West Haven Incident

[marriv]

The stagnant air made for an uncomfortable conversation, if the few passing words could be considered such. Mixed professions and peoples had finally come together to form the union that would be.

Quallion glanced to the side and caught the eye of a human girl, he could tell she was another of the people brought here, as was the military man who just approached them. He made a gesture for the newcomers to sit as the rest, then closed his eyes and waited.
A moment or two passed, then his eyes opened. He began to stare down the dark hallway. A second later a fiure emerged from the shadows.
The heavily covered man walked up to the table, his features were shrouded by the robes he wore, and his face hidden by a strange ivory mask. Not a single speck of skin, hair or even his eyes could be seen.
The cloaked one reached into it's sleeve and pulled out a flat, pale cyan gem of sorts and set it on the table. Lights flicked inside, then a small projection appeared. An elderly man sitting behind a desk dealing with much paper work.
"Sir..." the man spoke with a metalic ring, catching the attention of the old man.
"Ahh, I see you're all finally here. Now, I hope you'll forgive me, but I had to go to great lengths to find you and have you brought here. Also, please forgive the enchantment on the letter that forced you here, I couldn't risk anyone not attending," he said, setting aside his quill.
He pulled a few papers and looked back up.
"I assume you'd all care to hear an explanation of 'why' before I continue?"

Quallion looked at him with curiousity, to the unknown man, and back. He wasn't sure which intreagued him more. The old man, or the nature of the being standing so near them.

[GnomesAteMyCake]

Urd grunted quietly to herself, and crossed her arms more tightly across her chest. She flicked glances at each of the people sat around the table, Taking in their appearances, but not worrying too much about anything else.
Urd watched as a robed man placed a gem on the table she sat at, then stepped back. She suppressed a snigger at the insignificance of the jewel, but when a figure bloomed from it, all amusement left her. She fully tilted her head up, and looked at the man, her normally stoic facial expression cracking, and a look of wonder spread across her face, making her seem far less intimidating and more...human.
She listened carefully to the elderly gentlemen who came from the jewel (feeling slightly angered at the fact that she'd be "Forced" to his little meeting,) and grunted, leaning back in her chair and her usual guarded expression on her face once more.
"Damn right I wanna know why I'm here," she said gruffly, her voice low in the quiet room.

[TragicAce]

Upon hearing the words from the old man in the gem Sigeric’s temper rose-something that did not happen often. The true fears of a man are for others, it is said. Not even the Orodor church with their many eyes could have known where he was, and yet this aged fellow was able to. That ability to gain knowledge made it apparent the power such a person wielded. Information was the world’s most valuable commodity after all. But that didn’t anger Sigeric-no, it was the how he brought him to West Haven that vexed him so. Taking a moment to hold back more vulgar accusations Sigeric spoke.

“If I come to find you responsible for the death of Captain Remel Subsion of the Orodor West Haven Irregulars, you have my word that retribution will be made.”

Remel had always been one of his most problematic students, but also one of his favorites. He was bigger than the other children, but didn’t use the advantage selfishly-he was unnaturally like a father to each and every one of the other trainees on the squad, always looking out for their interests and stopping inner conflicts. At first he was the glue that bound them against a young and foreign Orodor captain, but after awhile started to rally them by his side. Even as a young man Remel had learned that most important benefit the training would give them: it would help them all stay alive. And a father…a father should always keep his alive…

Sigeric kept a straight and hard face like he always did, but a sudden sadness came upon him. Wounds time would heal at the cost of their memory wasn’t worth the price. It was possible to take comfort in pain, the paladin well knew.

[PsychoKath]

As soon as the old man in the gem started speaking Delbaeths senses were alert and she was reading the mans true intentions and searching for any lies in the man's careful words. After a moment of listening she snorted- the flame in the candles all over the room flickered. Had anyone been able to see her eyes they would know that she was rolling them- but only those who were extremly observant could ever tell the differences in the tendrils of flame that were her eyes.

"I'd appriciate if you wouldn't lie to us, even if its about so simple a thing such as using that lovely little spell to get us to come here. You aren't sorry at all, and if i'm not mistaken you intend on using that exact same thing in order to ensure that we all have no choice but to do whatever it is you have called us here to 'ask of us'," Delbaeth paused to take a breath and smiled, "Do watch what you say, please, lies make me uncomfortable- and you can be damned sure i'll be watching you."

[Vale]

Lord Ryven let out a soft, raspy chuckle at what the Fire-ifrit spoke.

