(IR) The 5th IR - 3rd OOC Thread (OPEN)

[Edena_of_Neith]

Xael, my best wishes to you on getting well soon.
My regrets that illness struck you down like this.
I hope the IR can give you a little merriment to make up for what has been lost.

Edena_of_Neith

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

Eclavdra listens and nods to the (rather insulting) reply from the Sikari.
Then she speaks, softly and gently:

Allow us time to consider your request for spies and assassins.
Remember that we, also, face formidable enemies on our borders.

Eclavdra is good on her word, establishing an Embassy for the Celestial Imperium and Sikari in Erelhi-Cinlu.
She sends drow to establish an Embassy for the drow in the Celestial Imperium.

-

Eclavdra is very disappointed by Greater Nyronds' response to her offer, but shows it only in (suppressed) sadness.
Eclavdra agrees to the Non-Aggression Pact with Greater Nyrond.
Eclavdra also welcomes the Nyrondese diplomats to Erelhi-Cinlu, and has an Embassy of Greater Nyrond established in the drow capital.

-

(Knows that Eluvan will be gone until January 6th, but Eclavdra does not)

Eclavdra sighs, thinking to herself that the League of Athyr is probably going to send back an unfriendly reply. Probably ...

-

Eclavdra wonders if Al'Akbar is going to allow the drow to establish their Embassy in Ekbir?

-

Eclavdra sighs, and does not attempt to make contact with, or establish diplomatic relations with, the elves of Highfolk, Celene, or the Lendores.
There is no chance, it would seem, that the elves are going to want to talk.
Perhaps Nyrond, Al'Akbar, or another will intermediate, but Eclavdra doubts it.

(EDIT: Nobody trusts the poor old evil drow. Such foolishness! Such unreasonableness! Such an unfair world! Why, a demon-worshipping, Lolth worshipping drow priestess just can't get a fair hearing these days. What are we coming to? I'll bet they even have a problem with the snake whips! (wails) )

 

[Xael]

Xael, my best wishes to you on getting well soon.
My regrets that illness struck you down like this.
I hope the IR can give you a little merriment to make up for what has been lost.

Thanks. I've been worse, and the amount of medicine I got should be enough to cure me (and I seem to be resistant or immune to the sleepyness side-effects). Fortunately I wasn't badly ill at christmas itself, and yesterday was more ridiculous and annoying than just painful (I look stupid with my neck in anything but a straight angle).

Now I'm mostly just bored, since I shouldn't sit still and I shouldn't do anything more lively either. So I compromise by walking around the house in a zombie-like state.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

To everyone

We really do need more players.
If anyone knows someone interested, could you direct them to the IR?
I'm making this request to everyone.

Please trust me on this. As DM of the 3rd IR, I know. The more players, the merrier. That really IS the rule in an IR.

I mean, you see 20 players now. TRUST ME when I say 30 players would be better (and yes, I'd do the roster for them, too.) For that matter, 40 players would be good, if we could pull that off. I'm serious, guys.

Note that Serpenteye has repeatedly said we could use more players, and Serpenteye has lost 3 to 4 players from the original roster additionally.

So yeah, I'm requesting we continue to recruit.

We have a window of opportunity between now and the 6th of January, when Eluvan returns and Serpenteye starts the game.

Let's use it, and get people to join us!

And get Thomas (if he's gone) back, and maybe get James back (if he wants to return.)

Yours Sincerely
Edena_of_Neith

P:S Never take Eclavdra too seriously. She is chaotic evil, despicable, and foul, but there is an edge of wacky humor (albeit dark humor) there. An IR is never totally seriously: at least, none of the first 3 IRs were. It's a mixture of seriousness and humor. That was the formula I used.
Serpenteye may go for all seriousness: I don't know. His formula may be better than mine, and more fun. But I don't know how Serpenteye will run this IR yet, and until I do I'm taking the old approach. Tried and true, for me at least.
And, after all, you can never take a chaotic evil character too seriously (unless, of course, you kill her and have done with it) because if you do she will drive you totally insane. There just aren't many things more mindshattering than chaotic evils: kender are one, tinker gnomes are two, and mind flayers with an attitude are three.

