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

[Radiant]

The number of people does vary depending on the power of those who make up the unit. A PL of Militia is made up of 10'000 individuals, but a PL of Regulars is less than half of that and a PL of Elite is about 500-50 individuals. Epic PLs are usually single individuals, or artifacts or powerful magical items. Some individuals will have even more than 1 elite PL.

Perfect.

They will likely be a little of both.

Yeah, we rule
Now if they come in different powerlevels I have to find fancy names and backgrounds for the different kinds....

Nice. I think I'll give you a partial control over the entire Imperium, a 25% influence (see the rules for Infiltration) with the other 75% representing the other power-groups and war-lords in the imperium or just the plain chaos and crime reigning over vast swathes of the country. The Celestial Imperium would be in a state of civil war at the beginning of the game and you'd have to use both brute force, cloak and dagger work, and apt diplomacy to be able to bring the empire together again.

Great, that's what I wanted. Can increase my point value without having to attack neighboes and have my own nice little Shadow-War. Hurray.
Now I hope it works out, holding huge countries with a few hundred people ain't easy work.

A lot like China in the more chaotic periods of its history, warlords and thuggery running rampant (and a powerful mongol-Empire waiting to the north).

oh yeah my friends the mongols. Isn't life fun. And I so hoped nobidy would be around that place. But I bet that will make it real interesting.

Is that ok with all of you?
--

Sure, as long as it's peacefull. I allready have orcs, drow and now an evil god to handle. That will be enough for the near future.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Just a quick post; Edena sent an email making sure I was still around, and I figured there might be a few other people interested to know that I indeed am. Sorry about the absence -- didn't want to get involved with that situation (any opinions I had to share would have only added fuel to the fire, otherly-topicked discussion was doomed to drown, and it was clear that all involved was wearing a cloak of resistance to mediation as well... which pretty much left me with nothing to post.) There are a number of outstanding communications I need to adress, and a few new ones I've been planning to make of my own, but I'm still feeling a little shell-shocked, so it might be a couple of days.

Anyway, as much as I'd like to let the whole thing rest, I'd hate not to bring up one last thing relating to it: Serpenteye, you are one impressive fellow. You were put in a very tough position, one you didn't deserve to be put into, and you stepped in and dealt with it anyway. You could have shut the game down, or just stayed away and let the game get killed, and in either case you would have been totally within the right to do so: GMing should not entail a responsibility to put up with situations like that; that the game continues shows that you've gone above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak. Even before this, you've been earning respect like crazy during the preparations from this game.... After this, well, if respect were XP, you just went epic, man.

So yeah, that's more than I'd really like to say on the subject at this point, but as troublesome as it's been for you, I just can't stand to think it should be thankless, as well.

 

[Darkness]

on second thought sending emissaris to every power was not such a great I idea, now I have to write to all of them

Write one standard text and then just fill in the names and change a few details.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

Yes, just create a template for sending messages, and fill in the names and powers to be messaged as needed.

Hey there, Darkness. I'm back on ENWorld. Can you believe it?
2 years of nothing, and then hundreds of posts. Hehe ...

 

[Radiant]

Radiant:

Out Off Character:
I full agree with thee that ropleplaying these negotiation from the beggining would be fun. Let's consider current negotiations as "nonexistent" and role play the aporiatelly.
And in Expanded Psionic Handbook exists human psionic "subrace" called Elan, You might use them as solid foundation for Sikari if You wish.

[sblock]
In Character:
Tsian
*Since from the first expedition sent to Empire of Iuz, returned only wounded and exhausted Sikari, reporting that place is extremly dangerous and filled with hostile natives, monsters and ... and in this frozen tundra, reminding of steppes of the Khanate is easy to get lost, especially in bleak weather that seem to be normal there. How natives surviwe in such hostile environment ?*
Heartland of Iuz

Searg'nt ? Wot waz diz blu 'ead un ? Wizbang ? 'e made puff ...

*Orc, riding very big warg, asked armoured figure of the froglike creature examining remmants of the expedition. He croaked and picked up one of the people lying on the bloodied field. As easily as if thin human were a rabbit.*

It was wizard spy, who cowardly left his subjects ... but they fought better than Fuorydians ... For who are You spying little mouse ?

*Man's eyes fluttered for a moment before he lost cousiouness again, but huge creature opened it's visor displaying repulsive froglike face ... twisted with suprise. During this time wounded Orcs and Gnolls nonchalantly joked about scars they will show their women, back home. And quietly waited until goldhaired maiden, only human in the whole group, wrapped bandages over their wounds. None show any sign of pain, despite fact that woman weren't very gentle with them. Later she returned on her black horse and rided to the side of froglike sergeant who were trying to bring the wounded back to his senses, gettig angrier with every failed attempt. With raised hand she stopped monster almost twice her height and triple her weight.*

Is this miserable creature of any particular value, Ripp O'Hezrou ?

