"I am a practical man lady Caliana. I do not expect you to compromise your values or act as my mouthpiece. All such a request would so is alienate you, and I don't wish to cause a rift. But it does not take much effort for me to realize that I will be demonized by the other representatives. Thassilon and Irrisen will claim that my ties to Hell make me a manipulator, while the Tyrant's representative will try to make himself the lesser of two evils. The Free Nations will call me a servant of tyranny. A friendly face in the crowd would be a great asset to me, if only to prevent my people from coming out of this with a loss." He smiles. "I am very glad to hear that you are willing to give me my fair say."
Maximo keeps close to Archan and Triel as he moves inside, Ryx sticking by his side. "Who all is here? It seems quite empty for a grand conference..." Ryx's ears perk up about the same time as Maximo's fringes do the same, trying to hear in on what is happening in the suite.
Acharn shakes his head and after a meaningful glance towards Triel he turns to Maximo to respond. "The conference isn't here. This is an inn rented by the Free Nations Alliance for the duration so they have a place to stay. I wager most of the delegates are out elsewhere in the city working to fulfill their various agendas. A great many things can be acompled when so many powerful people come together. As they said outside, Madame Ross is here. She's a prominent member of the Andoran council, their ruling body. Let's go see her, she's the most important person here."
"Hmm." Triel is a bit surprised by how empty the inn currently is. I thought there would've been more people here.
"Yes, let's." Triel turns to Acharn and waits for him to take point. "And perhaps you should make sure you're on your best behaviour while we're speaking with her."
Meaning keep your eyes on Madame Ross and off my backside. Boorishness during negotiations is not something to be tolerated, no matter where you're from.
"Think nothing of it ambassador" Zalika responds easily, standing quietly. "If there isn't anything else, then I feel like I should be leaving. I have important meetings to attend, although at this time, that doesn't say too much."
"Of course." Mephiston bows his head. "I won't take any more of your time. And I look forward to your presence at the conference."
"Likewise" Zalika replies, before opening the door, and stepping lightly out of the room.
Aramus shrugs at Tessara's question. "Well, I guess most are similar. Not quite as many days that I get to meet such charming clients, though." He smiles and looks up. "Some days I don't get much work, or I'm hired as a simple bodyguard or day laborer for locals. But lately there's been more and more visitors and travelers here, so I've met some new faces." He laughs. "You know just earlier today I met a d--"
The big man actually manages to cut himself off as he recalls his new companion's reason for coming to the city. "A delegate for the conference tomorrow. Several, actually." Hoping it was a decent recovery, he chuckles. "You know, one was actually a kobold? Astounding. It's grand to see so many coming together to work with one another and bring peace."
At the herbalist's, nods. "I was hoping it might work. I know a few other places that could use a hand, but this seemed like a good option."
Acharn is surprised by Triel's comment. How have I not been behaved well? All I've done is looking. Guess I have to cut back on the ogling. He does indeed take point and proceed to the room they hear talking from. "Follow me"
Once there he politely knocks and announces his presence. "Madame Ross, it is I, Acharn Edasseril. I would like to speak with you if you are not too busy."
"Ah yes, come in!" Inside, you find three people: a somewhat frazzled looking human man carrying a stack of papers, a halfling in blue and gold armor just like the guards downstairs, and a rosy-cheeked half-elf woman with short brown hair. "It's good to see you again Acharn. I hope Absalom has been treating you well."
"You got to meet some of the representatives? Really? What were they like? I've heard such strange things over the last two days. Supposedly the Ustlavic representative hasn't left his rooms before dark a single time. Everyone is claiming he's a vampire."
She smiles brightly. "Well, I certainly can try my best at a place like this. Why don't you introduce me to the owner?"
Somehow the question makes Acharn think of his homeland. Treating me well? Well, it's certainly been a better fate so far than what happened to Kyonin. He walks over to the half-elf and grabs her hand for a brief kiss before responding. "It's good to see you too Madam Ross. As for your question, yes, I've only been here a short while, but I've found a couple people who like me don't have allegiance to a nation, yet find that their goals align with ours. Well that's the case for Triel here at least." He holds out a hand towards the drow.
"Maximo seems more interested in stopping some approaching danger. Though that does of course coincide with our interests as well. We want the conference to succeed and it would be even worse for us if Absalom was what is facing the danger. If only he was more specific though. Care to elaborate?" Acharn looks towards the kobold.
