The Broken Age (Inactive)

Game Master Vinsomner

"What-- what was that!?"

With a loud chirp, Pazeek flails back, away from the crystal and away from its vision. The violent movement is enough to tip his seat back, spilling the tengu onto the floor, though he's up in an instant with his claws readied and his feathers fluffed out in a threat display, a menacing hiss leaving his slightly open beak. After a few moments that Pazeek spends glaring wildly about the chamber, he relaxes somewhat and retakes his seat after setting it aright. "Ah, well, that... That was definitely something, yes it was," the tengu says with his gaze fixed on the crystal. His eyes then flick to each of his companions in turn, taking in their reactions. "Guessing we all saw and heard the same? Armies battling here, with the city burning? And someone, or something telling us to assemble? I got a distinct feeling we need to go west too."

Bree would suck in a sharp breath as she witnessed the scene play out before her. Was it a dream? A vision? Too soon to tell, but she could feel a wave of nausea hit her with the stench of the dead and so much blood, charred bodies and burning wood filling the air with thick, acrid smoke. She heard the voice and trembled, a little bit fear and a little bit anticipation. When it all had finally passed and she was returned back to present, she stumble over to one side, dry heaving some, her brow covered with sweat and her pulse still racing.

After several moments of heaving nothing and panting, she sucked a deep breath to try and calm herself. She straightened back up and turned towards the others. "That was fairly dreadful." She managed out weakly, her voice a little hoarse. "W- water, if I may have some." She gave a weak smile, her legs still a little wobbly and unsteady as she used a chair to sit on.

"Humans." Arion said, sighing and shaking her head. Despite her often low-key personality, however, she was having more than one flashback to some of the things she'd done as one of the rulers of her town. "On principle, though, I agree that it's better to have an army of your own if you need to oppose one."

Tsakua breaths deeply as he comes back to earth. "If we're what needs assemblin', we're already here. I'd lay odds that we need t'assemble th'armies of th'world, maybe those eggs that blue dragon told us about those months ago."

Inja comes out of the vision with a growl, her eyes still unfocused and half-seeing, clouded with the smoke of the burning city. She shakes her head, then something uncanny happens. At the exact same moment that she turns to look at Yama, the lioness does the same, and they regard each other for a long moment; there is far more awareness in Yama's gaze than any mere animal has a right to have. Breaking eye contact, the lioness drops on her haunches, and woman and lioness roar together, the sound blasting the walls, reverberating and multiplying.

Taking a deep breath, Inja squares her shoulders and fixes the others, then the council, with her gaze. "We will not let this happen. We will fight, die if we must, but I. Will. Not. Let the humans do this again. Enough is enough! Let all those who have been hurt by humans rise up against them!"

Jasmine isn't particularly shaken or concerned about the vision. As a Calistrian she doesn't really believe in destiny, preferring to follow the philosophy that free will and choice still existed and defined the future. So, as the visions fade, she quietly examines the crystal with interest, although its obvious to everyone present the examination is more about how visually attractive the object is, as opposed to its magical properties.

After a moment however, she glances up, spotting the look of shock on some of the onlookers. "Oh please, give me a break" the inquisitor remarks, hands on hips. "As far as warnings go, that was pretty obvious really. We already knew what would happen if we failed, so having the vision paint us a picture is largely redundant. So lets stop acting like this war is some kind of fictional fantasy and start preparing."

So lets stop acting like this war is some kind of fictional fantasy and start preparing.

I don't know, Jasmine. There is a Hobbiton on the world map...

Everyone seemed, confused by the ranging reactions of the group before them. Casting glances to one another in slight confusion they would shake their heads. The speaker would gesture to the group, "What are you talking about? A vision?" It seemed not everyone in the room was granted the vision. A servant would come forward and bring water to Breewyn as she requested.

"And the war? We are preparing, I am unsure what exactly you speak of elf. The humans will never successfully cross the desert, nor find Alexandria at that. We've been hidden for thousands and thousands of years. One mad human isn't going to change that." there was a murmur of agreement before the speaker continued, "Though tell us, what did you see when you touched the stones? We were only greeted with vivid colors that filled the room in quite the spectacle."

"And this talk of assembling an army?" the speaker looked to Tsakua and all the others who have mentioned something akin to such, "And the Tengu, you do not mean you saw the city of Alexandria burning? A war coming to Alexandria?" This time there was a stillness in that statement with the other assembly onlookers.

Blinking in surprise at the revelation that only the party has seen and heard anything, Pazeek nods slowly in reply to the question asked of him. "Yep, whole damned city was either going up or already smoldering rubble, one district after another. But the walls were holding, and still defended, even though it looked and felt like we were all running on nothing but pure stubborn by then." As he speaks, the feathered humanoid's gaze goes blank, as he tries to recall as much as possible--and as accurately as possible--of what the vision revealed. "Then some egg-sucker in fancy armor prances out in front of the army, waves his sword, and the wall gives. The vision shifts a little, and we're all charging out over the rubble, a whole 'death or glory' rush. That ended pretty much the way you'd think," he concludes with a grim snort of amusement, gaze sharpening as his eyes lift to take in the council.

