Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

Deception:   30

 Gaelin quickly sees their glares but nonchalantly casts Prestidigitation on three nearby mugs of ale, causing frost to grow along the edge of the cup, before partaking of one without giving them the slightest notice and continues his merriment.

Mucor would sigh as he sees the failed attempt at subtlety. Quickly before any kind of altercation erupts, The elf would quickly begin shoveling in as much delicious food as he could into his mouth. Chewing rapidly  before putting more inside.

 Zavia and Tallia look with squinted glance and are about to stop the fun when they notice the ice around the mug and casual nature of Gaelin.  They turn and are met by the sight of Mucor shoving food in his face and wrinkle their noses.  The telepathic link sinks in and you all feel yourselves connected and able to speak freely to one another in your minds.  Varian looks at Gaelin and says telepathically, "Well done.  Nice cover with the frosty brew.  Perhaps you can leave such tasks to me in the future."  he says with a grin then turning to Jinara, "You did quite well yourself.  What seems to be on your mind?"

 "Very nice Gaelin. Impressive for sure. Varian, who is going to be managing this group of leaders and the rebuilding efforts? The words said here are in good faith, but like a battlefront if there is no direction and no leader then their will be no victory. Given the mixed feelings about the journey before us, I have hesitation in trusting that the best possible outcome will be achieved unless a trusted neutral choice leads the efforts." Jinara's eyes bounce from Cindar to Tallia to Vergis, then back to Varian. As he finishes his last line, he would glance an extra second more at Tormin and Basilieus before finally landing back on Varian awaiting hos reply. 

"The Seven are overseeing the situation with the help of the Elanaetas to ensure the mutual benefit of all.  The main issue has been to get all of these people to agree on anything.  I'm certain the words spoken here are inflated for appearances but I am hopeful.  This is the first time Basileus and Tormin have breathed a word of support for the Drekthar.  Your words made an impact on them, even if small, it is progress. They were the hardest hit, especially Basileus.  You must remember, three years ago there was no Drekthar presence in Telgun until they sacked the east coast."  he replies in your mind.

"Drexthar was elected to lead the groups, or rather he volunteered and no one else wanted to do it.  These leaders have complex histories, Cinder and Tallia especially.  All of them are trying to look out for their people and for the first time in years they've been given a chance at real peace.  I think some of them are skeptical but the thought of peace brings hope."  he adds.

"Why has Drexthar been so quiet? If not for his support offering, he would have contributed nil to the discussion. If he is to lead, his position must be direct and most informed, should it not?" He asks trying to gauge this political complexity a bit deeper.

"Drexthar is leading by example and not speaking up as much as the others.  In a room full of individuals who love to hear their own voices and are quick to anger, listening is more valuable than speaking.  He was the first to respond after Gaelin's presentation and initiated the motion to move to the next topic.  The interruption and argument that ensued shortly after was impossible for him to stop since he has no magical capability other than his fire breath from his draconic bloodline. I can't imagine that going well.  Shows of force are typically frowned upon in such company. Trust me, behind the scenes Drexthar has been working non-stop to ensure the transport of goods and troops utilizing nearly all of his own naval ships.  Without his aid in the logistical portion of this undertaking, it'd take years to reallocate the resources required.  The other leaders are depending on his naval superiority and control of the middle islands to guarantee swift and safe passage between continents.  They all respect his input and can see his support without needing the words spoken to them.  As you can imagine, offering someone help may also be viewed as offensive with some of the prideful personalities in the room."  Varian replies.

"Zavia, Tallia and Cinder were all close friends until a tiff between Cinder and Tallia split the trio.  Zavia has tried to remain neutral but the animosity between the other two nearly reached its tipping point just as the war broke out.  Necessity caused them to reunite but I think your words might have cooled the internal fires.  Those three have also been instrumental in aiding the recovery effort.  Despite Eshan and Haemor being under constant assault from the start of the war, they've both made great sacrifices to contribute as much as they have.  You also have to remember, the majority of Eraas will have feelings closer to Basileus and Tormin, but without the support from the top, no amount of pleading would change their hearts.  This meeting has exceeded all expectations and that's because of you all.  I can't believe how much you've changed over the last 8 months.  You've really proven yourselves and deserve a reprieve, but there are still dangers lurking in the darkness that I'm sure we'll need you help with."  he adds smiling as he looks at each of you.    

