Dawn of the Third Age/IC Logs/Session 44

[13:12] <Virgil> The Celestial Deliberative is in session. Brazen stands on the floor of the chamber, the seats if anything are more filled than last time the body convened when they voted him into this august peerage.

[13:14] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen looked up, staring everyone in the eye without fear, back in his Deliberative Robes

[13:14] <Virgil> The chamber stands in watch, as Brazen stands accused of assaulting and maiming another Deliberator. He has thus far been recounting events on the day of the incident. Standing in control of the proceedings is Ta'an Aesin, as Anshu was present at the incident.

[13:15] * Shrike sits quietly in her seat, her expression carefully neutral

[13:17] <Virgil> "Your testimony of the events leading up to the event is satisfactory." Aesin says. Cutting off any further storytelling from Brazen. "Several notable people here even support your testimony but I think it best you both relate what happened next."

[13:20] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen shrugged. "I fought him. He lost. He shouldn't have insulted my daughter."

[13:20] * Nomoe_Hideaki sits on his platform a coldly radiant figure watching events unfold on the Deliberative floor with dispassionate attentiveness. For once it's hard to argue with Brazen's reasoning.

[13:22] <Virgil> "This barely civilised witless thug attacked me," Enor sneers his mate sitting near the floor of the chamber looking bored. "Provocation or no I DEMAND he be removed from this chamber. Permenantly."

[13:22] <Virgil> Enor appears mostly unharmed, by his account the blessing of the gifts of Lunar. "That beast has claws, and mark my words they did serious damage."

[13:25] <Brazen_Sand> "So I'm not able to intercede on my daughter's behalf? I gave you ample opportunity to apologize, and you knew what would happen if you didn't."

[13:25] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen replied. "And these claws have saved Creation."

[13:27] <Virgil> "Violence is the resort of the brute, not of a Deliberator." Enor spits out in disgust. His voice is shrill and irritated.

[13:27] * Shrike discreetly motions for a turn to speak

[13:27] <Virgil> Aesin turns in Shrike's direction and nods.

[13:29] <Shrike> Shrike rises, and gives Enor a pitying look. "Violence might not be the resort of a Deliberator, but neither is being so petty as to think one can insult another person's family without consequences, or so weak as to feel a need to drag the entire Deliberative into a matter where your pride was stung."

[13:29] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen nodded. "Damn right."

[13:29] <Shrike> "You should be grateful you were dealing with Brazen and not me, were it my family you insulted the Deliberative would never have heard of this - at least not from you."

[13:30] * Nomoe_Hideaki nods, giving a slight smile at Shrike's words

[13:33] <Virgil> Aesin turns her head towards Shrike her gaze cold. "Fights between Deliberator's are always the business of the Deliberative" She rebukes, "To let violence go unpunished would only encourage it, and records show that is a poor course of action with people who can destroy cities on a whim."

[13:34] <Virgil> "Furthermore Deliberator Shrike should I hear of you engaging in physical hostilities with another Deliberator, you will be punished both publically and severely."

[13:35] <Brazen_Sand> "So what? I let this guy get away with making my daughter cry because he doesn't like how she looks, just because he has more friends?"

[13:35] <Brazen_Sand> He pointed upwards. "Not going to happen!"

[13:37] * Shrike has an expresson torwards Aesin that almost says she'd be looking forwards to such a thing, but she speaks no further, taking a seat.

[13:38] <Brazen_Sand> Motes danced around his eyes and throat as he used his excellency to read the crowd

[13:40] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen snorted in anger and showed his teeth. "This is a set-up." He hissed. "Nothing but a show."

[13:42] <Virgil> "Quite obviously Deliberator Brazen, but one you seem to have fallen for perfectly. As I have said this body does not care for violence between its members."

[13:44] <Virgil> Aesin gestures. "Do you have anything more to add?"

[13:45] <Virgil> Enor looks as if he will say something else but Aesin's glare cuts him short. Too much of the early trial was punctuated by his whining.

[13:47] <Shrike> "So it's perfectly alright, then, to set up a trap for somebody to incite violence, then have them punished for it because violence is forbidden, yet the Deliberator doing the setting-up receives no punishment?"

[13:49] <Brazen_Sand> "Who're you working for, Enor?!"

[13:51] * Nomoe_Hideaki affecting a bored expression raises a hand slightly to indicate that he would speak.

