Elves and Orcs, neither side ever tried to find an agreement in a war that they wage since&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; their very creation. In fact, since even before the creation of elves, according to their myth, as they are&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; supposedly born from the blood of Corellon shedded by one of Gruumsh's blows.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In the end result, our race suffered so cruel loss from the fanatical elves and druids that we were&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; forced to retreat to a demiplane (accessible only &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; from Bytopia, so don't try to mess with us again, obscurantist druids and elves, or face infinite&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; numbers of guardinals !), and you, the Chosen, dare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to say this was greed ? Nearly sacrificing ourselves in order to achieve peace with the so-called &quot;evil&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; races&quot; and uplifting them to their civilised state, that is greed ?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; You're lost in the delusions that you build around yourselves, I tell you. If you were a gnome, you&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; would know how to tell the reality from a misconception.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *Speaking to the whole room*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I can only urge you to make peace. The Phaerimms, you should go back to your own plane. Netherse&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; magic has been destroyed forever, despite what the Shade may say, and your world is not threatened&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; anymore, so your war against this one has no more reason to be. The Shade, maybe you were not&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; stupid and foolish, but remember than intelligence and wisdom are not absolute -- you were very wise&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; in netherese politics and magical prowess, but stupid and foolish for other purpose. Draining powers&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; from a distant plane is sure a convenant source of energy, but you should have guessed it would&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; irritate the people from that plane. And don't tell you didn't knew this, because in this case, using&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; energy without knowing its provenance, is a stupid and foolish move. The elves, I advise you to be&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; more open-minded in the future, or you'll &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; end up open-skulled. The Illithids faithful to Ilsensine are not compatible with any other race, so they&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; should be eliminated, there's sadly is no &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; alternative. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; That's all I have to say -- for now. &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; zouron &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3707 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 05:08 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; [i}*zouron glances around listening to all these big words people speak then mumbles mostly to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; himself*[/i]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; and here I thought, that by the end of this war we would finally have peace. I wonder what people has&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to be hostile about now.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *zouron looks up at all gathered and speaks out*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Well I know you all have agends and such, keep boosting with plans mass destruction and thrall doom&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; for some, it seems to me that the problem is not that we have these weapons, in fact I am sure the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; chosen would agree other crystal sphere have seen such arms too.... and survived. Our problem seem&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to be a lot of hurt feelings from the past.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Now as for this world government, I doubt this is the right way, we each have our ideology, but I am&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; willing to listen to a body of representitive working as a councilling unit for the world leaders.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *smiles softly at the kender chosen*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I must say kenders, including you always amuse me to no end, now surely sending the weapons off to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the angels hardly does anything but postpone the real issues, they would be developed again at some&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; point, technology and magic and psionic and whatever tends to return again and again like sometime&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; high... other times low. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; As for angels being good and just, well they surely are just that yes, at least according by a somewhat&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; universal.. I mean multiversal standard, but they have internal wars disbutes and much more.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; As for changing the past, this is a stupid suggestion outright, surely it can be done, but do you think&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; that it is a good idea to such an extend? why not just let lose a nuclear device on the plane of time&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; instead. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *zouron smirks*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Come to think of it, why should any of us have a saying to the billions of souls born after being&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; annihilated, to save the millions who died? no we must work with what we have. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Peace is osmething we build on trust, while not all will always be good doers, like angels, well at least&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the mind flayers of the deep has no such intent for sure. Does not mean we should force them to be&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; just that, we must face the fact that one way or the other not all can be happy with arrangements&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; made here, but we must compromise.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; What should such a compromise consider off? well I believe it should simply be an open dialog, for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; people to work out their differences peacefully, and that through enlightment technological and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; magical, and psionically, and divine and so on we will be able to have societies that are able to live in&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; peace, were people agreeing with one ideology can simply move to one falling them more pleasent.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Now it seems that the desire for forcing the changes is clearly something all we &quot;lords&quot; of societies&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; gather around. But I believe that the future no matter what kind of chronomancy the chosen have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; used, is a ever changing thing, even the chosen must believe this or they would just be passove&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; bystanders. So if it is so why look for a end all be all solution to one problem? it is not the way nor&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; really an option as far as I am concerned. What we can do is take steps planting seed in our people to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; make them understand the consequences... then when they are ready to change, we can talk about&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; implementing changes. No we should remember while we are surpreme rulers of our society, many of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; us simply fought for freedom and security, on both sides, and on both sides many unfortunate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; innocent victims died, let us remember them as we step forward in this debate. We must never forget&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the past, not matter how terrifying it is, we must forgive and learn from our past mistakes.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; *zouron looks around then leans back*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; well go on... I spoke my mind.&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; Alone is something we all are&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; only far away voices breaks the silence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; whom wish to escape&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; this labyrinth of loneliness&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; we fumble our way, but finds nothing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; because here are no walls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; only the fear's angst&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; keeps us apart&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 158 | From: Hvidovre, Denmark | Registered: Apr 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Aloïsius &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 2977 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 06:41 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; Hazedil sigh with irritation&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;I have been misunderstood ! I don't propose to change the past, but to choose our futur : We have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; two alternative : either we make peace and live in relative harmony, or we fight, and destroy&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ourselves. The Church of Lathander has chosen the first alternative. Some here want rather the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; second. Lets aggree to disaggree, and let everyone choose his own future : As I said, it is possible to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; divide Realmspace in two mirror worlds, one will be a place of peace for people of good will, while the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; other... will be what the Drow, Ilsensine and Co will make it be. It's akin to the division of Tyche into&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Tymora and Beshaba. Of course, there will always be some links between the two, and events in one&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; will have repercussion in the second. But the destruction of one will not mean the destruction of the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; second : in the contrary, the survival of one will ensure the renewal of the other, as there will be gates&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; between the two. (And these gates will have to be closely guarded)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; As for the Kender's proposition... I won't disagree since many Angels are the servitors of our Lord.&nbsp; &quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 345 | From: Montpellier, France | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Bran Blackbyrd &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Member # 3127 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; posted December 03, 2001 06:54 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; &nbsp;&nbsp; The doors to the hall open and a Solar strides down the central aisle, followed by a hooded figure, who&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; is in turn followed by two columns of likewise hooded figures, each four strong. He reaches the front of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the hall and smiles in the direction of the Hope Island lantern archon, and then walks over to join it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The central figure, a priest, drops his hood, as do the remainder of the host. He is flanked by four&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; male, and four female druids of varying races, most of whom are quite obviously very old. He grips his&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; staff of living grape vines and looks around the room slowly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;So, the time has come once more for calmer minds to intercede where bickering and disorder have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; taken hold.