Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

(Yay Jinara babies!  Stay safe everyone.  The world is going crazy.)

Torq will take a step forward and speak up.  "I have personally seen and felt the atrocities committed at the hands of the cursed Drekthar..., but have come to the realization that their actions were not of their own doing.  I have also personally seen the Drekthar, freed from Daegon's curse be passive and humane while our own people act like savages and attack them while they are defenseless."  Torq pauses thinking of Gaelin's words to him a few days ago.  "If we act out of anger and slaughter the Drekthar we are no better, nay even worse than they, since they did not have control of our minds yet we do.  Revenge against an innocent race will not remove the pain Daegon has caused and will only serve to further his goal of destroying life on Eraas.  There is still good within the Drekthar, we must show there is still good in us."  He pauses again looking back at his companions and ending his gaze on Alexandria and Juliana with a smile before turning back.  "Hate cannot conquer hate, only love can."

Mucor would turn and give Torq a smile and a nod. "I agree." Mucor would reply. "The Drekthar were prisoners... prisoners forced into submission with evil magic." The elf would say as he held up his hands and gestured to the group. " If a powerful mage were to cast spell that compelled all of us. to turn on one another and commit terrible crimes.... Who would be at fault? Is it the fault of the helpless puppets?... or the sinister puppeteer?"  He would ask.. looking to each of leaders before him.

Aryn would stay in her spot but pull back her hood revealing her long lavender hair and glaring green eyes. "I am of the same mind.  These people are not responsible for the crimes they committed.  We should support them in any way we can to make sure they are able to recover from this.  Our people lost tens to hundreds of thousands, but they lost more.  They not only lost loved ones but can't even reconcile their losses because the ability to mourn was taken from them.  While we rejoice in victory their entire race is in mourning."

Gaelin looks over to Torq as he speaks and feel a pang of pride in his heart at the change in Torq's opinion of the Drekthar.  "You've already heard enough from me, but I stand with the others."

Basileus and Tormin scoff at the group's opinion and roll their eyes.  "Ahh horse shite... Do you not remember..." Tormi says before being cut off by Cinder, a maroon skinned fire gensai with glowing gold eyes and pink hair.  "We have all suffered losses from Daegon's war, but the Lightbringers are correct.  You and Basileus are so war hungry you'd be better off sparring with one another to get your fix."  Basileus, a pale high elf with long platinum blonde hair stands at this insults and says in a tinny proper voice, "How dare you.  Insults will not avail you here.  These barbaric scum should be wiped from Eraas entirely.  And you lot..."   Basileus says turning to the group, "I allow you to have lands, a castle and you wish to support the enemy.  were it not for your contribution to the war I'd see to it that you were removed and had the walls leveled."  Tormin follows this statement with a loud, "Aye".

The room descends into a cacophony of insults, yelling and pointing of fingers.  Varian looks back at you with a caring but exasperated smile and taps his staff on the floor rendering the area around the leaders completely silent.  You watch as they continue yelling and miming silently for about 3 seconds before realizing the situation and resume their seats.  Varian watches Valeera closely gauging her emotion and catches her eye mouthing, "Remain calm."  Some still pout while others look at Varian expectantly waiting for him to end his spell.  Varian ends the spell and says, "Enough.  You are all here to discuss plans peaceably.  You all agreed that majority would rule and I would act as mediator to ensure no kingdom or empire is unduly treated.  The restoration of the Drekthar to their homeland has already been approved.  There is no point in arguing this topic.  If there are no further questions for the Lightbringers all that remains is the topics we agreed to table.  What is on the table is what restoration efforts each of you wish to contribute to the cities and towns destroyed within the Azuven and Thettarus territories as well as the effected towns within Eshan and Hameor, if any.  The second item is what restoration efforts you each want to contribute to the Drekthar, if any."

The leaders look at one another exchanging looks and back to Varian.  Zavia, a tall slender female wood elf with black hair, stands and says in with proud air, "We are willing to allocate 100,000 troops and 500,000 gold worth of food and resources to the restoration efforts for the effected cities.  We will also allocate 20,000 troops and 200,000 gold to the Drekthar restoration efforts."  Cinder, Tallia and Drexthar follow closely behind saying, "We will match the Zavia and the Lural people's commitment."  Vergis, a grey haired gnome with curled mustache stands in his chair, making him roughly the height of the others, except Tormin, sitting and says, "My people will give 600,000 gold in resources towards the effected cities but will remain within our borders."  At this Tallia and Cinder exchange a glance at one another and glare at Vergis but choose to remain silent.  Basileus sneers at Vergis' pronouncement and stands before Vergis takes a seat.  "Thank you all for your generosity.  Tormin and I will seek the best methods to efficiently utilize these resources.  With that being said I, nor any of my people intend of aiding the efforts of the Drekthar, other than aiding in their swift removal from Telgun."  Tormin hops out of his seat and looks up to teh high elf with a nod and continues, "Thank ye. I likewise will be hastn'n the Drekthar from Thettarus lands but will provide no other support."    The burly dwarf then plops himself back down on teh chair with a thud and the room goes silent for a moment.

"Well, it seems all is arranged.  Please inform your emissaries and have them make way to the nearest tower of the Seven.  We will transport them to collect and oversee the planning and transport of these troops and resources. If there are no more items to be discussed I bid you all a good day."  Varian says seeking to end the tense climate of conversation and expedite the formalities.  

Jinara, being silent through this knowing the Tormin and Basilieus were predisposed against the Drekthar, responds to the refusal of aid. "My lords. I must ask, what if it were your people Daegon controlled? What if it were your lands that are being threatened? What if the other leaders of Eraas rejected your existence as a people? We come together today to rebuild our lives in a world of peace and to find our new path in Eraas. It by the sake of swift action by our companion (gesturing to Mucor) and the grace of the gods that we are having this discussion. Leaving this meeting with the lack of unity between all lands of Eraas, we will only delay the next great war and it could be your people with the target on them. Are you willing to risk that over past vengeance when we have the chance for real change?"

