A Grand Conspiracy (CH2)

[Akhan Oathul]

Fort Scarlet

Coalition Council

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Fifty Miles West of Errondur - North Western Ring Mountains

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Even though it was early summer, Akhan couldn't believe how truly cold and inhospitable the ring truly was. As he gripped the port side railing of the magocracies flagship, the M.A.S. Berserker, he couldn't help but feel intimidated by the overbearing heights of the mountains around them. Climbing so high they towered above the clouds. 

As they made their descent into the central courtyard he recognized the old imperial banners. This fortress was but one of many abandoned within the ring by the empire over the centuries. It was barely a century ago that the dwarves took dominion over more then a dozen such fortress scattered across the northwestern ring.

The fact Errondur was able to maintain them and keep a stationed guard at each fort for so long was a miracle in the eyes of the Archmage. The landing was rough, the winds at this altitude gentle during the summer months but still capable of whipping up a blizzard in a moments notice.

As the crew lowered the ramp, he caught a brief glimpse at several other, smaller airships, even a griffin or two. Clearly some of the other parties invited to this gathering had already arrived. As Akhan stepped onto the cobbled ground, six elite knights followed closely behind him. Donhavi paladins trained to combat magic wielding opponents.

He lifted a hand over his eyes, the glare of the mid day sun beating down through a bitter cold, but cloudless sky. As they approached the entrance of the main hall, he paused. Turning to see one of the guests of honor invited to this secret council. He made a toothy grin and raised a hand in greeting. The archmage waved for the Donhavi to step back as he approached.

"And here I was thinking high elves hated the cold as much as I did, ha! Good to see you made it, rough journey?"

[Mirtin Istalan]

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[attr="class","mirtintitle"]Coalition

[attr="class","mirtinsubtitle"]A Grand Conspiracy

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Fort Scarlet had be a welcome sight to Mirtin and his retinue once they arrived. The abandoned fortress was serving as the meeting point for the Coalition’s conference. While being able to see the sun again, after their long trek through the Felands, it was a surprise to no longer have the Summer weather. But then again, that was the way of mountains, unpredictable year-round.[break][break]

Mirtin and his company had arrived two days prior to the arranged date, as they did not know how long the journey would take. His company as well as the hosting party had made sure that the meeting hall would be prepared for the discussion for this conference. As the day finally arrived when most of the other parties would arrive, Mirtin had opted to wait outside the main hall, they would enter with everyone else.[break][break]

“Eldar, why meet in such seclusion, surely the Magocracy would have been more suitable?” Leyna Vorten asked, keeping her voice low as she matched his posture, “let alone more comfortable.”[break][break]

Mirtin smiled at his adjutant, “We find it rather fitting, a monument of the Empire’s state.”[break][break]

There were parts of the decor that had not changed, best to give the appearance to not be in use by rogue elements. As such, worn Imperial banners and colors still adorned the fortress. [break][break]

His adjutant held a glare at him, not finding his answer suitable. They had a long history, ever since their days in the Gilded Guard. Every time he beat her to a promotion, he would use his commander privilege to name her as his adjutant. Every time she would refuse, then relent and accept it. She had once said it was the greatest day in her life when he had been banished, and then the worst once he returned and was named Eldar. [break][break]

“The Magocracy would have been nice, but here we can finally set things into motion,” he answered truthfully. [break][break]

Before he could say more, a cold chill blew through the hold from great doors being opened. And in came a rather memorable acquaintance.[break][break]

“We hate it just as much as any one else,” Mirtin grinned, sticking hand out in greeting, “the Feland paths are still rough, but easier than climbing a mountain. Worry not though, the main hall will be warm enough and have enough refreshments to make all of us comfortable.”

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[Dhurok Skuln]

The Grand Kaiser

Warden of Errondur

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Fort Scarlet was a beautiful sight, even if it was one of the least populated of Errondurs reclaimed imperial fortresses. A small crew of roughly fifty dwarven militia had been given responsibility for repairs, maintenance and defense. But being at such a high altitude, the only encounters they had was the occasional giant folk clan. Thankfully this clan was young, only fifteen or so in number and happy to do business. Dhurok knew not all giant clans we're friendly but having a neighboring giant camp only ten miles south was useful. 

