Final Depravity RP

[Alaena]

The High Council of Vaalniya, nearly as old as time itself, has always met in the center of the Woodlands within the Elder Tree, whose roots reach into the deepest parts of the world. Underneath its ancient branches, the fate of the High Elves has been decided since time immemorial. It's here that the council will brief their newly formed envoy, who's success could very well decide the fate of not only the Elves, but the known world.

The individuals summoned to be part of the royal envoy are escorted by a dozen royal guards across the walkway leading to the massive tree. Only six are expected to complete this important task; a larger group might be found by Zozz and taken captive, or worse. Among the six is a noble Elven paladin, who's here to serve and fight for her homeland, an exotic blade dancer who's knowledgeable in the more colorful part of the world, a tough warrior from the North who values loyalty more than her own King, a charming and graceful rogue who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, a Half-Elf ranger capable of wilderness survival or combat as necessary, and finally, a Sorceress who may be the charm and magic required to win the day. Six individuals specifically chosen for a specific purpose. Now, they would hear the details.

Only at the base of the Elder Tree can one truly appreciate the hundreds of feet its branches stretch into the sky. The royal guards, accustomed to this sight, waste no time entering the fifteen to twenty feet tall and wide hollowed out tunnel. If this were a human capitol, it would be wrought in stone, wood, and steel, but the Elves learned long ago how to live with nature, not against it.

Once inside the tree, the guards lead the group into a single massive chamber of which there are five seats arranged in a semi-circle and all occupied by older Elves in dark green and gold robes. Thirty feet behind these ornate wooden seats are four rows of wooden chairs numbering into the dozens. Doubtless those were the chairs for the full assembly, but today, the council need only be present to brief the Royal Envoy. To already be before the five most powerful wizards in Vaalniya, possibly the world, each member of the Royal Envoy has already accepted the charge for one reason or another. The council promised gold, power, and the glory and fame that goes with those who would save the oldest and greatest civilization from destruction.

Once every member of the group is inside the assembly chamber, the wizard in the center seat gives the guards a single order, "Go."
With that, the envoy's escorts depart the assembly room and take position outside of the entrance. The same wizard in the center chants something arcane and the massive doorway closes. Wood seems to naturally form and seal the entrance, as if there was never a door there in the first place, only ages old bark.

A voice resonating experience and wisdom comes from the man seated on the far left, "Now that you're here, we wish to go into greater detail on the daunting mission before you. I am Elder Mage Vorn, High Magistrate of the Woodlands." Vorn begins introducing the others from left to right.
"This is Elder Mage Caladrel, High Magistrate of the Arcane; Elder Mage Heldalel, High Magistrate of Defense; Elder Mage Lanliss, High Magistrate of the Faith, and Elder Mage Seldlon, High Magistrate of Diplomacy. We are... humbled by the events that have transpired and have little left to defend our forest with. Our best trained diplomats, warriors, and wizards have all fallen in combat or failed to get assistance for our country. Perhaps... a new generation will have better luck."

Vorn clears his throat and looks over at the magistrate of Diplomacy, before continuing.
"Our former allies have ignored, blocked, or otherwise cut off communication with our normal ambassadors and diplomats. Some of them face great adversity themselves, but we no longer have armies or money to send their way. The decision was made, with some disagreement, to find individuals with a variety of skills that are willing to do whatever is necessary, by any means necessary, to secure allies, manpower, and materials for the great war before us; though, the war may not be so great should this group fail."
Elder Mage Vorn taps his staff on the floor twice and a wooden table grows instantaneously from the center of the room. The group has to back up in order to not be standing on top of it as it forms. It's perhaps twenty feet in diameter and on it is a map of the known world, with several important places labeled, including Vaalniya and the capitol Valin.
"If you have any questions or requests, we will consider them and help as we can. Since we selected you, we're allowing you free reign to start wherever you may. You can stay together, split up into groups of two, or plan to visit each country individually. We only ask to receive progress reports when possible. Take a look at the mission before you."

OOC: You're free to ask them, or request anything, and these are the places of interest on the map. You're free to approach, dictate, travel, or plan whatever you think will secure the country assistance in the form of soldiers, equipment, or other materials. The strengths I'll mention are only the straight forward and obvious ones, there may be others to discover or infer.

