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

[William Ronald]

Radiant and Album Cover X: If I can be of any help to either of you, you can e-mail me at williamwronald@aol.com.

Radiant, the barrier around Greyspace and the disappearance of the gods is not scheduled until the start of turn 1, as I recall, which has not yet started. So, possibly something happened with either the Emperor or the gods of the Celestial Imperium. (Your call at Serpenteye's discretion.) I have to presume that your message to everyone went out just before Al'Akbar's arrival, otherwise I think your Sicarii would have told you there is a demigod and hero deities in the Baklunish Empire. Look for a communication soon. (Okay, I am trying to catch up, but we seem to be operating in different time zones in more ways than one. No great problem.)

Album Cover X, I do not have Hamunaptra. However, I do have Testament and Necropolis if any of them would help. (The sibeccai of Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed book might work well for a gnoll-like race, and the lion-like Litorians might fit in as worships of Bast and some other deities. Heck, the giants might work as well for one part of the map.) Would you like me to find the 3rd IR post I mentioned that was sent in Suhfang? Look for a communication soon.

Xael: Sorry to hear you are ill. I hope you feel better soon.

Edena is right in that we could use a few more players. Darkness, I would like to have you in the IR.

I am going to respond to some messages. My internet connection has been a bit shaky of late. So, sorry for keeping so many of you waiting.

MELKOR:
[sblock](OOC: I wanted to get back to you sooner, but I have been busy and had computer problems. So, here is my response.

If the ambassadors wish for a meeting, an aide asks them “Greetings, honored guests!! I believe that a message has been sent to Lord Gallador and should arrive shortly. Can you wait while I see if the Emperor or a representative can meet with your delegation?”

Deep in the Sulhaut Mountains, in a place where the sun has never shone, an ornate box appears before the seat of government for Lord Gallador’s Concord


To Lord Gallador
From Al’Akbar, the High Cleric, the Restorer of Righteousness, Grand Caliph of the Medinet Baklunim, representing the Baklunish Peoples

Greetings, Lord Gallador. I pray that you will accept this missive and my gifts in the spirit of peace. Although this is our first contact, I believe that we may share areas of mutual interest. Despite your possible doubts, we may have some common adversaries in these times of change. As such, you may consider the benefits of cooperation against common threats and perhaps seek other areas of mutual interest.

Although there are many issues where I am certain we disagree, I do respect your abilities and intellect. These may well be needed in the days to come, if the Whispered One (OOC: Vecna) or his cult seeks to make a bid for power. The Whispered One has no use for servants who even begin to approach him in power since his betrayal by Kas. Indeed, the Whispered One may well view you as being not unlike his chief lieutenant. He may merely view you and those who serve you as resources to be seized for his ends.

It may be that many rulers and heads of state will stand against a common foe. Many already have pledged to do so -- including some with whom you may maintain diplomatic relations. Perhaps there will be other areas where we can discuss mutual interests.

Yours in peace,
Al’Akbar, the High Cleric, the Restorer of Righteousness, Emperor of the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire
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ELUVAN:
[sblock]I can’t seem to find Prince Eldrin’s response, but I remember it well enough to reply.

“Verily, Prince Eldrin, this is a time when all who desire to see the lives of their people and their rights protected should stand together. There are those who are willing to stand with us both. Similarly, in the face of some threats, even those we may well look ill upon may have common cause with us. As for the like-minded nations, do you desire a broader alliance of nations dedicated to protecting each other and the rights of their citizens. For I have learned that we are stronger when we stand together than when we stand alone.”

“We must reach out to our neighbors. What does the League of Athyr say to a wider alliance of nations?”[/sblock]

BUGBEAR:
[sblock] I can’t seem to find your reply, but a message is delivered to King Seth Rhynnon of Greater Nyrond. Also, Al'Akbar warned you of the possibility of Vecna's return in his message.