P:S We just gotta get more players. Someone needs to play all those elves: we lost 2 of our 3 elven players (unless Thomas and James return.) And after all, how are my drow supposed to capture, torture, enslave, and reeducate to Lolth's Way all those valiant and noble and handsome/beautiful elven men and women, if there aren't elven players to run them??
Of course, the bloc of Civilized Tropical Nations (Zindia, Nippon, Nippon Dominion) and the Western Nations of Oerik (Tharquish Empire, Tarquish Dominion, Ishtarland, Empire of Lynn, Nations of the Mare Mysticum, Gigantea) all remain unclaimed, along with Anakeris and Aquaria.

 

[Melkor Lord Of ALL!]

Radiant!

Lord Gallador stares intensely at the young Sikari, his black eyes suddenly glowing with hellfire, for the young warrior it feels like someone is trying to see through his soul. Finally, he smiles amusingly:

"You are puzlling me, a task not easy to achieve! My knowledge of the most noble art of Necromancy is vast, few beings on Oerth surpass me in this field, liches Acererak and Vecna among them. You are not Undeath, you can`t fool me, but your soulforged armor is marvellous, it was made through psionics, wasn`t it? A handful of my children study this rare but valuable Art, you will be paid greatly if they have a chance to examine your armor."- Gallador`s voice is gentle, but commanding, he clearly isn`t used to others refusing him.

"It is a bit hard to believe you are just simple mercenaries. Your kind can`t be trusted, willing to betray for the right price! What if I buy your services and my enemies do the same?"

 

[Melkor Lord Of ALL!]

Serpenteye, my PC is Emminent class Vampire, fallen Paladin 10/Blackguard 10/Necromancer 5/Eldritch Knight 10/Archmage 5, CR 44, equivalent of strong Hero-Deity, but weaker than Iuz, Al`Akbar or Vecna, and likely Acererak.

Also, can I claim Sword of Kas an an artifact? Kas was Vampire, so it sounds suitable.

 

[Anabstercorian]

for Anabstercorian only:

[sblock]The Claw sent to Eli is a young man named Sandheart. He is not very powerfull but quick, smart and most importantly one of their best strategists.
"I have to admit, it is real easy to understand your concern."
He takes a closer look at the chart.
"The Claw intents to allways provide the best support possible. If you just need fighters we will gladly provide any number you want to pay for. But I'd rather see the points there your defense is most vulnerable and strengthen it with a few elite formations. I am sure we can come to an agreement that will profit the both of us."
Almost as if he just thought about it Sandheart goes on.
"Now that you mention Iuz. Let us say the reasons are nothing worth your time but the Claw happens to be in the position to ensure you a non-aggresion pact with the followers of Iuz. One they would actualy keep of course. Our fee would be most moderate."
He smiles, he seems genuinly happy that he might prevent some unnecesary bloodshed.
Then his smile fades and he looks not very pleased to say the next thing.
"I fear I have not only good news though. Sadly we can not reveal our potential buinsess partners but I can tell you that someone is looking at your realm in a most unkind and greedy way. So greedy in fact that we allready have an offer, concerning you. One that I hope will not be accepted by my superiors. We are favouring the defense of your own lands is just, invasion on the other hand is a crime whatever name they might give it."[/sblock]

To Radiant, naturally:
[sblock]Eli thoughtfully caresses his goatee with one of his long black claws. "I'm not terribly surprised that we are viewed with envious eyes - we hold a key strategic position in the Flanaess, valuable to many due to the control it grants over land trade between East and West. In the event that you are purchased for the task of invading me, I would bear you no great ill-will - I understand this is simply your way. It would not help our relations, however. I believe the Triumvirate would like to make a counter-bid for the defense of the Greyhawk isthmus against whomever has offered to pay to invade us. Hopefully, by doing so, we could create an adequate deterrent force to prevent needless violence between us."
He gestures towards the north end of the diagram. "I would like to discuss this non-aggression pact with Iuz, but at a later date. I am unsure whether it is wise or not at this time. For now, let us retire to more casual terms. Tell me of your people, Sandheart - this strange and far off land, the Celestial Imperium. What of them?" Eli entertains his curiosity with much questioning.[/sblock]

 

[William Ronald]

I agree with Edena that we need to recruit some more people. There are some playes whose status is uncertain. (Thomas Hobbes and James Heard.) So, at the least, include a link to the IR recruiting thread in your sigs. We really could use a few more players.