[13:52] <Virgil> "Unfortunately Deliberator Shrike I'm informed not. As much as I'd like to arrest most of the Deliberative for such socially dirty tricks, yourself included by the way, it is not presently against Deliberative Law." Aesin turns her impassionate gaze towards Shrike. "The perpatrator of this however will be punished, if less severely than Brazen. After all it takes two parties to provoke hostilities."

[13:54] <Virgil> Enor looks at Brazen, "Why would I need any incentive to prevent something hideous like you joining this organization?" He seems disgusted at the implication. "I'm doing the entre Deliberative a favour, each session one does not have to look at you."

[13:54] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen growled

[13:54] <Brazen_Sand> Threateningly

[13:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "While this is all very entertaining to watch ..." Nomoe cuts in.

[13:54] <Brazen_Sand> "I don't remember you fighting alongside us when we saved Gem, captured teh Empress, and delivered a Directional Titan into the Deliberative's hands!"

[13:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "In the interest of saving time let me be the one to state a few obvious things, would you?"

[13:55] <Virgil> "Silence!" Aesin cuts in. "I do not believe anyone other than Brazen has been given leave to talk."

[13:56] <Brazen_Sand> "Nothing further!"

[13:56] <Virgil> She waits for the chamber to quieten down, as several groups mutter, prepared as they were to jump in.

[13:57] * Nomoe_Hideaki tilts his head slightly, waiting for his now formally requested turn to speak

[14:00] <Virgil> She nods at Brazen, apart from being cold towards everyone Ta'an appears to have been fair. "Do the two accused mates have anything they wish to add?"

[14:00] <Virgil> Enor's mate, Garner sighs and waves his hand dismissively. He looks bored.

[14:05] <Wandering> �ACTION watch the procedings with barely conceled anger and stands "I do" she stands "I think for the first time I am ashamed to be called Deliberator." he voice is clear and strong showing none of the anger she feels "That anyone of our number could stoop to such a weak, foolish and cowardly tactic to secure the dismisal of one of our own. One that was so weak as to take council of his fears rather than reason" she looks d

[14:06] <Wandering> she looks directly at Enor "Brazen was in the wrong to strike at Enor, but can you all here honestly say that if it was your child that had been treated so you would not have defended them?"

[14:07] <Brazen_Sand> "See, Enor? That's called having a mate who likes you. You should try it some time."

[14:07] <Virgil> Muttering breaks out, mostly amongst those who are parents among the deliberative, many of them seem to agree with Wandering.

[14:07] * Shrike smirks at Brazen's comment

[14:07] <Virgil> Garner laughs at that, amusement on the man's face his braid swinging slightly with the motion.

[14:08] <Virgil> Anyone using Sagacious Reading of Intent or Judge's Ear Method other than Nomoe?

[14:08] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen pumps his fist at the laughing crowd and smirks

[14:08] <Virgil> Aesin calls for order again, "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

[14:11] * Nomoe_Hideaki once more raises a hand slightly, slightly annoyed that his previous indications were ignored

[14:15] <Virgil> Aesin nods to Nomoe

[14:16] * Nomoe_Hideaki rises, appearing both bore and a bit annoyed by the lengthy proceedings. "The esteemed Deliberator Enor's suggested punishment is, as he no doubt is quite aware, with respect, somewhat excessive. The law being the law the range of appropriate punishments for such a simple case has been established."

[14:17] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "What's more, provocation and intention to entrap on part of the other party involved has been acknowledged, as a mitigating factor and a counter-charge."

[14:17] <Brazen_Sand> "Not to mention dragging in my own child."

[14:21] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "In the interest of a speedy resolution and thereby saving my esteemed peers' valuable time," Nomoe continues, ignoring Brazen, "keeping to established law and precedent rather than catering to the games played by certain parties would seem to be the obvious course of action." His tone implies that it's not the games being played that annoys him as much rather the obviousness and thus ineptness of it.

[14:21] * Nomoe_Hideaki bows slightly to his peers, then sits down again, gesturing to one of his servants for refreshments with a sigh.

[14:26] <Virgil> Garner claps at Nomoe's speech, obviously approving wholeheartedly

[14:27] * Shrike looks a bit unhappy, but doesn't voice dissent

[14:29] <Virgil> "I am happy to work out a suitable punishment for my Mate with Justice Ta'an, if she is now willing to pronounce sentence on Brazen. Whatever that may be." Garner stands and says calmly. Enor stands and turns up and around to glare at him in disbelief.