As the company of the grand kaiser emerged from the depths of the felands road, the opening just a half a mile north of the fortress. Easily camouflaged with its surroundings. The trail leading to the front gates was large enough for two auroch to pull a medium sized carriage, but just barely. It was the perfect location for such a gathering. Symbolic of the empires decline and isolated, away from prying eyes who might mean them harm.

As the gates of the fortress opened, a shout from the dwarven guards announced the dwarf kings arrival. Cheers of joy and the pounding of chests in a sign of respect. A dwarven courier quickly opened the doors of the carriage and Dhuroks body guard, ten elite dwarven knights, clad in the five colors of the dwarf clans stood in a line with banners raised. As the Grand Kaiser promptly kept to the ground, he walked with haste to meet the two coalition leaders standing near the doors of the main hall.

"A gathering of allies is a merry day indeed. I hope your travels were safe. Please let us continue to the war room. I'm sure we have much to discuss."

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Dhurok Skuln

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[Akhan Oathul]

Fort Scarlet

Coalition Council

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Fifty Miles West of Errondur - North Western Ring Mountains

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Akhan was impressed, the central tower that opened up into the courtyard had been swept, cleaned, damages repaired, furniture arranged. With the bottom level being a dining room managed by the dwarves who stood behind large tables handing out rations of hearty lamb stew. As they prepared to make their way up the spiral staircase at the back of the room, the Archmage glanced behind him.

Along the walls were ten colorful banners, depicting the ten members of the coalition. The Magocracy, The Republic and the eight tributary cities, though Akhan considered that they were now the eight free cities. He watched several envoys from different factions follow close behind them.

A grizzled old satyr diplomat from Satar, a massive red orc elder from Ulsuik, a hobgoblin general from Skath, a young moon elf captain from Iglisia, a scowling sun elf vice regent from Ajunath, an elderly wood elf council woman from Ulvanir. Together with the three founding members of the coalition, Akhan, Mirtin and Dhurok leading the party. Although as Akhan studied the room, crowd he quickly realized the republics representative was fashionably late as usually.

It wasn't their first time gathering, but it seems the republic went out of their way to always be the last to arrive. As they finally emerged onto the top floor of the great tower, there was a room with stained glass windows on all sides and and a hanging chandelier to illuminate it. A large round table with ten ornate chairs surrounded the the table on all sides, behind each chair a banner with the sigil of each member faction. "Well then... I suppose we should get started "

[Mirtin Istalan]

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[attr="class","mirtinsubtitle"]A Grand Conspiracy

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Mirtin followed along with the others as they began to head deeper into the fortress to reach the war room, where they would finally engage in the long awaited discussion. As much was changing in the Empire, it would be time to get a clear answer from the Coalition for the path forward. That was Mirtin’s goal. Defeating the Empire and independence was not the simple answer that he was looking for.[break][break]

In the meeting room, Mirtin took his seat, and righted his posture, glancing at the other representatives of their coalition. Elyria is late, Mirtin noted, unexpected trouble on the path here could mean something more, then again it would all depend on the Archerald and their flights of fancy.[break][break]

After the Archmage had called them to order, Mirtin decided to speak up and seize a bit of the initiative at directing the discussion.[break][break]

“We are one short, but we do not believe that to be of any issue. Pardon us, but we’d prefer to skip the pleasantries and discuss the main topic at hand, as it is a rare occurrence for all of us to be in the same place. We don’t want to waste time.[break][break]

“Halkris has one request before further discussing the growing unrest in the Empire. Should we embark on the road to war, what do we consider terms of victory? We do not simply go to war for fleeting issues, so identifying what our goal is, will go a long way at reassuring us that our efforts will not lead to further chaos. We ask that in this discussion that the end result be unanimous, and with full commitment from all parties to reaching that goal.”[break][break]

Mirtin leaned back in his chair, relaxing his posture, but still looking confident in his own action. He placed his elbow on his arm rest, resting his head onto his closed hand as he scanned the reactions of the participants. The Aisyan saw the conflict for what was coming, and in order to ensure that the chaos that would be born from it would be reduced to the minimum, they were ready and willing to go to war. Mirtin wanted to make sure that all the other participants of the Coalition were of the same mind. All it would take was one of them to return to the Empire to throw their resistance into disarray. Even if they were later betrayed, at least they would have a new enemy that had gone back on their world. And to the Istalan Clan, it would be the last action their foe did.[break][break]

Now, all there was to see where the discussion went. If they determined war was the best option, they could then plan their actions.

