NationStates Jolt Archive

This is where the nations come together and discus alliances, war planning, and everything else not included in other things. Main thread here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=515024

"The Mighty Blub Empire is opening its doors to foreigner dignataries. We invite your representitives to visit our fine cities, admire our architecture, statues, artwork and culture.

We invite you to sample our foods and our masterwork products, so that trade can be opened further and permanent routes of commerce founded."

- Elder Council

The Land of Neko will send two dignataries to your lands to meet. We look forward to it.

The Neko High Council

The Principality of Magdaline will send a delegate to meet in your glorious territory.

The Empire of Valgard invites other countries to send diplomatic representatives to our capital and discuss either concerns, possible treaties, and any number of other things.

Signed,
The Emperor of Valgard

The Troll King has decided that opening Diplomatic Relations with some other people may not be so bad. He has decided to send an Ambassador, well a Troll that won't kill you on sight is more like it but..., to Valgard.

OOC: His name is Jarl Prowltusk. He is Darkspear. He like most trolls has an Average height of 7ft 5in. They are tall and lanky and usually weight about the same as a human, with a few variations.

Your representative shall be taken into the Empire and granted a meeting with an important Imperial representative.

Princess Sophia's carriage made way towards the Scandanavian lands. Some issues that concerned her and their nation, the expantions. It sounded like they were on a verge of conquest.

News of the diplomatic meetings reached the far island of Hoshino. A lone diplomat had set sail on the mighty seas to reach there, hopefully in time. The very primative and easy going society, might be a suprise to some but it's how they were.



http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g310/AShadow17/poisedcopy.jpg

Princess Sophia's carriage made way towards the Scandanavian lands. Some issues that concerned her and their nation, the expantions. It sounded like they were on a verge of conquest.In one of the most southern cities of the Empire a group of Valgardian knights came riding up saying,” You grace, we have been sent by our commanding general to escort you all the way to the Imperial capital so as to protect and give you quick passage through the Empire.”

News of the diplomatic meetings reached the far island of Hoshino. A lone diplomat had set sail on the mighty seas to reach there, hopefully in time. The very primative and easy going society, might be a suprise to some but it's how they were.



http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g310/AShadow17/poisedcopy.jpgUpon arrival at one of the Valgardian ports the ship was ignored as there were many different races and species there trading and nothing seemed to special about this traveler.

As the diplomat arrived in the Valgardian docks, a well dressed dwarf was standing there, watching carefully for anyone who appeared to have a diplomatic retinue. He was wearing a dull orange shirt and had well combed hair, and looked very much like a guide.

---
Other dwarves and kobolds, polymorphed into various races, watched the streets carefully for diplomatic staff, hoping to intercept any thoughts of alliances with the Valgardian invaders. They were relatively few in number, and had no access to valuable information of any kind (Those kinds of infiltrators are reserved for specially planted ones from RPs.), but such important individuals were easy to spot and the Valgardians would not be getting diplomats past without telling them the whole story.

The Alliance would make sure of it.

At the docks were many Valgardian soldiers who had been given orders to detain any person of Kobolds and bring them out of the city to the large prisons made for that people. As well, all the dwarves in the city had been recently called together for a large meeting and any dwarves outside of that were to be arrested until the meeting was over.

So when they saw the group of creatures trying to do something at the docks a group of twenty heavily armed guards had come upon them to arrest them.

(OOC: Polymorphed. They're not necessarily in the guise of normal kobolds or dwarves.)

The dwarf looked at the guards advancing on him and fled down a nearby alley, weaving through the streets. He pulled a small vial filled with orange liquid from his pocket and drank it, vanishing from sight.

He rubbed a ring on his finger and whispered a command word. Moving out of view of the guards, he left the alley with the appearance of an elf. Similar ploys were used to throw off the Vals, the more magically inclined stopping the guards with castings of Grease or even summoning rabid animals to make their escape.

The dwarf-turned-elf returned to the docks, wearing a green shirt.

(OOC: Polymorphed. They're not necessarily in the guise of normal kobolds or dwarves.)

The dwarf looked at the guards advancing on him and fled down a nearby alley, weaving through the streets. He pulled a small vial filled with orange liquid from his pocket and drank it, vanishing from sight.

He rubbed a ring on his finger and whispered a command word. Moving out of view of the guards, he left the alley with the appearance of an elf. Similar ploys were used to throw off the Vals, the more magically inclined stopping the guards with castings of Grease or even summoning rabid animals to make their escape.

The dwarf-turned-elf returned to the docks, wearing a green shirt.Realizing that they had disappeared using a form of magic the Valgardians brought specially trained Rangers who could see the identities of people using magic related The Valgardians also brought in magic sensing animals who followed the trials of the people and quickly began hunting them down. Included they set a guard around all the gates and were ordered to bring down all those who tried to escape the city guards.

At the docks two specially trained Rangers found the being and began to sneak up on the dwarf as they would maybe have to kill him if the dwarf resisted so they put their hands on their knives.

(OOC: If you really want a fight to break out in the diplomacy thread, you can, but I'll be changing a number of the infiltrators into Chamber agents, which are minor special characters in their own right. Assume similar things are done with the other generic infiltrators. They've got their very own cover identities and those they deal with can vouch for them. Taking advantage of the minor magicks used so often in Valgard.)

As the rangers approached behind the elf, he suddenly turned around, brandishing a stack of pamphlets in their faces. It was rather fortunate that the polymorph rings had been enchanted by master chambermages - it would not do to have it simply dispelled.

"Top of the morning, gentlemen! Visit Crukul Shipsail for all your provisioning needs, on the corner of Harbour and Darling!" He waved the pamphlets in the rangers' faces, a little too cheerfully.

Noticing the ranger's hands on their weapons, he followed with something less related to his occupation. "Is there a problem, gentlemen?"

(OOC: If you really want a fight to break out in the diplomacy thread, you can, but I'll be changing a number of the infiltrators into Chamber agents, which are minor special characters in their own right. Assume similar things are done with the other generic infiltrators. They've got their very own cover identities and those they deal with can vouch for them. Taking advantage of the minor magicks used so often in Valgard.)

As the rangers approached behind the elf, he suddenly turned around, brandishing a stack of pamphlets in their faces. It was rather fortunate that the polymorph rings had been enchanted by master chambermages - it would not do to have it simply dispelled.

"Top of the morning, gentlemen! Visit Crukul Shipsail for all your provisioning needs, on the corner of Harbour and Darling!" He waved the pamphlets in the rangers' faces, a little too cheerfully.

Noticing the ranger's hands on their weapons, he followed with something less related to his occupation. "Is there a problem, gentlemen?"OOC: It is an empire it is quite easy to arrest you for charges and it will not be a problem for most people to see a person being arrested or even killed for causing a problem.

IC: The Rangers grabbed him and quickly restrained his hands. Then they tied a ring of rope around his hands which prevented the use or addition of any new magic on his fingers. As well, they then said,” Remove your ring dwarf before we cut it off for you. As well, you are under arrest for the charges of illegal possession of image altering objects, not attending a darven meeting, and misidentification.”

(OOC: Don't forget that the polymorph only detects as 'transmutation' magick, not illusion. Which also happens to be the same school as the spell 'Eagle's Splendor', an appearance enhancing spell. You're metagaming a fair bit here. How did they know the dwarf used a ring to change form? He was invisible and was not seen emerging from the spell.)

"How dare you! I am Davalmin Mistletoe, ELF and law abiding citizen!" The dwarf was quite the spymaster and had completely sunk into his persona - truth detecting magics would reveal only that he was speaking the truth, as far as he knew.

As he struggled the ring fell off his finger and he did not change in appearance, though he suddenly seemed less attractive. He remained a blond haired male elf, albeit very angry at the trumped up charges.

The detection magics picked up moderate transmutation on the ring, but the elf no longer showed up.

This was causing quite a scene, attracting many onlookers.

(OOC: Don't forget that the polymorph only detects as 'transmutation' magick, not illusion. Which also happens to be the same school as the spell 'Eagle's Splendor', an appearance enhancing spell. You're metagaming a fair bit here. How did they know the dwarf used a ring to change form? He was invisible and was not seen emerging from the spell.)

"How dare you! I am Davalmin Mistletoe, ELF and law abiding citizen!" The dwarf was quite the spymaster and had completely sunk into his persona - truth detecting magics would reveal only that he was speaking the truth, as far as he knew.

As he struggled the ring fell off his finger and he did not change in appearance, though he suddenly seemed less attractive. He remained a blond haired male elf, albeit very angry at the trumped up charges.

The detection magics picked up moderate transmutation on the ring, but the elf no longer showed up.

This was causing quite a scene, attracting many onlookers.As the scene became progressively larger two hundred of the well trained urban guard soldiers came in and the crowd was contained as they did not want to have any of his accomplices to come to his aide and if they did they would kill the dwarf for treason.

The Valgardian Rangers responded to his comments by saying,” We can see through your disguise as we are of the blood of the first one of ‘Valgard who led are people to our ancient homeland and we can see through you false disguise. Be it you may dwell inside a new persona you are easily chargeable enough to imprison you for violently resisting arrest.”

The guards the began to drag the man off with a large urban guard strong enough to prevent any group of attackers from gaining access to his enemies.

OOC: Note the first one was one the founder of Valgard and in him arose the line of the Emperor from his first and only son and the rest of his descendents make up the major nobles houses.

OOC: Think I'm probably gonna withdraw from this. Kinda lame to have common city guards who can see through magical illusions. Reeks of metagaming. Anyway.. have fun guys.

OOC: Think I'm probably gonna withdraw from this. Kinda lame to have common city guards who can see through magical illusions. Reeks of metagaming. Anyway.. have fun guys.OOC: They are specially trained Valgardian Rangers who are not exactly common as they are kept around in courts and for the guard units of large cities as they need them to check for magically disguses used by people.

(OOC: I think that's a bit rich, as far as seeing through a completely changed form goes. It's not really a disguise per se. Being able to nullify stealth of any kind is really going a bit far. On the other hand, you have opened up an opportunity for a rather large guard formation to be attacked with area attacks.