[14:29] * Wandering surpress a chuckle knowing she will savour the look on Enor face for some time to come

[14:30] <Virgil> Much of the crowd mutters in agreement at Nomoe's speech as well.

[14:32] * Nomoe_Hideaki inclines his head by a minute fraction readable only with the Charms Garner is sure to have. Neatly maneuvered.

[14:33] <Virgil> Snow present in the chamber has said nothing either way on this case

[14:35] * Nomoe_Hideaki looks to Ta'an Aesin expectantly, one eyebrow raised just an infinitesimal bit. Surely she won't favor one of the accused over the other in making one pronouncement public but not the other, it seems to eloquently ask.

[14:36] <Virgil> Aesin silences the crowd again. "With that out of the way, sentencing for Brazen Sand is as follows. Brazen Sand, as you have admited to being guilty of the crome, though provoked you are sentenced to do one service for the Deliberative, speak to Deliberator Antarah, after the session. As always the Deliberative may overrule the judgement as an appeal by majority vote. That is all."

[14:37] <Virgil> "At least for Brazen Sand."

[14:37] <Virgil> Garner shrugs and does not interrupt

[14:37] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen shrugged. "Whatever."

[14:38] <Wandering> Wandering looks sternly at Brazen */Try to behave Beloved*/

[14:40] <Brazen_Sand> "*Suckers, I would've probably done it anyway. I've gotta keep my face out there, after all."

[14:40] <Brazen_Sand> Before he left, he raised a hand, almost as large as one of the platforms. "May I say something before this session is ended?"

[14:41] <Virgil> "As for Deliberator Enor. For antagonising another Deliberator to violence deliberately and causing us all to have to waste our time here rather than on more important matters, you are hereby banned from all Deliberator special priviledges for the next century and banished from the chamber for a duration of one month. As always the Deliberative may overrule the judgement as an appeal by majority vote. That

[14:42] * Shrike barely suppresses a grin, but can't restrain herself from a satisfied smirk

[14:42] <Virgil> That is all."

[14:43] <Virgil> "You may have the floor Deliberator." Aesin pronounces before ending the session.

[14:43] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen theatrically cleared his throat, sending echoes along the huge chamber

[14:44] * Wandering Smirks as well, it was a decent start at least. Almost more than one could of hoped for.

[14:44] <Brazen_Sand> "I would like to thank my fellow Deliberators for seeing reason, and taking time out of your no-doubt busy schedules to be here. I wish to assure you all that this was NOT a misunderstanding, I do NOT regret my former actions, and that if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would do everything the same. Thank you."

[14:45] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen then put on a pair of sunglasses and strutted off the floor.

[14:46] * Nomoe_Hideaki sighs and shakes his head.

[14:47] <Virgil> Aesin sighs, aware this will no doubt mean more of this kind of thing in the future. "Session dismissed."

[14:48] <Virgil> The Deliberators begin to filter out. Enor looks like he is still in shock he has gone so pale. Garner smirks rises and leaves, leaving others to deal with his mate.

[14:49] <Nomoe_Hideaki> In keeping with his projected annoyance Nomoe rises immediately and, after only a minimum of politicking leaves the assembly building with his aides behind him.

[14:49] <Brazen_Sand> He then took out a pile of papers and began offering to sign autographs, even offering it to other Deliberators

[14:50] <Shrike> Shrike shakes her head bemusedly and stands, cricking her neck and collecting her papers from her desk

[14:52] <Wandering> Wandering joins the other Deliberators leaving the main hall wondering if there was a long term plan in Garner's actions.

[14:55] <Brazen_Sand> Eventually, Brazen exhausts either his paper-pile or his patience and decides to go find Ziyad and talk about whatever chore they have for him. [14:56] * Shrike goes to exit the main hall, looking satisfied.

[14:56] <Virgil> As Nomoe turns to leave a messanger arrives, handing him a scroll with a wax seal with the Nomoe crest on it.

[14:58] <Virgil> Shrike is met in the hallway, by a page. "Deliberator Shrike? Deliberators Ziyad, Rooks, and Dawn would care to see you as well."