They weren't spies from Fuoryndy, nor assasins from Celene ... from the thoughts of this Chen I divined that they were envoys from East, on their way towards Dora'kaa. It seem that boys attacked them too nervously. Anyway ... didn't they saw signs ? They cannot see impaled spies ? This is forbidden area around Training Grounds. You understand, War Maiden ?

*Woman froze him in his spot with a glare as cold and compassionless as approaching winter, and spoke calmly. But all soldiers, including demonic sergeant, shaked visibly.*

This worthless foreigner may have some value, so if he is strong He will survive until we reach capital. You are personally responsible for his life.

But foreigners are weak ! He may even die from these scrathes !

Ye' Fur'on'dynz are almozt de'd on sig't of Orc ! Hou, Hou !

*All in the team understanded term, group responsibility, even Gnolls who were more stupid than usual Orc. So they backed up sergeant. Woman narrowed her eyebrows, as if forgot about something and placed her hand on the forehead of the man and spoke short prayer in foul tongue. Troops watched wide eyed the power of their God in work. Man regained counsiouness and started screaming, when his wounded ribs rearranged themselves in proper places with agonizing sound. Sergeant, delicately, knocked him out.*

Let's go, Boyz ! If we reach the capital today ... Vodka for everybody on my cost !

*To the scream of approval that araised from the throats of assembled humanoids, joined high whine of the woman's steed. Strange, very muscular horse with jet black fur, canine teeth and one spiral horm sprouting from it's forehead. Each soldier carried body of slain enemy, or their stripped equipment. All were grinning happily, thinking already about what they will buy in capital.*

Several days later, Dora'kaa
Nervous, Chen reminded himself of his duty to the Celestial Empire, and thanked again to his ancestors for saving his worthless life. He didn't prayed to gods of light ... reminding himself of the fate of his family, who starved and died, still begging for god's mercy. He looked on his ribs ... barbarian's scimitar landed fatal blow, he should be dead. And yet ... all what remained of the injury was impressive scar. Local Orcs grin to him seeing his scar and spoke among themselves seeing his wound, displaying a multitude of other cuts and scars. He might get used to this ... if not this constant drinking of something similiar to Nippon's sake, but burning throat thousandfold more. How they can drink in in such quantites ?! But maybe, just maybe ... if this constant drinking won't kill him he might surviwe until day of audience. He was extremly suprised seeing locals swinging first round in the name of ... Iuz ? He heard that it were local God of Hell, at least that is what merchants heard. And more importantly, they were revering him as if he ... was present.

OOC:
You could proceed ... how did You like it ? And Yes I will kill for a chance to increase Iuz's worship.
I think that before us is long and fruitious cooperation. [/sblock]



I'm in Europe too, my @mali is, in my opinion, sufficiently secure for TOP SECRET messaging. I'm not an millionaire, nor my english is good enoug to speak as clearly as I would like. When writing I have some time for thinking.

Serpenteye:
I didn't feel insulted, DM ... But Me too feel foggy when someone leaves the game before it start's withour serious reason. :\

thanks but I guess I won't work them out statwise. Doesn't seem that it would have any purpose in this game. I rather put the work into writing more fluff. But if I do decide to work them out later I'll be sure to check them out.

Boy, you missed your chance of having your country recommended for vacations
Cool story. Please don't write more from the perspective of my factions characters though. It was all fitting but I allready see the possibitly for a lot of confusion in the future. Especialy once it goes about important matters.

mostly for Rikandur Azebol (meaning not real interesting for anyone else but not secret either so feel free to read if you have too much sparetime )
[sblock]-A god, a real god.-
Chen could barely believe it. Like everyone else in the Celestial Imperium he had been convinced that they had all gone. The young son of the Suni merchant family was scared witless from the whole situation. All others from his group had been killed and he could still remember the angelic face of the Sikari that accompanied them as she suddenly fell over, an arrow in her back. He had not even known hown her name.
Once again he thought about the scroll he carried. It was a magical treasure of his house. Whatever he wrote would be exactly copied on the scrolls back home. He thought about calling for help for the thousands time. Maybe a Sikari could come and teleport him away from here. But he had a duty.
The Suni had thrown in their lot with the Sikari in the night of blood. They had participated in the unimaginable crime. Now the least they could do was to help save their people. If there was a god here that meant power.
With a nervous grip he checked if he still had his official papers and Sikari mercenary contracts. If he was the last one here he would do what was expected of him.