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Chosen took no responsibility when it was time to prevent imminent conflict. The Chosen took no&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; responsibility in stopping the war that was raging out of control. The Chosen claim no responsibility for&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the part they took in escalating the power struggles that ravaged our world. And now The Chosen have&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; made it their responsibility to decide who is to be punished? It is unfortunate that The Chosen live on&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; this world, but not in it. So be it.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;It would appear that almost everyone is represented here. The victims, the oppressors, the&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; powermongers, but I see no one here to speak for this planet. This verdant orb which was violated so&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; deeply by the conflicts of the petty and the self righteous. This living world from which we all derive&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; succor, surely there is someone here who would give voice to the voiceless?&quot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; At this the male druids step forward.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Someone to give defense to our home, our mother?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The female druids step forward now as well.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;The druid are one with this planet, with nature, as they have always been, and as they ever shall be.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; What we have done, we have done to protect the land from those who would tread it bare to the rock,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; from those who would lay torch to our home, with only thoughts of conquest and greed. We stood, a&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; lone voice of neutrality and reason among a cacaphony of self serving rhetoric, while others sought&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; only military dominance, and we stand now, apparently the only ones, to speak on behalf of this world&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; itself.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;In our attempts to awaken nature itself, we sought only to give it a voice with which to cry out against&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; the crimes done against it. When others shout that they are blameless of any wrongdoing, claiming&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; self defense, is our home not afforded the right to strike out against those that would do it harm? The&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; porcupine is not blamed when it's quills impale it's would be predators. Is this not true?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In our designs to cultivate psionically empowered vegetation we sought only to seek information, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; to know best how to brace ourselves against the storm that ravaged our world. The rabbit is not&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; summoned before this court for the ears that allow it to evade it's predators. Is this not true? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ...and the wolf is not summoned to trial for striking down intruders upon it's territory. So it is true in&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; nature, and so it is true for her defenders.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;How dare The Chosen call us to question when so many of us laid down our lives so that they would&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; still have a world to preside over, instead of a lifeless rock. While the land rent itself in fire and ice,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; when wind scoured the soil bare, because of magic gone mad, it was we who pooled our strength to&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; keep this world alive. And we have paid the price in blood!&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;Maegren, step forward.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; An old woman steps forward proudly, though she leans heavily on her staff. Age has worked at her like&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; water and wind etch the oceanside cliffs. Her white hair is pulled back tightly, making the skin at her&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; temples smooth. This offsets the wrinkled, parchement-like skin of her face in stark contrast.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;This is the face of a youth who gave of her own strength, along with countless others, to help sustain&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a planet that could no longer sustain itself. This is the face of a twenty-eight year old girl who saw her&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; fellow druids burn to ash or fall lifeless to the ground, as her own life ebbed close to it's end, in their&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; effort to restore nature's balance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;We have paid already for this war. A war which others started, and still others could have stopped but&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; did not. We have paid the price for our involvement, and we pay still, in our vigil.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;We left our island of hope because we had a responsibility that could not be ignored. A balance that&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; must be kept. Would that we could return to our paradise, but our duty is not yet done.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; It is our most fervent wish that Hope Island be a seed that will blossom into a lasting peace for all of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; us, and it is our fervent hope that The Chosen possess the wisdom to see that right is done here, not&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; simply the justice they intend to mete out.