[14:59] <Shrike> Shrike smiles and nods to the page. "Thank you," she says politely, waiting to be led to those requesting her presence.

[14:59] <Brazen_Sand> "*I'm gonna go see about this Ziyad thing, honey.*"

[15:00] <Nomoe_Hideaki> One of Nomoe's secretaries receives the scroll and hands it to Nomoe once aboard his hover palanquin. After briefly examining the seal he breaks it and begins to read while the vehicle makes its way to his office.

[15:05] *** Virgil is now known as Ziyad_Antarah

[15:05] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen squeezed through the door with some difficulty. "You wanted to see me, Deliberator?"

[15:06] <Wandering> Wandering nods as if to herself */I'm sure it won't be anything too difficult Beloved*/

[15:08] <Ziyad_Antarah> As Brazen enters, he sees two other Deliberators with Brazen already. One he recognises as the General Lady of the Rooks, still resplendant in her dress Celestial Battle Armour. The other is an Admiral in the surface fleet, a woman who is midnight black with short white and grey hair, dressed in a simple uniform that also displays her rank.

[15:08] <Ziyad_Antarah> She turns as he enters and he will notice her eyes look odd, the colours inverted from the norm.

[15:10] <Ziyad_Antarah> The page leads Shrike through the maze of corridors to Ziyad's office. She enters a few minutes after Brazen

[15:10] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen almost fills the entire office by himself

[15:11] <Shrike> Shrike steps into the office, nodding to Brazen with a smile, then formally nodding to the others present

[15:11] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Having arrived at his office Nomoe begins to draft missives in between speaking to various House Nomoe Elders back at White Oak Redoubt through his hearthstone.

[15:14] <Brazen_Sand> "Rooks, strange eye lady." Brazen said to each of them with a nod.

[15:14] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen sighed. "This is about the West, isn't it?"

[15:15] <Shrike> "Admiral Dawn, I presume?" Shrike adds to Brazen's comment, deciding 'strange eye lady' might be a bit on the indiscreet side to leave hanging.

[15:16] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Deliberators" Ziyad greets them both informally. "This would be General Rooks and Admiral Dawn, both of the West. Grand General "

[15:17] <Ziyad_Antarah> They both nod.

[15:17] * Ziyad_Antarah laughs at Brazen's nicknames for them

[15:18] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Yes this about the West." Ziyad says, as the two high ranking officers don't look amused.

[15:19] <Shrike> "Is there new news about the Silver Prince's fleet, then?" Shrike asks

[15:19] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen looked at Dawn out of the corner of his third eye, magnifying essence coruscating around it

[15:20] <Nomoe_Hideaki> If the honored Elders will put their trust of him Hideaki would be happy to expedite matters with the until-now missing Iselsi remnant, is the tenor of his replies. Naturally a fully diplomatic contingent will be required, secondary Nomoe ambassadors and very importantly representatives of the most important Iselsi branches already gathered in the alliance.

[15:20] <Brazen_Sand> His eyes narrowed at Dawn, seeing the Void at her heart

[15:21] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen sighed. "Alright, who needs rescuing."

[15:22] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Not anymore so than usual." Rooks mutters.

[15:23] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn shrugs. "We are the more hawkish of the officers amongst Grand Admiral Atheon's staff." She shrugs, "But this is not what we are here for. Brazen is indeed correct we are here to ask him to save someone... but it is not a person."

[15:23] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Taking a personal hand in sending missives as well as arranging for messages to be sent from White Oak Redoubt by his Elders Nomoe Hideaki sets Eagle's Launch at the Western coast of the Blessed Isle as departing point for his delegation, where the others will join him (travel expenses paid by House Nomoe, naturally).

[15:24] <Brazen_Sand> "Do go oooon." Brazen said theatrically.

[15:24] <Ziyad_Antarah> She gestures to the glowing map between them. "Deliberator Shrike would be useful in this endeavour as well."

[15:24] * Shrike raises her eyebrows

[15:25] <Shrike> "What is it then that requires retrieving?" she asks with interest

[15:26] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen had to bend down quite a bit to look at the map

[15:26] <Ziyad_Antarah> Ziyad breaks in. "Again not quite that type of task. The admirals want a team put together, for a long term project. I have no doubt some of that will feature however." He says with a grin.