"How have things been for you Madame? Have you learned of anything of note?"
Aramus rubs his chin at Tessara's questions. "Oh, you know. I'd say they were regular folks like you and me, but they were something special, you know? A masked man who seemed like he liked to keep secrets, a woman from the south who worshiped the old Osirian gods... there was even the kobold, I mentioned him. He had a vision, I guess, and a white weasel."
He shrugs and knocks on the business's door. "But they're here solving the big issues, right? Us regular folk need to worry about the small ones, day to day things like jobs and friends. That's the important bit, now isn't it?" He leans on the doorframe and gives the elf another smile, waiting to introduce her.
Maximo seems reluctant to speak about his visions as Archan introduces him, but Ryx nudged at his back a little. Looking back over his shoulder, Maximo eyed his weasel companion for a moment before stepping forward and bowing politely. "...well met, milady. I am Maximo Steelscale, the first Talon of Apsu in over 100 years. This is my partner and divine guide, Ryx." The weasel bowed similarly to Madam Ross, looking up at the kobold again.
Maximo grimaced a bit before taking in a deep breath and nodding. "...I doubt you will believe what I have to say, but... I explain what I know. I also hail from Andoran, and this is my first visit to Absalom, so the past few days, I've been traveling on a ship to get here. But I've been having the same dream every night. I believe Apsu himself is granting me these visions... and I worry I may be too late to stop it."
Maximo paused a moment, looking down at Ryx again. The weasel nodded a couple time before he continued. "In my dream, I was standing at the edge of some vast docks before a big city... and waves of darkness were washing in through the tide. It passed by my feet and snaked its way into the city behind me, paying me no heed, as if I wasn't there. But... scattered among the darkness was specks of light... like cavern bugs glowing in a dark tunnel. I could see them, and I tried to reach out and touch them, but each time... I wake up." Maximo grimaced again before shaking his head. "I didn't know what the city was or the docks... until I got off my boat today. The docks, the city, everything I saw in my dream was right in front of me. A perfect replica. And I fear the darkness won't be far behind... if not already here. But so far, nobody believes me. And... I am too small to stop it myself."
Jonathan grins as he steps to the side, letting Zalika out the door as she exits the ambassador's office. He lets her pass, waving down another clerk as they pass him by. "Excuse me, but I have a package for the ambassador here. I'm not sure if he's... concluded his business in his office, but I'm already late for a very important dinner with my fiance's parents; would you be able to hand this off to him when he's finished? I'd really appreciate it."
Zalika gives a slight start as she opens the door to see a clerk right outside. Noticing the package in his hands she immediately holds the door open and turns to Mephiston. "Ah, Mephiston, there appears to be someone here for you just outside the door, with a package waiting. He must as arrived just as we finished out business, excellent timing".
Triel is silent as Acharn introduces them, and even more so when Maximo explains his position.
When they finish, she nods. "What Acharn has said about me is true--I have a vested interest in fighting back against the demonic hordes under Deskari's banner as much as your people do. To that end, I'm prepared to offer my skills as a negotiator--I can scout out and evaluate potential alliances, and determine the most effective ways of undermining enemy relations."
"But in order to make the most of those skills, I'm going to need a clear picture of the political landscape, Madame Ross." Triel's tone turns businesslike and she folds her arms behind her back. "What allies do the Free Nations have on their side so far?"
The passing clerk stops for a moment, looking surprised. "Antonio? I thought you'd already left for the day." He looks at the package and sighs. "Yes, I can deliver that for you. Get going before you're late for anything important. And good luck."
Madame Ross smiles, though her guard narrows his eyes at Acharn's companions. He keeps his mouth shut, but he doesn't let his gaze leave them for even a minute. "I've been well enough General Edasseril. Very busy, but well." She offers a hand to each of her visitors in turn, starting with Acharn and ending with Maximo. "I'm in no position to turn down friendship freely given, so long as it's in good faith. The drow have been particularly active along the border recently, so a defector could be a god send right about now."
She purses her lips at Maximo's description of his visions. "Hmmm. Perhaps it's some kind of warning of what happens if we fail. There are few forces darker than the demonic armies of the Worldwound after all. You've come quite a way to follow this warning, so I hope it can be prevented."
Tessara looks very intrigued by Aramus's description of the delegates. "A priestess and a kobold? How strange. I suppose these times have brought some truly unlikely people together looking for safety. Were the others really so normal?"