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Bran Blackbyrd ]&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; Jason &quot;Warlocke&quot; Lewis&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; DM: You see there are orcs camped out in the chasm ahead of you.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Me: Do they have multiple Orc-Chasms?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Warlocke's Realm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Posts: 159 | From: Alliance, Ohio, USA | Registered: Mar 2001&nbsp; |&nbsp; IP: Logged</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Edena_of_Neith, post: 1304714, member: 2020"] [b](Post 10) The 2nd IR[/b] Phasmus Member Member # 2639 posted December 03, 2001 01:17 AM A low psionic hum permeates the courtroom... It changes in pitch and tone, keeping some sort of incredibly complex rhythm. It gradually builds into a pulsing, throbbing wail... which is joined by mental cries of fear issuing from the Neoillithid. The entire courtroom shakes... And four pillars of writhing, green energy surge from the floor, wrapping around each other and creating a single twisted cone... The psionic noise reaches the level of a scream, causing mental pain to all present... The cries of the Neoillithid cease. Then there is utter silence... Standing in the center of the room is a creature that, from a distance, might be mistaken for an Illithid. Indeed, the primary differences are that this foul being has six tentacles instead of four, and is well over ten feet tall. Its very presence fills the room with an aura of cold, sinister, evil. It is Lugribossk, favored proxy of Ilsensine... the brain-god of the Illithid. It speaks, and its thunderous psionic voice grinds against the minds of all who hear... "THRALLS! You have two choices. Submit to the Illithid... or die by your own hands. You will have nothing to fear from your own treacherous ways... The Illithid will not permit any of you to act against another. Your petty differences will be squelched. Your capacity to harm one another will be eliminated. Nothing but Illithid dominion can give you utter, permanent, safety from yourselves!" it pauses for a moment and turns its piercing stare to the Drow representative, "You will all be protected from the pitiful attempts at hostility of lesser beings, and their lesser deities." It stares straight ahead again and roars, "You will be shown the TRUE purpose of your pitiful existences... To serve the glorious Illithid empire! TO SERVE ILSENSINE! Submit, and know peace. Submit and know justice. Submit and know safety. Only the Neoillithid, who are an abomination before the great all-knowing Ilsensine, and the undead... who are an abomination before all of creation... need be rent from the surface of Toril. The rest... will be placed in their natural, proper state... serving those who are their masters by right! Utopia... is but a thought away." With that, it vanishes in a flash of green light that seems to leave the room darker than when it arrived. A pool of glowing mauve slime covers the floor where it stood. The Neoillithid seem to have been particularly adversely affected by the arrival of Lugribossk... They each sit, staring straight ahead... their tendrils hanging limply... their minds silent. Posts: 74 | From: Oregon | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged Aloïsius Member Member # 2977 posted December 03, 2001 01:43 AM quote: "Was Netheril not the home of the greatest and wisest mages who ever lived ?" "I just hope no other group of past archmage will ever contest such a claim, cause if, said the Immaskari, come back through another magic trick, you will hard a hard time, and I think there won't be many survivor. Have you ever turned your gaze to the Raurin desert? Don't be afraid The Balor, I doubt this drow is aware of some detail about Godly politic, especilay the fact that his godess throne is somewhat shaky, since Vaeraun, Ghaunadaur and Kiriansalee will never miss the least occasion to increase their own powers. What will happen if Lloth holy warrior and priestess desert their home plane to enter Toril ? What will they find when they will return in their home ? By the way, Lloth has no responsability in the fall of the Ilythiiri : they discovered the spiderqueen only after being banned. They were before under the influence of the other drow Gods... Its look like many people still think there isn't anything worth but world domination. Good. If I remember my study, the structure of time, which is the object of chronomancy, allowsthe possibility to split an universe in two mirrors parts, both viable. This requiert of course a huge amount of raw energy, such as the one unleashed by the destruction of a dozaine of powerful artefacts, but is possible. I propose that one of this part will be left for those dreaming of supreme power, while the other part will be left for people of good will. Of course, the two parts will quickly diverge, and one of them will probably looks like a new version of the Abyss. Any comment ? [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Aloïsius ] Posts: 345 | From: Montpellier, France | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 03, 2001 01:48 AM The Chosen shield the NeoIllithid from the effect, whatever it was (including an attack) of the Illithid. As the Chosen are what they are, they can counter even a Proxy if they wish to, and they wish to. JUST before the Deep Illithid arrived and spoke, the kender acts. Jumping up and down with excitement, the kender shouts: I HAVE IT! I HAVE IT! I GOT THE ANSWER! I KNOW HOW TO SAVE EVERYONE. I KNOW HOW TO SAVE TORIL! He quickly speaks: You see, we all give all our bad stuff, the bad weapons and bombs and evil spells, and the psionics, and all the other stuff that hurts people ... to the Angels! For EVERYONE knows the Angels are true and just, and they are wondrous and beautiful, and everything they do is right! Everyone knows that the Angels do everything right! Everyone knows the Angels love us all, and wouldn't think of harming a mouse, or a gully dwarf. Everyone knows the Angels are kindly and gentle, and in their love they'd do everything in their power to make us feel happy and good and comfortable ... and safe and they'd protect us! So, let's all give all those rotten, nasty weapons over to the Angels, and let the Angels look over them, and us. And then all of you won't have to be scared anymore! Let's all pray to the Angels. Pray to the Angels, to come and take the bad weapons away, love us, and take away