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

To His Royal Majesty, King Seth Rhynnon of Greater Nyrond:

“Greetings, O noble King Seth Rhynnon!! It has come to my mind that a greater alliance of nations that seek to preserve their sovereignity and independence from common threats would benefit us both. Do you believe there is a need for such an alliance? There are neighbors of both our nations who would stand with us. Yet I believe we must open the door to such conversations lest their fear our silence. What do you say to my proposal?”

"The days are dark, and there are some things I would speak of to you more openly in private. Yet I believe we can endure."

Yours in peace, friendship, and the spirit of cooperation
Al’Akbar [/sblock]


NAC MAC FEEGLE:
[sblock]Nac, my AOL ate some of my older messages while I was working on some of my computer woes. However, I do remember your reply.

The leading ambassador, Adnan ben al-Qadar, bows low before Cobb Darg, mayor of Irongate, and leader of the Iron League.

“My Lord Mayor, “ the old man says politely as he rises to his full height, “We are honored by your friendship and in entering into diplomatic relations with us. May the day come soon when we can more fully explore how our governments can cooperate more closely with one another. Although the days may seem dark, you should know that you do not stand alone. May you, Irongate, and all the peoples of the Iron League be blessed with peace.”
[/sblock]



KNIGHT OTU:
[sblock]

Knight Otu wrote:
Any of the gifts brought by the ambassadors will of course be taken under
close examination, but it will happen out of sight of the ambassadors -
there is no reason to slight them. Overking Jahren will grant an embassy, a
grand building near the palace.

A group of ambassadors will travel to request an audience as well, bringing
equally fine gifts of herbs, jewelry, historical and arcane books, beverages
and other gifts, carefully selected to be tasteful to the Baklunish people,
yet representative of Aerdi.

From His Royal Majesty, the Overking of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, Jahren
To Al'Akbar, the High Cleric, the Restorer of Righteousness, Grand Caliph
of the Medinet Baklunim, representing the Baklunish Peoples.

High Cleric Al'Akbar,
We are honored to receive your missive, and we are amicable to your
proposals of trade and improved diplomatic contact. It is our hope that we
may overcome our differences and strengthen our common interests.
Our gates are open to your ambassadors, and we hope our ambassadors will
suitably represent us to you.

May our correspondence continue with productivity and wisdom.
Overking Jahren of Aerdi, under the advice of Ashardalon.

The ambassadors send a letter of thanks to Overking Jahren, and that night all officials of the Great Kingdom of Aerdi are welcome to attend parties at different embassies.

In the capitols of the Baklunish Empire, existing embassies are welcomed and a large building is found in Ekbir to serve as a central embassy for the Great Kingdom of Aerdy. It is of a style recalling Aerdy at the height of its power and glory.

(Knight Otu: A slight translation error. The word I should have used instead of Medinet should be Malkuvah. No big thing.)[/sblock]

ANABSTERCORIAN:

[sblock]

Anabstercorian wrote:


They are granted one, with Eli, Rary, and Robilar. It's quite a sight, all of them decked in their noble finery, and Eli's demon-hands hidden in those great folded sleeves.

"These are fine gifts," says Rary graciously, "And we accept them most humbly! Please, we urge you to remain here in Greyhawk until such time as we may assemble gifts for the manifest Al'Akbar and his people in return."

The return gift, when procured, is a treasure chest of darkwood carried by two white horses (which are also part of the gift) - within it are three fine rugs (a geometric of silk, a floral pattern in wool, and a floral pattern in cotton) as well as the remains of one tapestry, a full 12 ft. long - it is heavily damaged, and depicts 12 violet-robed acolytes bearing a massive purple ovular object on a wooden palanquin.

The figures carry the object through what appears to be a steep mountain pass. Several other figures look to the (now soiled) bright
white sky, shielding their eyes as if in pain. The white sky probably represents the Rain of Colorless Fire. A note attached says, "I
recently discovered this curio in my adventuring; take it with my blessings. - Eli"

Additionally, the chest contains bolts of rich velour, several suckling pigs in Temporal Stasis (for it is known that pigs do not take well to the desert lands of Al'Akbar), and a strange eight-pointed version of "chinese checkers".