The North

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

On the map, the feudal and divisive Northern realm makes up the largest part of the map. Largely mountains, forests, and snow, King Hanzler (self-proclaimed) is the most influential and powerful person in that human-dominated realm, partly due to assistance from the Elven High Council. The country itself is constantly influx due to warring feudal lords, roaming monsters, and harsh landscape and weather. King Hanzler has apparently ignored Vaalniyan pleas for assistance and even chased the ambassador out from his main camp. Their most well known for their heavy armored cavalry and the rough living tends to produce tough warriors, but their disunity has ultimately left most of the common people in poverty and at constant war. The envoy could intervene one way or the other as they see fit, if they wish to attempt to obtain aid in this cold and bitter country.
Strengths: Warlike people and country, tough soldiers and armored cavalry, surplus of weapons and armor.

The Island Cities

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

There are many city-states off the coast of Vaalniya. Ages past, High Elves used Human slaves to work the islands into homes and towns for Elven nobles. However, it was only temporary after a massive slave rebellion in which the island humans earned their freedom. Since then, the Elven architecture has blended with stone, steel and wooden human architecture. The leftover knowledge from their former Wizard masters allowed them to empower themselves and also find some semblance of unity over time. Today, the most powerful entity is the Republic of Quentis or Quentis Republic, named after the founder Quentis Martese. It's brought the city-states into a loose democratic alliance. The terrain is somewhat tropical and living is fairly easy for most folk. Food is plentiful from farms and fisheries, the people are fairly well-presented by locally elected leaders, and few can match the naval power of the city-states' combined might. The Vaalniyans and Quentis are on rough terms since their leader died in shady circumstances in the heart of the Elven capitol. The Orc onslaught followed shortly after and Quentis has actually yet to decide if they should help the Elves; their lack of response is simply due to the ongoing debate by the assembly of leaders (numbers over 200). The envoy has many options here and it's likely to be the safest place from direct danger.
Strengths: Rich economy, surplus of supplies including food, strong navy and well-trained marines.

The Western Mountains

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Mountain ranges enclose the Vaalniyan forests on the north and western border. The western mountains, the former home of Zozz and his Orc army, is also incidentally the home of the city of Hammerfall, the long-standing Dwarven capitol. The status of the reclusive bearded-mountain folk is unknown as the only ones they traded with were gnomes and certain humans. Is it possible the Orcs left them completely alone, focused on their more powerful enemy? There's only one way to find out. Some would say the Dwarves are least likely to help the Elves, who they've long fought with and worked against. At this point, the council doesn't care; if the envoy wishes to ask them for help, they'll do everything they can within reason to help. Just be prepared to face opposition on every side.
Strengths: Some of the best weapons and armor in the world, strong industry and economy, in the heart of enemy territory, good strategic positioning.

The Desert of S'han

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Vaalniya is a paradise woodland kingdom when compared to mountains on both sides, an ocean to the west, and finally, a rocky and tough to survive desert bordering the South. The desert of S'han was once fertile grasslands with rivers aplenty. However, eons ago, a great warlord named S'han conquered all of the human tribes and began building a kingdom. A cult was founded in his name. Their power was the only to ever rival that of Vaalniya, other than recent arrival Zozz. The cult of S'har convinced their deified leader to partake in a ritual that would ascend him to godhood. In effect, it worked, but his entire kingdom was turned to rock and sand, every bit of life, including the people, turned into a sacrifice for one man's ambition. Now, only warring barbaric tribes roam the desert, killing and looting whatever comes their way. If the envoys are truly bold, they could attempt to recruit aid from these leaderless, albeit numerous, bandits in one form or another
Strengths: Mercenaries, skilled ambushers, soldiers with impeccable survival skills, knowledge of trade routes around the desert