Jinara finishes with a deep breath, reaches into his cloak and pulls out his Davara amulet (subtle casting Thaumaturgy to make the flames get brighter and turn gold as the amulet becomes visible to everyone), and says "I thank you for the opportunity for us to meet with such power as the group of you, but power (looking down at the amulet) without empathy is tyranny. I urge you to reconsider." He adjusts his cloak, looks back up at the leaders of Eraas, and bows in respect to them. He glances between his comrades for their expressions after his comments and awaits reply, wrath or respect. 

Jinara- make an intimidation or persuasion check.

Persuasion = 15

For the first time, you see a change in Tormin and Basileus.  Though vengeance still rings in their voices you hear them each admit a fault in their line of thought.  (Similar to Torq's initial transition.)  They grudgingly look down at the floor ashamed at their thoughts.  Tormin stands and says, "Thettarus will supply 10,000 troops to aid in the restoration of the Drekthar."  Varian looks at Tormin partially in shock and turns to Jinara and gives him a nearly imperceptible nod.  Basileus stands shakily to his feet and stutters.  "And.. I.. I too will pledge 10,000 troops to help the Drekthar."  Basileus falls back onto his chair half in disbelief at his words and you can see the internal struggle these two are going through.  

A moment of silence passes by where the other leaders look around at one another in amazement.  Cinder and Tallia look at one another having an invisible conversation.  Tears begin to gather in each of their eyes before the two females stand slowly walking towards one another and embrace.  Varian looks at this scene with a smile and says "It appears peace may come to all of Eraas now.  You can see why these fine people were able to do so much." he adds gesturing to your group.  "Now, let us cement this new friendship by dining together as eternal friends."  

(You would recall the tense animosity between the Eshan and Haemor kingdoms.  Seeing their leaders embrace in this manner would bring the thought back to your mind and you'd realize there was much more to this act than meets the eye.)

Cinder turns and says, "Yes...  Thank you for your words, servant of Davara."  Drexthar stands and says, "Let us take time to rejoice in this moment for the healing of wounds both old and fresh.  The road ahead is still long and treacherous but we should remember how fortunate we all are for the Lightbringers."  Varian sends a short message and a few minutes later servants enter the chamber carrying in large leafs for the table that is turned sideways and extended to fit all.  Chairs, food and drinks quickly follow and once you are all seated Drexthar stands again and says, "To the Lightbringers!" the others all raise their glasses and mugs and repeat "To the Lightbringers!"  

Mucor would smile and give a nod to Jinara before giving the group of leaders a nod as well. "This has gone better than I had anticipated.." Micor would whisper with a grin.

(Me too.  Y'all rolled near perfectly.)

(I cant believe that swayed those two! I thought for sure they were locked in kill mode lol)

(Nice work Gaelin, Mucor and Jinara!  We didn't have to kill anyone or blow them up... ;)   )

"Who knew?"  Aryn whispers back at Mucor half stunned they were sitting at a table with the most powerful people in Eraas.  She'll toss a glance to Varian and with her eyes question if they should leave before they mess things up or stay.  Then, turning to her brother and whisper, "I don't know what you and Jinara just pulled off, but for once I'll let you brag about it."  She'll taste test the food a bit but seeing the other leaders and Varian eat put her at ease and she'd get slightly larger portions.  She would appear lady-like and use the appropriate silverware giving Mucor a quick crash course as they eat.

(Gaelin beat a DC25 and Jinara a DC20... nothing I can do about it... will post follow up later today... feel free to awkwardly talk with each other at the table.  The leaders are probably just as shocked as you.)

Mucor would watch aryn closely as he fumbles around with the silverware. Although the elf gave off the appearance of strength and grace... he continued to handle the silverware as though he were a clumsy minotaur.

Gaelin sat bright eye and bushy tailed trying to comprehend how they didn't mess this thing up. It all seemed to be a blur.  As he sat he'd try to recall the words he said and would jump slightly hearing his sister's whisper.  "I'm still trying to process it myself."  he'd reply in a hushed tone and take a bite of food from his plate.  His hand quivering as it rose to his mouth a blank stare on his face.

(@Gaelin- hahahaha that made me snort at work... felt like Mucor for a second)

Torq, unaccustomed to silverware in general, ignores the niceties and grabs food from his plate with his clawed hands, though delicately.  He will chat with Tormin and Basileus as if they were old war buddies and open up about feeling the same way initially.  He'll focus more on the battles and ask them about their war stories.  

Jinara's eyes will get wide at the responses, then he will immediately reset back to a stoic posture. He will bow once more but will say a small prayer to Davara "praise my lady."

He will sit down at the table and enjoy the delicious food provided. After Gaelin responds to Aryn, he says "agreed. Processing this is difficult but the outcome is a dream." He turns his head towards Varian and gives a look as if he wants to say something telepathically. 

Gaelin will attempt to cast Telepathic Bond quietly while Torq, Basileus and Tormin laugh at a war story.  (Casting it on Aryn, Jinara, Mucor, Torq, Valeera, Varian and himself...sorry twins... unless @Torq, you want one of them in on it?)

Stealth:  10

(And thus the luck ends.)

You pass a good 5-6 minutes in discussion taking time to soften the leaders even more before Tormin tells a joke and guffaws.  Gaelin attempts to use this moment to cast his spell and says a few arcane words.  Zavia and Tallia both turn their heads sharply in Gaelin's direction and give a questioning glare.  

Gaelin make a deception check for whatever your response is to this situation at disadvantage.