"I can see that." Aryn says to the group in her mind.  "Most of these people think they are the best thing since the water mill.  I'm just glad we didn't have to kill any of them... though I doubt Varian would've allowed that.  Not to mention I'm also glad we get to keep our castle.  Do you think there's more for us to do to help?  Appearing to cities and making speeches that are favorable to the Drekthar restoration?  I don't know how long it will take before the masses approve of such a measure nor how long it'll take before the prejudice will die down."  she adds taking a look around the room and ending her gaze of Tormin and Basileus.  

"How long do you think it will take for all the drekthar to be brought back to their territory?  Do you think they'll stay in their territory once they're returned?  If we can help in any way we will do our best."  Torq adds telepathically trying to maintain focus on both conversations.  

(@Gaelin- Don't worry about the twins.)

"So what's the deal with Vergis?  Does he actually do anything?  *checks notes*  I think you said his empire was building a wall in the north rather than helping fight during the war."  Gaelin asks

"Rest and prepare for whatever the next challenge may be is the best advice I can give you.  If you recall many of the Seven are working to hold off powerful fiends and entities that seek destruction on a greater level than Daegon.  We also still have to hold out the slim possibility that Daegon, Aemyra or another servant of Vaeril will emerge.  I do think having the Lightbringers make public speeches would be beneficial especially in each of the towns that you helped save.  The majority of the drekthar should be moved to neutral territory within a few months.  Most of that time is the long overland or oversea travel from various staging points.  It's difficult to say if they'll stay in their territory.  Short term, definitely... the primary service of the thousands of troops being contributed are more to dissuade any future aggression.  Their secondary purpose is to assist in the recovery and reconstruction efforts."  Variant replies in your minds before turning to look at the diminutive gnome then turn back.  

"Vergis and his people have always been... individualistic"  he says pondering the best choice of word.  "They are a very guarded civilization and yes, they decided to construct a wall that stretched across their southern border rather than aid in the war effort.  You'd be surprised at some of the technological advances they've made.  They only have 2 towers in all of their territory.  Neither of which is in their underground capitol of Ancesa...  It is what it is.  The seven are here to ensure the safety of Eraas and its arcane knowledge.  A civilization wishing to be left alone isn't against any of our covenants.  The Mazar people haven't expanded their lands in hundreds of years.  All they've done is defend and fortify what they believe is theirs."  

"I think we can do that.  We could split up in groups to make more speeches but a bit of a vacation does sound nice."  Aryn says picking up another piece of meat with her fork and savors it before looking curiously at Vergis then back to Varian.  "What kind of technology?  Anything that could've been useful during the war?"

"I apologize but I'm not able to share that information, even with other members of the seven.  Only a select group of individuals within the Seven are allowed to see and study the things Vergis and the Mazar people are working on.  I can assure you though, some of the things they have could've turned the tide of the war in either direction so it was a difficult but right decision to have them restrain from implementing it just yet."  Varian replies.  

The meal and conversations begin to subside and eventually Vergis stands and announces his departure, thanking each of the leaders and Lightbringers for their service.  Zavia, Tallia and Cinder follow closely behind appearing to once again be a trio of friends.  Tormin departs after sharing another story of war and pats Torq on the back saying, "Yer alright bird." and bids you all farewell.  Basileus bows respectfully and gives a formal goodbye followed by Drexthar who thanks you for bringing a different kind of air to the meeting and bows low in thanks.  You are left with Varian who collects you all together and teleports you back to the castle.  The sun hangs low in the west and you realize how quickly the time has passed.  Varian smiles and says, "You've done a great many things for Eraas, but this may be the greatest so far.  It's not often such meetings can end in harmony.  It'll take a while to track down all the pockets of drekthar but we've got a good team working with us.  Take a few weeks to relax and heal while the rest of us take care of the dirty work.  A couple mages will visit you in the next 24 hours with a token of appreciation.  Davara guide you." He bows with a smile and before you can mutter a word he disappears into the flash of blue arcane light.