the fear. (And the kender emissary, in deadly earnest, kneels and starts praying.) [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ] Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 03, 2001 02:16 AM The Chosen of Mystra, for what it's worth, do not laugh at the statements of the kender. They don't even crack a smile, not one of them. Instead, they bow their heads, as if they, too, were praying. - - - The lady Chosen of Waterdeep, their spokeswoman, answers Aloisius: Yes, we could go back in time. We could then stop the Gnomish Industrial Revolution before it ever started. However, if we did that, and then subsequently travelled back to this time, we would be in the Alternate Reality the change in history caused, and not in our own Reality. In fact, we could never return to our own Reality. We would be exiles forever, in a strange world with strange people, where our duplicates in that Reality were the real us, and we were the frauds. We wish to stay here, with those we cherish, and the world, Toril, Abeir-Toril the Cradle of Life, that we cherish. We will stay here, and we will fight for this world, and it's future, and your future. We will fight while we live, and after death we will go on fighting as the undead servants of Mystra, even as one of us is already doing. We will serve Toril, and fight for Toril, for all of eternity, and we will never voluntarily give up the battle. - - - The Chosen do not reply to the Deep Illithid (they weren't given a chance to reply anyways, but that is beside the point ...), but they do look around to see how the others react to this pronouncement of the Deep Illithid. [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Edena_of_Neith ] Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged TheBalor Member Member # 3669 posted December 03, 2001 02:25 AM *Balor gazes sadly at the Drow Ambassador* I have but one thing left that must be said to you, madame. A saying circulated amongst the kender: "Evil always feeds upon itself." -------------------- Persecution. Betrayal. Hatred. These things don't change. -The Maestro Posts: 244 | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 03, 2001 02:29 AM The spokeswoman of the Chosen looks at the Balor, and speaks gently: Balor, do you have a proposal, a way, to avert the disaster that threatens? Speak your heart, Balor, and let us hear what it has to say. Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged TheBalor Member Member # 3669 posted December 03, 2001 03:00 AM My only solution would be this: That the major powers of Toril unite into single unified nation, governed by a congress of representatives from each of the member countries. Peace may be negotiated for a short time, yes, but as long as we are not together and equal, the same problems will arise again and again and again. Ambassadors must then be sent to the spelljammer fleets around our world, to try and reason with them. Keep them from initiating armageddon on a galactic scale. This Republic of Toril I propose possibly has many of the greatest barriers to overcome, but think of what we could achieve if it actually happens? -------------------- Persecution. Betrayal. Hatred. These things don't change. -The Maestro Posts: 244 | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged Edena_of_Neith Member Member # 1235 posted December 03, 2001 04:16 AM I received this via e-mail from Gez, and am passing it along. - - - Hello, I'm "Gez" from ENBoards. Sadly I can't post anything on the boards ((rest of sentence deleted for privacy,)) so I can't participate. However, I was a gnome player in the original thread, and I have to defend the gnomes. So, here is the Gnome Embassador's post. The Gnome Embassador cast a 10-foot tall image of himself in the center of the room to speak. "As the Chosen have decided to gather everyone for this unlikely trial, I will speak for my people. We are charged of two points: Our said refusal to listen to our seers. The point is wrong, we listened to our seers. They shown us all the problems that were in our designs, such as some polluting side-effects, and we diligently worked with them to remove these problems. The technology we created was utterly beneficial for everyone who could have a use for it. So, it was no question of abandonning it. However, everyone agreed to fix the detrimental aspects it had. Nearly all of these problems came from the need of energy. To solve them, we decided to use magic as an infinite, and clean, power source. Like a permanent fire wall giving an endless supply of heat, which can be converted thanks to water vapor to mechanical motion, and then even to electricity thanks to magnets. It was thus decided to start a program of ecological power plants that would give a clean and endless supply of energy to all our device. Bran's druid, along with the very one who are trying to place themselves as a neutral justice, started their terrorism campaign at this time. They relentlessly sabotaged our plants and assassinated our engineers, wizards, and the druids who were working with them. With the loss of many a brillant mind, and many a potent caster, it became harder to progress in our ecological power supply construction. Further, the agression against our race, our culture, our way of life, and our humanitarian mission clearly shown that our aggressor were too close-minded to negociate, wait, and see. I can garantee you than, given time (about 15 years), they would have had nothing to complain upon. Yet, they refused all negociation efforts -- and that with the complicity and blindfullness of the harpers and the Chosen ! The second point we are charged with is our indiscriminate handing out of our new technology. You call it greed. You're wrong. Gnomes, as a whole, are not greedy, and never was. We gave technology to everyone who politely asked for it. Real greed would have been selling the item, but be sure keeping giving the secrets, in order to get a monopoly and get everyone dependant and indebted to us. We didn't make that. We selflessly gave our secret to those who asked for it, after using mind-reading magic to see their intentions. Our agenda, by doing that, was to better the life of the needy. What technology give, magic can give better, but using technology don't requires years of study, contrarily to magic. Magic is inherently selfish, whereas technology is inherently selfless, because a magician control strong forces for his own power, whereas a technician allow everyone to control weaker forces. By giving better cropping tools to the humanoids, they would no more need to raid civilised farms for food (remember that the Battle of Bones was caused mainly by the starvation of the goblins, kobolds and orcs who were forced southward, in more clement climats, to find things to fill their bellies). Better yet, by giving them tools that require a minimal instruction to use, we knew that it would force them to become more educated -- and we knew that this would have tamed their "savage and bloodthirsty" ways, as the old druid said. And if you look at what happened, indeed, we have civilized them ! It was a total success. Finally, this was a good way of burrying the war axe with them. Goblins and Kobolds -- especially Kobolds -- had a long history of war against us, for no real good reasons, like every vendetta -- I ask you, have you ever see a worthwile, legitime vendetta ? And we wanted this to be over. It's not like the war between Elves and Orcs, neither side ever tried to find an agreement in a war that they wage since their very creation. In fact, since even before the creation of elves, according to their myth, as they are supposedly born from the blood of Corellon shedded by one of Gruumsh's blows. In the end result, our race suffered so cruel loss from the fanatical elves and druids that we were forced to retreat to a demiplane (accessible only from Bytopia, so don't try to mess with us again, obscurantist druids and elves, or face infinite numbers of guardinals !), and you, the Chosen, dare to say this was greed ? Nearly sacrificing ourselves in order to achieve peace with the so-called "evil races" and uplifting them to their civilised state, that is greed ? You're lost in the delusions that you build around yourselves, I tell you. If you were a gnome, you would know how to tell the reality from a misconception. *Speaking to the whole room* I can only urge you to make peace. The Phaerimms, you should go back to your own plane. Netherse magic has been destroyed forever, despite what the Shade may say, and your world is not threatened anymore, so your war against this one has no more reason to be. The Shade, maybe you were not stupid and foolish, but remember than intelligence and wisdom are not absolute -- you were very wise in netherese politics and magical prowess, but stupid and foolish for other purpose. Draining powers from a distant plane is sure a convenant source of energy, but you should have guessed it would irritate the people from that plane. And don't tell you didn't knew this, because in this case, using energy without knowing its provenance, is a stupid and foolish move. The elves, I advise you to be more open-minded in the future, or you'll end up open-skulled. The Illithids faithful to Ilsensine are not compatible with any other race, so they should be eliminated, there's sadly is no alternative. That's all I have to say -- for now. Posts: 1566 | From: Michigan, United States | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged zouron Member Member # 3707 posted December 03, 2001 05:08 AM [i}*zouron glances around listening to all these big words people speak then mumbles mostly to himself*[/i] and here I thought, that by the end of this war we would finally have peace. I wonder what people has to be hostile about now. *zouron looks up at all gathered and speaks out* Well I know you all have agends and such, keep boosting with plans mass destruction and thrall doom for some, it seems to me that the problem is not that we have these weapons, in fact I am sure the chosen would agree other crystal sphere have seen such arms too.... and survived. Our problem seem to be a lot of hurt feelings from the past. Now as for this world government, I doubt this is the right way, we each have our ideology, but I am willing to listen to a body of representitive working as a councilling unit for the world leaders. *smiles softly at the kender chosen* I must say kenders, including you always amuse me to no end, now surely sending the weapons off to the angels hardly does anything but postpone the real issues, they would be developed again at some point, technology and magic and psionic and whatever tends to return again and again like sometime high... other times low. As for angels being good and just, well they surely are just that yes, at least according by a somewhat universal.. I mean multiversal standard, but they have internal wars disbutes and much more. As for changing the past, this is a stupid suggestion outright, surely it can be done, but do you think that it is a good idea to such an extend? why not just let lose a nuclear device on the plane of time instead. *zouron smirks* Come to think of it, why should any of us have a saying to the billions of souls born after being annihilated, to save the millions who died? no we must work with what we have. Peace is osmething we build on trust, while not all will always be good doers, like angels, well at least the mind flayers of the deep has no such intent for sure. Does not mean we should force them to be just that, we must face the fact that one way or the other not all can be happy with arrangements made here, but we must compromise. What should such a compromise consider off? well I believe it should simply be an open dialog, for people to work out their differences peacefully, and that through enlightment technological and magical, and psionically, and divine and so on we will be able to have societies that are able to live in peace, were people agreeing with one ideology can simply move to one falling them more pleasent. Now it seems that the desire for forcing the changes is clearly something all we "lords" of societies gather around. But I believe that the future no matter what kind of chronomancy the chosen have used, is a ever changing thing, even the chosen must believe this or they would just be passove bystanders. So if it is so why look for a end all be all solution to one problem? it is not the way nor really an option as far as I am concerned. What we can do is take steps planting seed in our people to make them understand the consequences... then when they are ready to change, we can talk about implementing changes. No we should remember while we are surpreme rulers of our society, many of us simply fought for freedom and security, on both sides, and on both sides many unfortunate innocent victims died, let us remember them as we step forward in this debate. We must never forget the past, not matter how terrifying it is, we must forgive and learn from our past mistakes. *zouron looks around then leans back* well go on... I spoke my mind. -------------------- Alone is something we all are only far away voices breaks the silence whom wish to escape this