The Southern Reach

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Directly south of the desert is the city-state of Iometolis. It was founded by a deified paladin named Iomedae, who was every bit what the priests teach of her. Strong, valorous, duty-bound, and compassionate. After fighting a long war against bandits, Orcs, and even Elves, she carved out a peaceful country-side with Iometolis as the heart. A dozen or so towns dot the countryside surrounding the city. The terrain is mostly green, rolling hills with several rivers providing fertile lands. Politically, the city has never communicated much with Vaalniya. The desert has made any communication or trade virtually impossible. The cities only contact one another via magic when it's of absolute importance. The Elven ambassador made it and was immediately refused, despite what promises of gold, wealth, or alliance that was offered. Perhaps the royal envoys can think of another way to convince their Archbishop or King to send assistance. Their main strengths are the small country's food surplus, stability and unity, as well as an army complimented by many clerics and paladins. Iometolis' King Edric is supposedly a young man of 18, newly ascended and a bit inexperienced, and greatly relies on his Arch-Bishop Frederick for guidance.
Strengths: Food surplus, small but well-disciplined army, paladins, clerics

The Far Continent

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Not much is known about the Far Continent to the far east of Vaalniya across the ocean. A strange and alien culture of Humans reside there and the last expedition sent to build diplomatic relations never returned or sent any word. They are far behind technologically and speak an unknown dialect. Magical attempts to scry and learn more of the land have failed in backlash. Magic doesn't work right there, and nothing else is known about the people. If the envoy heads there, it's recommended to be done last, as it may prove the most unreliable lead for aid and the most dangerous.
Strengths: ???

[MelissaB]

Eliandra looks at those with her and gives them a smirk smoothing down her attire. "Okay how regular are the reports to be made?" she asks the council as she peers over the maps, the call of home already making her wish to be at one of those to head there, should they decide to split up. "The King of The North that would be a good point. You lack an army. If we found a way of bring my King's aid the defense of your people would increase significantly. The horse alone and turn the tide of any battle." she comments appearing over the Island Cities. "I suggest we take as well. They supply the money while we get the north to supply the army. That's if we split into two but those is where i would suggest we head too first. The mountains. Well as nice as it is to have a place near the enemy if we can't defend your land first it will be for naught." she states simply looking to the other five for your views.

[Tsai]

Cassandra looking over the group, seeing a female clad in heavy armor taking the initiative, she lets out a small chuckle and starts playing with her short sword. "I think it'd be best we head to the island cities first, what army would fight for us if we have no money, i know i wouldnt." She beams a look at Elder mage Vorn. "I might have some old contacts in the Republic, though to get their help we might have to do some...unsavory things." She finishes playing with her short sword sheathing it. "Also! Making this journey wont be easy, so i hope you'd have something to spare to assist us."

[Urhr93]

Escorted by a large number of guards, Sae makes his way on the walkway towards the enormous tree. It's been a while since she left her hometown, and it being an elf town the wood architecture was quite elaborate, but now that she was here all paled in front of the magnificent Elder Tree.

She enjoys the view for as long as she can, and once she's inside her attention goes toward the interior decorations, admiring it until she finally arrives in a quite large room where five aged elves are waiting for her and the others accompanied by guards. Once they're all inside the guards are dismissed, and the elders introduce themselves and the mission entrusted to the newly formed envoy.

Sae steps back when the table rise up and mantains her silence while they complete their explanation and point to the various places where they're supposed to travel from now on.

Once they finish, should they decide to introduce themselves right now she will also do so, introducing herself as <My name is Sae Yoake, and i'm able to use a little magic>, otherwise she'll wait for them to start planning and then she'll propose the plan she made up while listening to the elders <I suggest we begin from the Desert of S'han and the Southern Reach if we want to get the fastest positive results. Assuming that all of them want little or nothing to do with us and we have the same chances of success with everyone of them, the fastest to convince should be those two regions.>

She would pause a little, then points at the north and continues <The north is far too divided, and since King Hanzler chased out the ambassador i suppose the best strategy to convince him would be to actually cut off out contacts with him and help some other noble, or at least appear to do so. Since we helped him secure his position, promising our help to someone else would destabilize his power and i don't think he would like a rebellion or civil war while the orcs could attack him at any given time. Well, even just stopping our contacts with the north completely and start to get some conflict going would work, getting him to request our help to stabilize things once again. However, such a strategy could take up a bit too much time, so it would be best to leave it for later>