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[Dhurok Skuln]

The Grand Kaiser

Warden of Errondur

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The Grand Kaiser of the dwarves nodded as he stroke his beard in anticipation. "I concur with this sentiment, Errondur wishes for a clear understanding of our goals. If we wander aimlessly l, we may end up worsening the situation more then it already is." As Dhurok studied the crowed of coalition officials he wondered over the republics temporarily empty seat at the council.

Without a doubt they seemed to have a habit of taking their time. Though as he shook his head in deep thought he figured he shouldn't judge. The culture of the skylands people were a mystery to him. But regardless they had to act as a unified coalition if they were to survive to see a better future. He pulled out a larger papyrus scroll and unrolled it for all to see. A detailed map of the ring and the lands within.

"As you we'll know, Errondur has declared war on the empire. However this was not done without thought. We are more then capable of defending our home and continuing our trade with the other cities via the felands roads. Of which the empire remains unaware of the roads existence. Hopefully this secret remains in our hands alone, but if one of our member cities fall, the paths with inevitably be discovered." 

He once again stroke his beard and narrowed his eyes, staring at the center of the table as if debating with his own inner thoughts. "Four thousand imperial troops have begun the siege at Errondur, I have no doubt they will send another four thousand soon enough. If we are capable of splitting their forces to such a point that nearly half their armies are forced to maintain the siege, that leaves the empire wide open for attacks on other fronts.

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Dhurok Skuln

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[Akhan Oathul]

Fort Scarlet

Coalition Council

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Fifty Miles West of Errondur - North Western Ring Mountains

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Akhan tapped his finger on the table in a show of worry. His anxiety over his lack of control of this situation made him uneasy. But despite that, he trusted the dwarves could handle themselves. "In a show of solidarity with Errondurs plight, the Magocracy is willing to maintain supply lines into the city as long as is needed."

He paused for a moment, the idea of an all out war against the empire was bad enough, but forcing the dwarves alone to take on that burden was more then he could stand. Yet he had his own peoples well being to consider. The Archmage leaned forward to point at a location just south of Errondur.

"According to the latest intelligence gathered by the Sedhier, the rest of the imperial forces, mainly the Crusadrem Order, has been gathering along the west bank of the Eashin Sea. We have an opportunity here while their forces are divided, but there is no telling how long this will last."

[Mirtin Istalan]

Mirtin watched as the Grand Kaiser spoke, a hint of envy filled him, despite his station, he would have wanted the glory of being the first to declare war. However, the opportunity did not reveal itself and he had to maintain his position, which meant ensuring that the Aisyan people would flourish well after he was gone. Declaring war would be a counter to that.

His eyes darted to the map and watched the locations that were being mentioned. Four thousand Imperials had already arrived at Errondur, and the rest were marshaling near the Eashin Sea.

“Halkris will also support Errondur, you will not want for supplies as long as the siege remains, we will ensure that happens,” Mirtin added to the conversation, “now the rest of the Crusadrem at the Eashin Sea, are they planning to join the siege? That would be a considerable investment over one rebellious fortress.”

The other settlements around the Nothik Sea were not in open rebellion and were mainly Imperial, unless they could include Arkanis, but so far nothing would attract the Empire to them.

“How long would Errondur be able to maintain itself for a siege? We ask because it could provide an opportunity for us to strengthen ourselves in the North and solidify support towards others not interfering with our conflict. We can use their over-zealous belief in their supremacy to be their great undoing and crush them at the foot of Errondur, using that as a show of force to let us be.”