[15:28] <Wandering> Wandering moves with what was becoming practiced ease among her fellows as they left the main hall and gathered in the lobby and lounges, around her was the usual buzz of conversation and gossip that they all seemed to enjoy and privately Wandering did as well sometimes at least, not that she would willingly admit it to anyone. She carefully joined one group "Well that was less painful than it could have wasn't it?"

[15:28] <Shrike> "I have to say you have me quite intrigued..."

[15:29] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen sighed. "Aw hell, you knew this would happen, didn't you? I'd get in trouble and you'd be able to pull me into this, right?"

[15:30] <Wandering> she said smiling at the group she had selected "At least both sides have be punished and hopefully it will be the end of the whole affiar, we wouldn't want any bad blood after all"

[15:30] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Certainly." Goes a Lunar by the name of Aged Root, "A narrow escape too. Ta'an is normally quite a hardliner about people breaking the law."

[15:32] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn gestures to the map. "The Prince's and our expansion in the West has ground to a halt. At the present time neither side wishes to be said to be breaking the informal non-aggression treaty in place since the Wyld Invasion and neither has done anything to territory belonging to the other."

[15:32] <Ziyad_Antarah> "However..."

[15:33] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Various territories in the west, far more so than elsewhere in creation, have joined in neither side of the conflict. This breaks down to a variety of individual reasons as varied as the number of islands in the western ocean."

[15:33] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen nodded. Dislike of the forces of the Underworld was something that both Brazen adn teh Yozis could agree with.

[15:33] <Wandering> "Indeed" Wandering agreed "It was luckly that she was willing to be leinant, through I suppose the fact that Garner did not speak in his mates defence would have something to do with it I think at least" she shook her head "It's a sad time when one's mate will not speak in your defence"

[15:33] <Ziyad_Antarah> "This is now the battleground for the West, at least for the time being."

[15:33] <Brazen_Sand> "But you said that there's a bunch that haven't taken sides, and no one is fighting right now."

[15:33] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen asked

[15:34] <Shrike> "So you want us to...manipulate events in our favor in these places?"

[15:34] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Garner uses Enor when it is appropriate, though I've never seen Enor used as unsubtly as this." Posits another gossip, a Solar Wandering doesn't know.

[15:35] <Ziyad_Antarah> "If you can. Though there are specific targets even among these that we would prefer you focus on." Rooks says. Her beak like helm making her sound much like the bird that is her totem.

[15:36] <Brazen_Sand> "This isn't really my thing. I'll be seen from miles away."

[15:36] <Ziyad_Antarah> "I would rather see open warfare against this ghost and his minion but Atheon would rather stay his hand, and Dawn and I are left to try and hold things together."

[15:38] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Ah but it this particular occasion that will be quite useful, at least for what we have in mind, Brazen." Rooks continues. "You see, this island chain here? It is the current battleground. The Prince and we are both sending in forces trying to clear the area of pirates. At least that is the justification."

[15:38] * Shrike listens quietly to the discussion, looking thoughtful

[15:39] <Brazen_Sand> "I'm not a sneaky man...entity...whatever, you'll have to be a bit more clear."

[15:39] <Wandering> Wandering shakes her head in apparent sympathy "That is rarther harsh treatment for him. I'm not happy with what he did but I think even he deserves better than that." She then looked thoughtful "So I suppose its vaguely possible that it was not all his own ideas at least"

[15:40] <Brazen_Sand> "Do you want me to blow up the pirates?"

[15:40] <Ziyad_Antarah> "For several of the nearby regions, we need the Pirates dealt with. Visibly, very much so." Dawn takes over. "However the forces we send may also encounter the Prince's forces trying the same thing."

[15:40] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Exactly."

[15:41] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen grinned. "Well, would this be a heroic action that would help the Westerners and make my name a source of hope and joy and glory there?"

[15:41] <Shrike> "And what would be my role? I'm not much the open-combat type," Shrike observes with a chuckle

[15:44] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn turns to Shrike, "The pirates are mostly sponsered by two groups." She gestures to the map screen. "The first is a collection of captains based out of Damon's Harbour on Isle of Damon. Blame them for the unoriginal names." She says with a smirk.

[15:44] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Most of them need to be eliminated quietly to prevent the others from running and scattering across the rest of the Ocean."

[15:45] <Shrike> "Ahh, I see." Shrike smirks as well. "That's something I should be able to do."

