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

[Evil Ujio]

If there are any evil powers left over I would love to take one

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Evil Ujio, I'm pretty sure we're taking everyone interested right now still, although I'm not the best one to ask for what powers are left.

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Kalanyr:

[sblock]-Reminder that you're judging a Yb Fight! Gr!
Also, check your email[/sblock]

 

[Bugbear]

[sblock]As it's to the advantage of the Wolf God to make these discussions public, I'd prefer to continue on the boards.[/sblock]

"My master's intentions are, broadly and simply speaking, the following: He intends to make the strongest nation possible. To this end, it is his practice to assign individuals to professions for which they are suited; as you can see, my own heritage ensures that I am a capable diplomat, where my honor guard is chosen from those whose race grants them martial prowess and discipline. Equally, he builds his nation with those social elements which suit strength and solidarity; a unified church and government, the dissemination of only that knowledge needed for tasks to be properly carried out, et cetera. His ultimate intention is that all shall give as best they can, receive all that they shall need, this being carried out under the infallible eye of his divine ministry.

What you are in truth asking, though, is how this affects the people of Nyrond. Certainly, the Wolf God would desire to bring his practices to them; two or more strong nations welded together are stronger than one alone. However, it is by no means his intention to force this upon your people. Union can only benefit either party when both wish it, and he knows that any attempt at annexation would be met with unwavering and highly capable resistance. It is precisely that resistance which he wishes to benefit from; if you are not as mighty as he, yet you are still mighty, and close to his borders. Even the slightest non-aggression pact still means that both our nation and yours need not waste strength against each other; the proposed mutual defense treaty would free your people, and my master's, from much fear of assault. The Treaty of Erelhei-Cinlu proposed by the Velsharess would do even more, but I understand and accept that you do not trust all who have accepted this treaty.

In short, my master sees that you and he will both benefit by joining arms to oppose those who might attack either of us. He assures you of his absolute sincerity in this matter, and grants every assurance that he will do his utmost, both diplomatically and militarily, to ensure that, should you agree to this treaty, your borders shall remain inviolate to any and all aggressors."

Hmmm, "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs." That is a line from the Constitution of old Nyrond, and a policy which we still adhere to. The Laws of Nyrond guarantee every citizen food, shelter, and gainful employment in exchange for their fealty to the Throne. At times, especially after the war, it was not easy to fulfill those rights, but we did what we could. That was the reason Nyrond was bankrupted after the war, Importing food to feed it's citizens. This is a good way to ensure the loyalty of your people, if you can afford to do so.

The mater of a state church does not appeal to me, but then if the gods remain silent, what would it matter. I will advise however that limiting the information in the way you suggest may be prudent in the short term, but in the long term it is unquestionably foolish. One of Nyrond's strengths is that it's citizens are free to communicate their ideas to each other. They may even freely denounce me and my government. I'm sure you wonder how this could be good for a society. Simply put, The person who voices his distaste for the government is a known threat, but the person who keeps silent is not known until it is to late. Besides it's often easy enough to make your detractors happy and productive again, once you know why they rage against you. Let your people speak their mind, share ideas, even denounce the wolf god himself. Such policies prevent conspiracies from forming and Identify the worst offenders, who can then be dealt with.

But, as you have said, it is not how you rule your empire which truly concerns me, but how your empire will effect Nyrond. What you say is true, two can accomplish more than one, and three can accomplish more than two. But only if they can rely on one another and only if their goals are compatible. Perhaps our goals are compatible, ambassador. But many who have joined in the Treaty of Erelhei-Cinlu do not have strong Ethics. I could not bring Nyrond into a treaty where all parties are not of strong Ethical character, regardless of their Morality. Does the Wolf God have strong Ethics? If so there may be a future between us.

At the very least a Pact of non-aggression would seem appropriate, but there is still a fair chance that our relationship could go further, Ambassador, we may yet become comrades in arms.

 

[William Ronald]

James, I like the map. However, I think that you might have missed one of my points. Comparing the inset map in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer book, there is room for continents roughly the size of North America and South America across the Solnor Ocean from Aerdy. So, if your islands are the continent, there is still too little area covered by them to represent a flat map for a world the size of Oerth. I should have the Aquaria download soon, but I like Aestii and your description of it. (I recognize the source, being somewhat of a history buff.) The continents could be held as lands for future players. (The map you initally had covered less territory than the LGG inset map.) I can also come up with better names for two such continents or one large one. We may need more land for new players, so such territories probably won't be in play until later on. (Not all of Toril was in play in the 1st and 2nd IRs, so it is logical that other areas will get into the turmoil later on.)

Murlynd is only a hero deity, not a demigod like Zagyg. So, there is no real problem as I see it in having both around in your territory. Possibly Serpenteye was thinking about Morwel of the Eladrin and Ye'Cind in Miranda. (If Kalanyr can't claim Ye'Cind, maybe another elven player should. I like what James did with him, and it sounds like an interesting character to have around in the IR. If Thomas wishes, possibly it is Ye'Cind who is the mind uniting his diverse faction. As I recall, he never declared a PC.)

