Game: Blades of Git'riban : Primal State

"All in due time, reprisal is best served well planned, not by any fickleness directed..
Ii'Jyka'Vhaar sits slumped in her seat, fingering the weaving around the handle of her sheathed blade, staring at her glass with but a half a sip in its bottom.. speaking to no apparent target at all..

Ya'shenn scowls into her wineglass. Not exactly because of what the Firebringer had said, but because it touches upon Mist-of-the-Mind, and Ya'shenn is very conflicted when it comes to the undead psion.

When she speaks again it is obviously with reluctance. She also eyes Raa-Shiis and Zjaa for a moment. It is not that she particularly distrusts either captain -- and Lahar clearly trusts them both. She's still not sure that she would ideally want them to hear this, though. "Mist-of-the-Mind sent a message to me, recently. In that message, she claimed that Master Pale tricked her while using necromantic magic to separate her from an aberration -- I believe it is called a destrachan. That he used his magic to bind her, in the way that a death-mage is able to command the undead. More -- she claims that Pale is very close to lichdom, and that when he attains it, her entire being will be subsumed into his own.

"I do not feel that I am in a good position to evaluate either claim. Her message actually seems to contradict my own observations. Several times I observed her... psionically manipulate the necromancer, on an emotional level, to maintain some semblance of sanity on his part. Not being a mage myself, I'm unsure whether either her claim of being magically compelled or her claim that Pale is on the cusp of lichdom has a shred of truth to it. There is also the fact that Mist-of-the-Mind has long had an incredible talent for disinformation, and if she is the engineer of the necromancer's recent activities, I would not be surprised if she were to be very ill-disposed toward us at the moment.

"Firebringer, it is my business to know what motivates others -- and yet I find her incredibly difficult to read. I find this fact... infuriating. I suppose it is possible that both of them may be fighting for dominance, and neither of them is entirely sane at this point."

Derog is unnerved in the back of his host’s mind. No, unnerved is too insufficient a word to describe the all-consuming fear permeating through every spectral wisp of his spectral essence. He had heard whispers of Pale and of Mist-of-the-Mind while among the living. The very thought of the Queen’s necromancer roaming worlds as a lich with that level of power within him makes the ghost uneasy, if not outright anxious. More than ever, the undead warlock is eager to leave the dangerous situation he has been thrust into. The Firebringer sets him on edge nearly as much as Mist-of-the-Mind. How frighteningly simple it would be for Lahar to destroy Derog ….though for the present time he is comforted by the Mind Blank enchantment upon Azthri’Zhan’kel’s spectacles. He wished sincere blessings upon the miserable berk the spectacles had once belonged to, whoever they were.

{{A fate which could befall us one day, given enough time…..}}Dreog muses to his host, who blanches.

Azthri'Zhan'kel eyes Ar'Dru as if seeing him clearly for the first time and resolves to speak with him privately when the opportunity arises. Though neutral as a matter of philosophy and personal lifestyle rather than culture, the Plague-healer has always admired those who have the integrity to adhere to strict codes of honour she could likely never uphold. Not that she lacks a sense of ethics or her own notions of honourable action, however. She taps her boot with one of her daggers idly, listening to Lahar, Kiirath, Ya’shenn and Ii'Jyka'Vaar discuss and debate the matters at hand. Here and there she mulls over the heady conversations, weighing the knowledge being dispersed with a sharp insight usually manifested when attempting a difficult surgery. It occurs to her how fortunate it is for a githwarrior of lowly rank to be trusted with such information…..or, her more cynical side interjects, how easily she could have her memories obliterated should she be deemed a risk, if not killed.

"With respect, if this backwater world is so resistant to our armies that we are forced to retreat to the Underdark of all places, how many more worlds are also able to withstand an assault? True, I heard lots of chant about primitive worlds ripe for the taking......but what worth is that victory in the face of penning loads more names into the deadbooks?" Azthri'Zhan'kel's voice rises as a dark thought awakens in her. It seems the entire situation of her people can only come to one end alone....

"Don't we lose enough in our wars with the githzerai and the ghaik every damned year? Our Queen has fallen and our empire is broken! We're all tearing each other to pieces like graith heirs over a lord's inheritance and leaving ourselves open to our enemies from all sides!"

Clearly upset, the Hiver actually rises from her seat, shaking slightly. "What if we are torn even further asunder, what then?! A War of Three Skies?! Total extinction?"

(OOC: Somebody better slap her silent....the alcohol got to her at last)

And I have seen precisely where 'honor' leads, unfortunately. I don't think you would like it there... Ya'shenn has observed far too much of what githyanki are capable of in the name of honor, though she does not speak of this aloud.

Ya'shenn's reaction is much more calm, at least outwardly, than that of the githees.