With a shrug that turns into a writhing full-body motion that settles his disarrayed feathers somewhat neatly, Pazeek frowns slightly. "As for keeping this place's location a secret? I can think of a few ways to get around that, just takes power. First thing that comes to mind? Those humans from the embassy that you put out to die after the war started. If someone could find their remains, by magic most likely, and maybe ask their shades some questions--again with the magic--that might give some clues to where the invaders need to go." Giving the council a pointed look, Pazeek finishes with a dry tone of voice. "Not as if those dead have any reason to keep any of your secrets they might know, what with their treatment for something that was no doing of theirs."

With a thoughtful blink, Pazeek adds, almost as an afterthought. "Dead folk can be surprisingly pissy about things like that, much more than you'd think. Always better to just kill 'em straight out if you really want them dead."

"Ye can' expec' us t'hold off another army on our own, can ye?" Tsakua adds. "And if ye're as smart as yer kinsmen has bragged, ye'll not count the humans out of crossin' the desert jes' yet. Ye're nay invincible, so long as the Mad King rules."

Tsakua rubs the back of his head, before nodding towards Pazeek. "He speaks truth. As sure as I'm standin' here, Alexandria'll come crumblin' t'the ground if'n we do nothin' but sit here an' talk."

"Aye. Nothing stays hidden forever. And the humans are gathering strength every passing day." Inja adds, with a nod to the half-orc. "Better to hit them before that army gets here, 's what I'm thinking." She runs a hand through Yama's coat, thumping the lioness on the back a few times until the beast emits a pleased rumble.

Jasmine glares at the speaker who had addressed her, speaking calmly while being a little irritated. "I think its a trifle arrogant to assume that this place will never be found. I have no doubt that the defenses are intensive but almost nothing lasts forever, and its far better to prepare for the worst, least you be caught with your pants down. We all saw the city burn, but please, feel free to sit back and wait for the humans to arrive on your doorstep, and the inevitable carnage that would bring."

"If I may?" Qahnaarin raises a hand with trepidation. "August council, I am Qahnaarin -- a simple tailor formerly of House Mandarb." He bows in a self-effacing sort of way. "It seems to me that you place a great deal of trust in your mighty walls and your hidden location. These are very effective defenses, and I can see why you would feel confident in your ability to frustrate an invading force. However, I would like to inform you of recent changes in the human kingdom." He looks around to make certain that no one objects. "Thank you. In your isolation, here in the desert, I am certain you have every reason to think that you are safe -- and that though the human kingdom shakes their spears and rattles their swords, that you will remain unmolested. That would have been the case a few years ago, but now things have changed. The king has moved, swiftly and surely, to mobilize the people and his troops. He has eliminated the bloated aristocracy, and replaced them with knights hungry for glory. Their cities swell with discontented peasantry in need of land. Their coffers cry out for gold to fuel their wars." One finger. "If Freeport falls, the Moon Sea falls. The humans already control the Luthias Sea, and they will be able to cut off the entire subcontinent." Two fingers. "If Muthinguard falls, the dwarves fall. The humans will swarm into their mountain homes and take their arms, and their armor, and their gold." Three fingers. "If they control the seas and have the wealth of the dwarves, they will utterly destroy the elves of Lithur." He drops his hand. "That will leave them only two directions to expand -- the Nomads Waste, the Li'athur Sea, or the Brisal Desert. The Wastes do not have their name ironically, and will promise them no riches. The Li'athur Sea is populated with humans, and will be an unattractive target for the king to sell his people. That leaves the Brisal Desert, with its exotic goods, rich trade, and isolated settlements." Qahnaarin allows his last words to hang silently in the air

Arion just blinked at the lady. She... she was very much behind the times, wasn't she?

"I, too, thought my home was safe. Then they crossed the land to attack further and faster than we could possibly have imagined." the summoner said quietly. "I no longer underestimate what their forces are capable of."

The assembly was quiet, concerning eyes glanced about. The talk of the fall of Alexandria has brought in many other observers, servants and workers mostly but it was apparent that those collected in the assembly got a little out of hand. The speaker slowly sat down, a mix of frustration and concern creasing his features. The illidari were silent after the responses from the Proven for a moment before the captain guard began to speak, Octavian’s brother in law.

”They are right, we cannot hide the city forever. With the amount of refugees that have fled to us it’s only a matter of time before the humans find our location and siege it. It will take them time to cross the desert to reach us, but it's not impossible. If a band of over five hundred refugees could make it across, then an army can.” He was looking to the other council members then.