Zalika heads out the door, and begins planning her next move. Ideally, she wants to chat with further diplomats, ideally the Winter Witches, but unfortunately, she lacks a proper understanding as to where she might find their high ranking representative. Deciding that the people of the Ascendant Court would probably notice an uncommon representative like that, she gradually moves through the crowds, casually looking for any tips or advice on the topic. Zalika initially consigns her walk to around the CHeliax building, walking outward in an ever increasing spiral pattern, following the logic that people closest to the embassy might be more receptive to the comings and goings of other diplomats.
As Zalika walks, she makes careful note of any of the downtrodden. Zalika knows that her healing abilities are not very well advanced, and is thus unable to heal anyone of sickness or permanent injury, but she attempts to channel her positive energy to those that need it. Zalika never asks for any form of payment as she does this, preferring to merely raise her profile. In her experience, if you did nice things for others, sometimes people were inclined to help you when you most required it.
Triel shakes Madame Ross' hand, and her eyes narrow slightly at the mention of drow along the border.
"Really? Hmm. What descriptions do you have of them? There's two separate factions of drow that I'm aware of."
"Oh, you know. They were exotic and from far-off places, to be sure. But in the end they're just people like you and I are." He shrugs. "The elven ambassador had a noble bearing, I suppose. But I think he said he was in the military, so that makes sense. Acharn, his name was, I think. Oh, and there was a witch too, from the north, but she had to go somewhere." Please stop asking questions, please don't make me bring up Triel, you seem so nice.
Zalika doesn't find too many people in need of serious aid. Mostly of the people are desperate and afraid, but not ill. The countless priests and priestesses in the Court are often willing to offer cheap healing as well, leaving there not too much to do. However, her willingness to be helpful loosens some tongues and earns her small smiles and handshakes in thanks. The more religious locals are unhappy about the Witches' disdain for faith, but many have seen small winter sprites and other messenger fey flying in and out of an inn near the northwest corner of the Court district.
"I'm afraid we're not sure," Madame Ross admits. "Our scouts haven't risked getting too close yet and they've been keeping their distance for now. They're certainly drow, but that's all we know for now. There has been an influx of demon patrols in the area as well, so we felt same to assume they were the faction friendly toward the Worldwound. It's become very similar to Galt's borders in some places."
"An elvish ambassador! I hadn't realized anyone was still alive." She smiles gently. "It's good to know that someone survived the Shadowfall."
"Thank you! I was worried I was going to be late, you are a life saver." With that, Jonathan moves quickly through one of the side exits, weaving through the workers still within the embassy to get back to the alleyway where his clothes and gear were waiting for him. He slides through the exit along with a group of others, and walks briskly as he hopes to reach the alley before his extract wears off. "Where... there it is," he mutters, drawing his bag from beneath the bags and other rubbish obscuring it. He strips off the clerk's clothes, quickly dressing himself before redressing the clerk himself. Leaving the man unconscious in the back of the alley, he ventures out into the city, heading for the Free Nations Alliance headquarters. "I doubt Maximilian is present, but I ought to tell him of this personally, if I am able. I believe some of the others were heading towards the headquarters as well... maybe I can have a chat with our good general."
Zalika learns the connection, and immediately heads in the direction of the inn, in the northwest corner of the Court district. As she does so, she tends to be a little more careful about people following her. She had a feeling several people wouldn't be impressed at the factions she was talking to first, and it was always nice to keep track of any people keeping track of you.
Zalika enters the inn swiftly, but politely. "My name is Zalika Caliana , and I was wondering if it was possible if I could have an audience with the Winter Witch envoy? I have a few things I would like to discuss, if the representative is available."
Aramus grins and nods. "Yeah, see? There's always a bright side to things."