I will have to wait to send a diplomatic message, as I will be offline for the next day. I am looking to a very LONG day Monday. So, my faction will be silent for the day.

Serpenteye, I think Edena's point about Thomas Hobbes is that Iuz was gearing up to invade one of the key lands in Thomas' faction -- the Theocracy of the Pale. As such, it is crucial that someone play his power. As it is early in the new year, give him some time. We will probably have people drifting back in the next day or two. If for some reason we don't, it might be good to either award people some factions or try to do a little more recruiting.

Sollir, an interesting choice for your faction. I have not picked up Liber Mortis, but it sounds like an interesting book. I will have to wait to contact your power.

Evil Ujio, check with Serpenteye on recruitment. I am sure we can find an evil power suitable to your desires.

Azmodean, it's good to see the dwarves represented in the IR by a PC. Now, if I could only have gotten Gnomeworks into the game.

KALANYR:
[sblock]
Azor'alq graciously accepts the gifts and informs Queen Morwel that she shall receive a response soon. However, Al'Akbar is in negotiations and will respond as soon as possible. (OOC: I have negotiations but will get back to you. The next day is going to be hectic.)[/sblock]

Everyone, have a good day while I am busy offline.

 

[Paxus Asclepius]

"It is true, Majesty, that many in the proposed pact are not the staunchest of allies. Nevertheless, my master believes that it is better to have the alliance than not; there is, after all, not even the slender possibility that they will hold to the terms of an alliance that is not signed, and the damage they do to themselves by violating a public treaty may be a deterrent where mere force of arms would fail. Thus, it is that even the least trustworthy nation is still better as an ally held at arm's length than an avowed enemy.

Truly, though, he would prefer an alliance with the steadfast one than the treacherous multitude. The Wolf God holds his ethical code sacrosanct, binding himself by the law as surely as any of his subjects; he takes great assurance in the knowledge that your own dynasty does the same."

 

[Uvenelei]

isn't Tempest the greatest competitor to Iuz ? I can foresee great struggle incoming...

I foresee great struggle from all sides for everyone and everything on this world. I do not see, however, any reason why the Tempest would be any more antagonistic towards Iuz than any other power. Certainly, we two are not the only ones with plans for expanding our empires. We’ll cross (or burn, if necessary) that bridge when we come to it.

Edena:

[sblock]A letter is delivered to Vesharess Eclavdra, from the Tharquish Empire.

“Although your first missive was quite defeatist in tone, nevertheless the finalized Treaty of Erelhi-Cinlu shows admirable respect for our fortunes. The Tempest sees wisdom in such a pact, provided that all members involved hold true to their word. If so, this agreement may be quite beneficial for all involved. As such, my lord will accept the terms of the treaty, and will join in the Pact.

Signed,
Third Wife of the Tempest of Hell.”
[/sblock]

 

[Guilt Puppy]

The Scarlet Brotherhood would like to sign onto the current version of the Pact. We also recommend the creation of a committee system, whereby the powers involved can resolve disagreements and determine penalties for powers which fail to meet their obligations to the Pact.

- In cases of general purpose, be they calls for collective action, or suggested amendments to the Pact, the vote must be called for by at least three powers. At that point, one turn shall be allotted to voting. At least two-thirds of all powers must approve the action or amendment for it to become official, and any power which abstains from voting shall be considered to cast a vote of "no." All powers are bound to the decision of a general vote.

- In the case of a power failing to meet its obligations under the Pact, a Status Review is to be immediately established to determine the penalty. The penalties take the general form of a change in status, ranked as following:

-- Good Standing: The default status, afforded the full rights and protections of the pact.
-- Questionable: The power is still afforded the full protections of the pact, but is not allowed to vote. After a period of three turns, a Secondary Status Review for the power shall be held. This follows the same rules as a normal rule, excepting the differences noted below.
-- At Fault: The power is no longer afforded any rights or protections under the Pact, but is still held to the same obligations. After a period of three turns, a Secondary Status Review shall be held to determine the power's future standing.
-- Disbanded: The power is no longer considered a member of the Pact. After a period of three turns they may sign back into the pact, but are immediately considered At Fault.
-- Hostile: The power is to be considered at war with all members of the Pact. They may not re-sign without a general vote.

A Status Review shall last for one turn, during which each power casts a vote for which status they prefer. An abstained vote shall be considered a vote for one status below their current standing, except in Secondary Reviews, where it shall be considered a vote for their current standing.

In any case, the power under review shall be given whichever status receives the greatest number of votes. In the case of a tie, the power shall be receive the higher status of those tied, except in the case of a Secondary vote, where they shall receive the lowest status.

The Brotherhood believes that such a system would afford the highest level of accountability toward the Pact, while also giving it a high level of flexibility, ultimately ensuring us a greater degree of collective strength.

 

[Rikandur Azebol]

I'm not really going to take the feats and skills of your characters into account in the IR. They are useful for role-playing and descriptive reasons but not for the game-mechanics. That said... sure you can.

And that was orginal purpouse beyond my rude demand. Iuz have war to wage ... and this feat will help a little bit. Thank You DM.

