20020406 BetweenARockAndAHardPlace

<H1> Between a Rock and a Hard Place </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/13th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 16th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Estus </TD>
 <TD> 13th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 7th/10th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 14th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/11th Human Fighter/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 15th/1st Human Fighter/Hospitaler </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 11th (18th CL) Wemic Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Estus:</B> Well Donner, where shall we go from here?
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I believe Kill'Dar knows best how to handle this.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Sighs) Well, I would like to speak to Lord Cerethan before progressing further.
<B>Donner:</B> Certainly.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I will need for you to scry him so that I may teleport there.
<B>Donner:</B> Of course.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Donner scries out Cerethan in white marble halls. Lots of arched high ceilings and sunlight. Outside, there appears to be some nice sunlight. Donner describes the place to Kill'Dar. It appears to be the temple at Rillathar. Cerethan appears to be consulting with some priests and is dressed in soft white robes.
Fingle attempts his new Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion (Fingle's Fantastic Fortress) in the Portable Hole. The group gathers up in the mansion and Kill'Dar teleports to Home. They pick up Auric and Steelhoof and Kill'Dar takes the group to Rillithar. There, they end up in the courtyard outside the temple.
<B>Background:</B> At the temple of Rillithar, the current High Priest is Thrasylvan, servant to Corellon Larethian. Other notable figures include Old Ben, the oldest Ent in Rillithar, and Jacob the Celestial Androsphinx in charge of security of the temple.
When the group arrives, the only person that Kill'Dar recognizes is Jacob the androsphinx. He goes up to the temple entrance where he is challenged by the templars. Inside the temple, Kill'Dar spots Jacob. As he approaches the sphinx, Jacob appears to cast a spell (presumably Detect Thoughts).
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Jacob:</B> (Concentrates for a bit) Well met, Kill'Dar.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Greetings Jacob. It has been a while. I just wanted to let you know that I have some friends with me that I'll be letting into the temple soon.
<B>Jacob:</B> Do they mean us any harm?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, not really.
<B>Jacob:</B> Are there any you could not defeat in single combat?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well... (Thinks about it)
<B>Jacob:</B> (Concentrates again) I see that you could with my help. That is sufficient.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kill'Dar opens up the portable hole. He is greeted by a gnome servant.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Gnome:</B> Yes?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I thought you could pass word along that we've arrived.
<B>Gnome:</B> One moment (closes door, scurries off)
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Waits)
<B>Gnome:</B> (Returns after a bit) They said to come back when you really need them.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Thinks of the party sitting inside and eating nine-course meals) Yeah, sure.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
As Kill'Dar looks around the temple, he finds Cerethan in consultation with several priests.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cerethan:</B> Kill'Dar, I'm surprised you are here.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What are you doing here?
<B>Cerethan:</B> I was killed.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, that happens. So, I heard that Mianna is back. How did this happen?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Apparently, she fought free of our enemies.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, now she has returned with a vengeance.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Yes, she's caused great havoc.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Is there any reason why she's doing this?
<B>Cerethan:</B> She disagrees with some of the arrangements we have made with the humans. She believes that the humans use the elves as pawns. So, she fights against the humans and
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Has she spoken to you about this?
<B>Cerethan:</B> We have spoken on occasion.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you believe she has been enchanted in some way?
<B>Cerethan:</B> No. She and I have met several times at the temple and she has volunteered to undergo any detection and cleansing spells that we have available. All show her to be in control of herself.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, that's good to hear, I suppose.
<B>Cerethan:</B> She still remains a headstrong woman. She wreaks havoc upon our enemies. She has not become ensorcelled or twisted. I believe that she makes this decision on her own.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I hear that she's been attack the humans.
<B>Cerethan:</B> She has caused trouble for the humans, although she has not killed many. Although by disrupting a military operation, she may cause deaths later. For example, if she delays supply lines for reinforcements, deaths can result.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That's not what I was told.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Who have you been speaking to?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Seledan.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well, he keeps his own council.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I do see some problems. This problem between the elves and the humans isn't good for the long run.