"Abeir-Toril is no backwater. Though they are graith, this world is noted among Prime worlds for its preponderance of worthy adversaries." Which speaks volumes about the Firebringer, if he conquered so thoroughly here. "I suppose this world in particular has had so much contact with other worlds and even planes that the natives had no choice but to grow powerful."

"I'm not sure how much you know about the long history of our People, Azthri'Zhan'kel. The children of Gith have successfully passed through many crises that can at least be compared in scope to the ones we face now. Particularly during the period of the Liberation, and the early centuries afterward." In point of fact, Ya'shenn can truthfully claim to possess a much deeper knowledge of gith history than the majority of githyanki currently alive.

"As for the other... the gith of Fortune produce their share of fine warriors, but on the whole they are disorganized. The remnants of the ghaik empire are much stronger in wildspace than anywhere else. The Athasians bear watching, though."

The psion contemplates the Firebringer's words as the scope of his planning becomes more clear. "I do not know so much about the present situation on the Incursion worlds... aside from what I have learned of this one, and what I already know of another. I would like to learn more."

[Flavor note: 'Gith of Fortune' refers to a Gith pirate.]

Azthri'Zhan'kel listens to Ya'shenn with renewed interest. Though she had more than enough interaction with her mentor and warband as well as others to learn of her people's history, it is the first she has heard of the name of the gith race's original homeworld. Pharagos.....to her, the name itself seems weighted with age and the admittedly contoversial idea of the planet's inhabitants paying heed to a god in aeons past is rather intirguing. A god of knowlege and war, perhaps? A god of vengeance, even?

OOC: (I'm baaaaack!)

"I find it so, if the others in our group agree." Ya'shenn looks to the others as she says this. She wonders about the choice of Sark'ja. Ya'shenn does not doubt the abilities of the fierce Git'ribani at all, but there are other warriors in their rrakkma band. The psion wonders once again about the Bloodstone gear in Sark'ja's possession. She also wonders about Gy-Nath's reaction, considering.

Ya'shenn does not entirely conceal some visible surprise when the human Pantera is mentioned, but says nothing about it. Apocalytes. They have been marooned, for the most part, on the Prime for some time. Get used to it. The People had cultivated alliances with the graith of Saev, but the githyanki of this world seem a bit too... close to their barbarian allies at times.

"I am not unaware of the honor that has been accorded to us here. Firebringer, the gesture is appreciated."

Ii'Jyka'Vaar scans the council..

Ii'Jyka'Vaar holds her “Abyssal Red” Longsword by the blade at the ceremonial start, and although paranoid about being near Pale-Mist again she keeps her face as straight as an arrow, and looks at all the attendees equally.

the left hand still holding the abyssal longsword, she keeps her right hand clinging to her uniform's belt so as not to have that hand succumb to the urge to draw her Nagamaki. Internally she fights the o so present urge to draw her real blade and attack Pale-mist, her personality trembles with energy to contain that one urge, but she maintains it with a sureness that surprises the blade's presence, and so the balance is kept.

[PS- DM, I managed to spot something..]

Ar'Dru stands, huge and impassive among his kind during the proceedings, closely observing the faces of the kin who may soon become his enemies. He grips his massive silver sword by the blade in his equally huge left claw, a feat made more difficult by the shifting nature of the sword but one which also serves the purpose of identifying him as one of a select few chosen to bear such a blade.

Whilst he realises that he is no telepath he focusses his mind in an effort to detect any subtext that Mist may be adding to the words of Pale and holds his tongue until an opportune time.

(rolling for Spot)

Kirath listens to Lahar and the rest speak there arguments. He is surprised when the human female Pantera adds her voice to the discussion. Kirath can barely suppress a chuckle at the anger of Pale/Mist at both her presence in the council and her audacity at actually speaking.

Kirath is about to voice his opinion on the current situation. Until he decides to hold his tongue until the small weight his vote will have more of an effect when those of greater importance have had their say.

Ya'shenn is keenly aware of just how many high-ranking commanders with whom she shares the Customs House at the moment. Accordingly she is as careful as possible not to seem out of place for her rank when she does speak.

"Commanders, I would ask what Sembia still holds for the People that cannot be easily acquired elsewhere. Any mission into the Underdark would likely bring the People here into greater contact with the Great Enemy, which is to be preferred over fighting graith, however worthy the barbarians of this world may be. If it is battle you desire, there is definitely no absence of that to be found in the Underdark." Ya'shenn looks directly at Captain D'aynn as she says this last. Her mind wanders for a moment: Ra-Shiis is not the only githyanki who is fond of D'aynn's brashness.