He knew it all too well, he had seen it so many times before--Mages using their power any way that they see fit, and only to further their own aims. He let out another sigh as his voice almost seemed completely mute.

It didn't matter to him, at least in the realm of accomplishing what this man was asking. Then again, if it was important, he wouldn't have been speaking via a crystal medium.


Silabus was not pleased.

[marriv]

The sagely man looked at the woman with a hard stare.
"Lie? I have only asked your forigveness for a minor detail, and asked if you'd like to hear the explanation," he said, his tone rising a bit in irritance. He muttered one last thing to her directly. "Foolish whipper-snapper..."
"And you..." he glared at the glorified animal tamer. "This is no mere 'crystal medium', it's a recording of my mind from a day ago under the best protection available, that is speaking to you as I intended. And yes I can hear most of you thoughts, I am a mage after all..."
The masked one shook his head slowly as the old man set some papers aside.

"To the reason," he cleared his throat. "Now as you may know, political relations have faded significantly in the last months, but I doubt you know how severly. I won't sugar coat it, it has gotten to the points where war threats are common behind closed parliament doors."
He made sure everyone had heard that before continuing.
"Some of our most peace oriented diplomats have returned in near death-states, and some others in small boxes over the course of two weeks."
The masked man shifted a bit.
"You are being employed as a special operations unit for several purposes. The first being to stop an imminent assault threat on this border city. In one business week, give or take a day or so, a raid will hit here from the north west."

Quallion waited, then his curiousity broke.
"I assume you'll provide us with their numbers and plan..?" he asked politely as he could.
"Alas, our mole was caught and executed before it could obtain that much," he shook his head and sighed. "And before you ask why, I would deal with this a bit more personally, but you can understand when I say my hands are tied. Mostly because the gov't doesn't want to risk mage war tactics, to costly to either side."
He began fussing with more papers as he slightly changed the subject.
"Now, as I am sure most if not all of you are interested in, is your compensation for taking part. There is little time to debate prices here, so I will be very willing to provide you with whatever you desire, with in reason. But bear in mind I am willing to pay well, even at my own expense."
The old man looked at them all.
"Now, I know you must be comfey where you are, so any other questions you wish to know?"

[Eva]

"Yes." Karla said. "Why does this border town need highly paid, overqualified soldiers, of sorts, to protect it? Yes, the value of any area along a border is quite high, but since when does any government care about the actual people inside of it, rather than the vanity of the town itself? Would it not be easier for you, as a whole, to simply let the town fall and then launch a surprise attack on the conquerors? I've seen you mages do such a thing before, and that you are not doing it now makes me highly suspicious of your motives." she said. Karla sat back with a raised eyebrow, awaiting his response.

[Vale]

Silabus raised his eyebrow a bit.
So this mage could hear thoughts, via a recorded version of himself, recorded yesterday.
As bright and 'wise' as the dracomancer was, there were even things which didn't make sense to him. Which is why, when placed in situations, he realized it was best not to attack the crystal--who knows what would have happened if he did that.

Regardless, the Mute-Dragon sighed a raspy sigh and continued listening on.

Although via thought he cast another question to him.
"There are few people I allow to hear my voice, for it is that silence which strengthens me, so forgive me if I seem brash. Why should it matter if West Haven falls? It's a border city and above that, if it did, it would prompt a full scale war...Not that I have the care in mortals anymore, but I must ask you, surely you could act under a medium which would hide your own actions." Ryven thought, crossing his arms as he snorted slightly.

Mages -.-

[TragicAce]

“Innocent people will die regardless our employer’s aims. Find as much tactical information as you can, plainswoman.” Sigeric spoke with a sideways glance to the dogi-wearing swordswoman. Her foreign garb and features only authenticated her origin, which was heard easily enough in her accent. To be honest the paladin didn’t care much for any of his fellow warriors-all too young, filled with self-pride and pretentious. While their prowess in battle had yet to be seen, this commander knew poor cadets when he saw them. And West Haven needed soldiers, not heroes. The middle-aged paladin made his way outside the room. He wasn’t at the time being concerned in the slightest about the man in the gem—right now saving this city was all that mattered. He would keep his questions for afterward.