<B>Cerethan:</B> We disagree with her followers and her approach. We disagree with her on the Aquitanians. She has been scrupulous in efforts where we are directly involved. She has even come to our rescue. We do not know exactly where she and her troops are. We still have a spy in our midst. Since we have no idea what she is up to, she and her followers have been more effective striking out on her own than when working with us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Doesn't this violate our treaty with the humans?
<B>Cerethan:</B> No, not particularly. But remember, she is not acting on behalf of the elves.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you have any plans to talk to her?
<B>Cerethan:</B> I have spoken with her several times and she will not change her mind.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So, she might cause us to lose the war.
<B>Cerethan:</B> (Shrugs) If so, we go to the West.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That isn't good. Something has to change here.
<B>Cerethan:</B> For now, she hinders the Aquitainians, but she aids us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How big of a band does she control?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Somewhere between twenty and a hundred.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I know that she or her agents have been here to recruit among the fallen.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Have you spoke out against her?
<B>Cerethan:</B> If I were to actively oppose her, many more would defect to her cause. My hands are tied here. I cannot support her, but if I oppose her, that will cause a bigger rift.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> But you don't believe what she says?
<B>Cerethan:</B> I'm not one of them. I fully trust the Aquitanians. But I have been privy to the council and I know how they think.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you know what finally sent her over the edge?
<B>Cerethan:</B> When we began to take heavy losses. She began to draw her own conclusions about why it was so. She blames the Aquitanians for the elves not being sufficiently protected. Once she lost her own life, that was the last straw.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So, she thinks the humans are not doing enough?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Worse, she claims that the humans are purposely not defending us against the orcs in order to take over this land.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What was her last activity?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Last week she was involved in a raid against an Aquitanian supply train where they took or destroyed all the supplies it was carrying. That was three or four days ago and it was near the eastern edge of Telendir.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I'm going to try to contact her because if we lose the support of the Aquitanians, we're going to lose everything.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Her opinion is that the orcs are losing.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Is that true?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well, without reinforcements from Grax and Og-Kund, we are slowly gaining ground on them. It's slow work. It's bloody work. But we are winning.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I see.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I wish you safety and luck.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You fear for my safety?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well, she is running a guerilla operation and she may be in a dangerous situation.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I hope to contact her and convince her otherwise.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Don't misunderstand me. This gives me great hope. It would be of immense benefit.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I don't know if I can, but I will try.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Even if you don't, at least you can openly oppose her. Your word carries a lot of weight.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I certainly hope so.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well I hope you do convince her. If you manage to do so, please tell me.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I still wonder where she gets this idea about the humans.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Let's be frank. A man like Seledan could very well likely guiding his government towards greater power to our disadvantage.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I understand.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I'll tell you frankly. Seledan and that Moda character hold a great deal of power. I am not comfortable with the knowledge they hold and the power they have in Aquataine.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I suppose I should get going. I will send word when possible.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Keep an open mind. She could be right. Good luck to you.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> I don't know if I will choose to come back next time.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Just between you and me, sometimes our duties last far longer than we would wish.
<B>Cerethan:</B> There must be a time where one must accepts one's fate. That time is not here yet, but it may come soon. Are you planning on going to the front lines soon.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes, I'm going to travel magically.
<B>Cerethan:</B> That would be good. My body was brought here by conventional means. It would be good for the troops to see me alive again.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Lord Cerethan and an entourage of five soldiers and Kill'Dar enter Fingle's new magical home. Kill'Dar and Cerethan talk to Donner about Seledan, while the rest of the party continues to eat.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Explains the situation)
<B>Donner:</B> (Looks thoughtful and concerned)
<B>Cerethan:</B> I do not mean to imply that your councilor and chief of security are not good men. They are not implicitly trusted by the elven people.
<B>Donner:</B> I understand your concerns. I will talk to my father and see what we can do.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I fear that there is no political solution to this. I have talked to your father about it, but we have not come to any solution. She is intractable and has no faith in our current treaty.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> The only way that she would trust it would be to talk to someone about it, such as myself.