Acharn listens to the conversation for a time, letting the others explain themselves. Before long he's itching to know more about the situation and asks a few questions on his own. Hopefully being open in front of Triel will make her trust him in turn. "Where exactly have you been seeing these drow patrols and demons? You say you've kept your distance, that means there haven't been any clashes yet, right? With the increased activity, they might be planning an attack. Have you been able to gather any further aid to your defenses? Though just sitting around and defending gives them the initiative, maybe this conference can let us be able to do something different? "
The man quickly pages through several documents and hands one to Madame Ross. "The latest situation report ma'am." The representative looks over it for a moment, reminding herself of the details. "The latest patrols still haven't entered our territory, but military assets are being moved to Caldamin as a staging ground. They've been moving all along the borders of the Shadow. With luck, they're simply probing us for a reaction. More likely than not, the drow that side with Deskari are providing extra forces to help with his push south. We need more troops if we're going to push back"
A large blonde woman, over six feet tall and heavily muscled, with strange golden eyes stands guard at the door to the inn. A large battleaxe is strapped across her back and she gives Zalika a once over. "You will wait here while I ask the mistress if she's taking visitors." The woman steps inside for a minute and Zalika can hear her talking with someone else. The warriors returns a moment later with a small blue skinned fey with dragonfly wings. "She's in her rooms upstairs. Follow the sprite and he will take you to her."
"I suppose that's all we can do now." She bows her head gratefully. "The simple fact that the elven people still endure shows that this war is far from over."
Inside the herbalist's shop, Aramus can hear a voice call out. "Hello? I'm open, so you can come in."
Zalika flashes an elegant, grateful smile at the large blonde woman, noting that battleaxe but making no comment as she slips lightly past, following the blue skinned fey up the stairs, making use of her royal training to navigate the stairs in heels without falling.
Aramus nods. "We all have to endure. Keep our heads up instead of down, and don't give up hope. That's our best bet for seeing through."
In the herbalist's, Aramus grins at the call and winks at the elf. "Hey there, old-timer! It's Aramus here, and I've brought a new friend you mighht like to meet!" He steps forward and glances around. "Where are you...?"
Acharn nods at the news, as if it's roughly what he expected. "It's good to hear there have been no attacks. Though don't let that make you feel safe. The Drow have a way of striking when you least expect it, in a way you don't expect. Pushing back into the heart of the darkness will be dangerous, but at the same time that might be the only way to be safe. Both the Drow and Deskari have proved to be able to unleash unstoppable plots if given enough time to plot in the past. Have you spoken to anyone yet for gathering the needed support, or even better yet, gotten it? Who do you think might help? As Triel puts it, we need to know the political landscape, if we are going to help in gathering support to our cause."
Triel nods. "Which of the current world powers would likely be inclined to aid the Free Nations? And what will they need in return?"
The sprite leads Zalika up to a state room at the far end of the second floor. "Come it," a voice calls out from beyond. Inside, a tall woman with pale skin and pale blonde hair, nearly white in this light, is standing near a window, looking out over the street. "You must be the representative of the ghastly deserts south of here."
Madame Ross nods. "We're taking every opportunity to reinforce the borders, but it's not safe to make a move into the Shadow yet, so we're stuck on the defense for the moment." She looks over at the drow. "Right now, we're hoping for support from Qadira and even Cheliax. They have to most reason to help. Oddly, the Tyrant's representative may be one of our best chances for someone willing to fight the drow, but I'd rather not put my faith in the dead."
"They're not to be trusted at all," the knight mutters.
"Back here, back here." An elderly man comes out of the workroom in the back of the shop. "Aramus, you big fool. I hope you're just here for a visit and that you don't have an injured guest."
Triel purses her lips and looks down at the carpet before looking back at Madame Ross.
"I'm not convinced putting our faith in the legions of Cheliax would be a sound move, either." She briefly licks her lips. "But at this point, and I'm quite reluctant to say this, we might not have much of a choice but to reach out to them."
"What I'm worried about is what Cheliax will want after the incursion from the north is repelled..."
She's about to go on, but looks around the room again. "Maximo? What do you think?"
"You might as well get used to it" Zalika remarks in a tight tone, joining the woman at the window. "If the Firebleeder roams unchecked most of the world would end up like that...or worse"
After an acceptable pause, Zalika turns, and takes a slight step backwards, giving the woman some room. "Its in connection to this which has led I, Zalika Caliana, to request an audience with you, because I would like an alliance with Irrisen if such a thing would be possible."
Zalika lets the sentence, and her request hang in the air for a moment, before continuing onwards, attempting to discuss her reasoning. "The Firebleeder remains a threat, and rampages through my cities with the support of the Burning Prince, slaughtering at will. I don't expect you to feel sympathy for my nations plight, but you need to know the balance of power Irrisen now holds. Long ago, the Firebleeder walked the earth and was only defeated by an army of mages, skilled in cold based magic, who somehow managed to slay the creature. Obviously, as Irrisen Witches, few are now alive today that can match your skills with ice and snow, thus making you uniquely positioned to have the best chance at eliminating this threat."