Another little pause before pointing at the Islands <The Republic of Quentis also would take too much time. Never mind the ship travel, with them being a democratic alliance with so many leaders it will take too much for them to come to an agreement. It would be much better to gather others allies first and show them we actually have chance at victory instead of going there first and beg them without anything solid in our hands>

The hand moves toward the mountains <Going alone in enemy territory to meet hostile dwarves? Better not, especially since we don't know their relations to the orcs. Instead, gathering other allies first and see if there are any conflicts between them and the orcs. If there aren't any, we will make sure to create some and give them a reason to help us>

The hand moves to the desert <Finally, the desert of S'han. I suggest this as our first destination. First we find some of their tribes and promise them monetary gain if they help us in this war as mercenaries, then let them spread the rumor between themselves. That way more and more of them should come to our aid, though Vaalniya's financial stability would be heavily proved. Well, if the rest goes as planned it will be Quentis's money that will go to them, but better explain this later>

Finally, the hand would move to the Southern Reach <Iometolis has little to nothing to do with us, and to them the orcs are not a threat. In the far future probably, but it's in fact a future so far that they're not worried about it. So, what could convince them to come to our aid? Commerce. Commerce through the desert to be precise. If we manage to get most of the desert tribes to work for us, we will be able to promise an open trade through the desert and the knowledge of the trade routes to make it possible. It may not seems much, but being able to have a new trading route almost free of dangers is quite a big asset, especially for a city-state like them. The bonus of the open trade with no customs fee would also be an incentive>

She stops to point at the particular regions, and continues <First we get the desert tribes under us promising gold, then we convince Iometolis with commerce, and finally we go to Quentis, showing them we have both new military aid and new trading routes. This way, even if our new military aid doesn't appeal to them, our new trading routes will probably convince them to help us. Obviously the monetary help we'll get from Quentis will go into paying the desert tribes. Once that's done, i think with our new allies we'll have bought quite some time to at least breath a little, though we'll use this time to wreak havoc in the north, forcing King Hanzler to come to seek our help. Once that's done we'll finally see if there's any hostility between the orcs and the dwarf, and if there isn't any first we'll make it so the orcs unknowingly attack the dwarves, then we'll ask them for aid. As for the Far Continent, you said magic doesn't work there so it's not a place for me>

Having generally relayed her plan, Sae would wait for a response.

[Nobudi]

Melina was surrounded by so many new things, alien things far beyond the reach of her Human knowledge made her eyes dart and whirl in a dizzying fashion.
So caught up with her observations, she almost missed out on the conversations of the others.
Taking a look at the maps of the world, she asked the High counsel softly, "What do you have in terms of inventory? Contacts? Anything that can be spared?"
She then pointed at the Island Cities and the Southern Reach.
"I believe that these two should be handled first. As time consuming as making allies of these groups are, they hold a key component in this war: surpluses of food."
Her father had always beaten into her that food was the deciding factor in a life or death situation. "Standing armies need food, massive amounts," she continued softly.
"A war with starving soldiers is but a slaughter of lambs. Make no mistake, before we have an army, we must have the supplies to keep it alive in the first place."
Then her hand slid towards the Island cities in particular.
"The Island Cities also have a great advantage in traveling: They are expert navigators and they will have large cargo ships. With the Orcs invading overland, the Oceans are our best options to moving troops and supplies around initially."
She then made pointed looks at the others surrounding the table.
"Anyone who wishes company towards either the Island Cities or Iometolis, I will accompany."
She then shrank back, taking in and watching the others carefully.

[MelissaB]

Eliandra glances at Cass before turning her face at Sae enraged. "Your plan would have us tear apart what stable leadership my country has just to make my king beg!" she growls at her menacingly. Her fists clenching she glances at the other speaker, Melina. "Armies survive by taking from the land as it moves. It is in sieges when supplies are needed to be brought up. Food supplies will be needed yes but it is not a direct requirement to have an army function to it's best." She states her eyes glaring at Sae. "You would run to bandits and scum to save the elves? They live with no care for anything but themselves." she growls trying to calm herself. "The mountains should not be rushed. If for nothing else we don't have the force to make use of their position. We need an army food and gold. Armies are kept content by gold. When we go to invade and take down the points of force the orcs have food supplies will be needed. We need the coin to keep soldiers happy and we need an army to hold the orcs."