<B>Donner:</B> I think this warrants much investigation. One things comes to mind--this isn't all that different from how you've described her. You wouldn't have predicted this six months ago, but now you could look back and see how this could be true.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Personally, I consider that highly unlikely for two reasons. I and my compatriots have examined her closely and have not found anything. Second, she is a skilled enchantress herself and it would be difficult to put such a spell on here. Also to do it undetectably would be beyond imagination.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group teleports to Home so that Donner can scry on Mianna. Donner scries and sees a densely overgrown area. He does not see much more. Estus casts an Augury for teleporting there: Woe. The scrying duration runs out. Kill'Dar sends a message to Mianna: "We need to meet. We need to talk. Choose a place. Your security is guaranteed. Love Kill'Dar of the Elves." The response is "no Aquitanian can know where I am ever."
Donner scries on his father and Fingle teleports the group to the army. The army is now camped on the river side of Telendir outside of the woods.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>King:</B> Things are very difficult. This business with Mianna is weighing heavily on all of us. The alliance is weakening. It's bad enough that we suffer casualties of war, but now we suffer casualties of politics. We have defections on both sides.
<B>Donner:</B> It was suggested that Seledan and Moda are accelerating her impact. What has she done.
<B>King:</B> She has looted and disabled supply caravans.
<B>Donner:</B> In what ways?
<B>King:</B> Tricked, ensorcelled, etc. Sometimes even normal trickery has worked. I don't hold the elven nation responsible. I don't hold Cerethan responsible. I don't even hold Mianna responsible. This war has been horrific. The enemy has mainly been focused on the elves.
<B>Donner:</B> What would you suggest?
<B>King:</B> If you can convince her to hear you out and change her mind, that would be marvelous. But, I don't know... Cerethan couldn't change her mind, I don't know how you could.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Your Majesty, it doesn't seem to be any sort of vendetta. She questions Seledan, she questions Moda. To the point of retaliation.
<B>King:</B> She is wrong. They are two of the most trustworthy beings that I know.
<B>Donner:</B> She believes that they have some sort of hidden agenda.
<B>King:</B> They are completely in agreement of the purpose of the kingdom when I started ruling.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Wasn't there once a Kingdom of the West? I believe Mianna believes that your kingdom could end up like that.
<B>King:</B> Yes, there was a Kingdom of the West and it was extremely large and powerful. Aquarna is a shadow of that mighty empire. There is no way we could rule over this land as they once did.
<B>Donner:</B>
<B>King:</B> We are the only moral kingdom in the Westmarch. All the others are based on riches, politics, or conquest. We do what is right, not what is smart.
<B>Donner:</B> I prefer to think of that as "the right thing is the smart thing".
<B>King:</B> Let us be frank. There are times when doing the right thing is not politically expedient or tactically useful.
<B>Donner:</B> I can see that.
<B>King:</B> Seledan often councils me on not taking certain paths because it is too perilous. I listen to him, but once I make up my mind, I have his full support.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I hope to arrange a meeting with her soon.
<B>King:</B> I hope that you can succeed where Cerethan and I have only met resistance.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I certainly hope so as well.
<B>King:</B> You and my son are heroes that have succeeded in so many ways. I hope that you are successful here too.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Thank you, your Majesty.
<B>King:</B> Though we may well drive the orcs from the Westmarch. The elves may view humans with suspicion from here on.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> My people are xenophobic. It will take time for them to learn how humans are not all the same.
<B>King:</B> We humans have learned to grow beyond those traits. I hope the elven people can learn to do so as well.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That would be my wish as well.
<B>King:</B> There are problems. Intimate details of our plans have reached the enemy. I don't know who the spies are and I don't blame her for not trusting us. I would rather that she blames us for ineptitude rather than malice.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I understand that to be true. So what of this campaign season?
<B>King:</B> I consider it likely that we will have reached the coast. Whether that victory is celebrated or mourned remains to be seen.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I understand.
<B>King:</B> Already our alliances with the other kingdoms have been stretched. I haved talked to the Kendallians. They already have withdrawn their support of this actions. They recently suffered a tremendous loss and Lady Veronica has indicated that they will take no further action.
<B>Donner:</B> What was this problem?