The speaker opened his mouth, ”Were not just talking about mere hundreds. Were talking about thousands crossing the desert! Even with the Shi’Atar gone, it would prove difficult for a size of that army could even make it past the sandwurms that are battling for supremacy! Not to mention our war-”

”Our wards are not going to stop an army!” Octavians mother pounded the desk, standing, glowering at the Speaker. ”War is here! It has been for years! We did nothing and sat idly by as towns and cities fell, secluding ourselves!” She’d point a finger to Arion, ”Our neighbors the Incarnates home was destroyed! And that is in the desert as well!”

Another Illidari stood, this one was dressed in fancier garbs, with pendants and gems. ”Vulkan will protect us, as he has always had. No mere human, even the king himself could ever dream of conquering New Alexandria! Why are you so blindly believing in these… Proven?” This one seemed to be of a religious leader of sorts. It was clear this topic of the war had already come up numerous times and it seemed there were clear lines in the sand. The assembly of six Illidari, two for, two againsts, and two who have been observing quietly.

His words only seemed to irritate the captain of the guard, as he slammed his fist onto the desk, ”You have to be kidding me! As soon as it comes to committing to an action you tremble and hide behind the walls! If we do not act, thousands of innocents WILL die!” Octavians mother seemed infuriated by the staunch stance of the other two. She’d sigh exasperatedly, ”Was this all for naught then? Why the hell bring them in here, have them touch the stones, and then dismiss their warnings and visions? Are you that ridiculous!?” Her voice rose and the lights in the room began to flare, feeding off the potent magic that just radiated from her.

The pious religious crossed his arms defiantly, ”Your anger does not move me. You militant types are always the same, searching for a victory and a purpose for your-.”

A large bang could be heard as one of the unspoken council stood, clapping his hands together and magnifying it with a simple spell. ”Enough with the squabbles! I am tired of this argument. We have heard the Proven, from vision and logic.” He’d gesture a hand to Qahnaarin, ”Let us recourse this discussion and speak to what we know and what possible actions we can take. Now!” He’d looked towards the group, specifically Qahnaarin, ”What do you recommend then? If you believe that they would march here next, what would be the course of action you would advise us to take and for you to pursue? What do the Proven suggest for preparations?”

Preempting Qahnaarin--and Pazeek privately muses that for all of the fellow's claims, he surely doesn't come off as a "simple tailor"--Pazeek responds. "I can't offer a word of advice about what New Alexandria should do, but that vision seemed absolutely set on the lot of us making trail westward," the tengu says with a wave of his left hand that takes in the other "Proven," as they've apparently been titled now. "If we're going to treat those visions as something that shouldn't be ignored or passed off, then we probably want to pay attention when we're offered useful directions by the same source."

No stranger to time on the road, and by choice instead of need, the tengu seems in his element as he speaks. "We'll need supplies, obviously. Not just for the desert crossing, but for whatever's on the other side. Mounts or good, fast caravan wagons to move us along. Latter would be slower, but would provide shelter and let us carry supplies a lot easier. If we could maybe get fancy traveling bags though, the ones that hold a bunch of stuff and weigh near nothing, mounts would be a better choice." As he mentions the bags, Pazeek shoots a suggestive look at the council, making it clear where he thinks such marvels should come from. "Aside from all of that, a number of us have skills or knowledge that we could turn to aiding this effort. But we just haven't the time or means to use what we know. And, speaking just for myself, but whatever turned me into one of these 'Proven' left me with a head stuffed full of interesting new stuff that I really need to learn how to use." Pointing a claw in Octavian's direction, the tengu explains. "He's managed to teach me a bit, enough so that I don't turn myself inside out or worse, but keeps saying that I can find teachers far better here."

Bree stood quietly watching the arguments going back and forth between Illidari and her companions, and then with each other within the Illidari. She didn't know what it all meant, to be sure, but she did know what she saw and smelled. It was gruesome death and carnage. Maybe far off in the future, but something indeed was on the horizon that spelled doom for the Illidari. She wanted to protest, but she didn't also want to stir the pot so to speak, as tensions were rising.

"Supplies perhaps? There seems to be a journey we must embark on to make sure that this vision doesn't come to pass." She looked at the others, almost pleadingly wishing to not have to bicker and argue further if it could be helped. There was a feeling of a heavy weight on her shoulders she felt suddenly aware of and it was beginning to tire her.

Tsakua leans over to Octavian and says "Yer family's got th' right idea, but we'll need to do some convincin' to work with that dandy." Tsakua stands upright again and comnents, more to himself than to anyone, but still audible to those nearby, "If they don' wanna do anythin', doesn't change much, does it? Ain't like we're babes what can't care for ourselves."

Qahnaarin bows deeply. "I am honored to be of service, august council." He turns and bows to the Guard Captain. "I am certain that your captain of the guard is more than capable of preparing defenses for the city, but please allow this humble tailor to make a few suggestions. Completely unnecessary, I am sure, but let us review them nonetheless."