Fearing an interruption, Zalika holds up a hand, indicating that she was not quite finished. "I want to make things abundantly clear. For the moment, the Firebleeder affects Osirion, but once destroyed, the creature will move onto his next target. The Burning Prince isn't stupid, he knows that Irrisen remains a threat, and I imagine a joint enemy force between the Firebleeder, The Burning Prince, and any third force would close in on your nation and crack it as if it were in a vice. Meanwhile, the Tyrant spots an entire desert nation, full of corpses, and proceeds to reanimate them, effectively doubling the size of his own army. I don't come here to make threats honored representative of Irrisen, but believe me when I say that if the Winter Witches continue to remain isolated, then they will eventually face the same fate as my own nation now faces".
Zalika considers things for a minute, before shrugging her shoulders. "This is why I am here now, making such an alignment request. The Winter Witches of Irrisen are powerful, and I want them on my side. More to the point, I want to be in a position to return the favor if an offer of help should be made. Quid pro quo, as it were."
Triel purses her lips as Maximo remains tight-lipped. "Well, never mind then."
Maximo remained quietly in the back, apparently engaged in some kind of conversation with Ryx... well, as much as one could be, when one of the speakers could only hiss and squeak at the other. "...why? ...do you think that's a good idea? ...fair point, but would they let us in? Erm... that's true, but they should have plenty of guards there, won't they? .........you're right. All those important people in one place? That's practically lining up intruders for a cave-in trap. ...Yeah, that might be wise. I know she may not want it... but I would hate to see someone hurt Lady Zalika."
As occupied as he was, he failed to notice he was being addressed by anybody, but Ryx. Once he finished, he turned back, blinking a bit before looking at Triel and Archan. -I'm sorry, were you talking to me? Ryx seemed to noticably heave a sigh before squeaking a bit. "...oh, that? Well, uhm..." Maximo frowned a bit, looking at the floor as he rubbed the back of his neck. "...I'm sorry... I'm probably not the best source for political advice. I was never very important in my tribe... I was a miner. Not even a foreman, I just was good at swinging my pick around. So I'm probably not the best source for that." He paused a little. "...but if you want my thoughts, I can you this. In our tribe, we had a shaman who had an imp working for him. He said our tribe was safe and prosperous because of the deals he made with devils. ...I hated that imp. He always had this sneer... like he knew more than he was letting on. And... I think he did, at least on something. And he made work hard. We were told we couldn't mess with the imp unless we wanted to be in big trouble. So he spent half his time throwing rocks and dirt at us while we mined. So... maybe dealing with devils comes with benefits, if you know how to handle them... I don't. All I know is... as someone on the bottom of the chain, I would've given anything for some help that didn't come with strings attached."
Maximo frowned a little, before shaking his head. "Sorry, I'm sure that's not very helpful. Like I said, I was just a miner before I become Apsu's Talon, so my opinion probably isn't very useful." He nodded to Madame Ross. "Lady Ross. I've been talking with Ryx, and he makes a very good point: this conference is going to have a lot of people. A lot of very important people. That's a pretty big target for someone looking to make a mess, if they wanted. I'm sure nobody would be there without guards, but... I'd like to see the place myself, just to be sure. As you said... perhaps I could do something to prevent my vision from becoming true."
'But, more likely, the darkness is already here... and I must do all in my power to stop it from hurting anyone.'
"Some of one, some of the other," Aramus says with a chuckle. "Nobody's hurt, but I do have a guest. This is Tessara." Aramus gestures to the elven girl beside him. "She's here from her homeland looking for a job. I figured you might want the help and company."
The witch remains silent as Zalika gives her speech, her face cool and expressionless. "If you believe I am unaware of that," she begins. "Then you are gravely misinformed. My queen is not stupid and she is fully aware of the dangers that Irrisen currently faces. To our south, clockwork soldiers that ignore the cold prowl the border between our territory and the Runelord's domain. To our east, demons raid our territories in what used to be the Kellid tribal lands. If we did not recognize the danger, we would not have bothered to make an appearance at this conference at all."