[15:46] <Brazen_Sand> "Question. How can a bunch of pirates stand a chance against either the Deliberative or Skullstone?"

[15:46] <Ziyad_Antarah> "The head of this motley collection though, is going to be a problem. And leads nicely into our second issue." She continues. A woman's picture replaces the maps. "They are led by a Damon Evora, a retired pirate and now high ranking member of the Varangian Concordant, A power in the region."

[15:46] <Brazen_Sand> "I mean, I know about teh Lintha, but they're...not quite at our level. Although I am a bit behind in the Reclamation."

[15:47] <Wandering> Wandering nodded and filed that away "Not really how one should treat one's mate is it?" she shook her head "Seems at least his main intent was thwarted at least. Although I suppose it has weakened Brazens standing somewhat"

[15:47] <Ziyad_Antarah> "These aren't Lintha, they were mostly slaughtered by the Wyld or the Prince. The Concordant on the other hand is a serious danger, as it is the Western remnant of the entity once known as the Guild."

[15:48] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen nodded. "Ah yes, the Guild. I remember buying medicine from then when I was a boy."

[15:48] <Ziyad_Antarah> "We know the Concordant has several Celestial Exalts among its members, some of whom are members of the Deliberative. I suspect more of them are not."

[15:48] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen looked at the others. "Yeah, I was a human once."

[15:49] <Shrike> Shrike barely resists sticking her tongue out at Brazen, and nods in acknowledgement to the situation report

[15:49] <Ziyad_Antarah> "The piracy and slave trade are two of their more powerful sources of income in the region. We are hoping by taking more direct action we can force them to the negotation table and if not, well hopefully you like making a few examples of why that is a good idea."

[15:50] <Brazen_Sand> "So if they're members of the Deliberative, then why not just talk about it with them?"

[15:52] <Brazen_Sand> "It wouldn't make any sense for them to mess with the Deliberative if they're a part of it."

[15:52] <Ziyad_Antarah> "We don't know which members of the Deliberative are also members of the Concordant. The organisation is secretive and several of its practices violate Deliberative laws." Ziyad says, "We were happy to ignore them for the time being, but they are now causing problems for our expansion in the West and this leaves rooms for the Silver Prince to exploit things."

[15:53] <Ziyad_Antarah> He looks to the generals, silently apologising for interrupting. "Or so I'm told."

[15:53] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn smiles while Rooks remains silent behind her mask.

[15:53] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen nodded thoughtfully. "Well, you've got me by the short and curlies anyway. I'm in."

[15:54] <Brazen_Sand> "I do like that beach, after all."

[15:54] <Shrike> "So basically you want us to spread chaos, anarchy, destruction, fear, uncertainty, and doubt among the pirates?" Shrike asks with a smile.

[15:55] <Brazen_Sand> "But if they're from the Guild, don't a lot of people depend on them?"

[15:55] <Brazen_Sand> "You know, for food and medicine and stuff?"

[15:56] <Ziyad_Antarah> "You will be coordinating your efforts mostly with my naval forces while we are in the archipelago." Dawn mentions, "And we thought you'd appreciate the assignment, just as you'd planned to assist anyway, we'd planned to ask you. I'm told your to think of this as a non-punishment punishment." She says with a grin.

[15:57] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen shrugged with a wry smile, looking down at Dawn. "What can I say? I'm very civic-minded."

[15:58] <Ziyad_Antarah> "The pirates are one part of the trade, an illegal and ultimately harmful part." Rooks interjects angrily. "They've hindered our ability to peacefully get the area under control and certain resources as well as the island groups strategic position in the eventual war against Skullstone would be useful. The Concordant can live without their leeches, and the Guild as an entity no longer exists just these

[15:59] <Brazen_Sand> "Hey hey, I'm just asking questions here. I'm from the desert, remember?"

[16:01] <Ziyad_Antarah> "She's not angry at you Brazen." Dawn interjects, "Both she and I feel the Deliberative has tied our hands... we would rather be at war with the Prince, rather than pussyfooting around playing at diplomacy." She glances at Ziyad, "No offence, sir."

[16:01] <Ziyad_Antarah> "None taken."

[16:01] <Shrike> "Better to be direct," Shrike agrees with a nod

[16:02] <Brazen_Sand> "Alright. I've just got to know, because if I'm going in there to fight, then lots of things are going to explode, and I'd rather not kill people who happened to be unlucky enough to be born there."