<B>King:</B> Southport was sacked.
<B>Donner:</B> It is likely that the forces that fled Grax did it.
<B>King:</B> Some will pay the price that won this war, and it will be us. Some don't have the stomach for it.
<B>Donner:</B> What do you think will happen?
<B>King:</B> I don't know what will become of after this campaign season. Our military might is spent. The lower kingdoms are in disarray. We may be at risk of aggression. But it's better than it would have been without you.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, that doesn't paint a rosy picture.
<B>King:</B> If Lady Mianna could be convinced to rejoin us, the military might could be restored.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group begins discussing logistics about how to do things next.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> We could spend some time searching for the spy. But I assume that Moda and his team are doing their best.
<B>King:</B>
<B>Donner:</B> Do you have magical means of detecting it?
<B>King:</B> There may simply be an agent here.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, he must be fairly highly placed.
<B>King:</B> It may even be many methods. Scrying on soldiers can tell even the army's motions.
<B>Grackle:</B> You can probably ask her what would prove to her that the humans are trustworthy.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus does a divination about Kill'Dar diplomacizing Mianna. The cards indicate Change and a Strong Fork (two possible paths). One path includes Renewal and the other path includes Conflict. The Emperor is really strong in the reading and overlays everything. The Emperor often symbolizes authority or nobility. The Change indicator is very strong--Kill'Dar talking to Mianna will definitely cause some sort of change.
The next morning, Auric attempts a Reincarnate on Donner's toad familiar. The familiar comes back as Dire Lion (59 pts). Kill'Dar sends Mianna another message "Pick a place to meet or meet me at the temple. It will be just you and I--no Aquitanians". He receives back "Transport yourself to the ruins of Wood Vale. Come alone."
Donner casts Rary Telepathic Bond to include himself, Kill'Dar, Estus, and Fingle. Kill'Dar teleports to the village and waits around. He sees pairs of invisible beings step out of a tree. They approach and fan out around him. There are three three-man teams of skirmishers and Mianna.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mianna:</B> (Turns visible)
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I ask you to come alone and you bring an army.
<B>Mianna:</B> I declined. I suppose you've come to plead for you Aquatainian prince.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I was hoping we could talk.
<B>Mianna:</B> Fine, let's talk.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I've known you longer than any of the humans.
<B>Mianna:</B> There are many many individuals who are looking for me to slay me. It's foolish of me to travel alone.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I'm at war with people who can scry on the most powerful people around.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> You can move around the planet with a snap of your fingers.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So can you.
<B>Mianna:</B> No.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I am not here to plead for the Aquitanians.
<B>Mianna:</B> I only seek to oppose those who seek to destroy our nation.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So do I. What is it you wish to accomplish?
<B>Mianna:</B> I wish no harm to the Aquitanians.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I have to make sure that we are strong enough to resist them when this war is over.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> We can go
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> But we asked the Aquitanians to help us.
<B>Mianna:</B> No, they offered.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That's not what I was told.
<B>Mianna:</B> You may have been told what you were told, but they offered to join us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> And I suppose you don't think they've been any help?
<B>Mianna:</B> No, they have been instrumental. But this war is on the downside and. But now we have to look after the war is over. If we are strong enough when the war is over, the Aquitanians will leave us alone.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> This harms all, especially me.
<B>Mianna:</B> Really? What have I done to harm you.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I have spent many years building an alliance with Aquitaine and especially with Donner. I don't think either of us could defeat any enemies after this war.
<B>Mianna:</B> The war is under their leadership. The King sets the strategy and Lord Cerethan and the elves execute it.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I believe that we should finish the war on our terms. Lord Cerethan disagrees, but I believe he is sadly mistaken. He believes that the Aquatanians are as true as their King and his son, but there are others who
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Can you give me something concrete.
<B>Mianna:</B> Only Seledan can perceive his motives.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I don't believe that Seledan is opposing the king in any way. He is simply setting things up for the king.
 <B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I know our losses are mounting. You don't think that's the enemies doing?