Iuz may send whomever or whatever he wishs of course. But I reccomend that your demonling delivers his message and leaves without waiting for Rhynnon's return from Ekbir.

OOC: I understand, but I'm hoping Rhynnon would not get heartstroke upon seeing ambassador Pleeancis.

IC:
Amundfort, evening at "Druzil & Pleeancis, we will sell it for You ! INC.".

For our profits, may peace of Iuz grow and our incomes too, my ingenious but silent friend.
*High pitched voice raised over the sounds of party. At the head of the long table, made of finest mahogany in unproportionally big chair is sitting small creature. Wearing clothes being the last scream of fashion, made of most delicate spider silk. Price is absurd, even for small amount. Demon smiled nicely to more modestly clothed devil. Equally small. They were the only guests, and except halfling servants and elven bard playing some quiet song, there were noone to enjoy rich meals that would suffice for feast for four full grown ogres.*

Could You imagine that our stupid brethen is still butchering themselves in this meaningless, and fruitless war ? How it is to be smarter than lords of Hell and Abyss added together ? Our wellbeing.

Delicious, as alvays. Our wellbeing.

*Imp and quasit raised their glasses and drank deeply rare champagne from 600 C.Y.*

Sir, letter came.

*Announced gnome steward, wearing over his shoulder bandana marking him as property of the company lead by two small fiends. Imp donned glasses, of great precision and visible handiwork of gnomish or dwarfish jeweller, and quickly but intensly read the letter. Sour expression crawled over his features ... gnome discrettly stepped out side the range of angrily moving tail of his master.*

Who will be ruined for this discomfort ?

Nobody ... this fat pig from the Church demanded that we make work for him or he will double price of protection.

Outraging ! He want to ruin us ? We barely tie loose ends ... But from the other point of view, we may do it good and grab profits, leaving all blame on him.

You will go to Rel Mond ... to this demoncidal maniac Rhynnon.

Couldn't You go, me dearest friend and ... no, You have to keep all those records maintained. Sometimes I think that You should visit sometime Madame Lamia ... she have even devil girls. A little relaxation would improve Your humour.

*Quasit smiled knowingly.*

I don't like S-M games, I'm serious businessman.

*Both fiends laughed, and Imp ringed the bell announcing end of party. Halflings started to clean the table and bard stopped his singing and reached for bottle of elven wine.*

I will prepare You a list of things to do in Rel Mond. I think that You could manage Your entertaiment on your own ?

Rel Mond, northern city gates. Morning.

*In front of gates is sight of most unusual travellers. Armored wagon, pulled by two ogres equipped with fine chainmails and armed with greatswords as big as man. Big trumpets hang from their belts. On the cart is standing halfling in strange headband, wearing intensively gray clothes. He carries banner with grinning skull on the red field, flag reckognised by many as belonging to their too close neighbourn Iuz. Ogres take the trumpets and give defeaning concert. Halfling cleared his throat and bellowed with voice suprisingly deep for someone so small ... the tube that he held in front of his mouth seemingly escalated range of his voice.*

Ambassador of empire of God-Tzar Iuz the Great, Iuz the Mighty, Iuz the Old to the King Rhynnon of Nyrond. Led by owner of "Pleeancis & Druzil, INC" Today we give HUUGE promotion ! We will sell it for You !

OOC:
Here it goes. Keep in mind that Pleeancis is selfcontrolled and cultured, and almost as silvertongue as devil negotiators.

Uvenelei, och, I have just written this because Tempest is most similiar to Iuz, fiendish CE world conqueror. But indeed we will [insert apporiate] this bridge when we would cross it.

 

[James Heard]

James, I like the map. However, I think that you might have missed one of my points. Comparing the inset map in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer book, there is room for continents roughly the size of North America and South America across the Solnor Ocean from Aerdy. So, if your islands are the continent, there is still too little area covered by them to represent a flat map for a world the size of Oerth. I should have the Aquaria download soon, but I like Aestii and your description of it. (I recognize the source, being somewhat of a history buff.) The continents could be held as lands for future players. (The map you initally had covered less territory than the LGG inset map.) I can also come up with better names for two such continents or one large one. We may need more land for new players, so such territories probably won't be in play until later on. (Not all of Toril was in play in the 1st and 2nd IRs, so it is logical that other areas will get into the turmoil later on.)

I used the figures that said that the Flanaess was something like a 25% pie slice of the globe I think. That suggests I was sort of pushing it by spreading it out even as much as I did - there's plenty of square miles in there, but an awful lot of the map is taken up by enormous interior deserts apparently already so I went for something a bit below the size of Hepmonaland just so that those "island kingdoms" could be diverse and perhaps even densely populated. Basically it amounts to thinking about what crappy weather Oerth would have if it's got less than 65% water in there - which might be easily waved off as Beory's mediating influence except there's all those nasty deserts and more importantly she's um...gone I guess. Really, if Hepmonaland hadn't been filled in already I look at the map and go, "That island doesn't make any sense- it should be a part of the "middle" landmass."

Anyways, it's all conjecture. At least we're not using Blackmoor. I don't think I could smoke enough dope to come up with Blackmoorish rivers anymore.