[Tsai]

Cassandra picks her finger nails, yawning as what looks like a uppity elf begins elaborating her plans. "Look Sae i dont know how you plan on paying for mercenaries if we dont have any money, also dont think the sand if very good for any of our health, the wood elf and human right there have the right idea," pointing to Eliandra and Melina, "Besides who knows what we would find all the way out there, like you said they're great mercenaries but they can turn on us at any moment. If Quentis doesnt work i think the north is our best bet, a real army is better, even those stuck up paladins down south would be more loyal."

[SnowyCold]

Alorra follows the guards, her light, flowing steps occasionally leading her to twirl in a circle and look at the buildings around her. She looks up at the tree as they walk in, her eyes full of wonder at the size of the structure. She walks in and stands silent with her hands behind her back as the council speaks before stepping back, her eyes locked on the table literally growing out of the floor. As the conversation grows heated she steps up close and leans over the table, "I think we should send out two groups. Let's send a group to the islands. We need money above all else, and all we have to do is convince a congress of our cause. Easier than fighting a war or gathering bandits, no? I'd send another group south. They can gather any bandits that don't attack on first sight, but they should focus on the Southern Reach. " She looks around after she finishes this, gauging expressions with curious expression.

[Urhr93]

Sae nods while listening to Melina's words, then turns to hear Eliandra's complaints, all while maintaining her calm expression <Sure, my plans concerning the north aren't the most pacific solution out of there, but for sure it's one with an high chance of success if all goes well. However we can always discard it, should you came up with a better plan> she hears Cassandra's words also, but for now she doesn't answer and continues toward Eliandra <And about the tribes, you can call them scum, but as you said they live with no care for anything but themselves, so as long as we pay them they shouldn't give any trouble> it's now that she turns toward Cassandra <and no, as long as we pay them they won't turn on us. After all i strongly doubt the orcs will pay them to betray us. Oh, and about the money, Vaalniya should have enough to pay them till we manage to bring in Quentis's money, right elders?> the last part is towards the five elders, since she does need confirmation about their financial state.

She pause for a little, listening to the other member, then continues <As they said> she briefly points toward Melina and Alorra <The Island Cities and Iometolis should be our first objectives since without food and money we won't be able to keep up any decent army. However as i already said both won't just agree to our plea for help. Quentis's leaders will take too much to reach a decision, and even then it might not go in our favor if we go to them empty-handed, while Iometolis simply doesn't have any reason to help us. And that's exactly why we need those desert tribes. Sure, as mercenaries they might prove useful, but what we need is their knowledge of the desert trade routes. Once we have those we'll have a way to convince Iometolis to join us, and once they join us we'll have enough cards in our hand to easily convince Quentis. The idea about two groups sounds doable, might as well being pleading with Quentis while gathering new resources, though as i already said it will be hard to convince them empty-handed>

She then turns toward Eliandra <Anyway, Desert tribes, Iometolis and Quentis are a combo of their own, a combo that would enable Vaalniya to raise an army, but it's a combo that needs a follow up. And the best follow up would be your kingdom. Maybe our new allies would be enough to convince your king, but i doubt it. Anyway, while we get those three we'll have till then to think of a better way to convince him without wreaking havoc in your kingdom>

Last but not least, she turns once again towards Cassandra <I don't think you should be worried about what we will find out there as i'm sure that no matter were we'll go, the travel will always be dangerous>

[Tsai]

Cassandra waves off Sae's retorts and kicks her feet on the table. Her eyes scan the rest of the table looking at each of the Elders, her eyes end on Seldlon. "You." Her finger pointing the elder of diplomacy. "You're the elder of this type of shit, what would you recommend first, who would make the easiest and best first target of our envoy."