<B>Mianna:</B> I have suffered zero losses among. Cerethan 153.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> He's following the good of the king. I'm following the good of the people. Now again, I don't question your motives, but I believe that we must be realistic and set away. If I truly believed the kingdom of Aquitaine were ruled by the King and his father
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Your word means a lot to me as well. Are there things that we could do instead of the tactics you have been employing.
<B>Mianna:</B> Can you change the way in which Aquitaine is run?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I have the ear of Donner and the king.
<B>Mianna:</B> This is an interesting possibility. I am in fact respected, but not only because of who I am. My band came to me because I only spoke what we already believed. We might have to remove Moda, remove Seledan, we might even have to remove the King.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Those are radical changes.
<B>Mianna:</B> Yes. If I thought there were real chances of removing Moda's and Seledan's influence, then I would be interested.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Perhaps that there could be lesser change.
<B>Mianna:</B> Tell the humans to go to the coast, secure it and to wait for us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Classic pincer movement. They move through the open land like they like to do.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I have discussed this with Cerethan and he doesn't believe that I am right.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> That is one possibility. But there are other alternatives. I have ways of communicating with Prince Donner, but it is possible for your band to wage war differently as well.
<B>Mianna:</B> (Skeptically) Okay.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Some of your elves believe in what you've said. Some believe in what Cerethan has said.
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Some of what you did has resulted in the deaths of humans.
<B>Mianna:</B> We kill the orcs. We hinder the Aquitanians.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I don't think I'm going to change your mind on this.
<B>Mianna:</B> Probably not.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You risk this alliance and this war.
<B>Mianna:</B> We're not going to lose the war. Little to zero chance of that.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Do you think the Aquatanian losses are worse than ours?
<B>Mianna:</B> Well, they're getting closer to ours.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Well, we're letting the Aquitanians feel
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Who gave you that right?
<B>Mianna:</B> Right? I'm a noble warleader of the elves.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You haven't the right to make this decision by yourself.
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I've seen the humans die in droves to help us.
<B>Mianna:</B> But of late, in this latest campaign, we have suffered the majority of the losses when we can least afford it. And in the end, they will end up with the majority military force in this area. All I have done is in the end, is ensure the long-term safety of our people.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Are you sure there is no way that I can convince you?
<B>Mianna:</B> Not with the current political situation in Aquitaine.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So again, what might be amicable to both. Rather than bloodying the nose of the Aquitainians, come up with a strategy of equal risk going forward.
<B>Mianna:</B> That's what we're doing now.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> We want the Aquitainians to leave. The war is over--we won. Go home.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Since we're talking politics. We asked an ally to drive the orcs from the land at great cost. 
<B>Mianna:</B> Yes.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> What we are not going to give them is our independence.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'm not asking that.
<B>Mianna:</B> Well, actually you are. If they are the strongest military force in the region, they will Humans breed quickly, they cut down forests, they build cities. Perhaps not now, but perhaps 20-50-100 years down the line. That's where I think Moda is thinking. That's where I think Seledan is thinking.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Now, if I were convinced that the Aquitanians pure of motive across the board, top to bottom, then I would agree.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> You should come with us when we raid the orcs. You should come with us and raid the Aquitanians. You can see that we are not doing poorly.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What you're really doing is ruining the alliance.
<B>Mianna:</B> Well, since I have no ability to change the political landscape, I will do things my way.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> 
<B>Mianna:</B> If I could see them change direction, I would respond accordingly.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Okay, let's start with an idea.
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> You want all the elves to come back to the woods, and the humans...
<B>Mianna:</B> ...to go back to their smoky cities.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Did you know how far the forests reached before the humans came to the Westmarch? They surrounded the lake. That's the human influence. That's not going to happen--not here.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> We can have very warm relations with them. They're welcome to visit. We don't want to be their subjects. We want to be their friends.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I'll need to talk to people on this.
<B>Mianna:</B> I expect that you will. But the only way it will be otherwise is if there is a large systemic change in the highest level of government.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> There will always be Seledan's and Moda's to
<B>Mianna:</B> Yes, but they won't be in control of the government.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Tell me, who told you to come here.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Who told me?
