Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Kensii]

The leaders from all the realms had gathered. Rumors of war hung in the air and disgruntled representatives had already exhausted their entire stock of diplomatic wares. The dukes and regents had finally come together in open assembly for the first time since the old gods faded away. The absent throne sat at the head of the room, a symbol of a kingdom all to accustomed to no rule.

Kensii sat toward the right side of the room, he was here representing the entire eastern provinces. He looked around and saw many other rulers and representative. It seems the west is full of both dignified and, unsavory, rulers after all,Kensii thought to himself. The Lord Protector then stood up and said in a booming voice, "Lords, Dukes, Representatives, and Regents I bid you all welcome. This Council of Grievances has now come to order. We are here to address complaints set forth by the realms. Now, all in attendance give record!"

"I, Watanabe Kensii, vassal of Lord Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Representative of Eastern Rokugan call myself and the Eastern Province into account. We have only one complaint to make, the west has taken our resources and goods yet has not provided the weapons and research they promised. I call for immediate compensation or we will invade!" Kensii said with a smug grin, he had never used his title with such force nor had he exercised the power. He could get used to this.

((So I just watched the new Game of Thrones and am in a negotiation type mood. So, where do you hail from and what is your title? Then give grievance, just play along think something up, or answer a grievance or both. Let's make this fun."

[Rainen]

A young man stood near the back, an ominous black figure hunched behind him, like a guardian statue in a graveyard. The man took in a long breath and tapped the hilt of his dagger on the small table in front of him, drawing everyone's attention. An older, taller man stood next to him, resting a heavy hand on the young man's shoulder.

"I am Timmourne Darkwater, and this is my son, Rainen, and his Kashan Wolf, Svenrir." The older man said, lightly scratching his salt and pepper beard that extended to his collar bone.

"Our grievance is simple. Why have we been called here? Ithilien does not care for this land, let alone anyone in this room. Who called the Rangers out of their wooded home for no reason?" Rainen demanded, giving a deathly glare at everyone who turned to look at him and his father with disgust. The young lad had dark circles under his eyes, and Svenrir's shadow intensified his grim appearance. He slid his dagger silently back into the scabbard, slamming the last inch in to cause an echoing CLICK to resonate around the room.

You certainly know how to announce yourself. Svenrir commented to Timmourne and Rainen mentally, laughing in his thoughts at the assorted people before him; and their expressions.

[Kensii]

The Lord protector did a small nod toward Kensii and after Timmourne spoke he said, "You have been called by the Council of Elders who reside over the land. Whether you pay homage or not they are your leaders. You are part of this land and you must give your time to help govern it and if need be your Elders demand your life for it!"

Kensii spoke up after the Lord's tirade, "Besides, Ithilien is one of the very contractors we have grievance with. We have provided you with spices and herbs not found in the northlands yet we still have not received the rare metals that your representatives offered. Why not?"

((I know there are more rp-ers out there. )

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

From one of the dark corners of the chamber, a tall, hulking figured approached the table. Clad in a black hooded cloak, the man revealed his face. Sveinn pounded his armored fist onto the table top in impatience.

"I am Sveinn Shieldsbane. Warmaster of The Knights of Chaos and The Black Crusade. And I am here to make deals in the supplying of of armaments to those that have the means to pay for them. I am not here to stand and listen to others complain. You sit and bicker in hopes to p****foot around war. But why? War weeds out the week and grants the victor the very spoils you now idly negotiate for. If this is not true, I am of open ears. But if no one can disprove this, my forges are burning as we speak."

The Warmaster, while noticeably displeased, was still holding his true temper at bay. The entirety of the meeting, his right hand had been clutching his swords handle, feeling it necessary to be at the ready in a room full of possible past victims of the Black Crusade that may feel the need to address the rising tide of Chaos.

[Kensii]

Kensii was disgusted, "You come in here, to a council of lords, when you yourself are nothing more than a barbarian who wishes to be a knight? In my land that would not be tolerated! I have every..."

"This is not your land chinaman! Still your tongue before you lose it!" The Lord Protector spoke loudly. Kensii simply sat down and crossed his arms.

"The Knights of Chaos seek war do they? I suggest you still your tongue as well, especially considering your past dealings with those present." The man then turned to the rest of them, "Who else will be recognized?"

[Casimir Glassjaw]

The exchange taking place made a wicked grin that appeared to have one too many teeth creep across the foreigner's face, but like kicked up sand it quickly settled and he returned to his regularly stoic expression.  His arms were lightly crossed across his chest to show his distaste for being in this room, clearly a drifter by nature, he appeared to be the type that avoided people outside of the business world.  His patience and concern for this situation were only as great as the weight of his coin purse, a mercenary, unsavory types who cared not for whom they fought but only that their wallet benefit from it.  He wore extravagant and colorful garments not common to the lands from which any in the room hailed, making him simultaneously stand out and be easy to ignore.
His job wasn't to interfere, it was to make sure that no harm would befall his employer, though their requests did seem odd to him.  They asked him not to appear to be actively protecting them, or any others in the room, but to seem like he was there to observe and perhaps participate in the council.  He didn't know the reasoning for this and he didn't question it, but he did have an exit strategy if anything were to go wrong, such was his way.
He spoke no words, and simply paced the near the head of the room, his steps silent like a panther stalking it's prey.