Right, that's it. I'm not going to identify the spies anymore. Not even OOCly. Any one of the described characters could be spies.)

Davalmin Mistletoe hadn't the slightest clue what the guards were talking about, and was dragged away, protesting his innocence the whole time.

As soon as every guard in the area had collected to drag off the poor elf, a halfling vaulted up onto the dock, carrying a fishing rod. He cast the line into the water and sat there, humming a happy tune.

On the street, there was a human, sitting behind a folding table with a deck of cards. Before her, she had a small crowd watching as she performed various card tricks. Next to her was a beggar playing a lute, with a hat on the ground. Within the hat were a few coins.

There was a half-elf couple sitting on the side of the pier, arms over each other, enjoying the view of the harbour.

On a rooftop were a pair of gnomish children running about playing, while their mother watched warily.

The guards now just kept their distance to avoid scenes and from there they would covertly spy on the peoples whom they could find that were doing things covertly.

In one of the most southern cities of the Empire a group of Valgardian knights came riding up saying,” You grace, we have been sent by our commanding general to escort you all the way to the Imperial capital so as to protect and give you quick passage through the Empire.”

"Thank you." She said

Upon arrival at one of the Valgardian ports the ship was ignored as there were many different races and species there trading and nothing seemed to special about this traveler.

"Hello." She said "Me Ayla. Come from Hoshino Island, for diplomacy." She showed an emblem on her wrist. All diplomats were branded so.

At that point all of the (described) people on the street reacted, in different ways.

The gnomish children jumped off the roof and ran over, followed by their harried mother, to make a fuss about the strange-looking foreigner.

The halfling put down his rod and leapt to his feet, bowing. "Greetings, m'lady."

The woman at the folding table looked up and waved, beckoning Ayla towards her.

The couple looked at her and smiled warmly.

To the Valgardians, any one of them could be a spy, as could anybody else on the street. But a bad call could lead to a fiasco, as innocents being arbitarily arrested often do.

Neko High Council Woman Miko Jirad, along with her two small children arrived. "Emmy, stay close, I don't want you getting lost now. You too Allen."

"What are we doing mama?"

"We are here to meat with some people. Maybe you'll meet some kids you can play with."

Miko's cat ears pearched up, it was nothing. She always feard for her safety outside her land.

Neko High Council Woman Miko Jirad, along with her two small children arrived. "Emmy, stay close, I don't want you getting lost now. You too Allen."

"What are we doing mama?"

"We are here to meat with some people. Maybe you'll meet some kids you can play with."

Miko's cat ears pearched up, it was nothing. She always feard for her safety outside her land.As they entered the land of the Valgardians the land was filled with farms manned buy massive amounts of workers and slaves who seemed to be quite content, though the whips of masters were many around them to prevent them from fleeing.

From one the estates came a contigment of cavalry soldiers who came to the travelers and their commander said,” My lady may I ask what affaris you have in the Empire?”

"Be calm soliders, I come bearing freindship."

"Thank you." She saidThey traveled through most of their distance within a few days to when one of the knights said," My Grace, I believe we are only three hours of the capital now."

"Hello." She said "Me Ayla. Come from Hoshino Island, for diplomacy." She showed an emblem on her wrist. All diplomats were branded so.A Valgardia soldier, who had heard of the island, heard her speak the name and came up to her and said,” Greetings me lady, might I help you?”

"Be calm soliders, I come bearing freindship."“Come along please, my lady and we shall bring you to our lord’s manor for a time so we can better sort this out.”

"Very well."

A Valgardia soldier, who had heard of the island, heard her speak the name and came up to her and said,” Greetings me lady, might I help you?”

"I've come for Diplomacy. Have crossed many seas through many storms to make it here."

In the commotion with the Hoshino diplomat, one of the people around her slipped a note into a convenient pocket.

The gnomish children, were, of course, babbling far too much for anything but direct conversation to be heard.

"Where did you come from?" one asked.

"Oooh, what's that?" asked the other, pointing at the symbol on her wrist.

Here carriage was quickly encircled by guards to protect. The following evening they were traveling through the country side. The wind was blowing feircely, a sure sign of a storm. Lighting and thunder, and heavy rains plaged down. The princess inside was fine and safe from the storm but she was still frightend by it.

They traveled through most of their distance within a few days to when one of the knights said," My Grace, I believe we are only three hours of the capital now."

"Oh that is good news, very good news."

In the commotion with the Hoshino diplomat, one of the people around her slipped a note into a convenient pocket.

The gnomish children, were, of course, babbling far too much for anything but direct conversation to be heard.

"Where did you come from?" one asked.

"Oooh, what's that?" asked the other, pointing at the symbol on her wrist.


"Ayla come from Hoshino Island. The symbol is a symbol of my authroity, to be here. It is how we provide proof for foreigners, that we are who we say we are."

"Very well."Bringing her to the manor,
(think really luxurious latifundia) they brought here into a large marble courtyard where the lord of those lands came out and said," Welcome my land to these lands, I have requested for you to come here becuase I wish to know if I could help and/or shelter you?"

"I've come for Diplomacy. Have crossed many seas through many storms to make it here.""Please come with me the."

"Certianly."

Bringing her to the manor,
(think really luxurious latifundia) they brought here into a large marble courtyard where the lord of those lands came out and said," Welcome my land to these lands, I have requested for you to come here becuase I wish to know if I could help and/or shelter you?"

"The Land of Neko is always in need of a good freind. We heard you have been on the expansion, though."

Here carriage was quickly encircled by guards to protect. The following evening they were traveling through the country side. The wind was blowing feircely, a sure sign of a storm. Lighting and thunder, and heavy rains plaged down. The princess inside was fine and safe from the storm but she was still frightend by it.



"Oh that is good news, very good news."“My lady, the Emperor has granted us consent to go straight to the palace and we shall go now immediately so please follow us.”

She followed them closely, so that she wouldn't get lost. It was a very nice place, well structured.

"Certianly."The soldier brought the diplomat to the governor of the city who asked,” Good day to you, might I ask as to your more specific business here and how I might aide you?”

"Me Ayla from Hoshino Island. I come because I was sent by my officals. We seek fellowship."

(OOC: Please don't skip over nighttime - it's the only time I can get to your diplomats, thanks to the high level of security and nuances of infiltration.

Also, Aqua Anu, don't forget that your diplomat has a note secreted somewhere onto her person for later reading.)

I'mdyp squatted on the roof of a nearby building as she watched Princess Sophia walk down the street. The princess was most certainly a foreign dignitary - her style of dress and mannerisms were too different. But she could not be gotten at for the time being, so she would just watch, wait and lie low.

She followed them closely, so that she wouldn't get lost. It was a very nice place, well structured.Entering the dining room the Emperor said," Please have a seat and replenish yourself as I have heard you have had a farily long and tiring journey."

(In Hakurabi)

"Milady, you really shouldn't be out in strange lands."

"I want to enjoy the starlight."

"I understand but it isn't safe. Please return to the carriage

(In Scandinvia)

"Thank you. I am quite hungry."

"Me Ayla from Hoshino Island. I come because I was sent by my officals. We seek fellowship.""I do believe you as you are quite well of the race of that people and I can sense you speak no falsehoods in your speach. Yet, I must ask might I see the mark that they gave to you to represent who you were?"

"Of course your grace." She held out her hand, and showed the mark.

"That is my proof good sir."

(In Hakurabi)

"Milady, you really shouldn't be out in strange lands."

"I want to enjoy the starlight."

"I understand but it isn't safe. Please return to the carriage

(In Scandinvia)

"Thank you. I am quite hungry."The Emperor said,” May I inquire as to what you like such as crabs, salmon, beef, or any other meals?”

"Oh I have a real gulity pleasure for Crabs."

"Of course your grace." She held out her hand, and showed the mark.

"That is my proof good sir."The governor then said,” Very good then, you have more then proven yourself and I wish to say may I help you in any way?”

"Oh I have a real gulity pleasure for Crabs.""What kind of crab; king crab, lake crab, river crab, blue crab, stream crab, gaint krab, monkey fish crab, maybe another type?"

"As you know sir, our island is quite small, so we are quite vunerable to bad weather and bad people. We are hoping you could be a safe gaurd to us. We will repay with anything you want. All the fish you want us to export, even delcacisies like shark fins, fried octopus balls, we assure you no waves will be to great for us to deliver supplies."

"Oh you certianly have a lot of crab. Well I rare treat for me would be red crab, and king crab. WE don't get thoes very often, they are found more in the western oceans."

"As you know sir, our island is quite small, so we are quite vunerable to bad weather and bad people. We are hoping you could be a safe gaurd to us. We will repay with anything you want. All the fish you want us to export, even delcacisies like shark fins, fried octopus balls, we assure you no waves will be to great for us to deliver supplies."The governor responded,” I will be able to send a legion deployment, 2,100 soldiers, to protect your island along with a fleet of 3 war galleys, 2 Man-of-Wars, and seven carracks to defend your island. We are willing to do this in exchange for imports of octopus and shark fins and the right to use your island as a naval base.”

"Oh you certianly have a lot of crab. Well I rare treat for me would be red crab, and king crab. WE don't get thoes very often, they are found more in the western oceans."Clapping his hands his servants brought in two trays of crab. The Emperor then said," Quite fresh I am sure and I know they are good. I wish you to know you do not have to finish the food as it quite a large amount."

The three horses were steady in their swift stride. The sun shone down at mid-day, giving its glaring warmth to those in need of it, and dehydrating others. Two of the horsemen, who rode behind the foremost, were each clothed in the black of the shinigami and each sported a straw conical hat with the black figure "11" on it. A sword was slung in each of their sashes. Each carried also a spear, with a small triangular flag at the top with a black dragon symbol upon a field of white.

The head rider wore a white mantle kimono. It flapped behind him in the wind and made him look very debonair, or so he liked to think. On the center back of his mantle was the black lettering for the figure "11". His conical straw hat, defending his precious head from the heat rays of the sun, was tied tight around his chin.