<B>Mianna:</B> Yes, why are you here?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Who told you I was disturbing the balance.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Seledan did. But so did Cerethan and the King.
<B>Mianna:</B> Did Cerethan or the King of Aquitaine volunteer this information or did you ask them.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What does that matter?
<B>Mianna:</B> The point is this. Seledan considers me a threat. Cerethan and the King consider me a friend who has made a bad choice. If you ask Seledan, I am a threat. If you ask the King or Seledan, I should be talked to, but my presence on the battlefield should be accepted.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I understand the differences, but that's why Seledan is only listened to. A King could not function without that. A good and wise king doesn't listen to poor advice.
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> Seledan would want me out of the way one way or another.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> See? Influence is possible. Politics dictate our current situation. We should treat our current allies.
<B>Mianna:</B> I don't treat them with disrespect in any way.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> If you could put someone else on the throne or someone else in Seledan's shoes, I could be convinced of Aquitanian morality.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> If someone asked that of us, would we do that?
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Is it possible for a cease fire?
<B>Mianna:</B> No.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Will you not give me any time to reach an agreement?
<B>Mianna:</B> I will.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I ask that you change your methodology for a day.
<B>Mianna:</B> We don't have anything planned against the Aquitanians for the next day or two. We're going to destroy an encampment of orogs and then move north.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I don't think it's wise to have two generals.
<B>Mianna:</B> I always know what Cerethan's up to. I help him as needed.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> You know how it is. We are creatures of free spirit. If some of the elves feel that I can do better, they follow me. If some could follow If you were to become a warleader, then some of the elves would follow you?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> You know, if the king dies, this could be an opportunity. It could be an opportunity for a change in government. Could you imagine if Aquitaine had an elven councilor.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Would that help the cause?
<B>Mianna:</B> Absolutely.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, not his chief councilor.
<B>Mianna:</B> I mean Seledan's role.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I don't know if an elf would be happy giving advice on human roles.
<B>Mianna:</B> I don't know. You seem to be positioning yourself pretty well.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Hesitates)
<B>Mianna:</B> Don't think about it now. Think about it in 10-20 years when Donner is King of Aquitaine and you have his ear instead of Seledan.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I don't expect that I will ever allow that.
<B>Mianna:</B> It warms my heart to hear you say that.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> If we can arrange something of close to what you're talking about.
<B>Mianna:</B> If things proceed as they are currently going. There still will be bandits, dangerous groups of orcs, that we will not be able to militarily protect ourselves from.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> If we worked with the king so that we can protect ourselves while we're driving the orcs out we can.
<B>Mianna:</B> I think you've made your point very well. I think I've made mine. But now it's time for both of us to act. And with both of us doing the right thing, I think there's nothing but good to become of it.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> I was killed.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Then what.
<B>Mianna:</B> They took my body.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B> My body was rescued by a roving band of irregulars under Cerethan's command. They found by body and brought me back to Rillithar, and had me brought back to life.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I will need to contact you from time to time.
<B>Mianna:</B> You can eminently do that. I don't recommend that your friend scry me.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I will return and consider your words as well as a plan.
<B>Mianna:</B> If you do decide that you'd like to help us, please let me know. We would even accept the aid of your friends, since we know that they don't operate in the hierarchy of the army.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Mianna:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I will be in contact.
<B>Mianna:</B> Good luck to you Kill'Dar.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Goodbye Mianna.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kill'Dar teleports away.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> I don't
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Donner:</B> You don't want human settlements in the forests.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes.
<B>Donner:</B> We let humans into our areas.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Auric:</B> I think we really should work to preserve the elven lands.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What we have is two different societies. One is xenophobic and one is not.
<B>Auric:</B> You say that you accept elven settlements. You would accept them coming in and destroying their buildings and planting trees.
<B>Donner:</B> I can imagine from Seledan's view that he's trying to help the kingdoms grow.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The conversations continue.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cerethan:</B> How did it go?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> It was enlightening. Fanatic, good. Logical person.
<B>Cerethan:</B> She is the only enchantress to earn the title of warleader.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Like to ask some questions about validity of her thoughts.