[Spiderling]

A man in ornate violet robes stood, his face partially obscured under a tattered black hood.  He appeared utterly at ease, though it was increasingly obvious he was sharing the room with several armed and angry people, and he did not appear to be carrying a weapon.

"I am Yondoliante.  The representative from Umbar was unavailable to attend," he burped softly, excusing himself before continuing, "and I am here in his stead.  I lead a local religious order, and am confident my grievance was shared by the representative.  I speak of the severe religious intolerance in all the surrounding lands; for months now we have been sending out missionaries to spread the word of Ung...of the true god, and for months I have been hearing word of my followers being rebuked, arrested, even killed outright.  This state of affairs," he gently placed a hand on the table, scanning the room with a quiet authority, "is unacceptable.  You assembled here may not share my faith, but certainly your peoples can choose for themselves.  I hereby demand that my followers be granted leave to travel where they will in service of our god.  They will, of course, go armed, but that is merely the price of living in such troubled times and should be perfectly understandable."

He quietly sat back down, watching for reactions and picking something from his teeth.

[Milo Baines]

Scritch…scritch…scritch…”Blast!” Scritch-whoomp and with a small flutter of fire, the Man in Red lights another cigarette.

Sitting back, boots on table top and head wreathed in sour smoke, the man known as Milo pockets his sparker and grins at the gathered fops and courtly hanger ons. Exchanging subtle glances with friends and allies, Milo puffs his cigarette and…with a sudden motion and the unmistakable thump-clang of metal shod boots hitting the floor, Milo stands tall…his lean frame and worn robes making gaunt, scarecrow shadows flicker and fight upon the walls…his eyes red from chemical and potives, his voice scared from smoke, Milo stands and speaks…

“Gathered friends, honored diplomats…you all know me and you know those whom I represent…” pausing to take a drag, Milo scans the faces of those present, their dials giving away more than they or their parent states would wish. “I have been empowered by my superiors to offer Writs of Commerce with any who seek Guild assistance…and to remind several worthies within this grand hall that ancient family titles and badges of worth do not sit well beside labels such as debtor and back alley man.”

Drawing a long puff off his smoke stick, Milo nods a bare bow and seats himself once more in a creak of harness and clink of buckle…

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

The Warmaster shot an angry look at Kensii. Snarling at being called 'barbarian'. His right hand seemed to tense up as if he was pushing his blade into it's scabbard, this was accompanied by a soft rattling sound coming from the sword as it seemed to want to push it's way out of it's prison.

Once the Lord Protector finished, Sveinn spoke in outrage.

"You dare call me a barbarian?! I have seen things that drive the normal man insane. I have a great hall filled with manuscripts of lost knowledge and relics of ages past within my keep on the Iron Shores of Aethenu. My forges produce great metals that make steel look like tin in comparison. And most importantly I'm one of the leaders of the Black Crusade, a vast network of armies that fall under the banner of Chaos Undivided. I care not of what past actions that myself or the crusade has carried out. It is out right by the Chaos Gods to do so. I don't seek war, I am war!"

He uttered 'be still' in the dark tongue at his sword, causing it to become silent. He then pulled out one of the heavy chairs at the table and sat. Calming his raising anger, he began to glance about the room to take note of who was here and why. A smirk crossing his face as the one called Yondoliante pleaded that his missionaries allowed to go out freely and without prosecution. Then shot a glance of interest toward Milo as he announced the possibilities of 'Guild assistance'.

[Kensii]

Kensii could still his tongue no longer, "I am sorry my lord Shieldsbane if I have offended you or your 'culture.' I will watch myself more closely from now on. Of course, you could do the same." Kensii looked around at all who had gathered. He still awaited promise of payment from Ithilien and was curious himself to see how this meeting would turn out.

The Lord Protector stood and said in his parliamentary tone, "The Council recognizes Rokugan, Ithilien, the Knights, Umbar, and the Guild. Representatives still not only your blades but that of your guards as well. The Grievances on the table are that of Rokugan's reparations for goods rendered, the Rangers do not understand their presence here, the Knights seek to supply arms, and Umbar wishes for safe passage for its Missionaries."

Kensii still clearly shook up from the Warmaster's outburst stood and said in a quiet tone, "Rokugan seeks guild assistance with the proviso that a fair deal will be met and both sides will fulfill the contract. Also, we cannot give free passage to Umbar's missionaries. My Lord Tokugawa has closed the borders except for trade. Finally, if the Knights supply any arms to our enemies, we will declare war on them." Kensii simply stood there and waited to see the results of his dealings.

[Dralcos Singol, The Swamp King]

"Would you add to the list the cease of the expansion you and yours have been going at recently into MY forest?" The voice coming from every dirrection before a figure and two lumbering hulks followed the first out. The aura was unmistakable to those who knew him, and the swaying roots, mud, and random sticks poking out only confirmed him as he approached.

"I am Dralcos Singol. The Swamp King and God Sent Elemental, Representing the earth and woodlands you all so greatly covet. Sorry for my tardiness and intrusion into this council but I had business along the way, and I too have my own reasons for being here."