Tohya Matamoto pushed his sun glasses back up onto the bridge of his nose as he rocked to the movement of his horse. Why did I get stuck going with captain on this damned mission!? I must be unlucky. This is punishment from a past life; it must be.

"Matamoto! Stop being such a sour-puss!" called back Totomi Saito. The 11th Squad Shinigami captain grinned back at his lieutenant. "If you keep that look on your face for too long, you'll always have those wrinkles on your forehead!"

"You bastard!" called back Tohya. He took out a small rock that he had in his pouch and threw it with amazing speed at Saito. It hit him dead center on the back of his head, just under the rim of his hat.

"Ow! Thats dangerous you idiot!"

"Not as dangerous as it will be when I throw this spear next! Why did you even bring me along anyway?" Matamoto cried back.

"You two are both idiots," said Hidatora, the third rider of the group, as well as the holder of the 3rd Seat in the 11th squad. "This is suppose to be a good-will journey to the Valgardian Empire. This is the first time in 200 years that Soul Society has ever tried opening talks with another nation. You two should be greatful that Captain-Commander Yamata honored us with this mission."

Saito and Matamoto both gave Hidatora a bored look as they passed under the arms of a great elm tree. "You're boring Hida-kun!" said Saito, "Maybe I should transfer you to 10th Squad."

"No!"

Matamoto and Saito laughed as Hidatora shivered at the thought of being transfered to the 10th Squad. It was never fun for any shinigami to be sent away from his or her original squad. Those that did mostly did it for the chance of promotion.

"We've got less than 30 miles until we reach this city of Yiorit," said Matamoto, "so lets get our butts moving! We've got to make camp at nightfall."


ooc: I'm sending an embassador to you Scand. Also, should any goblins wish to try ambushing...bring it on. :}

(In Hakurabi)

"Milady, you really shouldn't be out in strange lands."

"I want to enjoy the starlight."

"I understand but it isn't safe. Please return to the carriage

(OOC: This is a different person, yes?)

Tribzez patrolled the mountainous ranges alone with his faithful dire weasel companion Hrathok. "<Wonderful, isn't it?>" he mused, taking a moment to look at the clear sky.

Turning his attention back to the pathway he was watching, he noticed a carriage sitting there in the middle of the road.

"<Hello, what's this? Let's check it out.>" he said as Hrathok leapt down the mountain to the road. As they got closer, they saw a few figures, one watching the stars.

An orange garbed kobold with a bow slung across his back and a longsword on the other side.

"<Who goes there?>" he asked, the draconic most foreign to the traveller's ears.

The three horses were steady in their swift stride. The sun shone down at mid-day, giving its glaring warmth to those in need of it, and dehydrating others. Two of the horsemen, who rode behind the foremost, were each clothed in the black of the shinigami and each sported a straw conical hat with the black figure "11" on it. A sword was slung in each of their sashes. Each carried also a spear, with a small triangular flag at the top with a black dragon symbol upon a field of white.

<Snip.>

(OOC: Okay then. I'll just retcon I'mdyp here, since there's no need to follow Sophia at this time.)

I'mdyp followed closely behind the riders, carefully leaping behind trees and roads, waiting for night to fall - where she was at her strongest.

She would intercept them before they could arrive at their destination, and perhaps redirect them towards a council member.

When the sun began to set Saito led the trio into a large forest clearing. The mountains reached high above them like ancient titans, the suns rays just barely falling over their rims. The horses were tied to a branch and fed some cud. Matamoto started a fire in the center of the clearing and Hidatora prepared some food.

Saito stood with his back to the two working, looking out into the forest where they had come from. He had sensed it more than several hours ride earlier. He hadn't needed to inform either Matamoto or Hidatora; they had felt it too.

"Saito-dono, food is ready," Hidatora said. Both he and Matamoto had a hand on their sword hilts.

"Keep it warm," said Saito. He walked to about ten feet from the edge of the clearing and then stopped. He cupped his hands to his mouth and leaned forward.

"Yoohoo! I know you're there! Come out or I will come and get you," he called.

In the forests now lurked many Valgardian rangers who had been hunting down Kobolds in the region with impunity since they were extremely skilled trackers and very well versed in the arts of camouflage. With that they had known of the entrance of those of the Soul Reapers into their lands which had resulted in a group of Rangers to enter the region under the command of a Valgardian Huntsman who was ordered to eliminate all enemies of the Emperor in the forest so as to make it safe once more from any threat.

The Valgardians had known of the mounted travelers and quickly had sent large patrols of Rangers along the roads and they would soon find them…

I'mdyp was watching as Saito called out, announcing his knowledge of her presence. I really need to brush up. I'm getting sloppy. Oh well.

Shrugging, she decided to make a strong first impression. Flicking a wand into her palm, she pointed it at Saito and spoke a command word, suddenly causing him to vanish completely from sight.

Leaping forwards, she focussed her ki and became nonmaterial as she sailed through the air, landing where Saito was sitting (and taking the last second of her incorporeality to match his position). She reappeared, looking rather much like a smaller member of the band except for the loose fitting black garb. She was even wearing a coolie hat like the other two.

She sat there for a moment, mentally counting off the seconds until the illusion wore off.

55... 56... 57... 58... 59... 60.

Saito reappeared as the magic dispersed.

It was only the look of surprise on the small monster-looking creatures face that gave Saito some satisfaction. His sword blade was resting on the creatures neck and had been the moment the creature appeared. Now that what-ever magic it had used wore off, it could now see it.

"I'm not sure I like that trick," said Saito. "Its interesting to be sure...but its rather useless against a man who has no need to see either himself or the enemy in order to fight."

Matamoto and Hidatora were about to draw their swords when Saito raised his other hand, eyes still intent on the creature before him. "No need. Get the rest of dinner ready while I discuss a few things with our guest."

"Yes sir captain," replied Hidatora. Matamoto grudgingly sheathed the other half of his sword and sat back down by the fire, throwing dark glances at the new arrival. "Matamoto, I think you should also go check out the surrounding area," Saito ordered. He nodded to his captain and simply disappeared from sight.

Saito then paid his full attention to the creature before him. "What is your name and purpose?"

The governor responded,” I will be able to send a legion deployment, 2,100 soldiers, to protect your island along with a fleet of 3 war galleys, 2 Man-of-Wars, and seven carracks to defend your island. We are willing to do this in exchange for imports of octopus and shark fins and the right to use your island as a naval base.”

"Okay. But if you set up a base, you must do it at the most southern point. But trading some of our finest delcacies will be no trouble."

Clapping his hands his servants brought in two trays of crab. The Emperor then said," Quite fresh I am sure and I know they are good. I wish you to know you do not have to finish the food as it quite a large amount."

Two large plates were set down, with fresh steamed crab, each doused with hot butter melting right on them. She politely endulged her self, not one to forget her mannerisims.

Using shunpo Matamoto was able to move without making a sound and out of sight. He stayed amongst the trees and hills, making sure to keep with the wind as it blew, making it so his passage was even more hidden; becoming the wind himself. The sun had gone down now over the mountains and a bright moon gave off its luminescent light to the forest. The sounds of the night, creatures waking for the hunt, started to erupt from different corners of the woods.

Matamoto stopped in a very tall oak tree and hid in the shadows. He had felt a presence not far from him. Several of them...perhaps between..20 to 40...to the north. Matamoto briefly increased his reitsu and sent it into his sight. He was then able to see far away.

There amongst the woods was a small opening between the trees. There was only darkness and shadows. A small rabbit jumped out of the bushes and hopped away, harmless without realizing. Matamoto watched as several of those shadows moved.

"Oooh, you're good. But not good enough."

He watched as a dozen armed men, dressed in dark greens and black hunting cloaks moved with skill through the forest undergrowth. They were well armed and obviously well trained.

Matamoto disappeared from his high perch and flash-stepped to a tree that was behind the group he had spotted. He stayed silent and wrapped himself in shadows using a hiding technique. He decided to just watch them and see if they moved off toward the camp fire, which was more than 400 yards away.

My, my but aren't these boys good. Look at that one! He's moving even more quietly than the others - oh! nope, he broke that leaf. Tsk. Northerners need to practice more. Matamoto watched them and tried to decide what he would do. Finally he decided to take some action. Using his silent skills he moved to the ground and leaned against the tree.

"You guys are too loud!" Matamoto shouted at the top of his lungs. The looks on the rangers faces was priceless. Each of them spun around, drawing swords and weapons.

"But why are you skulking around the forest, eh? Its not nice to sneak up on people...oops, guess I broke my own rule," said Matamoto. "Where are you guys from?"

"Okay. But if you set up a base, you must do it at the most southern point. But trading some of our finest delcacies will be no trouble.""That shoud work out as this will benefit us both."

"It's been a pleasure doing business good sir" She extended her hand to shake

Two large plates were set down, with fresh steamed crab, each doused with hot butter melting right on them. She politely endulged her self, not one to forget her mannerisims.The Emperor remained in is seats talking to one his generals as to a recent military build up in the south and western frontiers.

"It's been a pleasure doing business good sir" She extended her hand to shakeHe shook her hand and then said," Might my men provide you a safer way home on one our ships departing to your country now?"

"Well...I suppose I could use an easy trip home. But what will I do with my boat that I used to get here?"

The Emperor remained in is seats talking to one his generals as to a recent military build up in the south and western frontiers.

"Hmm...How did you ever find such good crab?"

"Well...I suppose I could use an easy trip home. But what will I do with my boat that I used to get here?""If that is your desire, though I do wish you a safe and quick journey."

"Hmm...How did you ever find such good crab?""We gather in from the inner seas northern waters and by means of our own fishing boats."

"If that is your desire, though I do wish you a safe and quick journey."

"Thank you sir. I will be back soon though, with our first large trade. Ayla not only diplomat, but also trader and fisher. Me and husband fish and then trade with other places."

She shook his hand once more. Gave a bright smile and left back to the docks.

"We gather in from the inner seas northern waters and by means of our own fishing boats."