One finger. "The first task is to gather information about your own city. First, take a complete stock of the city -- fresh and preserved food, water, arms, armor, medicine, alchemical supplies, and spellcasting material components. Everything must be cataloged for possible requisition."

"Second, take a complete stock of the citizenry -- combat veterans, siege engineers, alchemists, offensive spellcasters, healers, and such. Anyone who can contribute to the war effort must be identified for possible conscription."

"Third, take a complete stock of your armed forces. Who has experience in siege warfare? Who has experience with siege engines? Who has experience in sapping and sabotage? These soldiers will need to be identified to provide training to their comrades."

"Fourth, take a complete stock of your city. Identify likely breach points in the walls and plan for strategic withdrawal. Identify buildings that can be demolished to channel enemy troops into choke-points. Identify secondary lines of defense. Identify buildings near choke-points for positioning secondary siege equipment."

Two fingers. "The second task is to gather information about your surroundings. Send missives to every settlement in the Brisal Desert. Invite them to a war council. We need to convince them that the humans will eventually attack, we need to band together, and we need to share and coordinate resources for the good of the entire region."

Three fingers. "The third task is to prepare."

"First, spend public funds to establish a food reserve. Dried grains are typically the best, and flour cakes can last months with the right preparation. Enough to feed every citizen in the city for six months."

"Second, spend public funds to establish a water reserve. Commission every potter in the city to make water vessels from now until further notice. Even if there are wells in the city, they can be spoiled or poisoned with sabotage. You may have divine spellcasters who can create water, or even a decanter of endless water, but it will not be enough for the entire city."

"Third, shift the training of your armed forces to siege warfare. Every soldier should know the layout of the city, routes for withdrawal, how to operate siege defenses, and how to work in a siege engine crew."

"Fourth, increase your stocks of siege equipment and siege engines -- oil, arrows, spears, alchemist fire, rolling logs, dropping stones, and tower shields. We also need to see to reinforcing gates and doors. Block every sewer and drainage entry to the city."

"Fifth, draft a militia. Every able-bodied man and woman in the city should know how to wield a spear or crossbow, and be prepared to use one. Everyone should know evacuation procedures and alarm signals."

Four fingers. "The fourth task is war. You cannot wait for the human kingdom to arrive on your doorstep. The best time to strike is while their forces are committed to several fronts." He drops his hand. "But we can discuss that later, august council, in private. There are too many eyes and ears for now."

Inja listens to the self-proclaimed humble tailor, her eyebrows steadily rising. She couldn't tell if he was right or wrong, but that was an impressive list. As he reaches his last point, she gives a curt nod. Speaking more to herself and Yama, she almost growls. "War, yes. That is what we can help with."

"I have one more thing to add." Arion said, just loudly enough to be heard by the assembly. "It took the intervention of my god to protect my home. This is not a battle that can be won by being defensive. There is an enemy here - a true one - and only by depriving him of his ability to destroy you will you be safe. You can fight or you can flee - but if you wait, you will lose."

The wizard had been silent as his allies wavered between derision and logical discourse as they tried to convince the council. He debated with himself for several minutes about his next action, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. What was needed was not more arguments for those wanting to be proactive. No what was needed was a direct attack on the unshakeable faith of the religious leader. Something even they could not ignore.

"Honorable Elders I have something to show you." Octavian said directly to the priest. Reaching into his robes he pulled forth a silk bag hanging from his belt and dumped the contents into his hand. The shard of colored metal he had discovered in the box recovered from the ruins shimmered as it caught the magical lights of the council chamber. Holding the shard up high Octavian stepped around the table and moved into the center of the room. "Do you know what this is? Do you know it presented itself to me, spoke to me?"

Head craned to see what Octavian is showing the council, Pazeek feels moved by sudden, unbearable urge to mischief... Which he cheerfully gives in to. Waving a claw to get attention, he answers Octavian's question. "Oh, oh, I know," he calls cheerfully before nodding with a satisfied chirp. "It's a rock! A shiny rock, in fact. And, speaking as a healer, I have to say that rocks speaking to you may be an early warning sign of impending insanity," Pazeek adds with a rather wary glance aimed Octavian's way.

Bree casts a curious glance over to Pazeek. "Since when have you been a healer? I've done most of the heavy lifting in that respect so far!" She huffs and pouts, stomping over where the others were standing. She grumbles under her breath some as she awaited answers from Octavian and his people.

"If only it were that Pazeek spent as much time mendin' hearts as he did breakin'em," Tsakua chuckles.