Marching out of the room with a hard look of determination he got a few glances from the other patrons. But there were only two that he concerned himself with. With unblinking eyes he pointed out to them, the two Orodor agents sent to follow the reaper who was among them at the meeting. “Come with me.” Looking to each other in puzzlement the two eventually decided it best to follow. As they made their way to the streets one of them spoke. “Who are you sir, to-“

“Remember the weak, thou who art strong, whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene and bright with the resplendent glory of Orodor.” Sigeric interrupted the agent with one of the many prayers he was taught during his time in Berwick. That appeared to silence the man as they quickly made their way to the Orodor church here in West Haven. The chapel had seen better days, and has since Sigeric’s time gone in slight disrepair. It would seem easy to lose sight of religion in such a frontier, the paladin mused. He knelled in one of the rows, and his two followers did likewise. By this time they should expect him to be a paladin of some rank.

“West Haven is to be attacked in a week’s time, perhaps sooner. The enemy unknown, their numbers hidden. I would have as much strength at my side as Berwick can bring before the attack begins.” After speaking a deep silence came and enveloped the group as they all knelt in the house of their god. Sigeric was taking his time think through all that needed to be done before the battle began. He would need the help of the others at the meeting, undoubtedly. A sudden speaking of words broke the silence. “Under whose authority, sir?” The two had turned to face him, both curious to the unknown man. The Church would have told them he was in the area beforehand, afterall. He knew that this would end the secret life he had been living for the last seven years, but it was inevitable. If his name could help protect this city…he’d write it all over the walls.

“Tell them Sigeric sent you. Take the message as far as you can and gather quickly and as many as possible. I will stay in West Haven to make preperations and rally the local infantry. Honor go with you.” It was a rather old-fashioned remark among the holy forces, ‘honor go with you’. Sigeric always thought it a good reminder that honor is not something that should be left behind during operations.

[Tusk]

Davean had been silent for a long time as he took in everything he was hearing. West Haven was going to be attacked? How did he know of the Raid as well? There was something more to this than they were being let on.
" Well We do need a place to gather the wounded from the attack. I can keep everyone healed up for a time as well as provide the city with barriers. You said they will attack from the North East, but what other ways can the get into the city? I will not be able to get the entire city surrounded by a barrier, but I can get some buildings protected. Do you have any locations big enough, or an underground system for the civilians so they will not be harmed? Do we have any buildings we can use as a healing ward? "
His goal was not to fight. His goal was to protect. If he could save the citizens and keep the soldiers from dieing then he would be content with the outcome.
" I can do what I can to help in the front lines as well, but I am not much of a fighter. Tell me, what kind of people are attacking? "

[PsychoKath]

"Not only that, but why shoooooooood we help yu? What is in it for us, and- do we even have a choice as to whether we are in this or what? Be careful how you answer," Delbath warned as she absentmindedly toyed with the pendent around her neck. She hated not having a choice in things, and if that were the case here, she'd do whatever needed to make life hell for the idiot mage who started this whole mess.

OOC: SHort, crappy post, but there wans't alot to go on and i'm just trying to get this thing going again.

[marriv]

OOC: Sorry it's been so long, I kinda.. got busy with other things..

The elf looked at the back of the zealot as he left.
"Idiot whipper-snapper..." he muttered and shook his head.

The elder smiled and raised his hand.
"Do not scorn him... was all part of the plan. He was intended to rally an army, locally, that would follow. I did want to ask him to do it, but his patiences, maybe attention-span, ran short on me," he said, moving more papers.
The man looked up over his glasses.
"Smart to ask.. Savage outlanders as far as we know... And I'd advise against using the tunnels, the may have tunnelers, which may explain why I say I'm not sure. If you want to raise a barrier, make it a full sphere, only that can guarantee any safety," He said, then looked over to the Elemental. "And I have already said I'd compensate you for your help... The government does have emergency funds for a reason. As for choice... accept, and risk your lives for your homes as well as get paid quite well. Deny, and I won't blame you. However, my superiors may deem you traitors and charge you with high teason. If the do, I'll do my best to pursuade them otherwise, but after all, they are my superiors."
He moved some more papers to the side after looking them over.
"Now, why does it matter what happens to this mid-sized city?" he asked them rhetorically, then his expression went for the worst, his face red and his eyes glared down on the insolent voice of the dragon tamer. "Because there are innocent lives here, it's my job to see that we do not loose territory, and because any other reason is need to know, and you're not in the need!" He pointed a finger menacingly and a small bolt of energy shot out and knocked Silabus off his feet.
"Sir.. your glasses fell off," the cloaked man muttered.
"I'm fine you fool... insolent children..." he grumbled fixing himself. "Now.." His attention turned to Karla. "Anwser me this... How would you know they would be overqualified for this? Do you know anything about the enemy? I doubt so, and we're not going to let this place fall just to retake it again because it's too costly this time... cheaper just to hire you guys."