Edena, I will likely do an embassies posting tomorrow. I need someone to respond to something.


RADIANT:
[sblock]No problem about the confusion. Say, did you read the post I directed your attention to? Would you prefer a meeting to be a public post, s-blocks, or a combination of both. As things stand, I think I can offer the Sikari a few things to help their situation out. The offer of help still stands -- as I think there are a few issues that I can help you with. After all, you do have Orcreich and the Khanates as neighbors. I can perhaps help with that situation, and a few others. I think you might have to figure out whether the Sikari are just mercenaries or if national interest directs their assignments. (Perhaps this is something to explore during the roleplaying aspect of the game.) Remember, 75 percent of your potential territory in the Celestial Imperium is not under your control. This might be a weakness that your enemies can exploit. Also, there is something I can possibly offer to greatly improve your situation. However, it will require some negotiation and work.

As for the gods, Bugbear's explanation of the gods of some places disappearing might work. Whatever Serpenteye wants is fine with me![/sblock]


VENUS:
[sblock]
Venus wrote:
[sblock]
The Baklunish ambassadors are welcomed warmly by the guards of Orcreich. A great force of well trained orcs, humans and few other races are lined up to assure the safe entry of the ambassadors, as well as to make the audience much more impressive. Crossing the main streets of Gro’Til, named after the first King of Orcreich, where the current King was seated, the Baklunish missionaries witnessed the rise of the mighty capitol of Orcreich and the Khanate. The Duarh, fortress of huge size, greeted them with it’s almost
scary stature. The whole compound counts twenty-four towers, a wall over
30ft high, a courtyard which fielded a small village, and a castle of
unknown sizes. Entering the castle, paintings of previous rulers of Orcreich decorated the walls, kept company by huge tapestries and weapons and shields, all bearing the symbol of the Orcreich. When the ambassadors arrive at the Ura’tar, the Room of Audience, a well-prepared meal was awaiting them. The Ura’tar, just like everything in Gro’Til, was imposing. Suits of armor filled the room, accompanied by more paintings. Ever since the assimilation of the Khanate, the culture in Orcreich grew. No longer was Orcreich the savage lands, but civilized. During the meal, prepared by the best cooks in the Reich, representatives of the King arrived in the Ura’Tar, making the audience official. Soon after that, horn blowers sounded their instruments. The room filled with music, the doors at the back of the Ura’Tar swung open and Ogrim Scarseer, together with three of his guards, entered, followed by the nine of the Council. The huge room which at first looked so empty, now was filled with over fifty people.
The King took seat, greeted the ambassadors, and waved the servants out. The horn blowers, lesser guards and servants left, leaving the room in silence. Then, Ogrim Scarseer broke the silence with his thundering voice.
“Welcome, ambassadors of the Baklunisch lands, lands of Al’Akbar, and
neighbours of the Reich. Your gifts are accepted and appreciated, and I will
try to express my gratitude swiftly. But for now, we have more important
matters to discuss.”

From his pocket, the King retrieved the quartz crystal included in the box
of gifts. Placing it upon a small stand just in front of him, King Scarseer
spoke the name of the Restorer of Righteousness and the words spoken by the Demigod filled the room, with an image projected by the crystal. The speech of Al’Akbar followed, only to end in murmur of the council. When the
murmuring settled down, the Orc King spoke again.

“The Baklunish are friends, and the word of the Demigod of Faithfulness is
one that can be trusted. The wish to staff embassies in the Reich is
granted. The wish to live in peace is granted, for there is no reason to
have it any other way. Preparations against the looming threats will be
taken serious, and Orcreich will ready their forces to deal with these
threats, not only in the Reich itself, but also near the borders of the
Baklunish lands. If our assistance is required, Ekbir can call upon the
Reich to aid them in the battle against their mutual enemies. Take these
words to him, ambassadors, and take our gifts with you on your return.”