<B>Cerethan:</B> I disagree with her assessment. We need to win this war with as few casualties. It is my belief that we are facing very clever foes who wish to slay us. The orcs are full of hatred of the elves who kill humans as a side. Any arguments that the humans are responsible for our losses are completely false. We're having enough trouble fighting together that we probably still face a good chance of losing.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> We couldn't win without their spellcaster, dedication, tactical brilliance.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Lady Mianna thinks that she can drive out the orcs by herself.
<B>Cerethan:</B> She's wrong. She's absolutely wrong. She's a brilliant tactician, but she doesn't see the large success that we're getting.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> She's having easy success given that the bulk of the forces we're fighting are attacking us. Her forces are attacking areas where they are not that strong.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> I don't think I've even once been second guessed. She thinks I've been duped and won over by the humans and won over by the King's personal integrity. But I'm no fool. She's mistaken, and I'm sad about that. But I can't complain about her successes.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What's the morale of your troops?
<B>Cerethan:</B> We are grimly determined to fight this to the end. Everyone in the entire elven military had a chance to go on the boats. So, those left are the ones determined to see this to the end.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> No way. They've got extraplanar beings, spellcasters, undead, incredible information gathering ability. The orcs themselves aren't terribly bright, but their leaders, minions, etc. are terribly devastating.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Where is the front line now?
<B>Cerethan:</B> You're standing in it. We're working to push them out of Telendir.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> We know that by being in the forest, she's kind of guarding our flank.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> We're prepared to face what she's doing. We really wish she wouldn't do it, but we can't let it stop us. Her work hampers us, but she won't be able to stop us.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> We're not pulling out. We've fought too hard for every inch we've gained. If she tries to stop us, that's her problem. I'm sorry if I'm being short with you, then I apologize. We're working to push the orcs to the coast.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> From a military point of view, that is a sound piece of work. Form an elven nation point of view, what is the cost to do that?
<B>Cerethan:</B> If I do anything to placate her, the cost I incur is potentially the loss of the war--which is the entire destruction of the elven presence. That is too high a price.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> She's a brilliant tactician, but she does not accept the strategic realities. So, the unfortunate price is that we drive, and she continues to push and when she pushes too far, she will face something her and her followers cannot handle.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> Did she offer any solutions?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> One was to separate the elven and human armies. The second was to make an elf as chief councillor to the King.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Well, I have several suggestions should Seledan accept to step down.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What elf would accept these duties?
<B>Cerethan:</B> I would pick you? Why do you think you were sent in the first place. You have an affinity with the humans.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Sighs)
<B>Cerethan:</B> The one thing I haven't made clear is how many orcs are left in this forest. There are thousands.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> How are you gathering this information.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Primarily elven scouts. They report that there are still thousands of orcs and they have twisted parts of the forest into dark, evil places. We cannot send elves in there
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> What are the projections for the kingdom?
<B>Cerethan:</B> I think there will be eventual victory. I can't predict the losses. I have a guarantee from the King of Aquataine, no orcish forces will land. And we will begin the rebuilding process.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> Mianna's crazy idea that there will be Aquatainian garrisons throughout the forest is patently ridiculous. There is no need for any such garrisons. Once the war is over, we can sweep the forests clear of any orcish influence. There is no need for a garrison, she is completely wrong about that.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I need to hear that from the King of Aquataine.
<B>Cerethan:</B> Certainly. But I can assure you that we will return to a peaceful existence. </BLOCKQUOTE> <P> Donner and Fingle go to talk to the King.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> Black lions move quickly. Where do you want them?
<B>King:</B> They're under your command. Do you feel that their position is secure?
<B>Donner:</B> I think we're done with them.
<B>King:</B> All right. With that flank secure, we could definitely use their aid.
<B>Donner:</B> Where do you want them?
<B>King:</B> We'll have to do some planning.
<B>Donner:</B> I'd like to confer with Hagal in the planning. He tends to insist on it.
<B>King:</B> If you could bring him and his chiefs of staff, we would begin planning immediately.
<B>Donner:</B> Excuse me Fingle. I need to talk to my father for a bit.