[Dhurok Skuln]

The Grand Kaiser

Warden of Errondur

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Dhurok gazed intensely at the map before giving his response. Studying the region surrounding Errondur and taking in all the information he could before choosing his words. "Our defensive position is strong, even it the imperials double their forces we could easily repel such a force for at least three months."

As the dwarf king narrowed his brow while clenching his fist, he made an unexpected grin as if hoping for a battle. "We have two hundred musketeers manning the watchtowers, another three hundred crossbowman on the walls. With roughly a thousand warriors prepared defend them. Three hundred goat cavalry have already started a hit and run campaign along their flank."

Without stopping to explain he pulled out another map and placed it on top of the other. "Here is the map of Errondur and the surrounding countryside. As you can see we are nestled directly into the mountain so we won't have to worry about them outflanking us. We do have fifteen prototype cannons spread equally on the walls. With explosive shots and a one hundred man crew to operate them"

Pointing to a narrow mountain pass just south of the city, Dhuroks sly grin turned to a scowl. "About five miles south is a hidden quarry that we have camouflaged to the best of our ability. It's where we mine the sulfur required to create the explosive cannon shots. We only have a standing crew of a hundred warriors defending it. Anymore would make it too noticeable."

"The problem limiting us is ammo. For both our musketeers and cannons, our current supply will last us three months. At which point they may only need about six thousand imperials to swarm our defenses. We currently have no way of accessing the sulfur quarry without alerting the imperials to it's location."

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Dhurok Skuln

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[Akhan Oathul]

Fort Scarlet

Coalition Council

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Fifty Miles West of Errondur - North Western Ring Mountains

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The Archmage leaned forward slightly to examine the map as the other council members voiced their support, some more willing them others. The goblin ambassador needed some persuading but that was to be expected. "We expect fair compensation in return for skaths assistance! We don't have the numbers to fight a war, but if it's sulfur you want, we have a ready supply."

The sun and moon elf ambassadors sighed in annoyance at the hobgoblins remark but seemed to move on just as quickly. The red orc of Ulsuik making a hearty laugh as the bickering quieted down. "If thuh dwarfs falin in duh battal then urah next, dun be ah fool! Ulsuik Stan's wif thuh dwarfs." Akhan was silent as the council argued only to loudly cough to get everyone's attention.

"Our honorable Brutan friend here is right, if Errondur falls, we are undoubtedly next. We must act as a united front or we won't stand a chance." As Akhan pointed to the quarry on the map he seemed to hiss in excitement. "This gives us three months to come up with a plan to break the siege. Sure we can supply the city as long as is needed but nothing will change if we don't make a stand!"

[Mirtin Istalan]

Mirtin watched the other representatives, gauging them out for their willingness to fully pledge to the cause. Errondur was fully supportive, no one would declare war in an effort to root out sympathizers, plus the Grand Kaiser did not seem to be that kind of dwarf. Arkanis also seemed to be an ally, though Mirtin could not help but feel that they would typically play the backseat until the outcome was entirely assured. The other Elves, while may not say anything, he knew would in the end side together. While they had many differences over the centuries, they was still more that united them. The Orcs, while far removed from them, were still kin and showed their resolve to stand in the battle along with the dwarves.

All this would leave are the Goblins, Satyrs, and Elyria, of which it seemed as though the Goblins were participating because they didn’t want to be left out, though would be the first to leave at the sign of defeat. We can’t have that…, Mirtin thought.

“We have an idea, though please bear with us if it seems long-winded,” Mirtin did not look away as he addressed his adjutant in High Sylvan, “Vice-Kilocommander.”

Leyna stepped out from behind his seat and addressed the Council, “Halkris has roughly three-thousand troops it can marshal at quick notice. Iglisia, Lathlyra, and Ulvanir have roughly the same if not a few hundred less. Satar has a thousand, while Ulsuik has another three-thousand and their warg riders. Skath can call upon roughly a thousand war brood. The Magocracy has another four thousand. And then their is our late partner, Elyria with five thousand and their fleet of sky ships.”