Stopping his gaurds short and taking a few more steps so as to be recognized. "My grievance  is with the expansion of humans into my Woods. I seek an end to your expansion Kensii," pointing to Kensii, "as there has been too much recently into my home and turned into lifeless areas for you and your people either making new towns or setting up forts. I'm sure we can reach some agreement but as to an answer from me, I have yet to find a resolution to the fact."

Standing there with folded 'arms' Dralcos stood awaiting a response.

[Garret Ironshield]

*****

At the end of King's Road, outside the gates of the crumbling city, a rider and his horse lumbered. The rider was hunched over and sodden, his garments dripping with water. The horse was of strong build, but weary nonetheless. It bore many bags and packages upon its back.

"Oi, look at this one, here..." mumbled one of the gatekeepers to the other. He pushed his rusting spangenhelm back onto his head and stood up, using his spear as a crutch. "What business do you have here?"

At the guard's call, the traveler stopped his horse. He dismounted slowly, sore from a long ride. The guard spoke up again:

"It is past curfew. We cannot let you pass."

As the guard held up a hand in warning, the traveler retrieved a sheet of folded parchment. He walked up to the guard and handed him the sheet to read. The guard skeptically took the sheet from the traveler, who shifted his weight to one leg impatiently.

"...Halr, do you read?" said the first guard, addressing the other. Halr shook his head. Turning back to the traveler, who had now steepled his fingers over his forehead, the guard gave him a shrug. "Neither of us read, sir."

"Great Gods..." said the traveler, rubbing his temples. "Look, you need to let me in. I have a very important job in the city."

"I'm afraid we can't do that, sir," replied the guard, who had straightened his posture now that he could understand the man. "Past curfew, sir. Can't let anybody in."

"Please, this job is very..." begun the traveler, but the guard cut him off with a shake of his head.

"Can't very well let you in, sir. Rules are rules." said the guard. The traveler scowled, sick of this nonsense.

"Look," said the man, "I am an emissary from Kiev. I need to speak with the Lord Protector about a few problems my Lord Ivanov is having with his people, among others." the man explained. But still the guard did not understand. Indignant, the traveler spoke:

"On consequence on wrath by the hand of my Lord Ivanov or Kiev, I, Garret Ironshield, Emissary of the Collective Ruslands, command you to let me pass!"

Garret held out his Lord's Royal Signet Ring to the guard. Terrified and slightly confused, the guard pushed open the heavy oak doors and let Garret in. Scowling at the guard, Garret passed into the city, and headed to the Council Hall.

"Zeus preserve me..." mumbled Garret.



After a bit of a walk through the soggy, cobblestone streets of the city, Garret finally came up to the Hall. Seeing more scale-armored, spangenhelm-wearing, spear-bearing guards, garret did not even wait for permission. He flashed his signet ring and shoved open the front doors.

He entered upon a curious scene: a dozen or so emissaries, diplomats, and warriors were yelling at each other, pointing and calling out their grievances, over a thick table.

But Garret was wholeheartedly surprised when he spotted Rainen, Milo, and Dralcos at the table. Shedding his soaking over-garments, Garret straightened his civilian clothes and walked quietly to Milo, poking his head over Milo's red-robed shoulder.

"Many greetings, Fabricator General. How goes it at the Guild?" says Garret quietly into Milo's ear.

[Kensii]

Kensii looked at the elemental with awe, he had never seen one of the forest before. Nonetheless, his answer came out firm, "We will do no such thing. Those lands were fought for and earned by Lord Nobunaga who then was conquered by Lord Hideoyoshi and then my Lord Tokugawa. By right of succession and conquest it is my lords land! We will not give it up!" Kensii put his hand on the table and looked at the elemental with respect, hoping his forceful and authoritative tone would be respected.

The Lord Protector looked up as the young man shed his wet clothes and sat next to Rep. Baines. He said in a loud announcing voice, "Nice of you to join us young representative. What news from Kiev?"

[Jack Stewart III]

Night had fallen just before our arrival, and the streets were soaked from an earlier rain that we had clearly avoided. The several guards curiously glanced upon the entourage approaching the council, due to their foreign trappings and appearance. As the gards threw open the doors, several took notice despite the chaos of the room. Three men stood in the doorway, but a stout, broad shouldered man, covered in dense chain, and wearing a full helm stood at the lead. The two soldiers accompanying him, both wore a chain-vest and a spangenhelm, and carried a bearded-axe and round-shield.

Their leader took a step forward and removed his helm. His dark hazel eyes, thick beard and heavy brow were all they could see, under his coif. "Pardon my tardiness, de road from Anvard becomes yet more dangerous every year." The clearly foreign envoy spoke with a rich accent partly Scottish-Irish, and partly French, before he bowed his head before the lord of the council, "Your neighbors, the Lords' Alliance of Anvard have named I, Jack Stewart the Third, to hear your buisness." A quick glance about the room and Jack recognized the trio of faces of Ithilien, amidst the chamber of strangers. He then glanced over his shoulder and without a word, dismissed his two followers, before taking up a seat near Rainen.