<B>Fingle:</B> Certainly.
<B>Donner:</B> You're not looking well. I wonder if I should take over.
<B>King:</B> I started it. I'll finish it. What we need is you operating independently out there.
<B>Donner:</B> In the forests.
<B>King:</B> You've had the best success.
<B>Donner:</B> We wanted to deal with the Mianna thing if we can. Then with Krodol.
<B>King:</B> If you have any solutions, I'm all ears. If you kill Krodol, that will definitely aid us.
<B>Donner:</B> Are you certain that you want to keep command of this?
<B>King:</B> I'll be fine. It's just the constant wear and tear and seeing so many good men fall. I think it's best if I remain in command and you remain in the field. I don't think you can do both.
<B>Donner:</B> I'm sure you're right. But I assume that my friends can operate well without me. Hopefully after this war is over, we can spend some time getting to know each other.
<B>King:</B> Is that thing tame? (Nods to the Dire Lion)
<B>Donner:</B> It's under control.
<B>King:</B> The other possibility is that there's so much we don't know about the enemy. This is the sort of decision you can make, but I almost feel that it would be useful for you and your heroic compatriots to go into the forest and draw fire.
<B>Donner:</B> Sure.
<B>King:</B> I don't mean anything, but if they knew that the Crown Prince was in the forest, they would attempt to go after you.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, I'll consult with my friends and we'll see how we can help you.
<B>King:</B> (Gushes)
<B>Donner:</B> Well, without your nobility and leadership, I doubt that I would be the person I am today.
<B>King:</B> You'll be a fine king someday.
<B>Donner:</B> Hopefully, far away.
<B>King:</B> I don't know, I might just step down after this is all over. (Laughs heartily)
<B>Donner:</B> (Laughs uncomfortably)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Estus casts a sending to Hagal about getting him and his advisors to meet with the king to discuss strategy. Hagal's response is that "We're within sight of Telendir, if you can tell us exactly where you are we can be there within a day". Estus gets directions from one of the military men and passes on the message to Hagal. Hagal's response is "Tell the King we've killed ghosts. Undead roam the plains. Not in large numbers, apparently not coordinated.".
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> So, did you solve all that?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Yes, I waved my hand and it all went away.
<B>Estus:</B> Can you get the troops? Would they follow?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Perhaps. There is the risk of creating a third faction.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kill'Dar goes to talk to the King.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B>
<B>King:</B>
<B>Cerethan:</B> If she causes deaths or hurts the war effort, she will be removed from command. And I don't mean gently.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Thoughts for the party:
<UL>
<LI> Offer party's aid in exchange for not attacking Aquitanian troops
<LI> Go after Krodol
<LI> Scouting missions
</UL>
Estus casts a Divination about attacking Krodol. At first, every card seems to be swords. Then the Fool. Then Death. Then the Emperor. This seems to indicate conflict, the potential for poor decisions or foolishness, followed by change, then followed by honor and glory.
The Legend Lore on Fulchar. This blade does contain an elemental prince of the Plane of Fire. This prince can only be held in check by mortal magics for so long. As the prince begins to fight free, he becomes able to do more. As the mortal magic wanes, his freedom grows. It is believed by some that the magic that imprisons this being was purposely constructed to fail eventually. The power that Tenseval Taine used to create this prison came from other than the Prime Material, and when the containment breaks the side effects could be detrimental. The release itself, according to legends, is potentially cataclysmic.
Donner scries on Krodol. He sees six large stone sarcophogi. There are very tall (ogre sized, at least three) cloaked figures moving among the sarcophogi. They have large gaunt hands with greenish skin. There are at least eight heavily armed and armored trolls. The moving figures are pacing, as if they were waiting for something. He sees lots of magic in the room. The sarcophogi are enchanted. The cloaked figures have spells on them. The armed armored trolls have spells on them. The floor seems to be enchanted (Abjuration--probably Glyph of Warding). One of the cloaked figures is looking right at the sensor. It looks like a greenhag. Their cloaks all match and they all carry heavy mace-like weapons. The figure casts Dispel Magic.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
None