[16:03] <Ziyad_Antarah> "There are normal people living in Damon's Harbour and the City. Probably wise not to kill them." Rooks says drolly. "Not that I think you will."

[16:04] <Brazen_Sand> "Alright, I'll stay away from there, then. If I have to fight there, can you evacuate it?"

[16:04] <Shrike> "Collateral damage usually tends to attract attention, and that's not something I'm looking for..."

[16:09] <Ziyad_Antarah> Another Deliberator chimes in "Yes I imagine Brazen has lost a little standing in the eyes of some. But he is a new Deliberator and an Infernal at that, so I can't imagine it was much."

[16:10] <Ziyad_Antarah> Another chimes in "As for Garner, he always treats Enor like that. The two tolerate each other, but Garner is reckless and cares for very little. I heard he once decided if Enor got what he wanted out of him on a coin toss."

[16:11] <Wandering> Wandering shook her head privately wondering how any exalt could treat another like that

[16:12] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Keep a leash on Brazen and any collateral damage then." Rooks says with a shrug, "Your two precise skill sets should keep the other out of trouble."

[16:12] <Brazen_Sand> "So it's just us going?"

[16:12] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen cleared his throat a bit nervously. This was awkward

[16:12] <Wandering> "Indeed? Why does the deliverative put up with such things?" she asked one of her fellow Lunars "Surely it sets a bad preicednet"

[16:13] <Shrike> Shrike barely stifles a giggle at Rooks words, but manages to disguise it as a cough.

[16:13] <Brazen_Sand> Brazen glared at Shrike for a moment.

[16:13] <Ziyad_Antarah> The gossip starts up about Garner now in earnest... apparently he has decided quite a lot of things on games of chance, the man is a compulsive gambler, owns a string of casinos across the world, travelling between them in an airship. He lost his own fate on a double-heading coin... all manner of things are said. Of which only half are likely to be true

[16:17] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn also fails to turn her laugh into a cough. "More seriously," and she gives Rooks a stern look that screams try to be more tactful, "you may take anyone you think might be useful in the situation but try not to discuss this too openly. If you get into trouble with the Prince, we'd rather be able to deny responsabiltiy to appease the Deliberative"

[16:17] <Ziyad_Antarah> Irritation creeps into her voice on the last statementr

[16:17] <Wandering> Wandering listened carefully as the gossip flowed egging some people on and trying to memorize all that she heard

[16:18] <Shrike> "Ah, right, if we're captured you'll deny all knowledge of us, etc, etc. I know the drill," Shrike says with a knowing nod.

[16:19] <Ziyad_Antarah> Root shrugs, "That's true but then Garner doesn't run his life. Enor was asking him for a favour." He sighs, "Would you do anything asked of you by your mate?"

[16:19] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Either that or use it as an excuse to start a War," Rooks says happily.

[16:20] <Ziyad_Antarah> Ziyad who had been quietly drinking wine nearly chokes.

[16:20] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Or not." She says sadly.

[16:22] <Wandering> Wandering thinks for a moment and then nods "Near enough, I would. He is more than my mate after all. But even without I'd be hard pressed to refues anything that was asked, even if it risked myself."

[16:27] <Ziyad_Antarah> Aged Root looks raises an eyebrow, "Interesting. I think in similar circumstances I would do the same, but alas I am not nearly as close with Dawn. She's normally too busy" He says sadly.

[16:29] <Ziyad_Antarah> A messanger enters, speaks quickly with Rook in hushed tones and leaves. The conversation mostly quietens while this happens but some dampening field means the words do not carry.

[16:29] <Shrike> "The question is if we started a war would we be able to finish it," Shrike observes levelly.

[16:30] <Ziyad_Antarah> "If you will excuse me. I have something urgent that must be attended to Dawn should be able to finish the briefing." She and Dawn glance at one another a shrug passing from Rooks to Dawn before the former strides from the room.

[16:32] <Ziyad_Antarah> Dawn smiles, as she hears Shrike's question. "From what information we've gathered thus far, yes we would. However it would require 90% of the surface fleet, 50% of the Army and 40% of the Air Fleet to win the war. Assuming Thirty Celestials on the frontline from our side and suitable Dragonblooded support. The Silver Prince has amassed a very large force" She says.