(You have a window of time to do whatever you want.  You can PM me or post here any things you'd like to see, do, or try during this down time.)

Gaelin will look around at the others still in a bit of shock and say, "Well.. that went way better than I thought.  Who knew we'd be good at doing something that didn't involve killing."

(I'd like to take a trip to the Feywild with Valeera... anyone from the group that wants to join is welcome.  Also, I'd like to upgrade the tower and buy some additional ballistas for the castle.  If there's still more time and we survive the Feywilds I'd like to plan a marriage engagement for Valeera and I.)

(I'll join y'all in the feywilds.)

"Tell me about it... but at least we lived through it. " Aryn says then walks off towards her quarters.  "I'm going to take a bath.  I need to wash off all the bullshit... no offense Mucor."  she says with a wave and disappears into the keep.  She'll go straight to the bath and relax in the warm water.

(I'd like to upgrade the fortress.  Let me know the cost.  Also I'd like to increase Maximus' level.)

(Sorry everyone, this week has been crazy.... Also, @Aryn- took me a second but that was a clever joke that had me rolling once I got it.)

Torq will nod and add, "I thought they seemed pretty calm for a bunch of kings and queens.  The food wasn't even that bad.  Most fancy meals are too lean for my tastes."  he says with a chuckle still jovial from chatting war stories with Basileus and Tormin.  "Make sure you get behind your ears.  That's where most of it sits." he yells at Aryn as she walks away.  

(I will help Aryn with the fortress and Gaelin with the feywilds… (what are the feywilds?). I'd like to spend some time with the girls as well as Gaelin & Mucor to ask their opinion on women, love, etc.  I'd also like to revisit the place of my destroyed village.)

"I think I'll retire to the tower for a while. Visit with Iris. Gaelin, I've started some of the acolytes working to upgrade the tower. Come on. Maybe together our groups can speed up the progress."

(I want to read my book, but will go to the feywilds!. I would also like to take time to try and communicate with Davara more. I think it would be cool to visit more planes of existence and Jinara's hunch is Davara would have some insight. Let me know if you want to RP.)

Mucor would look down at his hands and frown a bit. "Hmm... The Fey wilds.... I don't know..." The minotaur would say as he sits with the others. "It doesn't really sound like a nice place.... are you sure that is where you all want to go?" mucor would ask looking a bit nervous. He would wait a bit for his companions to answer but if they seemed determined, he would shake his large horned head and sigh. "Well... I guess if you are all going, than I suppose I will come along as well. I cannot let anyone that I lo....ike." The minotaur would clear his throat and blush a bit under his fur as he glances from Aryn to the ceiling and then to the others. "People I care about put themselves in danger without being around to help out... ahem.. yes." The large minotaur would finish as he folds his arms.

After a few moments the Minotaur would pipe up... "So... umm... as you all know I have been experimenting with different forms.. trying to figure out what might be a better fit for myself... a form that others might find more approachable and less intimidating." Mucor would take a deep breath while playing with the ring on his finger. "I think I have chosen a form that might be better suited for the feywilds.. Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with Herbert and tried to proceed with my transformation first?" He would add nervously.

(Aryn & Torq- the cost to upgrade the fortress to level 2 is 2000 gold and will take 21 days.  To upgrade to level 3 would cost an additional 4000 gold and take an additional 45 days.)

(Gaelin & Jinara- Tower level 4 costs 12,000 gold, Jinara already paid 3,000 and takes 90 days to complete.  3,000 will be due in 30 days and 6,000 due 30 days after that.)

(@Mucor- You would have time to perform the transformation since Jinara still has over 24 hours left on his book. )

(@Aryn- can you give an update on the vault holdings for the group?)

(OOC: i will be honest.... I have not added anything to my character sheet as far as coin goes for a LONG time... I know I found some valubles in the cart outside the last werewolf stronghold but I don't have any idea what it was anymore lol)