Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Chapter 4- The Second Invasion)

[Fenris]

Dartis didn't have time to be distracted by the sights of Saleera. While it was good to see Kel again. He was here on business, and the Dorinthians couldn't afford for him to be agog at the sights.

The council was a bit disappointing, but also informative. The shifting alliances within the elven kingdom presented an opportunity for Dorinthia's survival. Some good may yet come from the orc attack.

Dartis listens to the offer from Varel impassively but intently, as he does to his friends replies. A pensive look clouds his face as he looks at Ventus, Caramip and most intently at Silas, awaiting any input they may have as he awaits for some clarrification from Varel on the Mountain Lord

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"I understand your concerns. Which is why I'm willing to give you a wand that will allow you use on one another to fly away. Nothing in the small pieces of lore in our libraries have indicated that this Lord of the Mountain can fly, although we are not fully aware what he or it might be. We do know that there was once an ancient and great people that used to dominate this land in a time now forgotten. These people bound this Lord to the center of a mountain and sealed him away underneath a great temple, but supposedly not before it destroyed much of their surroundings. There are also indications that this person or creature can only expend so much energy before slumbering once again for decades or even centuries. Either way, it is likely that a tribal group as large as the orcs can either destroy or exhaust it, if it even still exists. What is important is that it will provide a distraction if it was as destructive as legends suggest. I understand there are risks with either course. If you have a better suggestion for a distraction, I am open to listening. However, I would suggest a quick and significant strike that would get the attention of the orc tribes, but give you an opportunity to escape."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas is content to absorb the sights of Saleentra and later listen and take in all the information he can from observing the elves and their councils. But this mission to Ice Mountain... A fool's errand, he thinks. He frowns, unable to fully mask his unease. Feeling the weight of Dartis' gaze, he quirks one brow questioningly and shrugs slightly to indicate his uncertainty. Finally he clears his throat quietly and says, "This is a weighty thing you ask. And the likelihood of success... I presume you have ancient lore or maps that can lead us to this temple and guide us to this Lord of the Mountain?"

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Caramip Ashhearth

[sblock=Catching up]Your playing with some children, when you hear another small voice behind you, with an adult tone. "So this is what a gnome from the east is like, eh?"

She gives the elder a warm smile as she pulls herself away from the children and sends them off to play another game. She watches the children run off safely through the streets of the besieged town before returning her attention to elder. With a pleasing tone and still with a smile she says, “More or less.”

You turn and see Phly Loughphray behind you, a gnomish noble and ambassador to the Dorinthians. You hear that he was away from the main defenses during the fighting and saved himself, some other gnomish delegates, and a number of Dorinthians by using the illusions that he was known to be an expert with.

He continues. "Cal wanted to have you see him when you get the first opportunity, but I thought I would come by and have a chat first. Tell me, what is it like to work so close with humans as you do? I heard your lands were taken over by the Imperials, but now you seem to have a working relationship with them. If I tread on soft tunnel earth, please let me know."

“Gnomes were not the only ones to call a lot of those villages home.” She says as she politely waves off the elder’s tender footing. “In those villages,” she continues” “Many of us shared neighbors not only with our race but with Humans, Half-Elves, Halflings and dwarves.” As the conversation grows she finishes collecting her things and then begins to walk with Elder to Cal’s meeting. “Or should I say we use too.” She says before going silent. As eyes drift down a nearby alley way her smile slowly fades away. Quickly she turns her attention away from the alley way is if it some horrible beast hiding in it and looks back towards the Elder. Instantly her smile returns and she continues her tale. “My family where town-historians and during the times before the invasion it was I, the oldest in my family, who inherited the family business.” She gives a small laugh as her mind continues to drift back in time to that of her family. “Back then, my younger brothers and sisters always did seem to have easier than I.”[/sblock] Now

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. She thinks to herself as she listens to the Elven’s plans. As everyone offers their opinion on what is to be done, she patiently waits for a lull in the conversation before sharing her thoughts on the matter.
“I am no tactician nor wish to be, however my concerns are for the ones not in this room but for those defending their families and for those yet to be born.” She pauses, just for a second as she lets her words sink in to those who are listening. “It is plain to see,” She continues, “That both nations, Elven and Dorinthian, will benefit from the success of your plan Senator. Though the real question still remains. If successful, what will become of the relationship between these two nations? Will an alliance of old be reborn such as it was generations ago or is this simply another tale like that of the Great Tearht Downfall?” She pauses for a second time before continuing. “Alliances and more importantly friendships are hard work and often require sacrifice on both sides. If both nations are willing to spill blood together should they not be able to live peacefully amongst each other?”

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Varel nods at Silas and says, "Yes, I can provide maps. They are ancient, although I believe little has changed in the frozen north and the limited scrying that we have done says that some structure is there in the mountainous location indicated."

When Caramip asks her questions the elf turns to her, with a slight look of pleasure. It seems he has been waiting for this inquiry. "I am willing to use my considerable political resources so that the Council of the Silver Forest will formally recognize the people of Dorinthia as a sovereign neighbor to the south. Borders can be negotiated, but because much of this territory on the southern tip of the Silver Forest is currently unoccupied it should not be too difficult to secede a part of the land. We will maintain neutrality in any conflict between you and the Empire, however. You will have no reason to fear an invasion from us, but we will not assist you against them. Trading rights will continue to flow to both groups. Still, you will be in a perfect location to establish trade with us, the gnomes, and the dwarves. You will have yourselves a new country... if you can hold it."