The psion is vocal, yet reasoned, in her support of the Firebringer's plan, and she also supports Na'rai's suggestion concerning use of color pools. While she strives to seem at least somewhat objective on the surface, Ya'shenn is of course deeply politically motivated, as well as being well-motivated by the simple fact that Lahar has been of great help to her on not one but two occasions. Still, the Double-Edged is paranoid enough, or politically astute enough, to wonder what ulterior motives Lahar possesses, and what he is careful to not tell her. It would not be correct to state that she trusts him entirely, yet she is happy to use him against Pale. She does not speak of Saev directly, and does not plan to unless the Firebringer does so first.

Ya'shenn also suspects, in her own thoughts, that Gib may be quite friendly to one of the factions within the Silver Eyes, possibly even a full member herself. The interests of the half-dragon Controller certainly seem well-aligned with those of Mist-of-the-Mind. Had Gib actually been involved in the conscription of Kirath's forces...? She also observes the apparent disagreements within the Silver Eyes bloc itself with much interest.

"While it is a bit... unorthodox... I would also ask whether it might be useful to bring along at least the more worthy and capable of graith allies for such a journey. I imagine that at least some of them have served our purposes faithfully and will actually continue to do so. This would involve additional logistical difficulties, but it may actually prove worth the additional effort." What she does not add is that those barbarians who served the githyanki cause are likely to face extremely unpleasant punishment at the hands of other graith, perhaps those of Cormyr for example. She also does not add that bringing a significant number of barbarians along might create a situation where graith forces are loyal not to the People as a whole, but to individual githyanki commanders. Or an individual half-dragon commander, in Lahar's case. Of course, it is also true that telepaths of any power bloc are likely to seed the barbarian followers of other commanders with spies.

She silently contemplates the thought of the world that Lahar had at least claimed to be his next destination. What does the world of Saev possess that is of such importance?

He seeks Gith's dagger, she realizes. Would Lahar have been one of those who had been granted such knowledge, or would the Revered Queen have sensed the Firebringer's ambition even then?

She leaves alone Ib'm's suggestion that a victory would be necessary, to buy time to leave the surface. Ya'shenn believes that Ib'm is probably correct, but the other commanders here, having more comprehensive knowledge of the situation on this world, might have better suggestions concerning where and just how this victory would take place. As long as it does not involve either conscription of my siblings, or undue glory for Pale... or further association with Pale of any kind... She also imagines that Lahar has a fairly specific plan there -- to use Pale as a 'rear guard.'

[Sense Motive on pretty much everyone, to get a sense of nuances/real motives during the meeting.]

[Actually I'll add a Bluff check as well, just to attempt to counter Sense Motive checks against her.]

[Wow, I have a real gift for rolling badly on Bluff checks... Did I mention how much fun it is to roll a 1 on a Bluff check with that many telepaths in the same room?]

'Transparent' is a word that few would apply to Ya'shenn of Amber. Perhaps Mist-of-the-Mind, and a few others, but not most githyanki by any stretch of the imagination. Perhaps her recent consumption of very high-quality alcohol, an intoxicant with which she has relatively little experience, has made her somewhat less able than usual to conceal her true motivations. Even so, the psion is easier to 'read' than usual, for those who have skill at such things.

Contemplating the logistics of a withdrawal, a potential issue quickly occurs to her. "Commanders, in the event of a withdrawal, what do you plan for the astral ships?" The conversation thus far has only spoken of the Underdark, a place with little room or use for astral vessels -- barring the largest lakes and most spacious of underground caverns. "Consider their great value. A spine of earthly wind is not easily manufactured, nor is a control skull." Ya'shenn manages to avoid looking over at Controller Gib as she makes that statement. "I believe that disassembling them is technically possible -- but what of the hulls? That much weight would not be easy to transport. Nor am I certain how many skilled mlar your respective warbands have available.

"I am no mage, but..." Ya'shenn looks toward Pale-Mist, not entirely able to disguise her intense loathing of the necromancer. "I seem to recall that another method exists to effect the transport of a large vessel." Her own understanding of magecraft is genuinely unclear. There is also a certain fact concerning the current state of the githyanki empire that even Commander Raa-Shiis had been careful to keep out of Pantera's knowledge. Between Ya'shenn's own ignorance of the arcane, and the barbarian's likely skill at it, the psion would prefer that the mages in the room discuss this subject further if at all.

[Ya'shenn figures that, as an arcane spellcaster, Pantera is probably very smart. Ya'shenn doesn't know much about gate, but she definitely doesn't want Pantera wondering 'Wait, can't the Revered Queen just do that for them?' However, choosing to have a barbarian ally cast the spell instead, or even having a githyanki mage do that (though that would certainly raise questions about 'retirement'), or using a scroll/artifact/whatever, doesn't necessarily imply that the Revered Queen is dead -- after all, if you annoy the Revered Queen, you might get eaten. Ya'shenn is also pretending to be more ignorant of the spell than she really is.]