To the High Cleric, the Restorer of Righteousness, Emperor of the Malkuvah Baklunim, the restored Baklunish Empire.

From the Triumvirate Rebellious - Lord Eli Tomorast, Lord Rary, and Lord Robilar.

Your blessings are accepted and returned three times over to our revered friends to the south-west, whose trade brings wealth and
knowledge to the whole of the Flanaess. May peace ever shine down upon you and your works.

For now I have no further words to share with you. Salaam.

The ambassadors bow low as they accept the gifts. Their leader rises and speaks briefly. “We look forward to speaking with your lordships soon, and shall gratefully deliver your gifts. May the Gem of the Flanaess be blessed with peace and prosperity under your rule.” They leave the audience chamber of the Triumvirate Rebellious, carrying the gifts of the Lords of the City of Greyhawk and of the Bright Lands.
[/sblock]

RIKANDUR AZEBOL:
[sblock]

Rikandur Azebol wrote:
OOC:
Since Iuz don't watch every event in his neighborhood ... You could assume that the box lies in the grass until some
orc stumbled on it and stole everything glimmering. Orcs are illiterate as You could know. The message may be delayed as "family heirloom" for some centuries.
But from the other hand, Iuz once allied with the Balkuni. And his godly intuition is alerted with "prophecy" so ...

IC:
"Kermin !"

"Yes my Emperor ?"

"Contact Balkuni, offer usual lies about eternal friendship and sincere offer of alliance against Vecna. Later You will divine more about lich's whereabouts."

*Darkly Balkuni figure bowed deeply to his emperor and walked out of the chamber. Fev moments later it returned with scribing tools.*

"Write ! To whoever rules deserts ..."

*Sagacious and enlightened ruler of all sands ...*

"I had foresaw dire event in the future, so ally with me against Vecna ! Or else !!!"

*For our mutual benefit we should join our arms against vile Vecna, destroyer of all ... Separated we will be destroyed alone, together we will have greater chances of prevailing over.*

"Send Bruha with it ... She's persuasive and smart, for a succubus."

"Yes, Majesty."

*And when Al'Akbar waited for response from Iuz ... and disappointed slightly he went to his chambers at dusk. Only to met incredible visitor.*

"I bear message from His Divine Will, God-Tzar of Empire of Iuz, Lord Iuz the Old."

*She spoke with soft timbre, reminding of cat's purr. While gazing with reverence at the feet of the Balkuni ruler.*

OOC:
Don't expect anything in CZ city to reach it's recipient.

(OOC: There is no way that your succubus is going to get into anything beyond the audience chamber. I suspect the palace in Ekbir is at least as secure as Dorakaa – so nice try, no buying it. No offense meant but I think you really can't do much outside your territory in an OOC thread except to send messages -- and I doubt anyone is going to sneak into Iuz's bedchamber without his permission.)

Three annoyed women, and the hero deities Azor-alq and Daoud turn around and face the subbubus. Al’Akbar waves his hands, and the illusion of the chambers turns into the cold reality of the throneroom.

“The ruse is over, ambassador. You honestly thought you could get into my chambers! I have watched you since I allowed you to near the grounds of this palace. This is a serious breach of diplomatic protocol. However, you will have a chance to explain yourself.” Al’ Akbar said, shaking his head as he gazed at the succubus revealed in her true form. “My wives are somewhat amused at this, but I am not amused. You shall tell me your Emperor’s message and tell the truth.” There is a stern note of command in his voice as he gazes at the succubus, caught as she is between a demigod, two hero deities, and the demigod’s wives. The humans in the room seem to sense a wave of power emanating from the demigod.
[/sblock]

 

[Radiant]

negotiations with Iuz:

Yeah, fluff is good for our factions, personalities of our PC's and overall humour.

Didn't Your read anything about Iuz's Empire ? Ach yes, you write earlier that Your people are like lambs without shepherd. It's too goody to be true !

grin, you'll see.