"Well they are some fine fishers. But I must get to why I am here. There has been much talk in the Royal House about your expansions. Now it's begining to spread, we are fearing you might be aiming at us."

"Thank you sir. I will be back soon though, with our first large trade. Ayla not only diplomat, but also trader and fisher. Me and husband fish and then trade with other places."

She shook his hand once more. Gave a bright smile and left back to the docks.The governor shock his head good bye and then ordered for a small transport ship to depart, keep track or her, and establish a small enclace for the soldiers on the island.

"Well they are some fine fishers. But I must get to why I am here. There has been much talk in the Royal House about your expansions. Now it's begining to spread, we are fearing you might be aiming at us.""We have long held aims on the southern lands I do admit, but we have no real reason to conquer your lands as we currently planning a war to the north and northeast of the Empire to bring those lands under our control, though we do still have a large military force in the south for peacetime reasons.

"The Land of Neko is always in need of a good freind. We heard you have been on the expansion, though.""I see as to what you are saying as a nation will always need others to exist in order for trade, diplomatic, and standard purpouses as we do understand your situation."

Ayla jumpe back onto her tiny boat and lifted up the sail and depated back for Hoshino island. It would be a long tirp, faced with a lot of peril, but she wasn't affraid. She wanted to see her beloved again. She looked to the sky, blue as the sea, perfect day for sailing.

"I see as to what you are saying as a nation will always need others to exist in order for trade, diplomatic, and standard purpouses as we do understand your situation."

"Very exact. Neko has been very isolated, drawves, elves, trolls goblins, very few want to have anything to do with a bunch of human-cats. But your nation seems diffrent to us. You seem like a freindly type of place for us."

It was only the look of surprise on the small monster-looking creatures face that gave Saito some satisfaction. His sword blade was resting on the creatures neck and had been the moment the creature appeared. Now that what-ever magic it had used wore off, it could now see it.

"I'm not sure I like that trick," said Saito. "Its interesting to be sure...but its rather useless against a man who has no need to see either himself or the enemy in order to fight."

Matamoto and Hidatora were about to draw their swords when Saito raised his other hand, eyes still intent on the creature before him. "No need. Get the rest of dinner ready while I discuss a few things with our guest."

"Yes sir captain," replied Hidatora. Matamoto grudgingly sheathed the other half of his sword and sat back down by the fire, throwing dark glances at the new arrival. "Matamoto, I think you should also go check out the surrounding area," Saito ordered. He nodded to his captain and simply disappeared from sight.

Saito then paid his full attention to the creature before him. "What is your name and purpose?"

I'mdyp smirked, amused at the concept of a warrior needing to see themselves. She herself used something rather like invisibility on a regular basis.

"Not many do. I am known as I'mdyp and I represent the Kobold Alliance. We are in direct opposition to the Valgardians and their reckless expansion."

She waited for Saito to remove his blade from her neck.

"I am impressed with your ability to place your sword at my neck even without being able to see it, however. You must know it like your own arm." she commented, bowing momentarily.

"You may wish to call your subordinate back. There are rangers about. I shall wait for your return."

I'mdyp smirked, amused at the concept of a warrior needing to see themselves. She herself used something rather like invisibility on a regular basis.

"Not many do. I am known as I'mdyp and I represent the Kobold Alliance. We are in direct opposition to the Valgardians and their reckless expansion."

She waited for Saito to remove his blade from her neck.

"I am impressed with your ability to place your sword at my neck even without being able to see it, however. You must know it like your own arm." she commented, bowing momentarily.

"You may wish to call your subordinate back. There are rangers about. I shall wait for your return."


The blade stayed where it was. Saito didn't take his eyes of the other's. "I sent Matamoto to deal accordingly with them. What if I was to render you unconscience and hand you over to the next patrol we meet? I'mdyp was the name right?" The creature nodded.

"I've never liked Kobold. Last time I met one was fifty years ago when I was out hunting. The evil little imp stole my prey out from under me," Saito said, remembering that day when he could have had an 8-point hind. "However I do not remember the Kobolds ever allying together. There must be a new leader amongst you...and now I will ask two simple questions and I want two simple answers. If I don't like what I hear..." he pressed the blade ever-so-gently into the skin so a small bead of blood appeared.

"Now, first, why is a high-level Kobold magic user in this area? And two, what do the Kobold expect to gain in opposing these Valgardians of the North?"

I'mdyp sat there, ever calm and showed no sign of being intimidated.

"The first question can be answered by the second."

The bead of blood was of no worry to her, though she did get ready to vanish again should Saito decide to execute her or render her unconscious.

"We oppose the Valgardians because they are conquering our lands and destroying our way of life. Should they succeed, they will surely stop at nothing to seize your lands for themselves."

Viaharu Zerakea had never enjoyed formal diplomacy. Sure, you did get some great dinners out of it (Valgardian food, he had to admit, was pretty damn good), but he'd rather have his sword in his hands kicking some poor goblin's ass. Oh, well, he sighed, fastening the rich black cape with gold filigree around his neck, you can't have everything.

The Zjiugiasi adamantine-clad warship Eclipse made its way into the Valgardian capital's (What was its name again?) harbor, dragonkin and viath sailors heaving the oars and rolling up the sails. Viaharu's guards strapping on katanas, hefting naginatas, and fastening their war masks. Their dark adamantine armor glinted dully in the midmorning sun.

Viahary climbed onto his warhorse as the ship was fastened to the dock. The ramps were lowered, and the procession made its way off of the ship, nearly one hundred viath and dragonkin descending. Viaharu rode in the center, a security precaution advised by his guards. Valgardian slaves and commoners quickly cleared the roads for the daunting and regal Zjiugiasa as they made their way towards the Emperor's palace.

I'mdyp sat there, ever calm and showed no sign of being intimidated.

"The first question can be answered by the second."

The bead of blood was of no worry to her, though she did get ready to vanish again should Saito decide to execute her or render her unconscious.

"We oppose the Valgardians because they are conquering our lands and destroying our way of life. Should they succeed, they will surely stop at nothing to seize your lands for themselves."

"That answers question number two. Now how about question number one?"

"I am here as an agent of my masters. My mission is to intercept diplomats such as yourself enroute to the Valgardians. Any more I cannot say."

(OOC: This is a different person, yes?)

Tribzez patrolled the mountainous ranges alone with his faithful dire weasel companion Hrathok. "<Wonderful, isn't it?>" he mused, taking a moment to look at the clear sky.

Turning his attention back to the pathway he was watching, he noticed a carriage sitting there in the middle of the road.

"<Hello, what's this? Let's check it out.>" he said as Hrathok leapt down the mountain to the road. As they got closer, they saw a few figures, one watching the stars.

An orange garbed kobold with a bow slung across his back and a longsword on the other side.

"<Who goes there?>" he asked, the draconic most foreign to the traveller's ears.

"Be calm." Sophia said to her guards. "Hello, I am Princess Sophia, from Magdaline, I heard of diplomatic meetings going on in these lands."

Realising that the traveller did not speak draconic (and nor did he speak common, for that matter, though he did understand it vaguely) Tribzez reached into his pouch and slipped on a silver amulet.

"The council is going to want to speak to you, Dignitary Sophia. Follow me."

Hrathok walked to the front of the carriage, and Tribzez beckoned for the retinue to follow.

"I am here as an agent of my masters. My mission is to intercept diplomats such as yourself enroute to the Valgardians. Any more I cannot say."

"Ok," said Saito. He took the sword off the creature's neck and sheathed it. He walked back over to the fire and took the bowl of beef stew that Hidatora handed him. He squatted down next to the fire and began eating with gusto. A flask of rice win appeared and that too was starting to be quickly drained. Saito looked over at the Kobold in between a bite.

"You can leave when you want. So long as you pose no threat to my men then I will not kill you nor will I knock you out."


ooc: Scand...your rangers have yet to react...

Realising that the traveller did not speak draconic (and nor did he speak common, for that matter, though he did understand it vaguely) Tribzez reached into his pouch and slipped on a silver amulet.

"The council is going to want to speak to you, Dignitary Sophia. Follow me."

Hrathok walked to the front of the carriage, and Tribzez beckoned for the retinue to follow.

"Very well." Sophia returned to the carriage, and the carriage proceeded to follow them.

"Ok," said Saito. He took the sword off the creature's neck and sheathed it. He walked back over to the fire and took the bowl of beef stew that Hidatora handed him. He squatted down next to the fire and began eating with gusto. A flask of rice win appeared and that too was starting to be quickly drained. Saito looked over at the Kobold in between a bite.

"You can leave when you want. So long as you pose no threat to my men then I will not kill you nor will I knock you out."


ooc: Scand...your rangers have yet to react...

I'mdyp sat there patiently while the riders ate.

"I thank you for your hospitality. I shall remain with you for the time being."

She still needed to bring them before the Council to attempt to negotiate some sort of treaty, but it would not do for them to be brought there forcefully and render her goal moot. Instead, she would simply travel with them until an oppotunity to have them speak to the council could be arranged.

I'mdyp sat there patiently while the riders ate.

"I thank you for your hospitality. I shall remain with you for the time being."

She still needed to bring them before the Council to attempt to negotiate some sort of treaty, but it would not do for them to be brought there forcefully and render her goal moot. Instead, she would simply travel with them until an oppotunity to have them speak to the council could be arranged.

"Do as you like," said Saito. What a troublesome little thing. He picked up a wine skin and threw it behind him to land at the feet of the Kobold. "Drink as much as you like. Its a delicacy in my country, and its never been exported. You might like it."

"Oi, Captain, isn't Matamoto taking too long?" asked Hidatora.

"No," said Saito, looking off to the north. "I think he's just having some fun."

"Very well." Sophia returned to the carriage, and the carriage proceeded to follow them.

Tribzez continued on a curvy trail away from the established roads. Eventually, they came to a seeming dead end facing a sheer wall on a mountain.

"You're going to need to dismount here. We're almost there. If you wish you may bring your guards."