She gestures and a sprite brings two cups in while two more come in caring a tray with a steaming pot on it. "The Burning Prince is hardly my first concern this week. He's barely my fourth. So unless you have something of value to me in preventing my nation from falling under siege from Karzoug's monsters or solving the Worldwound problem, or even resealing the Tyrant, then I hardly see how you're of use to me right now. Your people are already under siege and, quite frankly, you are losing. An alliance would require us to come to your aid before we got anything out of it, and in that time we would be vulnerable to every enemy on our borders. While your people could potentially be of use if the Burning Prince was defeated, I hardly see the benefit of committing ourselves to a war with your enemy when there's no guarantee you'd survive to actually return the support."
Madame Ross is silent for a few moments as Maximo's words sink in. "He speaks wisdom," the halfling says, finally breaking the silence. "The devils may make powerful allies, but our people have fought since House Thrune first rose to power to be free from tyrants like them. I'd sooner ally with the Dead Tyrant than sell my soul to devils. At least a zombie is being honest when it tries to eat me."
The representative of Andoran nods with a tired sigh. "I can't argue with that," she says. "I've always said that Andoran must lead by example. And we hardly remind the world of the value of freedom if we are willing to sell it away to save our own lives. But that leaves us with few friends if we are unwilling to make some exceptions. I will never allow my people to suffer under the yoke of fiends, be they demons or devils, but I'm afraid that death may be the only alternative if we do not find some way to turn the tide."
The old man smiles and laughs. "Good, good. At least you haven't gotten yourself into trouble again." He bows his head in Tessara's direction. "And it's very good to meet you miss. Hmmm..." He looks her over. "So, you're interested in herbalism then? I've been looking for an apprentice, but without a certain level of talent, I doubt I'll be able to pass on my knowledge before I depart this world. You would have to learn quickly."
Tessara gives a determined nod. "I'll do my best. Ask me anything you think I should know. I've been taught many of the basics by my mother." The man begins to quiz her, asking her questions about various plants and remedies. His smile grows as she answers each one, growing more confident as she goes.
"Ha! Aramus, you great fool, I think you've brought me a true treasure!" He shakes Tessara's hand. "I'd be happy to take you on."
Acharn shakes his head in dismay. "I would hate for the land of the free to suffer the same fate as my homeland, but dealing with the devil might lead you to a fate just as bad. Allying with Quadira and other and other states not dominated by evil overlords would be better. But how to do that when they are besieged as well?"
Acharn lets the thought hang before continuing. "The tactician in me would say that if you are beset on all sides, focus on one side first, while either stall or withdraw from another. I doubt they would be willing to give up their homeland though, so that might not be an option. What of the Fey? Or new Thassilon? Maybe they'll be possible to reason with. What do you know of them?"
Maximo frowned, folding his arms as he looked down at the floor, tail swishing. Ryx tilted his head at the kobold as he watched him think. "...I know it leaves us with few allies, but... unless we want to take a page out of Lady Zalika's book and try reasoning with the de- ...demons..." Maximo's fringes perked up as he twisted to eye a map on the wall. He walked up, staring at it silently as he traced a claw along a path only he seemed able to see, babbling quietly.
After a moment of muttering, he smiled, before spinning around and pointing at Ryx. "That's it! That's what we'll do! We'll make allies out of the demons!" The white weasel's eyes snapped wide opened, head poking up and staring back at the kobold. It was hard to tell if he was more shocked at the pointing outburst or the exclamation that came with it.
Maximo paced in front of the map, continuing to mutter to himself and look at the map. Ryx, for his part, just looked between the others, either in disbelief or hoping they might understand what Maximo was blathering about.
Acharn archers an eyebrow coldly at the kobold's outburst. He had not expected him to come with that remark after so whemently opposing allying with the devils. "Allying with the demons? Aren't those the very enemy we are trying to defeat?" Acharn pauses for a second before his eyes glitter in understanding. "Unless you mean some different demons of course. Lamashtu and others like her." He shakes his head.
"If allying with the devils was a bad idea, allying with demons is much worse. At least devils will hold to contracts. Demons will just do whatever the hell they please. They'll turn on you at moments notice. A more treacherous ally you would have to look hard for. Or were you referring to something else?"
Secretly Acharn hopes that by showing support for Triels vehemence of the demons she'll come to trust him more. Trust is needed to build any further bond after all. While Archarn holds no for demons and every words he speaks is his true feelings, he might also have considered using one to serve his needs if he could somehow find the required binding rituals given it would accomplish his goals. Given his goals of pursuing Triel, for information and who knows might other benefits, he has discarded any thoughts of actually using anything demonic whatsoever. For the duration of the conversation so far he has managed to keep his eyes to the faces of the people speaking, refraining from straying all over Triel's body no matter how much he wanted to. He wants to show her he has discipline over his body and mind.