 

[Blarkon Dragonslayer]

Nikolos listened to the elf speak, intently. When the promise is made, he smiles at Caramip. Her ability to get to the heart of a matter is a constant joy to him. Then he looks at the elf, and speaks again. Senator Varel. Your promise to the Dorinthian people is most generous. My question to you is this: Given what the Empire did to the Dorinthians for simply allowing a halfling rabble to make raids from within their territories into Imperial lands, what reaction do you think the Empire will have to your providing lands, even empty ones, to their most hated foes? And if that reaction is as extreme as I fear it may be, do you have the influence to keep the elves neutral in the face of Tallione ultimatums?"

OOC: Using Diplomacy +4, and Sense Motive +6 to get this across politely, and to gauge the Senator's reaction and honesty in general.

 

[Fenris]

Dartis had remained silent through the discussions, taking in the various opinions. But Caramip had indeed solicited the key issue here.

Dartis answers Nikolos' question though as he addresses Varel. "It is enough for them to secede the land to us for now Nikolos. A country of our own again is nothing to look twice at, especially in the presence of the giver. Remember that Counselman Varel may indeed have witnessed the founding of Dorinthia by Berl Dorin with his own eyes. We are but a neophyte state to Saleera. A nation that they wish to ensure can survive on its own without their aid. Obviously we did not. Yet Dorinthia remains so long as her people do. For now we are a convienent barrier against the orcs, and a ready market for their goods.

Saleera would wait a thousand years, before deciding that we have matured enough to becomes allies. And yet there remains behind all these discussions the Tallione Empire as Nikolos has raised. Thus far Saleera has maintained neutrality, though not with unanimity nor solidarity.

Should the Tallione arrive at their doorstep, I have no question that Saleera would be able to resist their advances. The Tallione will press them of course, and even threaten them as they can. But even the Warhawks will see that the Tallione are a plague upon the land and that the Tallione would not be satiated with the paltry remains of Dorinthia. Indeed imagine the Imperial Legions marching upon New Dorinth, burning and destroying. Would their Commanders not cast a greedy eye upon the wonders of Saleera that now lies at their feet? Would the Tallione Commanders be able to resist the treasures of Saleera, even if the Elves of the Silver Wood gave up Dorinthia? I doubt it.

In time, I know that Saleera will come to see the Tallione as they are. And as we shall now unite to fight the common threat of the orcs of the north, it will be inevitable that we must united to face the Imperial threat from the south. The Hart of Saleera could indeed throw the Dorinthian Hare in the path of the hungry Tallione Bear, but the Great Bear of the south has an inexhaustable appetite.


So Councilman Varel, if you can assure me that your considerable political weight, combinded with our dear friend Kel here, can secure the rights to the southern lands, and that Saleera will not betray the Dorinthia people, lands, or interests to the Tallione empire or their agents, then I believe that we can work to ensure the safety and security of both of our peoples.


Now I think we should seek to free the Lord of the Mountain. Not the least becasue if we fail to assasinate the orc leader, we shall bring the whole of the orcish nation down upon both our nations, and neither of us can afford that. Should we fail in releasing the Lord of the Mountain, the orcs may be none the wiser. With the counsel that the Lord of the Mountian falls asleep again and will not come to destroy our homes, I think this is our best course. It would be too easy for a sub-chief to rise up out of the chaos and reassert control, even partial, and still remain a threat to us.

Additionally, we have had some good luck with ancient seals haven't we Danica" as he gives the young lady a sly wink.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The negotiations become friendlier, or at least as friendly as the stiff mage can possibly be despite Dartis mispronouncing his nation's name of Saleentra. Nikolos is able to smooth feathers. It's a common mistake among foreigners, and easily forgotten. The journey will take weeks through hostile terrain, so Varel makes another promise that Kel and he will be able to have the Council move for Dorinthian recognition before leaving to gather necessary supplies for your band along with maps.

When he leaves, Kel is all smiles from a successful negotiation. "See, my friends? Thanks to our efforts, your country will live again!"

Caramip
[sblock]
Something itches in your bardic tales about the Lord of the Mountain. It is supposed to be a being capable of great destruction and able to ruin entire settlements. It was made to slumber long ago by fantastic magic.
[/sblock]

Nikolos
[sblock]
You can't tell about what, but the elven spellcaster wasn't completely truthful about something. You felt he was honest about Dorinthian recognition, elven neutrality, and the requested mission. Also, he seemed to dismiss the Tallione Empire as a lack of a threat, however, and you wonder if the Councilman knows what he is getting into.
[/sblock]

 

[Nephtys]

When he leaves, Kel is all smiles from a successful negotiation. "See, my friends? Thanks to our efforts, your country will live again!"

"Yeah, and all we have to do to be given what we already posess is to singlehandedly save the elven nation. We've been scammed gentlemen, and ladies, and we can't even be sure Varel will be able to do what he promised. Why would they honour their promises once we've given them what they wanted? Why would they allow parts of their precious forests to be burned and logged by us? Even if they allow it for now, they will change their minds once our numbers grow and our impact begins to blight that land.
But fine, I'll go along with the rest of you noble honourable heroes. You'll need someone to get trough all those traps. I just hope that ancient temple has something to make it worth our troubles."

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Caramip Ashhearth

She moves closer to Nik after the Senator leaves and with a puzzled look asks, “Do you remember that crazed Halfling we met a few months ago? It was in the town Noitats, right near the Empire boarder.”

“During one of his rants he sang an old tale of ‘A Lord of the Mountain.” She says mildly in passing as she tries to remember the encounter correctly. With a puzzled look she gazes back towards the group and offers what she can remember. “Though he spoke in riddles he did weave tale of a Mountain Lord of incredible destructive power that was locked up long ago by those who wielded fantastic magical power.”