The kobold ranger dismounted and appeared to walk directly into the cliff wall, followed by his dire weasel. Confronted with evidence that the wall was an illusion, the barrier seemed to fade out subtly as Sophia and her retinue's minds looked beyond it into a small, well lit cave where the ranger and his weasel were waiting in the middle of a large magic circle inscribed on the ground.

She exited the carriage and walked along the cliff shelf and they were brought into a cave. She stood still awating the next part.

"Do as you like," said Saito. What a troublesome little thing. He picked up a wine skin and threw it behind him to land at the feet of the Kobold. "Drink as much as you like. Its a delicacy in my country, and its never been exported. You might like it."

"Oi, Captain, isn't Matamoto taking too long?" asked Hidatora.

"No," said Saito, looking off to the north. "I think he's just having some fun."

"Thank you."

The kobold produced a tiny cup from her garments and poured a small amount of the rice wine. Drinking it cautiously, she was immediately struck by the high (for kobolds, at least) alcohol content of the drink. I must be careful not to drink too much of this, lest I become intoxicated.

It was fortunate she decided on such a small cup. Any more would have rendered her drunk.

Kralwyr would have appreciated this. she thought, as she slowly drank the rice wine.

She exited the carriage and walked along the cliff shelf and they were brought into a cave. She stood still awating the next part.

Tribzez pulled on a chain hanging in the middle of the room.

"Ossalur!"

The word echoed through their ears as Tribzez, Hrathok, Sophia and whichever guards she deemed fit to bring suddenly lost substance and turned to gas.

"I always love this part." Tribzez said, just before their gaseous forms suddenly rocketed off across the mountains, incidentally giving all involved a rather nice view as they flew at almost a hundred kilometres per hour in their vapid states.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, as a day's journey by foot was shortened into twenty minutes.

"It is very beautiful."

Using shunpo Matamoto was able to move without making a sound and out of sight. He stayed amongst the trees and hills, making sure to keep with the wind as it blew, making it so his passage was even more hidden; becoming the wind himself. The sun had gone down now over the mountains and a bright moon gave off its luminescent light to the forest. The sounds of the night, creatures waking for the hunt, started to erupt from different corners of the woods.

Matamoto stopped in a very tall oak tree and hid in the shadows. He had felt a presence not far from him. Several of them...perhaps between..20 to 40...to the north. Matamoto briefly increased his reitsu and sent it into his sight. He was then able to see far away.

There amongst the woods was a small opening between the trees. There was only darkness and shadows. A small rabbit jumped out of the bushes and hopped away, harmless without realizing. Matamoto watched as several of those shadows moved.

"Oooh, you're good. But not good enough."

He watched as a dozen armed men, dressed in dark greens and black hunting cloaks moved with skill through the forest undergrowth. They were well armed and obviously well trained.

Matamoto disappeared from his high perch and flash-stepped to a tree that was behind the group he had spotted. He stayed silent and wrapped himself in shadows using a hiding technique. He decided to just watch them and see if they moved off toward the camp fire, which was more than 400 yards away.

My, my but aren't these boys good. Look at that one! He's moving even more quietly than the others - oh! nope, he broke that leaf. Tsk. Northerners need to practice more. Matamoto watched them and tried to decide what he would do. Finally he decided to take some action. Using his silent skills he moved to the ground and leaned against the tree.

"You guys are too loud!" Matamoto shouted at the top of his lungs. The looks on the rangers faces was priceless. Each of them spun around, drawing swords and weapons.

"But why are you skulking around the forest, eh? Its not nice to sneak up on people...oops, guess I broke my own rule," said Matamoto. "Where are you guys from?"The Commander of the Ranger group laughed and then said,” You should not approach a Valgardian high born unit like that as we are know for our policy of shoot first, ask later!” He again laughs as the statement was a joke.

Continuing he says,” Well welcome to the Empire and might I ask why are you talking to that Kobold creature over there as to which as he feeds you half-truths to their true purposes?”

Ayla jumpe back onto her tiny boat and lifted up the sail and depated back for Hoshino island. It would be a long tirp, faced with a lot of peril, but she wasn't affraid. She wanted to see her beloved again. She looked to the sky, blue as the sea, perfect day for sailing.With that Valgardian ships followed her ship back to her far away home land.

"Very exact. Neko has been very isolated, drawves, elves, trolls goblins, very few want to have anything to do with a bunch of human-cats. But your nation seems diffrent to us. You seem like a freindly type of place for us.""We Valgardians, though somewhat radical in our pure blood policies, are quite open to other groups as we view races with a grain of salt each. We attempt to see races for what they are and what they seek to do to us. As of now we view your people as a rather open people who are quite friendly and it would be best for both of us to keep good relations. As you may have noticed we have many slaves, but know in many ways they are better then the serfs of other lands as law allows them to buy their freedom, though this does not happen greatly, and to be freed and granted land on the frontiers as farmers. As well, our law makes sure that slaves have shelter, are not allowed to beaten to the point of losing excessive amounts of blood, cannot be killed randomly, have to be given enough food to remain healthy and fit, given decent food, and have clothing to wear. This is due to our belief in the right of people to be given given food and shelter."

Viaharu Zerakea had never enjoyed formal diplomacy. Sure, you did get some great dinners out of it (Valgardian food, he had to admit, was pretty damn good), but he'd rather have his sword in his hands kicking some poor goblin's ass. Oh, well, he sighed, fastening the rich black cape with gold filigree around his neck, you can't have everything.

The Zjiugiasi adamantine-clad warship Eclipse made its way into the Valgardian capital's (What was its name again?) harbor, dragonkin and viath sailors heaving the oars and rolling up the sails. Viaharu's guards strapping on katanas, hefting naginatas, and fastening their war masks. Their dark adamantine armor glinted dully in the midmorning sun.

Viahary climbed onto his warhorse as the ship was fastened to the dock. The ramps were lowered, and the procession made its way off of the ship, nearly one hundred viath and dragonkin descending. Viaharu rode in the center, a security precaution advised by his guards. Valgardian slaves and commoners quickly cleared the roads for the daunting and regal Zjiugiasa as they made their way towards the Emperor's palace.As they entered the port of Valgard (a little chessy name for the capital considering they are called Valgardians) a group of the tall Royal Guards, standing nearly seven feet tall each, approached the Zjiugiasa guards as they neared the gate of the Valgardian inner city and their commander said,” Welcome to Valgard our Emperor has sent us to allow to you pass directly to the palace. So please follow us to it.”

"We Valgardians, though somewhat radical in our pure blood policies, are quite open to other groups as we view races with a grain of salt each. We attempt to see races for what they are and what they seek to do to us. As of now we view your people as a rather open people who are quite friendly and it would be best for both of us to keep good relations. As you may have noticed we have many slaves, but know in many ways they are better then the serfs of other lands as law allows them to buy their freedom, though this does not happen greatly, and to be freed and granted land on the frontiers as farmers. As well, our law makes sure that slaves have shelter, are not allowed to beaten to the point of losing excessive amounts of blood, cannot be killed randomly, have to be given enough food to remain healthy and fit, given decent food, and have clothing to wear. This is due to our belief in the right of people to be given given food and shelter."


"Well while I can't share your taste for slavery, I will say this. I do say that you treat them well makes us feel better. We have a diffrence in belifes. Because we as nekos face heavy persecution on the outside, we try not to do the same. We are open and freindly, when people are open and freindly to us. To prove we are freindly, I offer you a gift." She unravled a Katana.

"This as i am sure you know is a Katana. We consider them to be signs of great freindship, or peace between warriors."

"Well while I can't share your taste for slavery, I will say this. I do say that you treat them well makes us feel better. We have a diffrence in belifes. Because we as nekos face heavy persecution on the outside, we try not to do the same. We are open and freindly, when people are open and freindly to us. To prove we are freindly, I offer you a gift." She unravled a Katana.

"This as i am sure you know is a Katana. We consider them to be signs of great freindship, or peace between warriors."The Emperor’s servant picked the sword up and brought to the Emperor who looked at quite well admiring its cultural style above. Then he signaled to a guard who brought our a glass case and put it in it from there he would display it in the Imperial throne room. Then he ordered another servant to bring his most honored guest an ancient leather page and leather bound book that was written in an ancient Neko tongue.

The Emperor then said,” I thank you for this and it shall be put in the throne on display to all peoples so as to know of the good will that now exists between our two great nations.

As well, in return I bring to you a book that quite well be of great significance to you and your people.

The book was found in a cave with a number of what we believe to have been a place of ceremony of your people. Upon finding we only collected the texts that appeared to be more of historical records and the others of spiritual importance were left, though they were copied by our scholars before we sealed the cave back up and placed a guard there. This book, from what we have been able to translate, appears to be a record of one tribe of your people that once lived in a valley to the east which long ago had been a friend of our people before they were destroyed in a long and violent war, which we in the end heard of and came to their aide. Yet, by the time we arrived only a few hundred remained and they later disappeared as they merged with the people of other Neko peoples and into the mainstream people of our lands. So it catalogues also ancient parts of your history from the tribal eras and of the time of wandering for that tribe. Yet, there is a far more ancient tongue which we have not been able to read and we hope that you will have more success then we did.”

"This is truly a wonderful gift. We had long been searching for the possiblity of an Anchient Neko civilization but haven't found anything."

"This is truly a wonderful gift. We had long been searching for the possiblity of an Anchient Neko civilization but haven't found anything."“We sadly have not been able to find many ruins due to the fact of them only having a few small cities as they were an advanced nomadic civilization for the most part that maintained flocks, hunted, raised cattle, and grew crops in a semi-permanent standard.”

The Commander of the Ranger group laughed and then said,” You should not approach a Valgardian high born unit like that as we are know for our policy of shoot first, ask later!” He again laughs as the statement was a joke.

Continuing he says,” Well welcome to the Empire and might I ask why are you talking to that Kobold creature over there as to which as he feeds you half-truths to their true purposes?”

"What kobold creature? And since when did an Empire ever make its welcome through a bunch of vagabonds like you?" asked Matamoto. Matamoto decided he would ask questions later, taking a leaf out of the words of the man who spoke.