After giving the statistics that Halkris had investigated on their own, Leyna stepped back behind the Eldar’s seat.

“In total we have the force of near 26,000 troops combined. The Empire is mainly supported by the Crusadrem of 15,000 and then their Gendarie of roughly 5,000. We outnumber them, however we will never be able to use those numbers against them. Our cities are far too spread out, bringing that many armies together will not go unnoticed, and once the Empire knows what is happening, they can marshal far more than the rest of us and put a stop to our combined front.

“What we suggest is that we use the time that Errondur is buying for us,” Mirtin extended a hand out, then slowly closed it into a fist, “so we can set the stage to fully crush the Empire forces in one battle.”

“We spend the next three months creating a veil over Overna’s eyes so that our forces can meet outside Errondur, giving them no retreat. We loose integrated raid groups throughout their back line, attacking their supply lines and delivering the supplies to local Imperial villages. We start engaging banditry and other problems around our cities with our own forces and even assist the local Imperial settlements, showing that we are fulfilling obligations that the Empire should be doing on its own.

“Acting in this way for the next three months will allow our forces to naturally gather around Errondur without suspicion. Trapping the Crusadrem between Errondur, an army to their west, and their backs to the sea, after three months besieging a settlement, will allow this to happen.”

The Eldar paused for a few seconds before finishing, “One battle and we can obtain our main goal with limited destruction to the Empire’s inner workings. Of course we doubt it will go as planned, but it gives us a clear path to obtaining this goal.”

_________
OOC: The numbers for unknown groups are completely made up, just wanted to fit the discussion better, so that can be changed if/when those groups are explained.

[Dhurok Skuln]

The Grand Kaiser

Warden of Errondur

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Dhurok was silent as the council debated on their next move. But something troubled him, his eyes narrowed in concern as he considered the implications of trapping the imperial forces on two fronts. However what worried him was the distance between the coalitions own armies or the time it would take to mobilize.

What truly worried him was what the emperor might do once the truth of the coalitions existence had finally been revealed to the world. If they weren't careful, they might risk unleashing a sleeping giant. "If we are to mobilize our forces to cut off the imperial siege and flank them on both sides, then we must do so while the crusadrem are still divided."

The dwarf king studied the maps intensely and pointed to the narrow road east of Errondur, leading south to north. "If we are somehow able to cut off or blockade this road it will at least slow and delay the imperials advance toward Errondur. Depending on the severity of the blockaid, stopping travel down this road may grants another week or so to mobilize."

He then motioned for the wood elf ambassador who suddenly raised their head to attention. "Ulvanir is the closest to Errondur, can we expect military reinforcements from the wood elves via the felands road?" The elderly wood elf woman seem to be lost in thought before responding. As if the though of exposing their alliance troubled her deeply.

"We may be able to send out five hundred rangers within a week to reinforce your walls. With an additional five hundred Cirvidae cavalry to harass harass the sieging imperials. However the remainder of our armies must remain Ulvanir. If we are to reveal our alliance so soon, it inevitably makes us a target as well."

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Dhurok Skuln

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[Akhan Oathul]

Fort Scarlet

Coalition Council

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Fifty Miles West of Errondur - North Western Ring Mountains

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Akhan casually pulled yet another rolled parchment from his cloak. A papyrus scroll with a wax seal of the Sedhier, the magocracies chosen order of elite sorcerers. As he unrolled the scroll he passed it to his left for the other ambassadors to read at their own discretion.

"Here you will see the latest report from our Sedhier spies on current movements of the Crusadrem Order. Indeed another four thousand are already gathered along the west bank of the the sea. With another two thousand stationed along the river just south of Overna."

As the Archmage listened to the councils ideas he motioned to the Eldar of Halkris. "From what I was told, the Duke of Furiya has recently arrived at the capital with five hundred Gendarie. My best guess is they intend to move north to reinforce the black iron wall at Athigard."

He then pointed a long scaley hand toward Glacia in response to the high elfs remark. "Glacia is a wild card, if we can keep them out of this war it will certain be to our advantage. I have yet to gain any intelligence regarding the governor of the north, but Glacia has long been known as an isolationist territory."