Jasmine smirks at the religious leader, almost a winning look on her face. "If you have such faith in Vulkan, note that the shard revealed itself to me first, and it was me, a non believer that ensured it found its way back to its people, for it was I who handed it over to Octavian. So, assuming Vulkan works in mysterious ways, its interesting that he influenced the Proven to find it. Perhaps he wants to work through us in protecting you?" she finishes, her tone tracing the very thin line between insolence before she glances in Pazeek's direction, giviing him a quick once over.

"A fellow heart breaker? Promising, but you still have some way to reach my level" she remarks mischievously

There was an audible and collective gasp from everyone in the chamber when the stone was procured and placed. The stone was immediately recognizable to any illidari.

If an Illidari could go red in the face, you now just got first hand witness of the utter rage that took hold of the pious one who was so vehemently opposing action. Ignoring all other accounts he would point an incredulous finger at the group, ”Blasphemers! How the hell did you get your hands on one of the precious stones of Vulkan! You are not of status to even be considered holding it nor touching it!” His eyes were almost bulging in his anger, ”You can not prove that it spoke to you or even had the power to! His stones have been silent for thousands and thousands of years, I will not believe that you, of all people of the Illidari would be gifted such an occurrence! And you! Your god was falliable, it’s not surprising your people would have to be saved by the sacrifice of your god! None are as strong as Vulkan!” He was pointedly looking at Arion now, ”You’re failure of a religion and city is not a foreshadow of what is to come to New Alexandria, and this Lucarin and Elf are liars and thieves!”

”DO YOU DARE SLANDER THE LUCARIN NAME?!” Octavian’s mother would stand abruptly with her chair being thrown back. The captain of the guard quickly stood as well readying himself incase thing’s got quite out of hand.

”Settle down!” yelled the reserved one again, ”Alreena, please calm yourself. Elaran, sit down and keep your pious opinions to yourself for now.” He’d stare at both of them for a moment before he’d look back to the group, Alreena of course did not seat herself again as she simply crossed her arms.

”You make sound and very tactical plans Qahnaarin and sound planning from the Tengu. I am pretty sure Alreena here and the captain would agree with your assessments. Though I am pretty sure despite the protest of the others, they have already sought out some of those resolutions. Do not misunderstand, as you can see the assembly is divided, and antagonizing one side will not get us anywhere. We will come to a uniform agreement about our actions. Now. As to the stone, this is an artifact of the Illidari, and should go into its rightful place at the temple.”

A smug look suddenly crossed Elaran as he leaned back and crossed his arms, seemingly a little too happy that they were suggesting the stone be relocated into his holdings.

”The advisement of preparations will be noted and reviewed, as well as the idea of sending envoy’s to the west. Though I doubt any of them would be eager enough to send us armies when the war has not touched their land, they do not know the threat that looms in the east. How do you plan on acquiring such… armies? The west is also vastly unmapped, we only know of a few capitals and collections of city-states that are closest to have a brush of contact.” Another Illidari spoke, this one was dressed more like a simple merchant, his hands rough from real work and lines creased his face. He was looking at the Tengu then. ”How do you suppose we even get them to listen to envoys? How to persuade the kings and queens of the lands to even consider lending us a single sword arm? Or help with the war efforts you're proposing us in starting?”

The captain would speak up then, ”We are already at war! The Proven are correct and we need to take this war to the humans and not wait. We have to militarize our people and redouble our efforts, just simply ferrying refugees across the desert to the west is not enough anymore. We must take action, and take it while we still have time.”

For awhile now, Alreena was watching the group and glancing at the stone, a frown settled on her lips as she raised a hand to pause the captain, redirecting the conversation. ”Where did you find this stone exactly? We believed any of the stones that were obtainable were collected.” Alreena asked then, looking towards the group, a worrying look flashes across her eyes. The room fell silent then, as the severity of that question seemed to have many… unknown consequences to it.

"I found it in the desert" Jasmine remarks, initially giving a vague answer before relenting somewhat. "Funny thing about deserts, they happen to be dry, sandy. Well, it was in a building crumbling in the desert set up with traps. As the building had only an hour or two before it was fully claimed by the desert, I rescued the artifact and brought it to
Octavian"

Pazeek watches and listens with intense interest as the room explodes following Octavian's reveal, wondering if matters are going to descend to violence to get settled. If so, he's pretty sure he can reach that noisy priest and make him very, very sorry he ran his mouth; Pazeek isn't sure what the fellow was referring to when he was slinging those insults Arion's way, but the tengu is sure it wasn't anything nice. Besides, all of that "my god is better than your god" nonsense--aside from sounding oddly reminiscent of what fledglings would say about their parents prior to scrapping--reeks of the very superiorty that the Mad King is using to stir up the humans.

