Blackbog Keep

[Mr_Praetorian]

Derovarr points out that based on what little he knows of the arcane; If Jens could train to learn the required spell, and possessed a certain ability that some archmagi have used in the past that allows them bolster a spell in a same way, twice in the same casting of 'said spell, that Jens could theoretically create the effect required for the word.
((Sorry, but anything more would be serious metagaming.))

"Furthermore, I have a feeling that Anstrun's lies might start to unravel a bit when Lenneth get's here. As for the counter-propaganda, lets hold off for awhile. With every success, and with every righteous act, news from our front will only show our dissenters that it is Anstrun who spreads the lies and corruption. It may not even have to be by our hands that he pays more destroying the order and stability that Lord Strusler worked so hard establish." Derovarr said, finishing on a somewhat brooding note.

[Zanaikin]

After leaving for Naralan for a day, Kilar returns (on May 9th) and calls the commanders together for a meeting.

Kilar: "I've had a talk with my contacts in Naralan's Defensive Military Construction Corps yesterday, and after giving them our specifications they came up with the following design for a ward generator.
Ward Projection: Double-Widened Tactical Prismatic Sphere, with 200ft Radius (which stretches just a bit beyond the Keep's walls).
Ward Suppression: None. The ward could be dismissed but would require the full spell to be cast to rebuild it.
Ward Regeneration: Ward automatically reforms in ten minutes after collapse. An epic war magic caster may also reform the wards by casting Tactical Double-Widened Prismatic Sphere into the generator himself.
Caster Level: 41
Cost:
5,605,000gps (CL41 permanency generator for maintaining the SL22 prismatic ward)
+84,000gps (for the casting of the Tactical Double-Widened Prismatic Sphere spell into the permanency generator)

The Naralans are willing to give us a 50% reduction in price, reducings the costs to 2,802,500gps for the generator and 42,000gps for the casting. The casting cost would be saved completely if we could cast the Tactical Double-Widened Prismatic Sphere ourselves, but Kilar doubts that to be within our capability yet. However, it may be by the time the generator is completed.
They estimate that the generator will take them little over a month to build to completion, thus it would be advisable for us to place the order as soon as possible.
The generator itself is also 802,500gps over the prepared budget, and this money needs to be obtained somehow. Of course we may further barter with Naralan to reduce their price by performing missions for them."

Cary: "There is another problem regarding funds that is much more fundamental than just purchases. The clerics and creationists who joined can handle food supply problems, but the soldiers will demand pay come the date it's due. The reserve funds Kilar brought us and set aside will suffice for the next three months, but the long run should be considered. Even in the best case scenario that we reclaim control over Misalin, I doubt the treasury would be as plentiful as we need to fulfill both the people's reconstruction needs and military support. Of course, our current funds are not even including those which we must spend for munitions supply purposes, should Blackbog fall under the shroud of battle."

[littleangryman]

"No money, hm. That is going to be a problem. I don't see that we have too many options, if even the Misalin treasury would have a hard time keeping up. Only thing I can think of is nabbing the enemy's money somehow, unless anyone else has any better ideas. Which I dearly hope they do."

[Mr_Praetorian]

"Not that I would typically approve swindle, but surely the Misalin Guard would have funds available? Of course, beyond getting them, getting them to us would be a problem in its own right. The only feasible way I can see us pulling that off would be to go through Lenneth, and I'm not going to ask that from her, nor would I want our image in the public eye to be that of petty thieves who swindle funds from a near bankrupt country.

Unfortunately, the only remaining option we seem to have in this matter may be to ask Governor General Gant for monetary assistance. Not that his province is much better off.

However, whatever we decide here we must do so with great haste. For I do not think that Norinth, or the Imperium for that matter, will continue to allow us to hinder them for much longer. We need these wards, and we need them now.

As for the matter of the diversion, I should think that skeletal horses with dark riders should be enough to get there attention. It's true the battle at Capital City gave us some insights, but, let's face it, our people tend to be a rather superstitious lot, especially with regards to the Notherners. We need Lenneth's presence, and we need the PR boost. Whatever we decide; Let's fucking do it."

[TheDude51]

[Zanaikin]

It was just past noon on May 7th, and the entirety of Blackbog Keep was in an uproar.