-Five minutes later:
It had been hard not include a cry for help in his message home but Chen knew that the possiblities here were far more important than his life.
Fixing his appearance as much as possible (without any visible effect...) he stood up and knocked determindly on the door, trying every language to explain that he was a diplomat and wanted to talk to their leader.[/sblock]


-a few hours later in the throne room of the White Palace:
The few prists allowed to surive (since someone had to keep up the masquerade), the merchants and the very few military commanders loyal to the new order had assembeld in the Chamber of Light to discuss the most urgent matters of the Imperium. Or rather the parts they controoled. Occasionaly someone cast a nervous glance at the throne, still occupied by the dead king. The corpse was a constant reminder that they should not even think of misusung their newfound influence.
Even more often the same nervous glances met the young girl that was responsible for all of this.
Currently she was pacing the room, reading some message deliverd to her just moments ago.
Without a word she left them, sure they would try their best to stabilize the situation. Every single one of them was either totaly loyal or completly dependent on them. In the end both things mean the same and they could be left alone for a few hours.
Sanakan had a living god to talk to.[/sblock]

 

[Radiant]

Yes, just create a template for sending messages, and fill in the names and powers to be messaged as needed.

Hey there, Darkness. I'm back on ENWorld. Can you believe it?
2 years of nothing, and then hundreds of posts. Hehe ...

I would but there's not much to tell apart from what I posted for the generall powers. The trouble is that two allready have answered so that is the work

Btw I repea the post to all again here just in case anyone has missed it.

to ALL: the Claw is sending envoys to each and every faction they can reach. it doesn't matter if you're a good elven kingdom, an ilithid or even some kind of demon-demi-god who wants the consume the world. They will visit you anyway
These are usualy groups of members of the merchant caste in the Imperium who are responsible for the paperwork accompanied by a handfull of bodyguards and one actual Claw (the real negotiator).
They do not make much of a spectacle of their arrival and just send a letter to the local ruler that their services are available if he/she so desires.
These offer free council on any possible deal. Claw is willing to discuss any sort of payment the faction might propose, money, slaves, magical tomes, artifacts, piece treaties or whatever strange idea you might come up with. If they accept it is another matter of course.
If they are not received or no deal is made the group of ambassadors will still stay in the city if they are granted the permission so they can be reached anytime.
If they are met with hostility they will retreat if possible but still remind you that their serivces are available, how to reach them though is now your problem.
The claw members themselv stay only if some kind of deal is agreed on to offer council. If not they teleport back to the empire but the envoys can reach them anytime and they will return if someone wants to open negotiations at a later time.

If you are interested in actual negotiations or even just smalltalk let me know and I will work out the envoy responsible for your region.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

To Radiance (public knowledge)

Ok, I'm deleting this post, and responding to Radiance in my post below instead.

 

[Radiant]

as it is so often the case, the last post of a page has a real hard time getting noticed.

@Edena_of_Neith: If you take a look at the very last post of page 4 of this thread you will find I have allready written a bit for you.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

To Bugbear (public knowledge)

This is a Public Post. (Everyone should feel free to read it, since IC everyone will find out about it.)

[sblock]

Posted by Bugbear:

(IC, spoken by King Rhynnon of Greater Nyrond through the Magic Mirror to Velsharess (Queen) Eclavdra of Eclavdor.)

We welome the Mordheil to Rel Mord. Finding a suitible location for your consulate has proven difficult but not impossible. We know that your people like to have the earth above there heads rather than open sky. I hope that the facilites we have provided you are to your liking.
(The Drow consulate's headquarters are in the east central section of the city. It was the home of a wealthy halfling merchant and has been unusued for some time. It is a large underground burrow with high ceilings, rich wood paneling and many windows. The grounds surrounding it were a lovely garden at one time but it has become overgrown and wild. The property is guarded by a low stone fence.)
Further we look forward to sending our own emmessaries to the city of Erelhi-Cinlu. Selections for a suitible contingant will begin immediately. What would be a suitible number?
Nyrond is threatend by many who wish her harm, my lady, what is one more stick on the bonfire after all. Your people have never sought dominion in Nyrond preferring the great western mountains. As of know we have an understanding, in time friendship, or more may come.

From Edena:

Eclavdra speaks back, looking through the Magic Mirror at King Rhynnon.
As is usual, when she speaks her voice is soft and gentle:

We are grateful indeed ... yet let our Embassy be under the open sun.
The drow should not hide like criminals in the darkness, but would run free in the wind, under the open sky.
Your laws will be obeyed.
Send as many as you wish to Erelhi-Cinlu. I will work to enable them to acclimate here.
All from Greater Nyrond are now welcome here, and across Eclavdor. Our borders are open to your people. That ... includes ... your elven people.
Your people - elves and otherwise - WILL be treated with courtesy and respect by our people and our law enforcement.
We do ask courtesy and respect back, and obedience of our laws also.
You speak of Nyrond as being threatened. We are threatened, and we are responding, as your diplomats will see. But who threatens Nyrond?