But, it doesn't quite reach the point where claws and beaks need to get wet, and the avian keeps to his seat. He pays attention to everything said, including the particular question aimed his way, and waits for Jasmine to reveal the details of the shiny rock's recovery before replying. "If you'll pardon the brief digression into tengu history, it should help answer your question in part," Pazeek says, eyes fixed on the council member who raised the question. "Don't know how many here are aware of this, some of you folk should be," he begins, with a wave of an arm that takes in the room's illidari occupants. "But a long time back, my people actually came out of the west. Passed through the northen part of the desert here, in fact, and met the Illidari when they were a bit more spread out than they are nowadays. Most of us moved on eastward, in spite of how well we got with you blue folks, because this desert doesn't really suit us."

"Anyway," the tengu continues, getting to the point. "My people still have lots of stories about the trip, and the old homeland too. Not sure what's real history and what's invention to impress the fledglings, but I know my people. I'd better, all things considered," he adds with an amused warble before becoming serious once more; there's a time for his usual irreverance, but this particular momemt isn't one of them. "Knowledge is power, and we don't discard anything that might be of future use, especially not the details of such a long journey. And when my people fled Freeport, I'll wager they were hauling every damn thing and scrap they could lay claws on, especially anything to do with our past. So, once we're cleared to wander the city without getting the chop, I'll wing on over to the tengu district and start asking around." Pazeek sits back with a satisfied click of his beak at having offered a starting point to learning what they'll need. "Pretty sure somebird in there has, or knows who has, the histories we're interested in. It won't be up-to-date, of course, but it'll be better than what we got now, and it should be enough to get us started."

And then, because Pazeek can't resist the chance at repaying an insult, even if it wasn't sent his way, cocks a glance at the smug priest and adds. "If I get enough information, then old Elaran can maybe make himself useful and demonstrate how much Vulkan loves him by kicking loose some divination magic, the sort that involves asking higher--or lower--powers questions. Surely, one as high up in the favor of a god shouldn't have any problems demonstrating said divine regard in a tangible, helpful fashion."

"No." Octavian said firmly while putting the shard back in the bag under his robe. "I have no need to prove myself to you, Elaran." he said, pointedly omitting the priest any honorifics. He had not walked to hell and back to bandy words with an idiot. "You do not have the authority to command me to do ANYTHING, you are not the high priest. This shard was placed into my hands by divine providence, not yours. It saved our caravan when we were lost in the desert by showing the way to the city. The stone ANSWERED my prayers when I asked it to show us the way home. I am the master of this shard and only death will take it from my hands."

The wizard moved back to the table with his companions, his staff firmly in hand. He pulled the shard back out once he was safely among his companions and stared deeply at the shard. Loud enough that everyone could hear he asked in the Illidari tongue "Father of flame, Divine Hammer I beg that your divine flame will illuminate the non-believers."

Arion tilted her head slightly as an outsider - an unbeliever - mocked her fellows and her god. "Doubt is ever the way of the world." she said coolly. "There's certainly some blasphemy here, but in the name of Tarak, I forgive you for it." From close by, Ylva simply shook her head - but the celestial wolf seemed no more interested in hating others than her master.

Murmurs would rise at Jasmine's short description of where they found the gem. The pious Illidari narrowed his eyes at her. ”That just sounds like you ventured into our lost cities for plundering! How do we know you're not lying through your teeth?!” he spat out, anger lacing every syllable he spoke.

The Speaker rose his hand, silencing the Pious when the Tengu began to speak. ”That seems like a logical beginning, though for you. We have many things to discuss before we take action, but when this assembly is dismissed we will be sure to allow you free roam of Alexandria so you may do what you need impeded.” The Pious and two other Illidari began to object to the Speaker granting them access to the city, unrestricted access at that. Though he rose his hand again, giving a stern look at the others, ”I am the head of the civil affairs and the city’s general management. I have the authority required to make that decision alone. I do not see them as threats to our city.” It was enough to silence the protests but they seemed to be displeased with it.

As to the Tengu’s aggravation towards the Pious Elaran would only cause himself and another Illidari to stand abruptly, ”You shall not slander me with your words you bird! I do not have to explain my divination to any of you, or prove it! I am not the one on questioning here, you ar-” Elaran would stop at Octavians words and his quick retrieval of the stone, and that seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back.

”YOU DARE!” He began, ”As your grandfather deigns to ignore his duties to represent himself at these councils, I have all the authority required to act in his absence! Your father may not be the High Priest much longer if he continually neglects his duties!” Octavians mother seemed to balk at the man's claims, anger crossing her features as she stood. Most of the illidari were standing now, baying words back and forth in anger and accusations. It seemed the upper echelon of the Illidari was fractured. Things were beginning to boil over as peace could not be maintained, the speaker himself was up aswell, trying to stand between the arguing parties.

It seemed like a brawl was about to erupt, but the minute as the first fist curled to start, a bright blue light washed across the room, excluding all sound. The light pervaded the senses, overrode them. All the fires within the room turned blue, erupting into flames. It lasted for just a mere moment before your senses became yours again. The room was silent, though from the looks of the faces you knew the line was drawn between the two parties.