Those on guard never received any information regarding a sudden inflow of over hundred mounted troops, yet they were obviously granted access through the teleportation build to bypass the lockdown. Furthermore, the newcomers were led by the famous Lenneth Tiriel herself, the only one remaining of Saint Strusler's top five Silver Knights. This was a field commander whose skill was well known even before the war, and whose stories rose to legends during it... what hopes of winning do they have should she declare herself their enemy?

The soldiers of the newcomer units however seemed every bit as confused. It appears that they have little more clue of what just transpired than the keep's defenders. All they knew were the fact their suppose 'enemies' were suddenly declared illusions, their officers ordered them through an active teleportation circle, and that their skirmisher suppose were struck by clouds of solid fog. It was proof of the discipline that Lenneth's unit had, that they were capable of following through orders without any mishap despite all the chaos and confusion.

However, the main difference was that at least the newcomer's officers (and some noncoms) had a clue to what's happening. The defenders however, were quickly scrambling for higher authority. All the officers residing in Blackbog Keep were quickly called to alert by an insignia spell... a measure typically used only to signal a hostile attack.

It certainly took a few hours before everyone was calmed down... but only for a mere few minutes... before the soldiers in the keep switched gears into celebration mode. Lenneth knew about what Cary and Kovis planned during the rebellion, the insurrection, whatever you like to call it, and she made sure to conveniently reposition as many of her 'loyal' units out of the way. There was certainly no hard feelings between these two groups.

But soldiers were soldiers, and they were spared the responsibilities and problems the whole event would cause, implicitly and explicitly. Lenneth however wasted no time in calling the higher ranking (Captain+) officers together for a meeting as soon as the noncoms decided to order booze to be brought out.

[Zanaikin]

As soon as everyone arrived, Lenneth opened the meeting. Apart from her you also see four other new faces, including Battle-Captain Bliant Argyle of the logistic corps, who ditched his command and joined Lenneth's departure in secrecy; Flag-Captain Tristam Windisch, a former Sancrosanct of the Church whom now serves in the mounted forces; and the twins Aethel and Rikard Cocoran, whom were Lenneth's kids with the former Lord Marshal of the Fist Adret Cocoran, often considered to be Strusler's right hand man during the war.

"First before I start anything. I'd like to thank our Archeronian allies for the help they provided on what can only be classified by them as a 'foreign affair'. The extraction of my company has indeed brought us a number of headaches, and it certainly didn't happen without flaw. But the end result nevertheless is the fact that we achieved it successfully. Me and my men can finally consider themselves in true 'home' territory, and none of us need watch what we say for the worry it be politically correct."

"As you probably know, or at least could imagine, the political situation in Misalin is hardly favorable to us. By now, Anstrun has replaced all of the important personnel throughout the ranks of the church, the guard, and the order with his own men. Those in the guard who opposes his policies have already banded here in Blackbog, and those in the church and order were reduced to far more harmless roles, kept under a constant eye by the inquisitors whom give their loyalty to the Proclaimers. His propaganda also has had a profound impact on the people. After all, we are a theocracy, and our citizens can only put their trust upon the church for leading the future. Of course, make no doubt about the fact that even as I speak, Anstrun will be busy formulating what words he must utilize to denounce my name in the eyes of the public."

"Before we could actually recover from the political blows to our own reputations, it is crucial that we actually justify our real purpose. With exceptions, most of us are banded here for a number of various reasons, mostly because we are loyal to Misalin, we are supporters of Strusler's doctrines, and most importantly, we oppose the goals and methods of the proclaimers. However, this merely reflects that we are opposed to one ideal in favor of another, but we do not have an actual goal ourselves! I cannot stress the importance of this fact more! We need our own agency, our own goal! Simply following others isn't enough, neither for bringing support to our cause nor for justifying our actions!"

"Well what is our goal? I question that myself. As some of you may know, the lack of a clear objective is one of the most important reasons for which I chose not to walk alongside Lady Spekes and Lord Kovis during their revolt. However, all that has changed. The one true purpose of the Silver Knights, the one goal Lord Strusler sought to accomplish his life, has shown itself. Few people know the details regarding this, for few know the true words of allegiance spoken by every Silver Knight. I must remind everyone here that we were brought to the public eye out of need since the start of the war, and that we were a secretive organization, despite what reputation we had, before the start of all this. There's a simple reason to this... what we seek could very well be considered treason by the current Misalin government."