[Fawkes]

As the only one among the Envoy who was lived among the Elven capitol her entire life, Roshia shares the guards complete nonchalance as she goes through the Elder Tree. Adding her own voice to the heated debate, she says

We focus our initial efforts on Quentis or the North. To start with, their both run by good men, and I'm certain we'd be able to make them see reason about the orc threat, and that whatever compensation they require for their aid will be reasonable and not require any unconscionable compromises. Besides which, they're the only two options both close enough and organized enough to start making a difference immediately. You're all foreigners, so I don't if you realize how urgent the situation is, but the country is burning. We don't have time to set up new trade routes or try and get the desert tribes organized into something capable of fighting as a coherent force.

[MelissaB]

"No. You can't throw gold at someone who has no care for you and expect results. Gold is only worthwhile if they live if they don't think they'll live they'll say no. They have no loyalty there is nothing to there to make them keep their word. If our decision is to get their allegiance than they must be made. we strengthen the weaker tribes have them overthrow and the stronger ones. they'll owe us for the shift in power. we can't just throw gold at all of them and expect to get somewhere. Only a child could think like that." she glances at Cass narrowing her eyes. "Take this one. If she thought for a second all she got from this was gold the second a better deal came she would take it. Especially if she -knew- she could spend it. throwing gold at people gets us no where. They are bandits, they respect strength."

Hearing Roshia Eliandra exhales. "Finally some sense. The island cities have food supplies as well. That can support the army. I still say a force to save this kingdom is the most urgent. My king is not one for betrayal. If he hasn't responded he has a good reason. Anything could of been sad to cause him to run the messenger from his camp."

[Fawkes]

Roshia nods in agreement to Eliandra "I think I agree. The king is a good man, ones whose stood with the elves for many years, I'm sure if the situation was only fully explain to him, he would come around to our side.

I absolutely believe we should go North first, but it might be worthwhile to have a second group going to Quentis as well, better to get help from two places at once after all.

[Alaena]

Elder Mage Seldlon, High Magistrate of Diplomacy, is about to respond to Cassandra until Elder Mage Vorn snaps at him. At which point, surprisingly, Seldlon clears his throat and says nothing.
"Seldlon had his chance. His failures are noted and are now too many to count. You're better off making your own judgments than listening to him. If you wish objective knowledge, then he and the rest of this council are more than willing to help," Vorn says in a rather curt tone. No one else on the council seems to object to him shutting down Seldlon and allowing the great discussion to continue. The entire council is listening rather intently, but they seem to have little intention to intervene directly and only provide helpful comments; it's likely they discussed at length about the depth of their involvement.
Vorn continues, "The desert barbarians are largely untrustworthy, and more often than not turn on their employers if they see benefit in it and they're certainly not forward thinking men. Many of the more infamous bandits such as Oran the Tusk and Iskar the Bloody have large bounties on their heads from many countries and will likely do nothing to help those who've been hunting them, unless convinced or their bounties are somehow resolved. They have never shown any modicum of honor in their dealings. Bare that in mind if you wish to obtain their aid."
Heldalel, High Magistrate of Defense, intervenes once his colleague is done speaking.
"What Vorn really means to say is that they'll all prove difficult in one form or another. We can provide transport, magical transport if need be, though it would be one-way and we've no guarantee another wizard or cleric of some power wouldn't be monitoring it as it's not common occurrence these days. As for our economy, it will remain afloat for another eight seasons (two years) before we will run into serious issues and our trade goods and conscription numbers are at an all time low. Correct, Vorn?"
Vorn strokes his chin and replies with a reluctant, "Yes, I'm afraid so. We would have funds available for mercenaries, but we'd prefer to trade magical goods if possible, or even our famed winged horses."

[Nobudi]

Melina took this all into consideration.
"... The majority sees that the Island Cities, also known as the Quentis Republic is one of the destinations that may likely offer help. However, I believe that we are split over the North and South as possible destinations as well."
She looked at the other 5 and took a breath.
"Perhaps it would be best to split into pairs? Another member and I will depart for Quentis, a pair will head North. The other, South. Does this seem reasonable?"

[Tsai]

Cassandra waves her hand in an arc. "See what i mean." She leans back into the large chair placing her hands behind her head. " Roshia's got a point maybe we can split up. I'd probably be more useful in Quentis than up north, besides i hate the cold. But we are a team so we should stay together as much as possible, Im sure zozz will love easier targets to pick off."