”I’ve had enough of this. Council, do what you wish. You may not see your flawed logic, but Vulkan does and you will regret it.” Elaran turned and left, the others who shared his sentiments got up and left as well. With the disagreeing parties gone, the speaker and the party who agreed with the Proven turned to the group. Apologetic faces were given.

”We do not doubt your path, or that the gods have chosen you. But, our hands are tied. We will try and convince them to help pass the vote for war, but it will take time….”

Breewyn shook her head. "They may not see reason, even when it may be entirely too late." She shrugged and then brightened up. "Thank you for allowing us to be able to explore your beautiful city and I hope to live up to the expectations that seem to slowly being piled upon us. Being chosen and all." She looked away, biting her lip some as she let herself get lost in thought once more.

As the Pious and his filters leave, Tsakua chucks hs shield after the pompous jerk. "Oy, y'need somethin' smaller, t'fit yer thinkin'!"

Attack on hat to knock it off: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Once the shield returns, Tsakua tucks it on his back as though nothing happened.

Pazeek googles in disbelief at Tsakua, then looks casually off to to side and tries not to be associated with the insane half-orc; a bit of verbal prodding is one thing, but that's the sort of behavior that ends with brawls and confinement for the survivors. To keep from getting slopped by anything about to rain down on Tsakua, Pazeek rapidly speaks up, his words aimed at the remainder of the council. "Yeah, while you're working on that accord, and I wish you nothing but success in your efforts, you might want to look into a plan that involves leaving New Alexandria with as many as you can round up." Expression unusually serious for his normal disposition, he looks at the illidari remaining. "Because in the end, what you vote doesn't matter a cracked egg to the Mad King, he's bringing the fight regardless. And if you can't get right before then, leave or die'll be the only options you have left." Sighing, the tengu rises and stretches, then cocks his head with an inquisitive chirp. "Anyway, if I'm done here, then I might as well get started trying to dig up those histories. I'm no scholar, so it'll probably take a good stretch to find what we need, and an early start can only help."

Attention switching to Breewyn, he ambles over to her and leans down--not far, given his own short stature--to meet her eyes. "Want to come with me? It'll be noisy, to be sure, but I'm certain you'll find something there to make it worth the trip. Aside from my incomparable companionship, that is." Looking at the others in the party, he thinks for a moment, then says. "If any of you want to come along as well, I certainly won't mind. Just keep a sharp eye on your valuables, though. I can guarantee we'll meet some sticky-clawed birds with very flexible ideas of property ownership."

Bree met eyes with the Tengu, and then looked over to the others, and then back to him once more. She raised an eyebrow, curious at his intentions. She finally relented with a shrug. He hadn't done her wrong yet, and it did sound intriguing to say the least to explore some. "Sure Paz, why not? I do so want to see much more of this city." She moved over to stand at his side, listening to the responses from the others as she fidgeted with her hands, smiling. Her smile slipped as she heard the bit about valuables. Turning to tug at Pazeek's side, she looked up at him, a little bit of a frown as she furrowed her eyebrows gently. "You're not going to let anything bad happen to me, right Paz?" Giving him a soulful-eyed look, lip trembling for extra effect.

Qahnaarin gives an obsequious bow to the party. "A thousand pardons, but I must retire to attend to the body's natural needs. If you would excuse me." He begins to walk toward the exit.

"It would probably be best to let people... cool off." Arion mused, moving along with Ylva to join Pazeek and help find some information. "Ylva, be a dear and watch our things while we're there, would you?"

"Just keep a sharp eye on your valuables, though. I can guarantee we'll meet some sticky-clawed birds with very flexible ideas of property ownership."

Inja raises her arms away from her sides to better emphasize her simple attire. "I have nothing worth stealing. Except for my heart." she adds with a wink to the Tengu.

All the squabbling in the council chamber had made her impatient and uncomfortable. There were so many things to do, so many preparations to make, and these people were wasting time arguing with far too many words. It was blindingly obvious to her what needed to be done, but apparently some people had their head buried deep in the desert sand. Clicking her tongue to get Yama's attention, who had wandered off and was lounging in a sunny spot on the floor, she also moves to Pazeek's side, smiling down at the gnome in a manner that is meant to be reassuring.

"You'll be safe with us, don't worry." She makes sure that none of the Ilidari are looking their way before she raises a hand for Breewyn to see; as she curls and flexes her fingers, black polished claws spring from their tips for a brief moment, then retract.

Jasmine gives a start at Qahnaarin's statement. "Wait, you found a brothel here? Where?" she asks excitedly as she follows him into the door, before losing sight of him in the crowd. Slightly disappointed, she turns back to the rest of the group, who were already finishing up arrangements.