[16:33] <Wandering> Wandering smiled slightly "It just sort of happened" she shrugged "Not something I'd planned on I can assure you" she sighed slightly "Still it's better than you hear some of the eldars tell it where you are pulled between love and your mate I suppose"

[16:33] <Shrike> "And what weaknesses would that leave us on other fronts?" Shrike asks. "Especially the East?"

[16:33] <Ziyad_Antarah> "It is doable, if costly, and that is the reason the Deliberative considers it something to avoid for the moment, despite our argument that the Prince will just grow in strength."

[16:34] * Shrike nods in understanding. "It does seem a rather...difficult decision."

[16:35] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Assuming we drew evenly, the East would be be defended by about 65% of the forces that currently protect it now. The other directions 55%. The Automaton's in Denandsor make a rather significant difference."

[16:36] <Ziyad_Antarah> Root shrugs looking distant, "I'm sure some of us are in that situation, espcially those of us paired with..." He realises who he is talking to and doesn't complete that thought.

[16:39] <Ziyad_Antarah> "Still it is doable at least with the Intelligence we have at present." She rolls the gold sword hilt at her hip. "To be honest I'd be eager to get to it as Rooks is. We all have our reasons for wanting this. Even Atheon, though he for the moment would rather keep the peace.

[16:40] <Brazen_Sand> "What about the Titan?"

[16:40] <Shrike> "As long as we don't expose ourself elsewhere, I'd have to agree that it's better to accept a risk now and strike while the enemy is weak, as opposed to building up, which also gives the enemy a chance to build up."

[16:41] <Wandering> Wandering looks questionly at Root "And of course it was rarther more unique in my case it seems. Brazen is not after all what we where taught to expect as our glorious Solar mates. But it seems somethings endure no matter what happens"

[16:41] <Brazen_Sand> " I thought those things were supposed to be unstoppable

[16:43] <Brazen_Sand> "Just fly over Skullstone and go nuts?"

[16:45] <Ziyad_Antarah> "I have to admit, I had not factored in the Titan," she says with a small scowl of annoyance at herself. "It changes the game significantly. "Though I doubt the General of the East would release it to us."

[16:45] <Shrike> "I'd rather it remains right where it is," Shrike says pointedly. "However its presence might allow for the release of additional assets to the West if needed."

[16:46] <Ziyad_Antarah> "He does not seem to understand the problems of the West, just as I doubt we truly understand the problems of war in the east."

[16:47] <Brazen_Sand> "Alright, so when do we get there, and how?"

[16:52] <Ziyad_Antarah> "I plan on rejoining my Fleet which will anchor just outside the Deliberative Territory the Argent Sea by agreement of Deliberators Cowl and Carve Dolphin. We can take you most of the way and then dispatch a small cutter to take you the remainder."

[16:52] <Brazen_Sand> "Will I be able to fit or should I just fly?"

[16:53] <Ziyad_Antarah> "As to when we leave, well whenever your ready. I am pleased you are willing to help with Rooks and my little scheme."

[16:53] <Brazen_Sand> "I sort of have to, but yeah, I probably would've helped anyway."

[16:54] <Ziyad_Antarah> She laughs again, "It is a Warship. One designed to carry Warbird, I think we can find somewhere comfortable for you." She stands her hand ceasing to play with her sword hilt. "Do you need to make any preparations?"

[16:54] <Shrike> "We'll have to consider if there's anyone else we'd like to bring along," Shrike points out. "But it shouldn't take too very long. And I'm glad to help - adventuring is always good, especially with the way things have been around here lately."

[16:54] <Brazen_Sand> "Who's Warbird?"

[16:56] <Ziyad_Antarah> She snickers at this, "It is a type of one man skyship. The skyfleet deploys them in large numbers. I see there may well be alot of naval terminology that you made need to know." She says kindly.

[16:56] <Brazen_Sand> "Yeah, I should probably get taught all that stuff."

[16:58] <Brazen_Sand> "Well, I'll need to say goodbye to my Mate, make sure everything is okay before I go...learn all the naval...stuff."

[17:00] <Shrike> "I'll need to learn as well. But I think we'll have plenty of time to learn as we go. And you'll need an eyepatch..."

[17:00] <Brazen_Sand> "I can't wear one over my third eye. It really hurts."