"After discussing with my last two remaining comrades of the order, I've decided it's time we reveal this hidden agenda."

"Those of you more familiar with the history of Misalin should remember that our theocracy was originally an independent self-governed territory who answered to the crown of Airindale. After the destruction of our origin world of Caerleon, the crusader forces of the Order of Misalin evacuated in mass to this world of Penthiae and set up in our current day nation. The founders of our 'nation' built it under the leadership of the Fourth Grand Master of the Order and Arvitor of Erylon Sigurd Gulbrandr, and it was their efforts that allows the humanoids who evacuated from Caerleon to achieve a footing in this world. For their efforts the Kingdom of Airindale offered the Gulbrandr family a title to what was then the Grand Duchy of Misalin, a sovereign nation in all but appearance and allegiance. The Gulbrandr came to be what was considered 'royalty' throughout Misalin, yet despite the power they achieved their loyalty to Airindale never wavered."

"However, this all changed two centuries prior when a series of catastrophic incidents brought the downfall of the Gulbrandr ruling house, the Arvitor house Havardr, and the entirety of the old Crown Royalists faction. The struggle was brought forth by the Proclaimers, who sought to bring the church to power under their command through despicable means. The top nobility were mostly killed and their families forced into hiding by the threat of assassination. The nation was thrown into chaos and the people was forced to reunite under the church's banner. Thankfully however, the Proclaimers failed to take control."

"It may disappoint some of you that Strusler was not Kosai's real surname. His true surname is Havardr, and he descended from the Arvitor house whom once served as second-in-command to the Misalin Order during the Second Planar Crusade and the Dragon Alliance War, and the Commander the Misalin Guard since the founding of the Grand Duchy of Misalin. Kosai once told us if there is one goal he wish achieved, it is that he wish to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of house Havardr to the Grand Duke which his ancestors two centuries prior have failed upon."

"The Silver Knights were formed and exists for this purpose. Our goal is to return Misalin to it's original self, the Grand Duchy which upheld both the Faith of the Misalin Church and the Justice of the Misalin Order equally, under the leadership of the Grand Duke, the Lord Guardian, and the Archpriest, with the support from the Council of Theocrats, the House of Lords, and the Board of Marshals. For years we sought out the hidden descendant of the former Grand Duke, as well as gathering both political and military powers necessary. We now have a certain answer it all."

"The current Misalin has lost its balance of power. It is ruled by what one could only consider a regime, lead by a priest who will no doubly evolve into a tyrant. I for one, alongside Kovis, Cary, and Kilar believe that the time has come that we do something about it all, that we reestablish the government that Misalin is meant to function under."

"With the truth revealed, I believe it is time we hear of the opinions from the rest of you. By my honor as a Paladin of the Order, I swear that I seek no harm upon any whom speaks their truth, even if your opinion is against mine."

(Kilar follows it up with a comm message to Kati: "Keep quiet about your case for now. We don't want to reveal all the bases yet.")

From the looks around the table, it appears that this is certainly unexpected from most of the sub-commanders. Many of them were glancing at each other, unsure of exactly what to do. Then...

"I'm in." said Cardinal Agnes Kerpen, one of the Lord Kovis' sub-commanders. "Anstrun's actions speak for themselves. The church and the theocrats have lost their balance, and what replaced stability are a number of self-justified politicians whose ambition will only spell calamity upon our world. The proclaimers are attempting to turn the citizens of our nation into fascists, attempting to convince ourselves that only the Faith of Misalin is the one true way. The history of the Caerleon Warring States period does more than enough to tell us that such a path will only lead to blind zealotry, to crusades launched in the name of self-righteous beliefs. We have need for a new government, that much is obvious."

Several other officers followed her lead.

"... and what of Airindale?" raised Flag-Captain Karin Plauen.

"The state of affairs of Airindale is unconfirmed as of now," stated Lenneth. "I do not know if the Grand Duchy's former allegiance to Airindale should be re-solidified, but I do know that currently we are in no position to decide. Perhaps this, along with other national policies for which we wish to raise as our banner of truth, can be addressed upon on a later meeting."