labyrinth of loneliness we fumble our way, but finds nothing because here are no walls only the fear's angst keeps us apart Posts: 158 | From: Hvidovre, Denmark | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged Aloïsius Member Member # 2977 posted December 03, 2001 06:41 AM Hazedil sigh with irritation "I have been misunderstood ! I don't propose to change the past, but to choose our futur : We have two alternative : either we make peace and live in relative harmony, or we fight, and destroy ourselves. The Church of Lathander has chosen the first alternative. Some here want rather the second. Lets aggree to disaggree, and let everyone choose his own future : As I said, it is possible to divide Realmspace in two mirror worlds, one will be a place of peace for people of good will, while the other... will be what the Drow, Ilsensine and Co will make it be. It's akin to the division of Tyche into Tymora and Beshaba. Of course, there will always be some links between the two, and events in one will have repercussion in the second. But the destruction of one will not mean the destruction of the second : in the contrary, the survival of one will ensure the renewal of the other, as there will be gates between the two. (And these gates will have to be closely guarded) As for the Kender's proposition... I won't disagree since many Angels are the servitors of our Lord. " Posts: 345 | From: Montpellier, France | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged Bran Blackbyrd Member Member # 3127 posted December 03, 2001 06:54 AM The doors to the hall open and a Solar strides down the central aisle, followed by a hooded figure, who is in turn followed by two columns of likewise hooded figures, each four strong. He reaches the front of the hall and smiles in the direction of the Hope Island lantern archon, and then walks over to join it. The central figure, a priest, drops his hood, as do the remainder of the host. He is flanked by four male, and four female druids of varying races, most of whom are quite obviously very old. He grips his staff of living grape vines and looks around the room slowly. "So, the time has come once more for calmer minds to intercede where bickering and disorder have taken hold. The Chosen took no responsibility when it was time to prevent imminent conflict. The Chosen took no responsibility in stopping the war that was raging out of control. The Chosen claim no responsibility for the part they took in escalating the power struggles that ravaged our world. And now The Chosen have made it their responsibility to decide who is to be punished? It is unfortunate that The Chosen live on this world, but not in it. So be it." "It would appear that almost everyone is represented here. The victims, the oppressors, the powermongers, but I see no one here to speak for this planet. This verdant orb which was violated so deeply by the conflicts of the petty and the self righteous. This living world from which we all derive succor, surely there is someone here who would give voice to the voiceless?" At this the male druids step forward. "Someone to give defense to our home, our mother? The female druids step forward now as well. "The druid are one with this planet, with nature, as they have always been, and as they ever shall be. What we have done, we have done to protect the land from those who would tread it bare to the rock, from those who would lay torch to our home, with only thoughts of conquest and greed. We stood, a lone voice of neutrality and reason among a cacaphony of self serving rhetoric, while others sought only military dominance, and we stand now, apparently the only ones, to speak on behalf of this world itself." "In our attempts to awaken nature itself, we sought only to give it a voice with which to cry out against the crimes done against it. When others shout that they are blameless of any wrongdoing, claiming self defense, is our home not afforded the right to strike out against those that would do it harm? The porcupine is not blamed when it's quills impale it's would be predators. Is this not true? In our designs to cultivate psionically empowered vegetation we sought only to seek information, and to know best how to brace ourselves against the storm that ravaged our world. The rabbit is not summoned before this court for the ears that allow it to evade it's predators. Is this not true? ...and the wolf is not summoned to trial for striking down intruders upon it's territory. So it is true in nature, and so it is true for her defenders." "How dare The Chosen call us to question when so many of us laid down our lives so that they would still have a world to preside over, instead of a lifeless rock. While the land rent itself in fire and ice, when wind scoured the soil bare, because of magic gone mad, it was we who pooled our strength to keep this world alive. And we have paid the price in blood!" "Maegren, step forward." An old woman steps forward proudly, though she leans heavily on her staff. Age has worked at her like water and wind etch the oceanside cliffs. Her white hair is pulled back tightly, making the skin at her temples smooth. This offsets the wrinkled, parchement-like skin of her face in stark contrast. "This is the face of a youth who gave of her own strength, along with countless others, to help sustain a planet that could no longer sustain itself. This is the face of a twenty-eight year old girl who saw her fellow druids burn to ash or fall lifeless to the ground, as her own life ebbed close to it's end, in their effort to restore nature's balance. "We have paid already for this war. A war which others started, and still others could have stopped but did not. We have paid the price for our involvement, and we pay still, in our vigil." "We left our island of hope because we had a responsibility that could not be ignored. A balance that must be kept. Would that we could return to our paradise, but our duty is not yet done. It is our most fervent wish that Hope Island be a seed that will blossom into a lasting peace for all of us, and it is our fervent hope that The Chosen possess the wisdom to see that right is done here, not simply the justice they intend to mete out. [ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Bran Blackbyrd ] -------------------- Jason "Warlocke" Lewis ---------------------- DM: You see there are orcs camped out in the chasm ahead of you. Me: Do they have multiple Orc-Chasms? Warlocke's Realm Posts: 159 | From: Alliance, Ohio, USA | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged [/QUOTE]

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