The King nods to one of his guards, who blows his horn. The sound of a dozen trumpets sound from this one, and the doors to the Ura’Tar swing open once again. Servants enter the room with a chest marked with the emblem of
Orcreich. Inside, valuables in the form of gold, platinum and gems greet the
eyes of the ambassadors, as well as tapestries, paintings, literature of the
Reich and the Khanate, some magic items and weapons, with a greater magic
battleaxe, decorated with multiple gems, bearing the sign of Orcreich on
both the blade as well as the hilt. Also included is a letter, sealed with
the mark of the Council, confirming the arrival of the ambassadors, as well
as confirming the words spoken by the King.

With that, the King rises, and leaves the room, followed by the council and
his guards. The room once again seems very empty, and the ambassadors are
led out of the Ura’Tar by the same guards that led them in, and the audience
officially ends.
[/sblock]

[sblock]
Al'Akbar's response:
Although he does not have time to speak, Daoud bows low before King Orgrim Scarseer, his face showing deep gratitude.

He turns towards the guards as he leaves, and says briefly "Tales speak of King Orgrim Scarseer's courage and his wisdom, but none do justice to his generosity. Please tell his majesty that I shall contact Al'Akbar at once. May King Orgrim Scarseer, Orcreich, and the Khanates be blessed and sustained in these times."

In the morning, a message in a sealed box decorated with jewels and gold arrives for King Scarseer. Inside, is a sealed envelope in beautiful handwriting addressed to King Orgrin Scarseer:

To His Royal Majesty, His August Supremacy, King Ogrim Scarseer of Orcreich and the Khanates, Supreme of the Orcish Arcane Council

From Al'Akbar, the High Cleric, the Restorer of Righteousness, the Emperor of the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire.

Greetings, noble King Ogrim Scarseer!! Your generosity is remarkable, and my court stands in awe of it. However, more precious than any gift is your friendship and the alliance of our peoples!!! I am honored by your friendship, and your promise to stand with us in the trials to come.

As I write this, an embassy is being prepared for you in the city of Ekbir. There are no embassies larger, stronger, or more beautiful. By the time you receive this letter, it will be ready for your representatives. I will meet them personally to greet them, in honor of the pact between our peoples.

I hope to meet with you soon to discuss more of the nature of the threats that I forsee. There are many tyrants and fools in this world. Yet I believe they shall learn to fear the name of King Orgrim Scarseer. Also, there are those whom I believe would wish to meet with you -- rulers in their own right. Perhaps together we can secure a future worthy of the true potential of our peoples. May Orcreich, the Khanates, you, and your house be blessed in these times.

Yours in peace and friendship,
Al'Akbar.

The ambassadors from Orcreich and the Khanates are greeted with a parade to the sounds of horns, drums, and all manners of musical instruments. Ahead of them looming large is a mighty palace, its walls and towers works of great beauty but also of great strength, standing on a hill. It is easily the largest of the embassies in Ekbir, being larger than the embassies of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, the Kingdom of Keoland, or even that of Greater Nyrond. At the gates, Al'Akbar stands besides his three wives, and the hero deities Azor'alq and Daoud. Al'Akbar smiles and turns to the representatives of King Ogrim Scarseer. "The Baklunish Empire and I are honored by the friendship of King Ogrim Scarseer, Orcreich and the Khanates. I respectfully ask that you receive this embassy in the spirit of peace and friendship."

The gates of the embassy, at the command of King Orgrim Scarseer's ambassador, are opened to reveal a large palace with spacious gardens and pavilions. Yet the beauty of the embassy does not belie its strength as a mighty fortress.
[/sblock]

[/sblock]

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

Melkor, I updated your PC on the roster.

 

[Kalanyr]

Since Venuz caught me in the chat room I decide I'd join this if it was okay with Serpenteye.

I'm interesting in playing a group of eladrin.

Edit: Oh and if you need a place to chat in real time with people in the 5th IR, you're welcome to join channel #IR on psionics.net. To do this use the ENworld java client and type /join #IR after you've connected to the network. Users of other clients merely need to connect to chat.psionics.net and join #IR. If you use mIRC or trillian chat.psionics.net is listed as Psionics.