"I realize this comes as a shock to many of you, and perhaps I should have not been so hasty in expecting a reply. It might be a good idea for you all to think upon your replies for a day, for it shall determine the path you take from now on. We will rediscuss this matter tomorrow morning, but if you have any questions need addressing, do not hesitate to bring them forth."

[Laharl]

Teodor takes the speech in with an even disposition. "A pretty speech, Milady. However, there is one critical link you did not clarify: Have you found this descendant you mentioned and, more importantly, has this person agreed to aid you?"

[Zanaikin]

Lenneth looks at Teodor with a rather stern look, "Yes and no. I do know whom we seek, although the details will be kept secret to ensure their protection in the meantime. I do not yet have their complete agreement on the matter, but I do have his or her support on the general issue, and I do not feel that it will be the cause for any major problems, or at the very least it is far from being our most significant problem. Furthermore, I believe change is needed to rectify the situation, and that the need to reestablish a system of power balance is of far more priority than exactly who will head the finished government. As far as we know, you, I, or anyone here may not even survive long enough in this chaotic world today to see through the reformation of Misalin."

"I intend to fly the Grand Duke's banner to gather support, both internally and internationally, but even should he or she decide to reject the role for which they were born to, it will hardly be the first time Misalin must be ruled temporarily through the means of an elective regent."

[Laharl]

"I merely meant that if the heir in question does not support you, or worse, opposes you, then you lose all legitimacy in the eyes of the people. I will say no more at this time, as you clearly have an overarching plan, something that has indeed been lacking here."

[Mr_Praetorian]

"I'll be honest. Politics isn't my specialty, but if Strusler went through all of this trouble to set this "reformation", as we're calling it, in motion, I can't help but feel that it is the best course of action. Not only because I trust Strusler, not only because I trust you, but because I feel this is the calling that many of us have been waiting for. It is one thing to bring down a tyrant, and entirely different one to bring down the system that allows him to climb to the top.

This is no longer a matter of opposing ideology, now it shall become a matter of duty. We must follow this path, not just as Misalinians, but as her defenders and keepers. It is clear that many of our brothers and sisters-at-arms has come to the blind conclusion that they must serve the Church even to the ruin of everything that has been accomplished. Clearly order and rank must stand, but there comes a time when those who realize the error in the means must make a stand. Myself and Lady Gant did so not but a week or so ago in the teleportation keep at Trelling, and I have no hesitation in saying that we would do it a thousand times over to ensure the protection of our comrades, country, and people.

Let it be known that henceforth, I fight under the banner of the Grand Duke."
(Diplomacy 59, if necessary).

[Zanaikin]

No I didn't forget:

Completion XP (Dmitri) - Extracting Lenneth: 500XP

XP Totals: Derovarr (199,230xp), Jens (194,178xp), Ulrich (180,735xp), Kati (179,138xp), Dmitri (173,180xp), Teodor (159,000xp)

[Zanaikin]

[Mr_Praetorian]

Immediately after the "ceremony" Derrovar went to the armor.

"Maester Glorard, there is a task which I require of you that is of the highest priority. The core from my weapon here must transferred from this halberd, to this longsword. I need these changes completed as soon as possible. Thank you." He finished, handing over longsword first, but taking a moment to hold his avenger, remembering all the years he's had with it.

"Good evening, sir."

Phalanx: I've always wanted to be a holy devastator, Mr Dwarf. It what us item familiars dream of.

[Zanaikin]

Glorard: "Congratulation are in order then, High-Captain. This would be the fifth devastator I've had the honor to modify. The Holy Devastator is one of the finest familiar weapon classes across Penthiae after all. In my opinion, it is the finest. Ha! the elves can blab all they want about their Dhouath class, but a weapon just isn't a weapon without this keen steely finish, and only the craftsmanship of Ironpeak... Moradin bless their souls... may manage something like this. It shall be done by tomorrow morning, and you shall be more than pleased with Phalanx's new abilities."

(I forgot this: )

Lenneth & Kovis also presents Derovarr with the following two items:

Retributive Amulet (constant effect) [BoED]
Starmantle Cloak [BoED]

updated Phalanx, Holy Devastator in the thread.