With a mental shove he pushed his reitsu level up and disappeared from sight using shunpo, and proceeded to hit each ranger in one of the 39 spots on a human body that with the right amount of pressure would knock out the person.

Matamoto caught the ranger captain before he fell to the ground. "Tsk. What trouble you guys are." Using some rope he found on them, he tied up all the other rangers to trees, took their weapons away, and made them as comfortable as possible. Then he hefted the captain onto his shoulder and disappeared again using flash-steps.



Saito had just finished the last of his rice wine when Matamoto reappeared next to the fire. He had a body over his shoulder dressed in a hunters cloak and rangers gear.

"Catch something?" asked Saito.

"Yup!" said Matamoto; he slung the fellow down next to the fire. He pressed a series of pressure points once again, and instead of inducing unconsienceness, revived the poor man. His eyes fluttered open and he sat up.

"Welcome sir," said Saito. "It's not friendly to sneak up on someone, but I'll forgive you for it. Here." He handed over a bottle of rice wine. "Now tell me why you were skulking in the bushes?"

"What kobold creature? And since when did an Empire ever make its welcome through a bunch of vagabonds like you?" asked Matamoto. Matamoto decided he would ask questions later, taking a leaf out of the words of the man who spoke.

With a mental shove he pushed his reitsu level up and disappeared from sight using shunpo, and proceeded to hit each ranger in one of the 39 spots on a human body that with the right amount of pressure would knock out the person.

Matamoto caught the ranger captain before he fell to the ground. "Tsk. What trouble you guys are." Using some rope he found on them, he tied up all the other rangers to trees, took their weapons away, and made them as comfortable as possible. Then he hefted the captain onto his shoulder and disappeared again using flash-steps.



Saito had just finished the last of his rice wine when Matamoto reappeared next to the fire. He had a body over his shoulder dressed in a hunters cloak and rangers gear.

"Catch something?" asked Saito.

"Yup!" said Matamoto; he slung the fellow down next to the fire. He pressed a series of pressure points once again, and instead of inducing unconsienceness, revived the poor man. His eyes fluttered open and he sat up.

"Welcome sir," said Saito. "It's not friendly to sneak up on someone, but I'll forgive you for it. Here." He handed over a bottle of rice wine. "Now tell me why you were skulking in the bushes?"OOC: You were just dealing with a special character and the other Rangers are special forces so alter your rp and also you nust advanced an rp without proper communication. Shame on you for that.;)

Dark storm clouds filled the night sky as a group of horsemen traveled along a narrow mountain road. They held torches in their hands to illuminate the path in front of them, for without them they wouldn’t be able to see anything but the darkness of night. In the middle of the group of riders was Prav Druzhi, a middle-aged Drakonian diplomat, and surrounding him were nine Drakonian Cavalry serving as his bodyguards. They were headed towards the Valgardian city of Teiya to carry out diplomatic negotiations and to perhaps work out some sort of alliance.

As Prav looked at his map to find their current location a wave of uneasiness coursed through his body. They were now in Kobold territory, a very dangerous place to be in these times. They would have to travel for a few more days before they would reach Teiya, and this made him nervous. He had heard terrible stories about Kobolds, like how the vile lizards would rip a man to pieces and feast on his remains; a shiver went down his spine just thinking about it. He put his map away and turned towards the nearest horseman, the captain of the group.

"Excuse me captain, are you sure you and your men can guarantee my safety? It’s dangerous around these parts, and I do have to get to Valgard in one piece.”

The captain turned with an annoyed look on his face. “For the fifth time, sir, you have nothing to worry about. Our scouts indicate that there hasn’t been any Kobold activity in this region for the past week. Besides, if any of them decided to ambush us we’d be able to deal with them accordingly.”

“Very well, I’m entrusting you with my safety you know,” Prav replied.

The captain turned away without bothering to respond. He struggled not to yawn as he tried to stay focused on the pathway in front of him. His weariness was getting to him, but he knew that if they stopped now then they would be completely vulnerable to an ambush. Although his scouts had told him that there was nothing to worry about, it couldn’t hurt to be a little cautious. After all, one could never be too careful when dealing with Kobolds.

I'll wait for my people to be fully accepted before I start posting, but have you guys ever thought that perhaps everyone allying with Valgard, isn't fair?

Also Scan, you really should work out the number of your "rangers" for such common men they seem to be too strong and too special to be rank and file, yet they seem to be everywhere. I'm just trying to make for a more enjoyable RP.

But you should know, Thrashia's character is likely to be a good deal stronger than yours, by the system that is set up because he is an important character, a third officer I believe, which means that out of two-hundred people in one squad he his the third-best. According to your own rules I believe that makes him the equal of thirty crack troops.
Whereas you're group is just, as of yet, a group of unnamed rangers. Good, but not on par with a Third officer.

(OOC: Hence why I'm trying to intercept as many as possible.)

Kurona:

The trip didn't take much longer, eventually arriving at Sveargithaurix. Tribzez led Sophia through an intricate series of winding tunnels, eventually arriving at a large room with an octagonal table.

"These are the diplomatic chambers. Take a seat, the council will be here shortly. I must be off."

Tribzez bowed and left, removing the amulet.

Moments later, a considerable number of kobolds, dwarves, an elf and even a gnome entered the room, taking seats around the table.

True Race:

A solitary figure appeared in the distance, stumbling about as if drunk and clutching a bottle of what was presumably alcohol.

He staggered forwards, weaving about as traps went off around him and avoiding them in movements that looked as if he was extremely drunk. Even as his movements became more swaying, it rapidly became clear he was more than just a drunkard, as he slumped against a tree before continuing down.

The traps moved back into position as the strange old man continued to swagger towards the procession.

The captain rubbed his eyes with his free hand to make sure what he was seeing was actually there. Apparently, the drunk old man that he had seen narrowly avoid death several times was actually real, and not a result of his exhaustion.

"Halt!" he yelled out, "Stop at once and identify yourself!"

Two horsemen in the front of the convoy placed their hands on the hilts of their longswords, just as a precaution.

The Arch Duchy of the Yelsa, under the leadership of the glorious Elshar ni Kaitadra, sends forth this message to all concerned parties. (that is, everyone.)

The Arch Duke has decreed that in these troubled times we must stand together so that the winds of war do not topple us, anyone who wishes to may come to our capital.
In particular we wish to have conversation with the beast-men of this land, the Kobold, the Goblin and the Troll. Of course others will not be turned away.
Any nation may send an envoy with up to two-dozen guards, the number may not exceed twenty-five however.
Upon reaching the border you will be in safe hands, you may either come by land or by ship, if you come by the later it is important to fly a crimson flag and NOT a white one.

Our nation awaits you.

The Arch Duke stopped reading the letter and the clerk who had wotre it looked up at him nervously, Elshar fixed his eyes on the man and patted his soldier.
"Well done, copy it and send it to the nations of this world," he said softly in a voice that resoanted with power and knowledge, surprising in it's deepness and yet not so very low-pitched.
The Arch Duke shrugged his grey cloak forward before leaving room.

The captain rubbed his eyes with his free hand to make sure what he was seeing was actually there. Apparently, the drunk old man that he had seen narrowly avoid death several times was actually real, and not a result of his exhaustion.

"Halt!" he yelled out, "Stop at once and identify yourself!"

Two horsemen in the front of the convoy placed their hands on the hilts of their longswords, just as a precaution.From the northern pass came an entire Valgardian legion that had been hunting down the forces of the Kobolds for the last following week and had now heard from their scouts of the activity of a number of foreigners in the area. As well, they now approached the convoy in full force so as to escort it to the capital.

The commander of the group, a Valgardian noble and mage, rode down towards the convoy surrounded by a number of elite Valgardian knights.

The commander of the legion then said in the booming voice of the Northmen,” Welcome, to the lands of Valgard and I have been sent here to aide you and bring you directly to the capital of the Empire.”

Prav smiled with glee as he heard the Valgardian commander say that they would escort them to their capitol. Finally he wouldn't have to worry about being ambushed by those vile Kobolds for any longer.

"Very well," he said joyfully, "let us be off then!"

The captain however was still a little suspicious. He kept his gaze on the old man who continued to stumble down slowly towards their convoy.

"Wait, is this man with you? If so, order him to stop at once."

The two horsemen in the front now had their swords unsheathed, ready to restrain the old man if needed.

Prav smiled with glee as he heard the Valgardian commander say that they would escort them to their capitol. Finally he wouldn't have to worry about being ambushed by those vile Kobolds for any longer.

"Very well," he said joyfully, "let us be off then!"

The captain however was still a little suspicious. He kept his gaze on the old man who continued to stumble down slowly towards their convoy.

"Wait, is this man with you? If so, order him to stop at once."

The two horsemen in the front now had their swords unsheathed, ready to restrain the old man if needed.

(OOC: Told you the territory would come dearly.)

The old man hiccupped. "Thish is koboldsh territorish. I shuggesth you come wish me." He took another swig from the bottle. "Ish not wise to trespash on peoplesh propertish." he drawled.

Similarly from the northern pass suddenly came a hail of arrows from both sides and a considerable quantity of boulders as concealed kobolds released their traps.

Great wooden rams swung into the formations, slamming into soldiers and pits suddenly opened up. Racks of deadly spears, poisoned with lethal concoctions swung down on the soldiers as the same deathtraps that Kralwyr had avoided triggered once again.

"Ish very dangerous here." said the old man, leaning back lazily and avoiding an arrow.

The Arch Duchy of the Yelsa, under the leadership of the glorious Elshar ni Kaitadra, sends forth this message to all concerned parties. (that is, everyone.)

The Arch Duke has decreed that in these troubled times we must stand together so that the winds of war do not topple us, anyone who wishes to may come to our capital.
In particular we wish to have conversation with the beast-men of this land, the Kobold, the Goblin and the Troll. Of course others will not be turned away.
Any nation may send an envoy with up to two-dozen guards, the number may not exceed twenty-five however.
Upon reaching the border you will be in safe hands, you may either come by land or by ship, if you come by the later it is important to fly a crimson flag and NOT a white one.