[PsychoKath]

"Not in the need?!" Delbaeth demanded harshly, " How the hell do you manage to force us all to attend this meeting, blackmail us into risking our lives for this whole mess and then tell us that we aren't in the 'need to know' category? Quite frankly I believe that since it shall be our lives on the line we are damned well in the need to know," She paused to take a quick breath before she continued.

" And before you attempt to deny my claim of your using blackmial think on this- I have been wrapped up in the politics of mages quite like yourself for years. All that blather about 'my superiors' this, and ' put in my best word' that is just that- blather. You know very well that should any of us deny the task set before us we'll be thrown in as traitors. I told you before that I do not like lies, I also do not like the attempt at a lie or misleadings, both of which I can detect, sir," she hissed that last word at him. Somehow, though her eyes were pure fire, they manage to let a cold and unfeeling stare pass to the mage in the image.

"Stop acting as though you are playing a word game in the Hall of Imperial Mages, we aren't. Though if need be I could certainly summon them down here and see how well that fare against the twist of your tounge and the singe of your lies. Or, of course, you could save us all the trouble and stop your ruddy blather and give us some real answers."

Blackmail is a two edged sword you foul bastard, she thought to herself.

[TragicAce]

“O God, Who knowest us to be set in the midst of such great perils, that, by reason of the weakness of our nature, we cannot stand upright, grant us such health of mind and body, that those evils which we suffer for our sins we may overcome through Thine assistance. Through Orodor our God, Amen.”

After taking several minutes to collect his thoughts in the empty chapel Sigeric was prepared for what needed to follow. This wasn’t the first time he had been tasked with the protection of a city. The tale of what happened in Klanneth had entered common folklore. All those that died to push the paladin into some kind of hero-status, just the thought of having to take credit for their sacrifices…it disgusted him. But that was then, and Sigeric shook off the past and rose from the wooden bench. This wasn’t the time to be reminiscing, not when he had a city to save. First things first: inform the powers that be, gather information on the layout of the city, outskirts and nearby surroundings.

The city hall was difficult to find if one wasn’t specifically looking for it. In the paladin’s experience there were two types of city halls: the kind that serves as a house for civilian complaints, and the kind that keep the complaints outside the doors. West Haven’s was the former. It was disadvantageous for the Orodor paladin, as it was less likely that powerful officials would bother to deal with the disputes of the common man. Still, he pressed through the white-stoned building and past a large line to find someone who knew who he had to speak with. The source of this line was a plump woman sitting behind a comparatively small desk, with a look that voiced her displeasure more then any words could. Interrupting her conversation with a flustered chicken farmer he made right to the point.

“I need to speak to person in charge here.”

The woman didn’t even look up to meet his eyes as she gave a callous reply, “Back of the line, sir. Sir Frendleburg deals with appointments only.” After a short silence, Sigeric gave out a low chuckle. The real beauty of bureaucracy was personified in this woman indeed. If there was one characteristic that had never changed but only tempered as he grew older, it was his lack of patience in frivolous matters. The farmer was starting to complain now. Was it really worth risking his life to save these people? That’s not even a question. The fastest way to resolve this problem, as was often the case, involved the zweihänder that rested on his back, mostly covered by his cloak. In a swift move that-to the untrained eye-seemed instant, the sword was in his right hand and the blade rested vertically on the fat woman’s desk. It was long enough such that a deep exhale would not be a wise choice of action for the large lady.

“Forgive me if I am not that patient. Now, where is he?”

[Tusk]

Davean looked at everythging going on. People trying to use words and leverage to get the upperhand. It was all trivial to Davean. The People were in need. Regardless of who was friend or foe, the people of West Havean were in trouble. He stood up and began to walk.
" I will start my preperations of the defence of West Haven. I may not know your true intentions and the politics behind this, but I will do all that I can to make sure this city and it's people are safe. May Tor be with you all. "

Davean stepped outside and looked at the city. He was disappointed he could not create a barrier to surround the whole city, but there could be several key places he could start. Now it was time to set up the barriers needed. He went to a nearby church to start praying. He needed Tor's wisdom to come up with a plan to help. Once inside, he noticed the church was rather large and once he began to pray, a plan of defence was made. Now he only needed to start it. It was a two part barrier and would require time to set up. He would first bless the city and all who was in it. This would let them get in and out of the barriers he would set. The next step was setting up the barriers. This would take time and planning. Davean could not protect them all, but he could a few large buildings that could be used as Healing wards and Shelters.
Davean began his prayer to protect his allies and civilians. He walked outside and let loose a brilliant flash of light.