TheStarsAreRight:RedlandLetter18

I wanted to request a favor.

Over the long, grey months, I've had some time to reflect, and it has come to my attention that pretty much every decision I’ve made where I do something has been either unproductive or counter-productive. (On the other hand, when I make decisions not to do something, I think I’ve been more successful).

I was hoping that I could start running things by you. You could veto any of my ideas that seem destined to end in tears. Obviously, I can’t run things by Rebecca, since I will undoubtedly spend a great deal of time calling everyone ‘fools’.

To that end, here is how I see things.

First, when we travel to see St. Mar, I would like to stop by Wisphers and pick up my evil watch. Despite my reservations regarding it, I think that it may be useful to have in this St. Mar / Outsider mission. My inclination would be to keep it wrapped in that weird material unless it appeared we needed it.

I think it would not be a good idea for me to see Laura on my trip there. After reflecting on Donal’s words, I’m inclined to think that she would be safer that way.

I also think we should abandon working on the new Principles. Laura never evinced any particular interest in the idea, Amanda did not show any inclination to speak to her about it, and the KoF was not inclined to help me locate any of the relevant members. The fact that I was the only person interested in the situation should be, I believe, taken as a sign. In the past, I’ve ignored such signs, and I think it was foolish of me to do so.

On the subject of ignoring signs that everyone else saw, I’m also very much inclined not to give any more unsolicited information to Pentheus (e.g., the Tablets of Aelda). I don’t know about you, but my enthusiasm for Pentheus has reached an all-time low. I don’t trust them at all, and I certainly don’t think I should give them any information pertaining to Laura, insofar as they have already shown themselves to be hostile in this matter.

I feel compelled, grudgingly, to still support Pentheus, at least for the time being. If we see an inkling of anything better, though, I think we should cut ties with them (or at least ignore them).

As far as Outsiders are concerned, everyone has told me that I’m a fool to be dealing with them. I’m no longer willing to ignore their counsel. I may be a bit penned in during this St. Mar trip, but after that, I think I should resist any temptation to interact with them in any fashion. For instance, your thought that we should not invoke them in New York as a pre-incursion is probably wise. I don’t think I should cast the tool away completely, but I think I should leave it up to you as to when it should be used. You have a greater aversion to the Outsiders, so I think you can be trusted to decide when a situation is dire enough to necessitate their involvement.

My expectation is that you will have, largely, agreed with what I have written to this point. I am less certain how you will receive my next thoughts.

I think we need to locate some source(s) of ‘Power’ that is independent of the kings. Though I am no longer sure that I want to influence events, I think that it is important that we retain the ability to do so, at the very least as a check on our allies.

I’m not sure what this source should be. I’ve lost confidence in both the Outsiders and Pentheus. I think the Principles are probably too attached to the kings, even if we could get them together. I don’t see the Fae as being useful (or independent) enough. I think the cults are a dead-end.

One possible solution, of course, is to acquire power ourselves. While I think that I do not have the capability, perhaps you do. If you push forward with this ‘angel’ thing, would that be helpful? What do we need to do to make that happen? Would this be independent of the kings or would it be too tied to them?

Maybe the Sword of Solomon is the answer. We could go over to Baltimore after we visit St. Mar and see if we can secure it. I have only the vaguest idea what it can do, but if nothing else, we should probably try to keep it away from Pentheus.

I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer to not actually have direct access to power, unless there is no other good option. Preferable, I think would be to find a useful ally.

I’m not sure who is out there, though. You were talking about going to South America. I wonder if we could locate the snake men. I had the impression that they might know more about Outside forces than most humans.

Sadly, that’s all that comes to mind at the moment. Do you have any ideas?

I do not want to be stuck in a position where we are completely dependent on the kings for power and information. Their goals are not my goals, and I do not think they are your goals either. At the moment, however, I think we are still, essentially, lackeys or, at best, very unequal partners.

This is why I think we should bend our energies, from this point on, to seeking power that is accessible by us, but not by our other allies (or at least where we are the focal point and not just a spare part).

Let me know if you think I am being unduly paranoid, greedy, or foolish. If you have any ideas, let me know.

Sincerely,

Redland Jack.