[/sblock]

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

To Radiance (Public Post)

This is a Public Post. Everyone should feel free to read it.

[sblock]

Posted by Radiance:

Jade is impressed. Someone who has gone for soulwarp is not likely to be intimidated easily but this is just outright frightening. Organized and efficient Drow. They are dangerous enough in their normal state but this is a whole new dimension.
Their reception is about the only good thing on this whole trip and even that is most likely deception. The Sikari does not for one second believe that the Drow-Queen is helpless in any way. She has utter confidence in her own abilities and still she is sure that she would be dead before she could even cross half the distance between them or gather even enough energy for a minor psichic blast.
During dinner she leaves most of the conversation to Queyn who officialy speaks for the Celestial Imperium.
His point is rather simple, they are mostly interested in peace and are willing to open their borders for any trade agreements that might come up between private parties, they are not interested in large scale trade between the nations (mostly because there is not much they can offer anyway but they don't point that out specifically).
They mostly offer to allow the Drow the same relationship with the Imperium that non-enemy human countries have. That does not mean much since they have always been pretty much closed to outsiders but considering that they are offering it to one of the most feared races in the underdark it isn't that bad.
Apart from the fact that they are dealing with Drow they are not talking about anything important and it certainly does not seem important enough for them to actualy come down here. It's just the obligatory small talk.
Once Queyn has gone on long enough Jade softly raises her hand to shut him.
'Intruder wants to buy something from you your grace.'
It's obvious Jade wasn't chosen for diplomacy, she is a combat veteran and acutaly someone who can speak for the Sikari. In quick and unmistakable words she explains what they want.
They have country that was under total control from it's priests and is spiraling into Chaos ever since the gods got sealed out. The Drow among all people should understand exactly what that means. Yet Eclavdra managed to prevent the total breakdown of their society and took control of the whole situation. The Sikari intend to do the same with the Celstial Imperium. But politics is not their area of experience, fighting is.
So they want Drow assasins, spies and most importantly advisors to help them secure their power and wage their shadow-war against their political enemies. The more the whole incident can be kept in silence the better.
And no one is superior in this are of expertise than the Drow.
As compensation they offer sizeable forces of Sikari talons for whatever military goal Eclavdra is buidling her forces for. If she has no need for them now they offer a contract that will allow her to get them at a later time once she has need for them. As long as their own borders are not concerned by it they don't care what the Drow's aims are and the Claw can reach any destination within minutes after they haven called.
The exact number, etc are open to negotiation depending on what exactly Eclavdra needs.

From Edena:

Eclavdra listens. She does not talk, she listens.
After Jade is finished, she speaks: her voice is soft, gentle, but troubled:

The drow suffered the same fate as your country, Jade.
Except for Eclavdor, the drow are gone. Just ... gone ... (Eclavdra shakes her head sadly)
You see a frightful society ... organized and militant drow ready to attack and kill and destroy ... (again, she shakes her head sadly, and her voice is tinged with sadness)
What you see ... was the only way to save my people. They would have all died. I saved them through belief, discipline, and law.
Jade, surely you understand? You are a warrior, and your answer to the collapse of the Celestial Imperium was that of a warrior.
I, also, have chosen a warrior's answer. This answer, that you see around you.
Now ...
I do make an offer.
I offer to send my force to your aid. Disguised as humans ((note, elite units)) to aid you in reunifying your country outright. And, truly, it is your country now.
Once you have regained control, and there is peace and prosperity once more in the Celestial Imperium, then my price for services rendered ...
I desire that my people be allowed to Ascend, from their cities below your country. Allow my people to leave the dark. Let them live under the sun again. Allow them a place within the Celestial Imperium that they may call their own country, and where they may begin anew in the world Above.
(Eclavdra regards Jade intently)
I appreciate your fear and distrust, which is so openly written to see ... are we not the drow? Do not the banners of Lolth fly around you?
However, if there is to be a future, there must be cooperation, and trust must be built through deeds.
(Eclavdra shakes her head)
I do not speak for the far future. I cannot dictate such a future.
I speak for the now.
Soon, a Terror will be unleashed upon Oerth. My portents have all spoken of it. The Gods are not here to protect us. Only our own will is there, and it must suffice.
We would aid you in restoring peace and prosperity in your land.
In return, we ask for a place to build a Surface nation of our own.
And yes, we would agree to open trade, commerce, travel, and diplomacy.
What say you, Jade?
What say you to such an offer - and a request - as mine?

[/sblock]