And Yes, I were going to encourage something like that ... Sorry for abusing Your expedition, and one more thing ... Did You ever saw Gnoll of Orc shooting arrows ?

Actualy, yes I have seen orcs shooting arrows But it doesn't realy matter what killed the Sikari.

And I recommend Sikari to find the guide ... he set them up for sure ! And mysteriously he wasn't among the slain or prisoners.

Sorry, I really don't get what this means

for Rikandur Azebol, intruders will be shot on sight
[sblock]btw, there in Europe are you?

Chen is more than surprised. Suddenly these people are a lot more friendly. They are strange but that is to be expected beyond the holy borders. He is not even angry, tresspassers are not treated well in his home either and appearantly they just now read his papers. It all makes sense to him. As soon as they offered him the building for the embassy he writes another messages to his family, telling his father of the good news so he might bring them to the Sikari.
Within a day a glowing portal open within the embassy, brining construction workers, merchamts and savants.
Yet they do not bring in a single soldier. The building is bristling with people cleaning up, reconstructing and writing like their life dependent on it.
Anyone watching them (and I am sure they will be watched...) also notices that they bring in linguistics experts to learn their hosts languages and make communication easier.
The very next day Chen (in fresch clothes that look a lot more ritualistic than his travel garb) tries to speak to the sorceror women that brough him here.
"The Claw is most thankfull for your hospitality. May we humbly ask for audience with your most esteemed lord Iuz in the name of Sanakan our current leader?"[/sblock]

 

[Radiant]

to all:

The Celestial Imperium's envoys are received with full honors. Though at this time we have no need of your services, we may in the future. A permenent Embassy building is established (Ironicly accross the street from the Iron Fist mercenary guildhouse), so as to enjoy continued diplomatic contact with the Imperium and easy access to the Claw should there services be required.

this is very much the generall reaction of the claw if they are received friendly:

The Emissiaries respond as respectfull and friendly as possible, thank their host for his hospitality and begin to buld up their embassy. If they are directed towards a certain location they of course use that, othewise they buy a building at a central location of the capital. The actual Claws return home but they leave their human retainers who pretty much build up a bureaus ready to receive anyone who might want the Claw's service in the future. They bring in a few normal human guards to be save from thieves and burglars and take great care to keep them few enough so no one could asume they try to bring in any kind of strike force. They also try to get officials licences for anything else they are doing and generally not be a pain for their hosts.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

The drow have received the Sikari and Celestial Imperium envoy in friendship, so I assume the reaction above and diplomatic relations are established.
Eclavdra is quietly bemused that the Silkari envoy - upon hearing her offer - teleported away and never returned with an answer. In any case, her offer stands.

Something most unusual in the Flanaess happens.
A large drow contingent, bearing the banners of Eclavdor, Erelhi-Cinlu, and Lolth, march up to the city gates of Rel Mord in the dead of night (acclimating to sunlight will take a while.)
Instead of attacking, these drow have come as a diplomatic mission. They carry all the weapons and armor, the cloaks and shields, the banners and religious symbols, that have made them so infamous.
Yet it is clear (at least to them) that their mission is peaceful.

Hopefully, elves on the walls do not disobey King Rhynnon's orders, and open fire on them ...

Eclavdra notified King Rhynnon as to their exact arrival time about one day in advance.

- - -

About the same time, under the same conditions, a large drow contingent - another diplomatic envoy - arrives before the walls of Zeif, capital of that Baklunish nation and the Baklunish Empire, halts, and waits.

 

[Radiant]

The drow have received the Sikari and Celestial Imperium envoy in friendship, so I assume the reaction above and diplomatic relations established.
Eclavdra is quietly bemused that the Silkari envoy - upon hearing her offer - teleported away and never returned with an answer. In any case, her offer stands.