Maximo tapped his chin as he stared up at the map, before perking up and looking back at Archan. "...oh! Right, right, sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself." Maximo turned back up to the map, pointing at it with a nod before looking back.
"Okay, so, back in my tribe, we lived near a dormant volcano. The magma pools attracted these dragons called kyrana to them - think big, burning iguanas - anyways, they LOVED the heat and were territorial bastards, but they were greedy and pretty stupid, so they were easy to trick. What we did was build bonfires and lure the kyrana into a cavern we could trap them in. When intruders came along, we dumped water on the kyrana's fire and let it loose on the enemies, shooting fire arrows at them to draw them towards enemies. The kyrana, being a greedy fire chaser, ran right into them and dealt with the enemies while we got another fire ready."
Ryx tilted his head a little, watching the kobold as he spoke... and the closest thing to smiling a weasel could do grew across his face, as if he were proud of him. Maximo turned back to the map, pointing up at the area of the Worldwound. "Now, we already have the demons corralled in the Worldwound at the moment. Granted, they're getting bigger, but that is their general home. Their 'cavern', if you will. Now, if a small group could sneak into the Worldwound, steal something big and important, something they would hate to lose... and then run!" The kobold traced a line south towards Ustalav, and then even further south into Cheliax's empire boundaries. "The demons, in pursuit of the stolen object, would run right into the Whispering Tyrant's forces, and if they aren't stopped, will keep going south up to Cheliax's doorstep."
Maximo turned back, smiling as he folded his arms over his chest. "Like kyrana after burning arrows. I know it's a risky plan... er... heck, it's not even a plan, it's a gamble. I won't lie. But I think the demons are too stupid to realize they're being used until it's too late. And Deskari is like a new tribe leader; he's got himself a new throne and power, and he's itching to prove himself worthy of them both. Besides, it took a god to kill the Tyrant before... why not use another?"
Zalika feels the tell tale signs of her temper flaring and masters it, keeping it in check. Truth be told, its not really the Irrisen position thats causing it, just too many trying people in the one day.
"I think you yourself, might be slightly misinformed. Its no secret that Osirion is vulnerable, but that does not mean its unable to assist specific nations it chooses. For instance, many of our fire mages struggle to be effective in our own war with the firebleeder. Our enemies come from fire, so naturally...they remain slightly ineffective against this enemy, but might be more useful if directed against...something else".
Zalika pauses for a moment, before pressing both hands to the table. "Lets look at some of the facts. Fact one, the Firebleeder was only defeated last time by a collection of the strongest cold mages around. Times have changed significantly since then, but Irrisen is still thought of (perhaps grudgingly) as the premier master of ice, water and all things cold. Fact two, Osirion is guaranteed to lose without Irrisen, unless you can point me to an alternative source of Water spellcasters every bit as strong as you are. Demons and clockwork forces can be held, perhaps barely, but held, by superior numbers, military alliances, tactics, and so on. The Firebleeder however, will never be stopped, not unless the masters of frost succeed as they did before and remove its presence from the world. I say this to prevent misunderstandings, that unless an alternative source of extremely powerful cold magic can be found, Irrisen remains the only option on the table. If it remains isolated, then its isolation is tantamount to aiding and abetting our enemy, the Burning Price, and the Firebleeder. It means that Osirion is truly lost, and I'll abandon the region it without a seconds hesitation. I'll merge our military strength to any nation that gives me even the illusion of helpfulness, and enjoy the feeling of someone else having to deal with my old problems. Unfortunately, if Irrisen wishes to back Osirion into a corner, intentionally or not, then I'll be forced to back...unorthodox parties in the very near future".
Jonathan makes his way into the Free Nations headquarters just as he hears Maximo's plan come forward in full. Sighing beneath his mask, he looks to the assembled group with some modicum of disbelief. "Who would you propose we send? Who would move into the Worldwound, steal something of such value, and get away untouched? When the wardstones cracked, a demonic horde overran Galt; we only did away with them by destroying one of the Final Blades, one of our most powerful articfacts." He sighs again, shaking his head and moving towards the stairs. "What would you do against their entire force? They would not stop with the Tyrant; they'd sweep across Avistan like a plague of locusts." As he finished his sentence, Jonathan travels up the stairs, towards the quarters of those here by leave of Galt.