[Kensii]

The Lord Protector looked up and saw yet another late comer, How hard is it to show up on time? he thought to himself. "Ah, Sir Stewart, it is good to see you again. What business brings you to the council?"

[Milo Baines]

Glancing sourly at the wet spots on his robe Milo mutters to himself before raising his eyes and voice for Garrets ears only...

"How goes the Guild you ask me...I could ask you the same! Less you've lost pact with the Guild and carry anothers honor above ours?" Milo's voice growing hard and tight as he speaks. "Our enemies will never know the weight of rage we will visit upon one who betrays us!"

Standing tall and pitching his voice for the assembly, Milo addressess Kensii, his usual smirk back on his face...

"A fair bargain ye say, Master Kensii? And what, pray, would you consider to be a fair bargain with the Guild? What compensation can you offer us, what enticement do you have for us to take this course?" Turning his gaze upon the Chaos warrior Milo feels the mighty, almost feverish thew eminating from the Champion. "And you Chaos Lordling, you I feel would have much to offer the Guild, but I can't help to question this: What God do you favor, what totem do you carry? The undying lords of Chaos are fickle...and I wonder at your fervour and dedication for no Warrior of Khorne would stoop to bandy words with prey-beasts in such a setting as this, and no student of Tzeentch or Sufferer under Slaanesh would honor any pact we would enter into..." pausing to take a drag, Milo eyes the crowd, goggles flashing in the torchlight. "However, the Great Uncle might be a fair fellow, for all things go his way in due time...Regardless, offers on the table gentlemen and we'll parley but the Guild does not deal with empty words, or forgive those with empty purses."

Glancing quickly towards the Ithillian delegation, Milo casts Rainen and Co. a conspicuous and over exagerated wink-and-nod combo...

[Kensii]

Kensii looks over at the alchemist and says, "Rokugan offers rare metals only found along the sea cliffs of our islands. These metals have proven quite potent in our experiments and we would be honored to part with a large sum of them for, say, the formula you have for stronger never-broken steel. We feel that would be a fair trade. Of course, if you have any other ideas I would be open to them."

[Rainen]

Rainen was silently chuckling to himself just as Svenrir was. When a familiar face sat next to him, he turned and grinned, showing ever sharpening teeth. His old friend Sir Jack had shown to this meeting as well.

"Good to see you, mate. S'been far too long, yeah?" He said, in a near whisper, punching the knight's maille in a brotherly fashion with his heavily gloved fist.

Timmourne cleared his throat and nodded at Sir Jack, recognizing him. Rainen soon found himself being motioned at by Milo, and he found himself grinning back, his usual goofy grin. As he heard talk of Ithilien, his mind immediately went on the defensive, and his hand fell to his sworf hilt twice.

So eager to defend your country's name? Svenrir asked with his usual dry humour.

Damn right I am. Rainen returned, his words dripping with pride. He then noticed Garret, and flicked a mental nudge at the undying man.

Now, he felt oddly warm in the press of bodies. As if the heat had only just caught up with him. The cluster of sentience feeling great around him, leaning ever inwards towards him. He quietly unbelted his brigandine and flipped it over his chair, backwards. Undoing his greaves and chausses, he had to stand momentarily, drawing eyes to him. Svenrir met them and snorted at anyone who snickered. Now only in his tunic and vest, pants and winningas, he sat unfcomfortably. He rebelted his sword and knife set, keeping his eyes on the speaker.

Timmourne rose.

"I can adress a grievance, it seems. Holy man, your name it slips my quality of tongue, so I shall be blunt. We don't take kindly to outsiders. Especially religious outsiders. You missionaries were probably found on the outskirts of Ithilien fitted to the trees and rocks with Sylvan shafts, left as grim reminders and warnings to more men like them. Only Maccha has patronage in our lands, for she is the balance. Just ask mine son over here." Timmourne had to stress his heavily Ithilienese accent into understandable common tongue, and he left out a few colloqialisms. Rainen was visibly impressed for a moment, unsure of how his father held that stream of words together without falter. Now Timmourne turned to Milo;

"Make me an offer, man of cogs and gears and odd toggles. My son speaks well of you. I know he doesn't wish to disappoint his country."

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

Sveinn grinned as the the alchemist addressed the potential of trade between the Guild and his army. He was right to believe that the Warmaster would have much indeed to offer as well.  A slightly wider grin spread across his face as the red robed man followed his statement with his question. Sveinn took this opportunity to clear his throat to begin his reply, using a force that seemed to carry a charismatic air with it.

"You ask a very important question alchemist. You prove keen in your knowledge of the Chaos Gods to know I don't fit one build or the other. But was this not the same with other greats such as Morkar, or more recently, Archaon. And like them, I hold the same blessing. For I was chosen to unite all warriors of Chaos. I speak of being one of the Everchosen. So in that, if all four of the eternal warring Chaos Gods can agree and trust me with a task like this, why should a mere mortal find reason to distrust me?"

He rested his elbows on top of the table and leaned in as Kensii made his offer of rare steel. This made Sveinn smile more, knowing he could truthfully pull more weight.