Something most unusual in the Flanaess happens.
A large drow contingent, bearing the banners of Eclavdor, Erelhi-Cinlu, and Lolth, march up to the city gates of Rel Mord in the dead of night (acclimating to sunlight will take a while.)
Instead of attacking, these drow have come as a diplomatic mission. They carry all the weapons and armor, the cloaks and shields, the banners and religious symbols, that have made them so infamous.
Yet it is clear (at least to them) that their mission is peaceful.

Hopefully, elves on the walls do not disobey King Rhynnon's orders, and open fire on them ...

Eclavdra notified King Rhynnon as to their exact arrival time about one day in advance.

hey Edena, I have to sleep sometimes Just haven't written your answer yet.
I answer in the order the posts come in the thread and I just have worked myself through to the current page.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

np

 

[Rikandur Azebol]

Evangelization of the new faithful.

grin, you'll see.

I know, I know ... Iuz know, right now, nothing about potential that is awaiting him. Nor about the troubles that Tsian is currently in.

Actualy, yes I have seen orcs shooting arrows But it doesn't realy matter what killed the Sikari.

Agreed.

Sorry, I really don't get what this means

Och, it was just RPing proposal ... You know, why local guide led Sikari expedition into the deathzone ? In a way that they avoided warning signs ?

for Rikandur Azebol, intruders will be shot on sight
[sblock]btw, there in Europe are you?

Chen is more than surprised. Suddenly these people are a lot more friendly. They are strange but that is to be expected beyond the holy borders. He is not even angry, tresspassers are not treated well in his home either and appearantly they just now read his papers. It all makes sense to him. As soon as they offered him the building for the embassy he writes another messages to his family, telling his father of the good news so he might bring them to the Sikari.
Within a day a glowing portal open within the embassy, brining construction workers, merchamts and savants.
Yet they do not bring in a single soldier. The building is bristling with people cleaning up, reconstructing and writing like their life dependent on it.
Anyone watching them (and I am sure they will be watched...) also notices that they bring in linguistics experts to learn their hosts languages and make communication easier.
The very next day Chen (in fresch clothes that look a lot more ritualistic than his travel garb) tries to speak to the sorceror women that brough him here.
"The Claw is most thankfull for your hospitality. May we humbly ask for audience with your most esteemed lord Iuz in the name of Sanakan our current leader?"[/sblock]

For Radiant, eaverybody else who is sneaky ... You know what Iuz will do with Your spies ...
[sblock]
OOC:
Where in Europe You say ? Poland, and You ?
And one more ... Chen might don't know it but his new best friend is a Demon and Hezrou to be correct.

IC:
*Iuz's Own 6th squad guarded Sikari embassy while it were builded, speaking loudly about current punishments for theft. It's amazing how brutal law here is. Hands severed ... being the lightest and least painfull. But from the other hand, denizes of this unforgiving land are as much as hardy. Once the bodyguards engaged in brawl with passing by group of courious Orcs ... seemingly out of boredom. When the passers by fled, Chen's guards were yelling at them throwing rocks seemingly happy that all went so well. Sergeant Ripp, who is probably a telepath, smiled wickedly when Chen dared to spoke with War Maiden. She seemed to ignore Chen, when he was speaking and finally gazed at him with merciless eyes of a predator and spoke dryly.*

Wait, His Higness is explaining something to Hig Matriarch Halga.

*Ripp upon hearing these words suddenly started to shake, holding his maw with both hands, what was so funny ? Moments after that, Ripp spoke to Chen, this time clearly afraid.*

You are granted audience by ... Him. Now. Come on I will take You there, He didn't like to wait ... Are You ready ?
[/sblock]

 

[Zelda Themelin]

Yep, I am here. I haven't just heard from Airwhale for a while.

 

[Edena_of_Neith]

To Serpenteye / To everyone

(deleted and reposted on next page)

 

[Rikandur Azebol]

Irritating messanger.

RIKANDUR AZEBOL:
[sblock]
(OOC: There is no way that your succubus is going to get into anything beyond the audience chamber. I suspect the palace in Ekbir is at least as secure as Dorakaa – so nice try, no buying it. No offense meant but I think you really can't do much outside your territory in an OOC thread except to send messages -- and I doubt anyone is going to sneak into Iuz's bedchamber without his permission.)