Our nation awaits you.

The Arch Duke stopped reading the letter and the clerk who had wotre it looked up at him nervously, Elshar fixed his eyes on the man and patted his soldier.
"Well done, copy it and send it to the nations of this world," he said softly in a voice that resoanted with power and knowledge, surprising in it's deepness and yet not so very low-pitched.
The Arch Duke shrugged his grey cloak forward before leaving room.

The letter landed with a thud on the council tables.

"Beast-men! How da-"

"Not the point, councillor Kreollys. We'll be sure to put in a note about it." replied the dwarf reading out the message.

Kreollys sat back rather annoyed at the perceived slight. The other kobolds grumbled a little as well, though they realised that prudence was the better part of diplomacy.

The chairman for the meeting finished reading the message.

"Alright, who will go?"

A few hands were raised quickly.

"Councillors Chumzat, Deidwet and Gervald... Are you sure, Councillor Kreollys?"

"Certainly."

"Very well then. You shall leave in the morning, and a detatchment of chambermages and claws will follow you. We wish you well and safety from the wrath of the hated Valgardians."

(OOC: Told you the territory would come dearly.)

The old man hiccupped. "Thish is koboldsh territorish. I shuggesth you come wish me." He took another swig from the bottle. "Ish not wise to trespash on peoplesh propertish." he drawled.

Similarly from the northern pass suddenly came a hail of arrows from both sides and a considerable quantity of boulders as concealed kobolds released their traps.

Great wooden rams swung into the formations, slamming into soldiers and pits suddenly opened up. Racks of deadly spears, poisoned with lethal concoctions swung down on the soldiers as the same deathtraps that Kralwyr had avoided triggered once again.

"Ish very dangerous here." said the old man, leaning back lazily and avoiding an arrow.OOC: The Valgardians hold the high ground, this is there territory now, and also as you say the Kobolds were made after a good deal of those lands fell to my forces so you cannot have wide scale traps.

IC: The Valgardian general took out his sword and yelled,’ Forward ye children of the Empire, now we face our duty, weather to fight for our lands and Emperor or to become foot notes in history. So I say forward for the Empire and for our everlasting glory!”

With that men advanced forward and held their ranks against the beasts and drove forward with swords in hands and shields up. As well, they released a volley of arrows at the man.

Added a battalion of Elite Knights went forward to the aide of convoy and rode to slash down any of the beasts that lingered in this land.

The old man hiccupped. "Thish is koboldsh territorish. I shuggesth you come wish me." He took another swig from the bottle. "Ish not wise to trespash on peoplesh propertish." he drawled.

Similarly from the northern pass suddenly came a hail of arrows from both sides and a considerable quantity of boulders as concealed kobolds released their traps.

Great wooden rams swung into the formations, slamming into soldiers and pits suddenly opened up. Racks of deadly spears, poisoned with lethal concoctions swung down on the soldiers as the same deathtraps that Kralwyr had avoided triggered once again.

"Ish very dangerous here." said the old man, leaning back lazily and avoiding an arrow.

One of the horsemen in the front of the convoy yelled out and fell as several arrows impaled him and his horse. Two others were unfortunate enough to be smashed against the mountain by one of the Kobold's giant rams. The six remaining cavalry formed a ring around Prav while he sat there on his horse terrified and unable to move.

"Do not let this man fall!" yelled the captain, "Protect him at all costs, even if it costs you your life!"

"Yes, sir!"

(OOC: Hence why I'm trying to intercept as many as possible.)

Kurona:

The trip didn't take much longer, eventually arriving at Sveargithaurix. Tribzez led Sophia through an intricate series of winding tunnels, eventually arriving at a large room with an octagonal table.

"These are the diplomatic chambers. Take a seat, the council will be here shortly. I must be off."

Tribzez bowed and left, removing the amulet.

Moments later, a considerable number of kobolds, dwarves, an elf and even a gnome entered the room, taking seats around the table.



Sophia stood up as they enterd the room. "Greetings, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. I'm Princess Sophia from Magadaline."

(OOC: It's a NARROW PASS. Any trap would cause massive damage, no matter where it is. Even so, the automatic traps were established earlier. It's not that hard to get such traps up, and it's hardly fair to say I couldn't, given that the emplacements are off the main road and would not be scoured very often. Many of these things are easy enough to manufacture off-site and it would take a couple of weeks at worst to set it all up. Even a rolling boulder trap, given it's a mountain range.

Besides which, the legions have only recently headed in.)

The only response was a pelting of smokesticks, which rapidly filled the narrow pass with thick clouds of smoke, obscuring almost all vision. Anything further than maybe five feet would be invisible entirely and even that which was nearby was too misty to see.

The volley of arrows came too late and Kralwyr had time to move away, weaving through the arrows and the mist. Over the course of his dodging, he wove his way into the cavalry ring.

"You needsh to get hout of here!" he said to Prav, tugging on a pant leg. "Ish not shafe!"

It was quite the obvious statement, but it gave the impression that the drunken old man knew a way out of this mess.

"They ish going to release the beashties shoon!"

Kralwyr continued to tug gently and gestured into the fog.

Sophia stood up as they enterd the room. "Greetings, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. I'm Princess Sophia from Magadaline."

"Greetings, Princess Sophia. We are known as the Council, and we lead the Kobold Alliance. We are currently in a state of war with the Valgardians, and are fighting to preserve the freedom of us and everybody else on this continent." said Vardel, explaining the cause of the Kobolds.

"You may know that in the past we have mostly kept to ourselves, and even engaged in outright war with our dwarven brothers," it was rather awkward thinking of how Vardel's description of the dwarves was accurate, but it was a comparison based on the similar work ethic and industriousness of the two races. "but now a threat has arisen which threatens to rob us all of our freedom. They would enslave all our peoples, yours and ours alike, in their warmongering ways. Who is to say that they won't eventually attack someone they cannot defeat and doom all of us in their arrogance?"

Vardel paused to catch his breath.

"If we do not stop them here, our children, and our children's children will suffer a thousandfold for their arrogance. This is why we have formed together and cast aside out ancient rivalries." Such a long-term view of the world was typical of such structured races as Kobolds and Dwarves.

"We wish to extend our hands to your people in friendship and military alliance. If hated enemies can come together to oppose a common threat, then anybody can."

Saito looked the ranger over. He didn't seem hurt, well maybe expect his pride, and was mostly just disturbed. Saito smiled.

"First time encountering a Shinigami, eh? Hehe, it takes some getting use to I imagine. In the mean time, why don't you tell us who you are?" Saito asked. He took another drag on his wine flask and leaned back. Matamoto and Hidatora both sat in their normal cross-legged positions and sipped on small cups of rice-wine, throwing suspicious looks at both the kobold and the ranger. Where did the two come from?

As they entered the port of Valgard (a little chessy name for the capital considering they are called Valgardians) a group of the tall Royal Guards, standing nearly seven feet tall each, approached the Zjiugiasa guards as they neared the gate of the Valgardian inner city and their commander said,” Welcome to Valgard our Emperor has sent us to allow to you pass directly to the palace. So please follow us to it.”

The head viath guard simply nodded, leading Viaharu's entourage behind the Royal Guards.

Saito looked the ranger over. He didn't seem hurt, well maybe expect his pride, and was mostly just disturbed. Saito smiled.

"First time encountering a Shinigami, eh? Hehe, it takes some getting use to I imagine. In the mean time, why don't you tell us who you are?" Saito asked. He took another drag on his wine flask and leaned back. Matamoto and Hidatora both sat in their normal cross-legged positions and sipped on small cups of rice-wine, throwing suspicious looks at both the kobold and the ranger. Where did the two come from?

I'mdyp, who had switched to tea, opened one eye and looked at the ranger.

"Quite good, aren't they?" she said, in between sips.

She returned to concentrating on her tea. She had made an entire pot, and was not going to waste it.

"Greetings, Princess Sophia. We are known as the Council, and we lead the Kobold Alliance. We are currently in a state of war with the Valgardians, and are fighting to preserve the freedom of us and everybody else on this continent." said Vardel, explaining the cause of the Kobolds.

"You may know that in the past we have mostly kept to ourselves, and even engaged in outright war with our dwarven brothers," it was rather awkward thinking of how Vardel's description of the dwarves was accurate, but it was a comparison based on the similar work ethic and industriousness of the two races. "but now a threat has arisen which threatens to rob us all of our freedom. They would enslave all our peoples, yours and ours alike, in their warmongering ways. Who is to say that they won't eventually attack someone they cannot defeat and doom all of us in their arrogance?"

Vardel paused to catch his breath.

"If we do not stop them here, our children, and our children's children will suffer a thousandfold for their arrogance. This is why we have formed together and cast aside out ancient rivalries." Such a long-term view of the world was typical of such structured races as Kobolds and Dwarves.

"We wish to extend our hands to your people in friendship and military alliance. If hated enemies can come together to oppose a common threat, then anybody can."



"That is terrible. Please I must know what I can do to help!"

(OOC: It's a NARROW PASS. Any trap would cause massive damage, no matter where it is. Even so, the automatic traps were established earlier. It's not that hard to get such traps up, and it's hardly fair to say I couldn't, given that the emplacements are off the main road and would not be scoured very often. Many of these things are easy enough to manufacture off-site and it would take a couple of weeks at worst to set it all up. Even a rolling boulder trap, given it's a mountain range.

Besides which, the legions have only recently headed in.)

The only response was a pelting of smokesticks, which rapidly filled the narrow pass with thick clouds of smoke, obscuring almost all vision. Anything further than maybe five feet would be invisible entirely and even that which was nearby was too misty to see.

The volley of arrows came too late and Kralwyr had time to move away, weaving through the arrows and the mist. Over the course of his dodging, he wove his way into the cavalry ring.

"You needsh to get hout of here!" he said to Prav, tugging on a pant leg. "Ish not shafe!"

It was quite the obvious statement, but it gave the impression that the drunken old man knew a way out of this mess.

"They ish going to release the beashties shoon!"