"Rare steel only found on the cliffs of you're homeland? That is it?" he said tauntingly grinning at Kensii, then returned to face Milo. "I can arrange to send you metal that acts as adamantium but is only a fraction of the weight. Blades that shear through even the best Dwarven plate as if it was made of butter. And lastly, and I do believe this will peek your interest my alchemist friend, I would be willing to trade relics and artifacts of foreign races and lost civilizations. For the last bit, I need only to know what kind of relics you seek."

Sveinn returned to sitting upright and waited eagerly to hear the reply to his offer.

[Kensii]

Kensii smiled, it seemed he had been bested. He leaned forward and said toward the Warmaster, "These metals have special alchemical properties. One of our metals is able to boost transmutation efficiency by 20% and that is if the materials are poor quality. We had have successes upward of a 45% boost in efficiency. Now, Milo, I know the Guild has some of the best alchemical labs to date, we wish to simply help supply those labs with something more potent. And Warmaster, if I may, is there some kind of deal we can work out for such steel that you say you possess?"

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

Sveinn stroked his chin and gave a soft chuckle. "I am able to tell with a deal bests my own in terms of useful value. Though I still offer the chance for open trade with the Guild in dealings with artifacts, both in construct and texts."

The Warmaster's grin returned to his face as Kensii took interest himself in the metals and military arms that Sveinn had access to. And with that, be began to believe this visit was no waist of time.

"Ah yes, I am willing to trade with you Kensii. If you can if you can agree with my humble and Noble terms." It seems very unnatural as those two words slipped so seamlessly past his lips. "I assume, like most places, you're homeland has a place or two in which they take care of orphaned children, correct? I simply ask for you to send those orphans to my keep. The more you are able or willing to send, the more you will receive in turn. As I see it, you or anyone that wishes to make dealings in the manner face a win win situation. You rid yourselves of a finical strain and gain new military equipment."

His words spoke of noble deed, but his eyes seemed glow with ulterior motives. Never the less, the Warmaster's offer was a good one. Who would miss any individual that held no stake within any given state and had no family?

[Spiderling]

The violet-robed man stood and gently placed both fists upon the table, leaning on them silently for a moment before speaking.  He looked across at Timmourne, and though his voice and manner still seemed calm, both the fists on the table were white-knuckled.

"You 'address' my grievance by merely admitting to the murder of holy men?  This is unacceptable, woodsman.  I will not have my followers murdered for merely walking into the wrong clump of bracken.  If indeed they be hung as warnings, I demand their remains be returned to me at once; stick some thief or other rogue up on your trees."

He sighed, and relaxed somewhat, then turned slowly to the Warmaster, staring him straight in the eye with a surprising intensity.

"Perhaps it is time, if people so callously murder and desecrate my followers, that we seek out further means of enforcing their personal safety.  Warmaster!  We are men of differing faiths and yours enjoys a fearsome reputation, yet when I have met members of the Black Crusade they have been more tolerant of me and mine than have many of these so-called 'civilized' peoples.  We are a poor religious order and have no precious metals to offer, but perhaps we might come to some 'other' arrangement..."

[Kensii]

Kensii sat down and crossed his arms, his face crinkled in thought. I don't know what fate awaits those I send to him. Sure we have plenty of orphans that are of no class and would simply grow up to be beggars or thieves. I just don't know if any man should be sent to whatever fate the Chaos gods had for them...it seems it is for the best. Hopefully Lord Tokugawa will agree.

"Okay, it is a custom in our land that girls who are born into no class are given to brothels for the warriors. Boys though grow up to become bandits and brigands. Getting rid of those potential criminals would be a great weight taken off my lord's shoulders. I can send five thousand orphans on a ship to the chaos lands by the end of the week. They will arrive in one month. I do not wish to hear of their fate, in fact, I will make it a proviso that I do not hear of it. Now, about that steel...."

Kensii didn't stand up, a decision like this was not honorable and he and would not take honor in dishonor.

[Dragonwalker]

Aodhfin had been sitting in the corner of the room, watching the bickering, the dealing, the reactions. He didn't trust the one in violet.....he reminded him of a spider or snake, something that should be dealt with quickly and harshly when found in one's home. Granted, this wasn't his home, nor were his offspring present, so these things were pointless to think of. His personal opinion remained the same, however: crush the one from Umbar.

He hadn't spoken, as his land lay on another plane. He merely listened, and smiled a little at the words and actions of Milo, Rainen, and Sveinn.

[Dralcos Singol, The Swamp King]

"We will do no such thing. Those lands were fought for and earned by Lord Nobunaga who then was conquered by Lord Hideoyoshi and then my Lord Tokugawa. By right of succession and conquest it is my lords land! We will not give it up!"

Dralcos could not argue that he had only recently started paying attention to these lands a few years ago. He had under-estimated himself with how much he could control and had been timid at the time of over stepping his bounds of the gods he served, no longer was he bound by their rule, he had become something . . . more.

Relaxing a little bit and letting the anger fall from his voice if not the tenacity with which he spoke, Dralcos commented again. "While it may have been passed on from generation to generation, I request that you or your current lord stop expansion. If you want more room, then build and invest in science as you seem to be already," giving a nod towards Garret and Milo, "Or trade what you will but that does not change the fact that my forests are still shrinking due to expansion. I don't mind a fight, and it's been a while since I've been in a war, but all I'm asking is that YOU stop the expansion. Build on whatever is already in your realm but leave the lands outside of them is all I'm here for."