"I think I'll go with the rest of you and listen to the histories on offer. Might be nice seeing some more of the city and I'm not particularly worried about running into anything sticky clawed, I'm wearing pretty much all of my possessions and good luck to the bird that tries to take them off my person."

There was a sharp cry when Tsakua threw his shield. The guards who posted at the doors of the assembly sprung into action, raising their weapons and charging the group, quickly and effectively surrounding them. By all means, Tsakua had knocked the hat off the pious illidari, but he also attacked a council member, in the council. The pious Illidari turned around, anger evident, but his face was plastered with a s+@* eating grin. In a booming voice, he points to the group, ”Detain them at once! They speak to fighting the king but they dare strike a council member? This only shows that god touched or not, they are a danger to the Illidari!”

The guards were heavily armed and with the group pretty much lacking much of any of their weapons or armor if they chose to done civilian clothing for this venture would be quite outmatched. A quick head count would give them a total of twenty guards, all with spears leveled at them, flanking on all sides. Though the guards did look uneasy with the fact that this group alone had defied the king on many occasions and yet lived. It seemed as if their was some renown preceding the due to the refugees. The other council members look shocked for a moment of what just happened. Though Qahnaarin had managed to slip out before the guards had surrounded the group.

There seemed a pause, the warbling of the bird went ignored for a moment. A throat cleared as the speaker stood slowly, eyeing the pious and the orc. His face was set in a hard expression. ”I doubt our city guard could contain them Elaran, nor our prisons. This farce needs to end now. Leave this council at once.” He’d turn to the group, eyeing Tsakua, ”Did you mean to harm an Illidari in our city and our council? Even though that… trick with your shield was impressive you do understand that you just put everyone in a very… precarious position?”

The other two council members, Octavian's mother and the Captain of the Guard seemed to have set expressions. But it seemed that their hands were tied in this matter due to the inherent aggression Tsakua pulled.

Whatever response Pazeek might have for the varied offers of company into the tengu district is preempted by the response to Tsakua's actions. Dropping his beak into one hand with a weary sigh, he tries to ensure that the guards facing him aren't moved to see him as a threat. Turning his head slightly to catch sight of the half-orc with one eye, Pazeek mutters at him. "Hope it was worth it, I really do. Hope you can dig us out of this mess as fast as you sunk us in it, too."

"There's so much testosterone in here I can feel myself getting dumber - and a little antsy - just being in the room." Jasmine eloquently remarks, looking a little ticked off at all the weapons on display.

"I do apologize to the council. Tsakua has a severe allergic reaction to extreme bullsh*t and its a condition he has to live with daily. It usually triggers an aggressive response and it stems, I think, from fighting the king and his men for so long. Usually, I'd have advised the council, but for the life of me, I didn't expect to see it in action here."

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 + 6 = 34

Jasmine waits for a moment in the awkward silence before pointing at the nearest guard and then tapping him on the shoulder. "Oi, I don't tend to like having spears pointed in my face, and no, that is not a euphemism. Do you see any weapons? No you don't, apart from my bow which lacks arrows. Am I wearing any armor or protective gear? No I'm not. So let me pass please, I have better things to do with my time, like killing humans. Move."

Breewyn could only stand there mouth agape at everything that managed to transpire in such a short time. From the pious Illidari bad-mouthing them, to Tsakua doing his shield hat-trick, to guards swarming and leveling weapons at them. She swallowed nervously as she looked up at the intimidating force. She stepped a little behind Pazeek, but that did nothing to shield her from those leveling weapons at their backs. "Guys?" She managed to quietly speak out as both the Council member and Pazeek spoke a few more words. Hearing Jasmine's response gave her hope that they might withdraw, though she held her breath at the moment she barked an order at one of them. Time seemed to stretch out as no one else really moved or spoke for several moments.

"That was not an attack Honored Council member. I have fought side by side with Tsakua for many months now and I can tell you that had he truly attacked, Eleran would be dead." Octavian said briskly, ignoring the spears inches away from his face. He knew as a member of the Lucarin family that his name carried certain protections. "Our city faces an unprecedented threat and that fool would have us huddle behind our wall, trusting only in our past glory to save us. We have stagnated behind our magic and arrogance for far too long. Our neglect of this world has allowed individuals like the human emperor to gain tremendous power and use it to enact genocide again all non-humans. Tens of thousands have died for no other reason then defending their neighbors and family from ignorance and hatred. This city is a monument to not only our mastery of magic but our decadence, our arrogance. We must put aside the glories of the past and reach out to the other inhabitants of this world. We are all a part of the same world and must band together to resist the tide of hatred from the East. Xenophobic racists like Elaran will only drag our society into the abyss."

"As my companions say. I don' respond well t'ignorance an' insults, but had my aim been t'cause harm, th'Pious, as y'call 'im, would've been harmed." Tsakua's grammar is terrible normally, but he clearly struggles on the word 'pious.'