[Heh heh, I so wish you could use that result to figure out more about the creepy golem creature Pale is building. Ya'shenn did ask about it. That was a while back, though.]

Kirath ponders for a moment before adding his meager coin to the scales. "I agree with Lahar in that we need to abandon Sembia. The territory we "control" there is a wasteland (with a quick look and nod to Pale/Mist). Who wants to rule over dust and bones when we have more important things to accomplish like destroying the ENEMY!'

"I suggest we return to Gatcharof and regroup if it is a fight you want so badly . Use your resources to a better end Necromancer unleash your swarms of undead in the Underdark. Have them attack the Ghaik septs as they uniquely qualified to engage the ghaik as there powers are nigh useless against the undead. Ah, but why I am telling you this must have occured to you before has it not Master Pale?"

As for myself I would like to join the Knight Ii'Jyka'Vaar in the Black Fleet and add my talents to her own to help lead our People to victory!"

Kirath nods curtly to the assemebled commanders and makes his way to the knight. To Ii'Jyka'Vaar quietly "Well sister it seems we have been given command of this rag-tag group. Do you have any thoughts on where we should lead them?" "of course we should first familiarise ourselves with them and find out their capabiilities.

Kirath then calls to Azthri with a smile on his face"Azthri'zhan'kel I for one would welcome your skills to the Black Fleet"

"If this meeting is concluded, I will take my leave of it.." Ii'Jyka'Vaar states to no one..she takes the reigns of her mount and leads him out of the custom house.. where her follower and the hand full of other students are awaiting her..

She informs her follower; "We have been given co-command of a part of the Black Fleet, we need to prepare to set sail soon, in order to save some of our brethren.."

She then puts her new mask on. Lehr'Asj'Tor steps back a pace as the full effect of the mask radiates from her, he seems impressed..

WiP

Though she tries hard to conceal any outward sign of it, Ya'shenn is in fact delighted to see Pale so thoroughly defanged. She has no desire to either disgust Gy-Nath, standing near her, nor to offend Mist-of-the-Mind even further... but the psion savors the moment. Ya'shenn herself feels that it would be unseemly to gloat, especially in public, so she strives mightily to keep her own reaction to a minimum. Besides, as pleasant as the moment may be, there is plenty of room in which to worry. She, as well as others in their rrakkma, have made powerful enemies today.

Difficult to imagine that any set of circumstances could possibly lead to her backing a duthka'gith... and yet, it had happened. Hopefully he would not prove worse than Master Pale. The argument between the Firebringer and Mist-of-the-Mind (that had surely been Mist-of-the-Mind speaking...) only increases her opinion of the half-dragon. It wouldn't do to feed Lahar's ego even more, though.

Once Ya'shenn is more able to focus on something other than her enjoyment of Pale's discomfiture, she confers quietly with Gy-Nath and Sark'ja. The psion indicates her willingness to join in aiding the evacuation of Urmlaspyr, provided that the other members of their rrakkma agree. She is willing to consider other ideas, though.

A Gith warrior stands among the milling crowd, attentive to the conversations that buzz about while his focus is fixed on the door of the Custom's House. A dusk grey cloak drapes the shoulders of his silver splint mail and blackened leather and flows over a longsword hilt that resembles a bow's grip. He politely asks a few questions of the Git'ribani outside about their journeys and the events that led to their appearance in Starmantle, occasionally maneuvering the conversation toward their next port of calling. The black-armored soldier then listens intently to each group as the leaders move outside and orders begin to fly.

He slips through the throng as it shuffles and intercepts Gy-nath and Na'rai of Jade. He bows fluidly to both, his voice firm and forthright in the Gith tongue. An honor to meet you, Kith'rak Gy'nath of the Blades of Git'riban and Kith'rak Na'rai of Jade. May the blood of your enemies fall before you for years to come. I am Xer'mun gil'Ij'akzul of Silver, rish-i-ghaik of the Silver Stalkers, and veteran of the Darkenfields. I offer my blade and council in service of the People on the Black Fleet as a sign of brotherhood from Silver. May the sons of Gith move as one to the aid of our siblings.

OOC:
As a character flavor note, Xer'mun manifested synesthete as he stood waiting. He would alternate between augmenting his sight and hearing, taking in the crowd around him, before switching back to sound to hear what each leader is ordering to their group.

He gives a good look at each band of leaders and tries to sense their general disposition after the meeting.

Ii'Jyka'Vhaar looks the newcomer up and down, and seems not really impressed, but with the red mask on her face it is hard to tell..

She thinks to herself, when the newcomer has introduced himself; ~"Besides the fact that he singles out the two commanders and blatantly ignores the Githees, (which annoys her to no end), he hasn't made a good start (with her, and she dislikes him already)"~

She keeps herself more-so busy with the discussions about how to arrange and control the fleet, and her small rabble of followers..