Looking at Svienn for a moment. "Not to say your not doing your part of helping my lands either, he just has more lands of which I wish to address first."

[Milo Baines]

Raising his voice to be heard over the rising commotion, Milo begins to address the assembly…

“Noble Kensii, ore and earth will earn you swords and shields, but I feel you’d be better served by our more…elite…instruments and equipment. Perhaps those foundlings, the lost and unwanted, the ones you’d so cheaply sell to the chaos-spawn…perhaps a place could be found for many within the walls and halls of the Guild Forges. Allow us to send our agents out to your cities and towns, allow us first pick of the crop and I’ll personally oversee the delivery of a troupe of warClanks to protect your borders and a team of engineers to see to their workings!” Milo declares with a clap, his trademark grin sitting easily on his dial. “Lodging and feeding of the artisans, as well as supplies for the warClanks, will be billed to your house per Annam…”

Turning from Kensii, Milo begins to address Timmourne in a respectful, stoic tone…

“Honored Ranger-Lord, your eldest does credit to your halls…and on the matter of credit, it seems as though you’ve overextended yours…” Milo pauses with a smirk before continuing on. “We have a need for lumber, clean and strong wood, and we are willing to pay fair premiums for it…how does a ton for twenty with the price dropping to a ton for ten on any shipment over twenty tons, half price for deadfall across the board and a renegotiation of the Writ come this time next year? We can, of course, subtract the rental costs of the lumberJax and the skyships you’ll need, as well as the cost of our engineer’s salary, from our scheduled payments…”

Pausing to light another cigarette, Milo turns to the Chaos-brute and nods ever so slightly in respect…

“Sveinn, your offer of artifacts does interest me, your methods of retrieval do not…for every verified piece of archeo-tech you bring to the Guild, we will reimburse you with one Obliterator…repair and warranty fees to be waived for the first six-month and reduced by half for the second…”

Puffing on his cigarette and smiling to himself, Milo waits for a response as he glances around the room, taking note of the Swamp King, Sir Jack, several other notables and one strange eyed goblin.

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

The violet robed mans pleading struck a sour note within the Warmaster, though he kept his composure and remained civil in tone.

"You are correct. We do tolerate you and others that share different gods. I fear, however, this is a tactic of conversion. You see, we take it upon ourselves show the proof of our gods to those that differ in paths. It is sort of, as you put it, our missionary work. We show that followers of the Chaos Gods need not the protection of others, far from it. Our worship is through action, and those actions result in the physical embodiments of the Chaos Gods. Whether it through metaphysical gifts or by the mass summoning of daemons, which a scholar would tell you, are physical manifestations of the Chaos Gods. I have fallen dead a few time in combat, and yet here I sit. But I digress. I simply cannot help you with your missionary work, that is a job left for your chosen gods. My apologies."

Turned back to the attention of Lord Tokugawa and Kensii, the Warmaster smiled widely at the offer given. Five thousand fresh souls would be delivered to him, their fates not exactly ill. But the Warmaster planned to keep his plans to himself.
 
"A very generous offer, and I would be happy to accept. The only thing left to work out is in what form do you wish to receive my unique metal? Armor? Weapons? Or in ingots, which in that case I would have to send along a few of my magi along with, for the metal cannot be shaped by the conventional means of hammer and heat. If the last option is what you seek, I will let you know you will receive a bit less metal to cover the cost of sending my magi. So, what will it be?"

As Dralcos carried on about his forests, he sharply gained the attention of the Warmaster.
"You accuse me of trespassing into your forests? Tell me, do you claim ownership over all the plant life across our lands? My forges need no fuel to burn, the only wildlife I clear is that necessary to build a new keep or make trails. Next are you going to tell me that my men consume too many animals? I believe your problems lie heaviest with the other groups in attendance more so than it does with me." He shot a stern look to the Dralcos, mildly irritated that he was addressing a think of nature, one of the few forces that most strongly disagree with the will of Chaos.

As he ranted to the swamp elemental, Milo suggested an alternative fate for the orphans. Being mildly irritated already and being called 'chaos spawn', finding it insulting due to it being the fate of a failed Chaos Lord, the Warmaster fought to control his temper. He leaned forward onto his elbows and spoke against his interlocked fists to hide a slight sneer for a moment before gaining control and sitting upright once more. The Warmaster has never had a problem with the Guild Milo belonged to, so he saw it fit to attempt to compromise.

He looked at both Kensii and Milo.
"If this is an issue, I would be happy and willing to split the number of people you wish to send to me. I would still be able to supply you with a wondrous metal and the Guild can benefit with new recruits. I still see this as a win for every party involved."
Turning to Milo now. "This Obliterator you speak of, what exactly is it and what is it's purpose?" The Warmaster's interests were peeked, for he knew he had relics that would greatly interest the Guild.

[Rainen]

Rainen had to strain not to strike himself upon the forehead in annoyance. The holy man knew nothing of Ithilien.