Kralwyr continued to tug gently and gestured into the fog.The Valgardian Guard Units now progressed with the firsrt appearance of the Valgardian mages in the west now came to the aide of the convoy as they used their elite training to begin to set flame to the rams and to begin to solidfy the surface over the traps and prevent the traps from activating.

As well, the Valgardian legionaries now had come to the area below the pass as they began to set up a perimter to begin to drive back the attackers.

OOC: Note many of my mages are using sound waves in a way so as to keep from expending to much infromation.

(OOC: Hold on, your soldiers still haven't suffered the effects of the traps, and you've Volleyed both Kralwyr and the Diplomatic group. What you're doing is postmortem, and everything is still happening too fast to bring in a mage detachment.)

(OOC: Hold on, your soldiers still haven't suffered the effects of the traps, and you've Volleyed both Kralwyr and the Diplomatic group. What you're doing is postmortem, and everything is still happening too fast to bring in a mage detachment.)OOC: Note they are a deattachment with the legion as they were in the mountains to gain experince with the legion, also I tend to start listing my casultires as for now my men are only beggining to really enter the fight and for it I only sent to small of force of knights to be worth noting for now.

(OOC: Either way you really can't just stop all traps. The ones that have been set off were set off when your knights moved into the kill zone, and traps yet to be set off aren't blanket-disarmable, for obvious balance reasons. It's kind of disheartening when you set off a series of traps and you don't get a result.

At any rate, we ought to let True Race RP what happens with the diplomatic group who got volleyed along with Kralwyr first.)

(OOC: Either way you really can't just stop all traps. The ones that have been set off were set off when your knights moved into the kill zone, and traps yet to be set off aren't blanket-disarmable, for obvious balance reasons. It's kind of disheartening when you set off a series of traps and you don't get a result.

At any rate, we ought to let True Race RP what happens with the diplomatic group who got volleyed along with Kralwyr first.)OOC: Okay now though I fired at your drunk crazy guy.

The head viath guard simply nodded, leading Viaharu's entourage behind the Royal Guards.The Imperial guards brought them into the marble city of Valgard where stood the massive palaces of the great houses and through the streets full of happy children and the stern looking faces of the Valgardians. So then they brought their guests to the massive gates leading to the palace complex of the Emperor where the Guard Captain said,” Here we are the. The Great Gates that guard the main throne room of the palace in which it is the very heart of the Empire.”

Now you see why I demand third-part mediation.
It isn't enough to say there's a legion.
You have to say there's a legion, with a detachment of mages and archers, UNLESS these are already parts of your military formations.
Otherwise it lets you bring out all manner of crap here and there, also Scan and Hak, both of you MUST have taken losses by now. Scan launched volleys at your Kobold and the Kobold were the ones who started the whole thing by firing, so I'd estimate at least a few hundred dead on each side by now, unless that post has been ignored.
Even just a small OOC message would be good.

Soemthing like this....

OOC:

My legion.
3000 man-at-arms.
500 knights
5000 archers w/ longbows.
20 mages.

The Imperial guards brought them into the marble city of Valgard where stood the massive palaces of the great houses and through the streets full of happy children and the stern looking faces of the Valgardians. So then they brought their guests to the massive gates leading to the palace complex of the Emperor where the Guard Captain said,” Here we are the. The Great Gates that guard the main throne room of the palace in which it is the very heart of the Empire.”

"Very well," the viath captain nodded. "Inform your Emperor that Lord Viaharu Zerakea seeks an audience."

Now you see why I demand third-part mediation.
It isn't enough to say there's a legion.
You have to say there's a legion, with a detachment of mages and archers, UNLESS these are already parts of your military formations.
Otherwise it lets you bring out all manner of crap here and there, also Scan and Hak, both of you MUST have taken losses by now. Scan launched volleys at your Kobold and the Kobold were the ones who started the whole thing by firing, so I'd estimate at least a few hundred dead on each side by now, unless that post has been ignored.
Even just a small OOC message would be good.

Soemthing like this....

OOC:

My legion.
3000 man-at-arms.
500 knights
5000 archers w/ longbows.
20 mages.

(OOC: Let's retcon the whole thing and go back to when the drunk guy first showed up. It's going to be too awkward continuing in such chaos. With the foreknowledge that there's going to be combat, we'll need to pre-map and declare. As such, I have taken the liberty of doing a terrain map.

M = Mountaineous area
T = Trees
P = Path
S = Shrubs
W = Water


|xy|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|
| 0|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 1|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|S|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 2|M|M|M|W|W|T|T|M|M|P|T| |M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 3|M|M|M|W|W| |T| | |P|P| |M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 4|M|M|M|T|T|T| | | |T|P|S|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 5|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|S|M|P|P|T|M|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 6|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 7|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 8|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|T|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 9|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|P|P|T|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|10|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|P|T|M|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|11|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|P|P|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|12|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|13|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|S|M|P|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|14|M|M|M|M|T|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|M|M|M|
|15|M|M|M|M|P|P|P|P|P|P|T|T|P|P|T|P|P|T|M|M|
|16|M|M|P|P|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|P|P|M|
|17|T|P|P|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|P|P|P|
|18|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|T|
|19|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|


1 square can fit one person, and mountains are considered impassable. Let's try to get this one done properly.

This map was made with Shanizar's Map Maker http://home.eunet.no/~havardfl/mapmaker/map.html </credit>

Traps
a = Arrow Barrage (Manually Operated)
l = Log Ram (takes up 4 spaces)
r = Spear Rack (takes up 2 spaces)
p = Pitfall (Does not trigger for Kobolds or lighter)
b = Boulders (Moves in straight line)


|xy|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|
| 0|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 1|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|S|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 2|M|M|M|W|W|T|T|M|M|p|T| |M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 3|M|M|M|W|W| |T|p|l|l|l|l|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 4|M|M|M|T|T|T|a|p| |T|p|S|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 5|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|S|r|r|P|T|M|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 6|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|M|p|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 7|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 8|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|T|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
| 9|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|P|P|a|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|10|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|T|P|T|M|T|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|11|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|T|l|l|l|l|T|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|12|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|13|M|M|M|M|M|M|r|S|M|P|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|
|14|M|M|M|M|T|P|r|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|P|M|M|M|
|15|M|M|M|M|P|P|r|P|P|P|T|T|P|P|T|P|P|T|M|M|
|16|M|M|P|p|P|P|r|M|M|b|b|M|M|M|M|P|P|P|P|M|
|17|T|P|P|T|M|M|M|M|M|b|b|M|M|M|M|M|T|P|P|P|
|18|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|T|
|19|P|P|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|M|P|P|
)

"Very well," the viath captain nodded. "Inform your Emperor that Lord Viaharu Zerakea seeks an audience."The Guard bowed his head opening the door and then the gardens of the Imperial palace were sent as they were watered by cold and hot water which replicated the effects of their environment which allowed plants from all over the known world to grow which created the whole of the Imperial gardens well and kept the gardens ever lush. As well, now the gardens proceeded down the main road where they came to the shimmering white marble of the palace.

Then coming upon the silver doors leading to the throne the guards opened it to the main throne room where the Emperor now sat waiting for his most honored guests to the palace where the guards halted at the entrance and the captain said,” Please enter my Lords and proceed to the main throne where the Emperor shall be able to properly represent us and with the authority to make the proper negotiations between our two great and might peoples.”

"Very well then. You shall leave in the morning, and a detatchment of chambermages and claws will follow you. We wish you well and safety from the wrath of the hated Valgardians."

In the morning, a procession of Kobolds (and a dwarf) departed the completed Sveargithaurix on misty phantasmal steeds, traversing the mountains in ways which would normally be impassable.

They were riding hard, intent on reaching Yelsan territory before the Valgardians could catch up to them.

In the morning, a procession of Kobolds (and a dwarf) departed the completed Sveargithaurix on misty phantasmal steeds, traversing the mountains in ways which would normally be impassable.

They were riding hard, intent on reaching Yelsan territory before the Valgardians could catch up to them.Wrong Thread

Here is the correct one for military affairs: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12232403#post12232403

(OOC: Actually, it's a diplo mission. They're riding hard to move faster than the legions can respond.)

(OOC: Actually, it's a diplo mission. They're riding hard to move faster than the legions can respond.)OOC: Alright sounded like a military manuver, but can you explain what you are doing?

(OOC: Essentially, given the twenty legions in the region, they need to move very quickly to elude the inevitable attack to travel to Yelsa (Uldarious' nation) for diplomatic meetings.)

(OOC: Essentially, given the twenty legions in the region, they need to move very quickly to elude the inevitable attack to travel to Yelsa (Uldarious' nation) for diplomatic meetings.)OOC: To note my empire has five sectors, each with twenty legions, and in the latest operation 12 were being used from that particular sector, leaving eight to remain on gaurd duty basically, and two neighborring secotrs brought in four each.

The Guard bowed his head opening the door and then the gardens of the Imperial palace were sent as they were watered by cold and hot water which replicated the effects of their environment which allowed plants from all over the known world to grow which created the whole of the Imperial gardens well and kept the gardens ever lush. As well, now the gardens proceeded down the main road where they came to the shimmering white marble of the palace.

Then coming upon the silver doors leading to the throne the guards opened it to the main throne room where the Emperor now sat waiting for his most honored guests to the palace where the guards halted at the entrance and the captain said,” Please enter my Lords and proceed to the main throne where the Emperor shall be able to properly represent us and with the authority to make the proper negotiations between our two great and might peoples.”

Viaharu strode forward purposefully, bowing politely to the Valgardian Emperor. "Greetings," he said. "I come seeking an alliance between our two great nations. The kobolds, goblins, and other....beings are gaining strength."

Viaharu strode forward purposefully, bowing politely to the Valgardian Emperor. "Greetings," he said. "I come seeking an alliance between our two great nations. The kobolds, goblins, and other....beings are gaining strength."The Emperor replied,” I will agree to this arrangement as such an alliance with our nation will greatly benefit both of our nations to defend against the beast peoples and uncivilized races of this land.”