"I need to speak with Citizen Maximilian, personally." Jonathan says to the first Gardener he sees, a sense of urgency in his voice. "I have important details involving tomorrow's conference, and I must speak with him personally as soon as it is feasible."
Acharn is a bit surprised at the Kobold's suggestion. He hadn't expected him to come up with such a plan. He nods with a sceptical look on his face. "Making your enemies fight themselves is a good solution to overwhelming odds. It's desperate, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Still I see a number of problems with your plan. We need to find something that the Demons want so badly that they'll chase through anything to get it. I'm not sure if such a thing exists. Even if such a thing exists, we still need to get there, then steal it and finally escape in such a way that they'll follow us in the manner you describe. That's a lot of hoops to jump through. I'm not sure if any of them, let alone all is easy to accomplish."
Triel is quiet as Maximo explains his (frankly, mad) plan. Considering the objections raised by Jonathan as he passes through, and Acharn's consideration of the whole thing, her acceptance of such a gamble is tenuous, at best.
"Well, considering my idea was to get the Tyrant and Cheliax to start fighting each other once Deskari's been dealt with, I'm not sure I have any room to object to it." She sighs. "I'll need some time to think about this--and preferably a room of my own to think it over in."
The witch smirks. "You're a fiery one, aren't you?" She takes her cup of tea and sips it for a moment before replying. "Let me pose a hypothetical situation to you. Let us say that the Firebleeder does crush your nation. All of your allies as well. Then where does he go next? North across the Free Nations? South into the Mwangi Expanse? Across the Inner Sea here to Absalom and then into Cheliax? There is nothing but my people's enemies between us and the Firebleeder and the Burning Prince. The Firebleeder may never be stopped, but he will also never grow stronger either. It is already a force of utter chaos and destruction. So why is it wiser for me to risk my people's safety and sacrifice my people's power for your people when we can let it rampage through those who oppose us and stop it later? If you are right that only our ice magic can stop it, then there is no reason not to exploit that for all it's worth."
She sets her cup down. "I am not a heartless woman though, so I will offer you a deal. If you can find something that makes an alliance with your nation profitable to me now I will do my best to arrange it with my queen. Until then, I have no reason to risk my reputation on a crippled southern nation."
Madame Ross shakes her head. "I like the plan. I do. But I don't know how we could possibly pull it off. The demons that fight along the borders are fierce and deadly, but manageable. But in the deeper lands of the Worldwound, powerful demon warlords with power right out of our darkest myths and legends lurk, constantly warring with each other to claim power and prestige. I don't know if any mortal could survive such a mission."
She looks over at the arriving man. "Ah one of Maximillion's... people. I'm afraid he's off doing... something. I'm not certain when he'll be back."
Maximo looked back at Johnathan as he passed, frowning and looking at the others. Ryx followed his gaze, before curling up at the kobold's leg, looking up at him. Maximo grimaced, before nodding and looking at Madame Ross again... but not before audibly swallowing his fear.
"...I will go." He thumped a fist on his chest as he put on a brave face, before Ryx piped up with a squeak, drawing his eyes for a moment and nodding. "Er... WE will go. My kind are no stranger to hiding and moving around out of sight. I know it's crazy, and that demon lords could crush anyone who even breathes in their territory. Just attempting such a task is insane... and if the demons believe the same, and Apsu smiles on me... we might have a chance."
Maximo was clearly looking more and more uneasy with every word, but he soldiered on in spite of the fear. "There must be some holy artifact that survived their onslaughts, laying buried somewhere. A brilliant sword, or a polished shield, or... gods willing, a fragment of the wardstones left in tact. Anything! Perhaps even the notion that someone dared to infiltrate their home would be enough to whip them into a frenzy. And getting there..." Maximo paused. Evidently, even he hadn't considered that far. If he wanted to get in to someplace he shouldn't be, what would be the best way to do so...? His train of thought was interrupted by Ryx nudging at his back. He looked over and noticed he was pressing his nose on the pick hanging over his shoulder. He blinked a bit, before snapping his clawed fingers. "Mining... we take underground paths into the Worldwound, and mine our way through obstacles! Demons like to destroy pretty or holy things... and I have yet to come across a mine shaft that meets either of those criteria!"