"My lord, Ithilien's people do not take kindly to strangers walking on their land. Not a single Captain or the Lord Marshall, my father, had ordered their deaths. Individual squads of Rangers patrol the borders and anyone who may resemble an enemy is shot on sight. If they appear armed, the same fate follows. Only women and children are spared, merely to be sent back the way they came." Rainen paused to hold out open palms to the man they had angered with simple words.

"I, nor my father, are responsible. Just wary and frightened yeomen who haven't trusted a stranger since before the Great War of the Ring." Rainen's face warmed with more compassion than any of what Timmourne could summon up," We shall return any remains and their property..." His voice drifted off, pondering how many man hours it would take to inform the border patrols and identify all the bodies that may or may not be there...

Timmourne grinned at Milo, showing large white teeth behind a gray beard. He liked the engineer, though he smelled of something worse than his favorited pipe weed.

"Master Baines, I dare not speak of the interior of mine home in such....company. This is understandable, yes? Perhaps we may speak in private or back home, where we can share a bottle of brandy and talk business, aye?" Timmourne had to suppress a laugh after noticing the holy man's calm defiance. His son would handle it, he thought. He was now thinking he could have some enjoyment at this dreadful meeting of which he was randomly summoned to.

All the while, Svenrir was staring at the Chaos Warmaster's armor, slightly dazzled by the moving plates' reflections. He would love to muck up that armor with caked blood and mud...

"Dralcos." Rainen blurted out, catching some of his conversation," I can dispatch troops to your forests to push back any invaders. You know when and how to ask me." He said with a wink.

This may go well after all. He snorted at Svenrir, only to find the Wolf staring at armor as usual...

[Dralcos Singol, The Swamp King]

Seeing the Warmaster take offence to his words, Dralcos through up his defenses, what he didn't need right now was a fight with a chaos follower, especially one he's grown to actually respect in the past. "I didn't mean it that way. I was merely stating that while you may uphold such honorable words, I know some men will do as they see fit behind your back. Your camp is full is chaos followers, so they may start a little Chaos of their own while you're not around. Sorry if I sound distrustful of your men but we are always at opposite ends of the branch here."


Slightly bowing at the rangers, "I know this well Rainen, but if I settle these disputes by ways of peace, I will try before more blood is spilt."


Looking back to Kensii, "Wouldn't you agree?"

[Kensii]

Kensii thought for a moment and then while still sitting down said in a very serious tone, "Four thousand orphans of varying ages sent to the Knights, one thousand sent to the Guild. From the Knights we ask for 5,000 blades and 5,000 sets of armor. All delivered to Yokohama Harbor in a clearly marked transport ship. From the Guild we ask not for some machine and men to guard our borders, we are perfectly capable. But I have heard rumors of a weapon that resembles a stick of wood and when lit on fire a piece of hot metal is shot out the end. I would like one thousand of these weapons along with one engineer to teach our best soldiers to use them. He will treated as a guest in Rokugan and no harm will befall him."

After he said this he turned to the Swampman, "Good King of the Swamp, while those lands are definitely our land I am sure we can work a deal out. We stop advancing and even pull back our forces. But, you and any beings in that area pay homage and taxes to Lord Tokugawa. Does that sound fair? I too agree that blood between us can be avoided but I can not speak for the Rangers."

Kensii heard the words, "push back any invaders..." and looked at Rainen sharply. "Invaders? Invaders?!? We are not invaders! By right and blood we own that land! We will pull back but by the Shogun if you even send one soldier to Rokugan there will be war." Kensii was now standing, the honor of his people and his lord at stake.

[Garret Ironshield]

After an indignant Milo voiced his accusations, Garret shook his head slowly and replied:

"We will talk later. I fear you have the wrong idea."

Garret pulled out a seat next to Milo. His knees creaked a bit as he sat. He pulled a mirror from his pocket and examined his face.

I'll estimate about twenty years of age, now. The Elixir is doing its work well.

Then he felt a mental nudge, coming from Rainen. Smiling, he mentally brushed back, sending a message of greeting to Svenrir as well.

As the arguments became more heated, Garret sat further back in his chair. It was going to be a while. Might as well get all the official business in now...

"Just as a small side note, my Czar Ivanov offers Kiev's markets as a central meeting place for any land-based transactions."

Finished with his lord's business, Garret sat back again. He would wait until the repast to truly set his plan in motion.

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

The Warmaster took in a deep breath and releashed it slowly, then turned back to Dralcos with a nod. Sveinn's respect for Dralcos returned as the elemental explained his reasons behind his side comment. "Ha ha, true enough. But men that don't follow my order or act out against my will more times than not do not receive the chance to do so a second time."

He then turned to Kensii and stroked his chin in ponder as he listed what he would like in return for the now four thousand orphans. As the Warmaster pondered and listened, he felt the eyes of the ranger boy's pet wolf staring at his armor, causing him to glance over to the creature with raised brow. His quizzed look broke as Kensii finished, where the Warmaster returned to face Kensii in reply.