[MelissaB]

Eliandra listens to Melina. "Split up? we are brought here together to work out a solution. is it right we then depart? We reach a decision of our plan. we don't just scatter and hope we can get it right. We all see like it can only be done one way if we split up not only are we not going to know what each of us had to promise to get the aid we need, we won't have an idea if we've been successful in a particular land. Or if one of us have been captured and in need of rescue."

[Urhr93]

Once again Sae remains silent, listening to all the others, giving them the chance to come up with something sound, and once they finish she finally speaks <You all are talking as if just going there and talking to them will be enough for them to aid us. Seriously, do you all think that without anything in our hands they will just accept to help us? If so> she points at Elder Mage Seldlon <his ambassador would have already brought us some result> now she turns toward Roshia <As you said the country is burning. Why should they help us when we don't have anything to offer them? Exactly because we don't have time that i suggested leaving them for when we can show them we have actually something> she pauses a little and then continue <And you both call him a good man, but a good man doesn't kick out an ambassador from an ally that has helped him from long ago>

She takes a step back, then continues <Splitting up may or not may be a good idea. As i said going directly to the north would be a stupid, but splitting between Quentis and South might be better, though i still think their leaders will continue to take their time in choosing if we don't have to offer anything>

Now she turns toward Elder Mage Vorn <We are low on money, but you said we have winged horses, right?> she brings an hand to her chin, stroking it slightly for some second before speaking again <Then an alternate course of action is possible, though you still should be able to promise a commerce free of tolls with Iometolis. Even without the desert trade routes, promising them good commercial deals would probably work to get them to work with us, and once we have their aid we can appeal to Quentis. I'm sure we'll be able to sway them easily if we present them with a profitable commerce>

She then stops, waiting for reactions, then adds <Though i still thing we should find a way to get those desert trade routes and some mercenaries. After all in this war there is no way for them to turn against us as their opponent are orcs, and i'm pretty sure orcs aren't interested in turning the mercenaries against us as they should be confident in winning through their numbers> those last words were but an afterthought, her alternative plan was the one told before.

<Ah, right!> she seems to have remembered something <You> she briefly points toward Roshia <We don't have time to set up new trade routes, but we don't even need it. What we need is to promise them to do so after the war, though by then it wouldn't be our responsibility anymore> she points at the elders <It will be their responsibility to keep up our side of the deal> she turns around again towards Roshia <And seriously, i think it would be easier to convince the desert tribes rather than some king or democratic leaders. As someone said, they often don't think far in the future and think only of themselves, so promising to remove their bounties and money should they follow us would be probably enough to convince them. On the other hand, both the king and those leaders are practically the same as them, with the difference that they think of the future too, and for them Vaalniya demise could very well be an opportunity to not be missed>

[Fawkes]

Roshia looks at Sae with something approaching contempt. Regardless of how you may rationalize things to yourself, not everyone in the word is motivated solely by venal self interest. The North and the Islands will help us because it's the right thing to do, and the only way to stop the orc hordes before their numbers will overwhelm the world. And once your short-sighted desert bandits have assembled their armies and marched onto our borders, what's to say they won't simply make the same decision you're worried of worthier men making, and turn coat?

I think we should split up, the travel times between each realm are not inconsiderable and we need as much help as we can get as fast as we can. I personally would would be the most use in the North, but if a warrior is needed on a road to Quentis I can easily travel there as well..

[MelissaB]

And it's because they don't think into the future they'll be less likely to help! They won't think about how the orcs rampage will continue and engulf them but that they are not indanger of it. She growls at Sae passing back and forth as she thinks. It is not them turning for the orcs it's them abandoning the field! They've never fought in battles they conduct small raids on whatever they can they could not look at a charging force of orcs and hold their ground! The Mercenaries would be useless without a real army.

She hisses clenching and unclenching her fits as she paces. The North is our best bet. We find out Why My King threw out the elves' ambasador and why he has not answered. We find out the problem and fix it. No one is saying it's as simple as asking. However! lets say we get the bandit clans they are not tribes by the way tribes function with women and children they are outlaws being hunted for one reason or another and have gone to the desert as a last resort. Lets say we go there first. How do we force them to help us? she looks directly to Sae before looknig to the rest of the group.