[Mirtin Istalan]

Mirtin watched as the Grand Kaiser spoke. While he was not wrong in wanting to keep the Crusadrem separated, there was a danger in trying to divert their attention. Only an equal threat to Errondur would evenly split their forces. If another city were to rise up, that would turn the heads of Imperial courtiers, arousing more suspicion at something larger afoot than just a meager dwarvish uprising. That would rob the Coalition of its ability to act as it had been. Just like the Crusadrem, if they remained divided, they too would eventually fall.

“Commando units of our own creation can start assembling in Centum and Briar. With the right coordination and markings, the Empire might believe a large army of bandits is forming. We did make many acquaintances with those not blessed by Imperial providence. They can hide in the mountains, pulling attention towards the South with raids against nobles that have less than savory reputations. The people do love their righteous uprisings after all,” Mirtin spoke, also trying to give some assurance to the Grand Kaiser. Afterall, Mirtin did not want the Empire to totally collapse. That would create a power vacuum that could threaten the lands far more than what was currently brewing.

When the Archmage directed their attention to the recent report, when it came to Mirtin, he passed it off to his adjutant. The next mention of the Duke of Furiya intrigued him the most. The Black Iron Wall of Athigard, the gate that protected them from the calamity beyond.

“Glacia is indeed a wild card, should they give direct aid to the Emperor and the Crusadrem, we daresay this rebellion of ours will be quite short indeed,” Mirtin replied, “though, Halkris does have a long history with them.”

Mirtin did not turn, but directed his next question to his adjutant in common, so all would hopefully understand his intentions, “When was the last time an Eldar visited the Wall? Three hundred years?”

“Eldar Malris was the last to visit, three-hundred and twenty four years ago,” Leyna replied.

“It seems far too long since we last renewed our oath with them. If we go to renew our oath at the Wall, surely a division coming along would not be too questionable, we could even make it two if we requested war games with Glacia to train troops."

With that, Mirtin again looked at the map. He had his excuse now to bring soldiers north, the Glacian Duchess would be the one to set terms for how many he could bring, but he knew at least one division would be enough to keep the Emperor’s eye of him specifically.

“With our Commandos in the east, Ulvanir and Errondur harassing the besiegers, that leaves us with the main logistical issue. The Empire will need to supply their siege. They could go around the Nothik Sea, however that would take far too long and leave them too vulnerable, which we will exploit of course,” he glanced towards the ambassadors of Ulvanir and Iglisia, “that leaves their primary method to use ships to cross the sea, it would be the fastest. Archmage, would you happen to know any good pirates willing to attack the Empire’s trade fleets?”

[Dhurok Skuln]

The Grand Kaiser

Warden of Errondur

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The dwarf king pondered the motivations of glacian nobility. They had always been a somewhat stoic people, but their primary concern has always been Athigard. Of course they may fein loyalty to the empire when necessary but ultimately the north only cared for its own lands. He then turned to the moon elf ambassador with a look of curiosity.

"What of Iglisia? Surely your people are invested in the fate of the wall. Being northerners yourselves." The younger moon elf captain of the guard nodded in agreement. "We are willing to assist in negotiations with the glacian nobility. In theory we should be able to muster twelve hundred rangers and three hundred cirvidae cavalry. However we prefer to hold our forces in reserve until Glacia is confirmed to be neutral in this conflict.

Dhurok gave a nod of understanding, if it turned out Glacia was willing to fight for the empire the coalition would require the Iglisian forces to slow them down. But regardless he felt unsure of the norths intentions. Turning toward the elderly Satyr from Satar, Dhurok spoke with a serious tone.

"Your people are known far and wide to be skilled warriors. I assume we can count on Satar to disturb the imperial supply lines?" The satyr sighed as he pulled out a massive bottled of whiskey, downing it in a single gulp. "We are willing to disrupt supplies passing through or near the kingswood. It may be possible to disguise our fighters as human. Which in turn adds to the sense of an armed rebellion raising."

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Dhurok Skuln

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