Three annoyed women, and the hero deities Azor-alq and Daoud turn around and face the subbubus. Al’Akbar waves his hands, and the illusion of the chambers turns into the cold reality of the throneroom.

“The ruse is over, ambassador. You honestly thought you could get into my chambers! I have watched you since I allowed you to near the grounds of this palace. This is a serious breach of diplomatic protocol. However, you will have a chance to explain yourself.” Al’ Akbar said, shaking his head as he gazed at the succubus revealed in her true form. “My wives are somewhat amused at this, but I am not amused. You shall tell me your Emperor’s message and tell the truth.” There is a stern note of command in his voice as he gazes at the succubus, caught as she is between a demigod, two hero deities, and the demigod’s wives. The humans in the room seem to sense a wave of power emanating from the demigod.
[/sblock]

William Ronald, for eyes of Al'Akbar only !
[sblock]
(OOC: Okay, my fault ... But take into the account that Bruha is clever and persuasive even for a succubus, not to mention that she's sweet. I think that it is what saved her head from being removed from her shoulders. And how does she entered the Palace and found Ruler's "Bedchamber" ? Chmm ... let's see, she shapeshifted to became small as fly, perhaps ? And of course she was alvays ethereal ... she want to survive in these paladin infested lands. Later small reconnaissance
among the Palace servants. Women and eunuchs are talkative among themselves ... and aren't trained in guarding their thoughts. And it is more than enough to fool any Mortal, don't You think so ? Unfortunately for her, Al'Akbar is a deity. I guess that he knew her arrival soon enough ... despite that she were invisible. Chmmm ... I have proposal, let's write wich meansures our proxies take to ensure succes of their "secret" missions.

And resolve whole thing in a way that would be entertaining for both of us ?

For example, Iuz nor Bruha knew that Al'Akbar is real deity, Old One assumed that someone with delusion of grandeur impersonated Balkuni godling. His words not mine ...

And You are wrong assuming that Iuz sleeps. He simply sometimes closes one eye when resting or ... thinking.
Don't forget what he is beside being my PC and demigod. Sleep, yeah right ... so some paladin/powerhungry might slice his throat when he would be off guard.

And sorry to hear that Your @acess is disturbed again, maybe it is Vecna's work ? He seemed to delight in disconnecting.

IC:
*Demoness's eyes widened in shock when Al'Akbar revealed his divinity and she stood in the place, resembling cat caught with his paw within cream prepared for evening's cake. After moment she regained portion of her resolve and spoke humbly, but in a way that is irritiating for women unable to speak in such way. In this case ? Most mortal women. She were looking like expression of wounded innocence while speaking, and all people gathered have a chance to admire her voice, and her perfect shapes, barely hidden by modest clothing wich she wore in a way that seemed to be almost ... innocent.*

"I bear message from His Divine Will, God-Tzar of Empire of Iuz, Lord Iuz the Old."

*She spoke and bowed deeply in the general direction of Al'Akbar ...
extending delicate, taloned hands with letter signed with grinning skull, and remained on her knee, despite that it revealed her ankle and stretched her dress in a way that was magnetic to man's eyes. In the letter are writings certainly of a Balkuni traitorous wizard ... Kermin was his name ? And small post scriptum scrathed by Iuz himself ... his writing style is unmistakable. How god can write so horribly ? Nongods will have great difficulties in reading such scrawls without magic.

Sagacious and enlightened ruler of all sands ...
For our mutual benefit we should join our arms against vile Vecna, destroyer of all ... Separated we will be destroyed, together we will have greater chances of surviwal. My messanger bodes no ill, and wishes of friendship and offer of free trade between our countries. To encourage Your decision I offer You with services of one of my consorts. She will be guarantee of my sincerelity ... and will serve You faithfully in matters that don't collide with benefit of my nation.*
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