"Where I find your value of lives quite noble, I fear that is a bit steep for the product I am offering. The metal can't be found anywhere on this plane or the next. I would say that a single body is worth a full suit of armor, and alternatively three blades per body due to their fine craftsmanship. That being said, I can part with three thousand suits and blades for the four thousand orphans. Forgive me for sounding so crude, but think of it this way, you give a life to save a life."

He had placed his counter offer on the table, then returned to look the wolf creature in the eyes with narrowed eyes himself. The Warmaster was surprised to feel a psychic ability emitting from the wolf. He uttered a short phrase in the Dark Tongue and was soon able to feel the intent behind the creatures staring. The Warmaster grinned a bit tauntingly and sent a thought into the wolf's mind. It was in the Warmaster's voice. You desire me caked in blood and mud? That makes two of us.

[Kensii]

Kensii's eyebrow arched and forehead crinkled as he realized the weight of the decision he was about to make. If he made the wrong one his Lord would have him killed but if it was the right one he would be honored among his Lord's court. He gave a hard sigh and said, "Three thousand kits for four thousand souls? *sigh* I feel like this is the best deal we can make. On my honor, they will be delivered to you in one month, by sea."

Kensii sat down as the weight if human life hit him with full force, but he couldn't relax yet. The Guild's offer still stood in the air.
--------------------------
No one noticed as the Lord Protector slipped out into a door just to the right of the throne...

[Spiderling]

Spiderling's face was blank and inscrutable, but his mood was black.  Being promised the return of his men's corpses was a small measure of success, but being flatly rebuked by the Warmaster rankled.  He sat brooding, hands steepled in front of his face, scanning the room and wondering how much more political prattle he would have to endure today.

If I hadn't gotten a good meal on the way, he thought, this meeting would be sorely testing my self-control.

As he looked around, he caught Aodhfin's gaze, narrowing his eyes a fraction at the naked malice therein.  He noted the potential threat there before wearily turning his attention back upon the meeting.  He was not suited to politics, and had little patience for bargaining and begging; moreover, without revealing his true form he had little but pleas to offer, but in such a heavily guarded area he had to keep up the pretense of legal legitimacy or risk his own death.

No, he silently reprimanded himself, pushing such self-pitying thoughts from his mind.  I am a child of the Gloomweaver.  There must be a way to turn this meeting to my advantage.

Suddenly Kensii's words caught his ear; "Invaders? Invaders?!? We are not invaders! By right and blood we own that land! We will pull back but by the Shogun if you even send one soldier to Rokugan there will be war."  Spiderling almost smiled at this, despite himself.  He put on his most gracious face and turned to Rainen, "I must apologize for my harshness a moment ago; the loss of members of our brotherhood pains me deeply.  The remains themselves are all we ask, and I humbly thank you for promising their return.  I understand your men do not prize being called away from their homeland; perhaps as a gesture of thanks I and some of my followers could meet them to collect the remains somewhere between Ithilien and Umbar, and save your men the trouble of the full trip."  He watched Rainen expectantly, his mind buzzing; to ambush the ranger's men would be no simple task, but if he could bite them and force them to attack Rokugan...

[Gorbag]

Gorbag was bored. He didn't know why he had been summoned. Guilder had no quarrel with any other nation At least, no quarrel that needed to be brought up in public. His realm preferred to deal with matters in private.

And so far, no realm had brought a grievance up with him. Why then had he been requested to attend this meeting. He smelled a plot of some sort. Looking around the crowd, he saw a number of familiar faces. An attack on him personally perhaps?

He focused on his hired guard for a moment. He was doing a good job of looking like he was supposed to be there though the goblin looked as bored as he felt. If they were going to be stuck there, he might as well make it interesting or get ti done with.

The golem slammed his hands down on the table and fidgeted slightly, "We have issue with a number of individuals present. The purpose of this meeting, if I was informed correctly, was to air grievances and deal with said issues, not make new deals that will just cause more problems. My grievance is that y'all are boring as hell and not sticking to the topic. Not that I care just a whole lot, but my presence here was specifically requested and I'd like to know what "grievances" are to be brought up against either me or the people I represent."

[Jack Stewart III]

Jack was slightly perturbed by the swift pace of this council of lords. Though merely a prince, he was occassionally called upon to deal with the issues of the court when his father was absent, however he was used to dealing with issues at his pace. The lords in question would only speak to him whence spoken to...

He knew nothing of this 'chaos spawn' beyond rumors of the black crusade, and he knew little of the one called 'Milo', beyond that he puts the rubble in trouble. This elemental looked, and sounded familiar, though he could not put his finger upon his identity... As for the purple robed one, he knew him all too well, a deep ache ran through his chest. A reminder of their last encounter. He not so subtly reached for the hilt of his sword, one that he was sure the creature remembered. He made no motion - fore he did not desire to make a scene -, nor did he speak openly against his proposals - that he was sure were ill tidings - , Jack's deep hazel eyes merely glared at him menacingly.
Rainen, you would be wise not trust this one... A soft voice of quicksilver flowed into Rainen's mind, one no doubt his large wolf had also heard.

The one named Kensii suddenly and swiftly stood. "Invaders? Invaders?!? We are not invaders! By right and blood we own that land! We will pull back, but by the Shogun if you even send one soldier to Rokugan there will be war." Kensii was now standing, staring down the three of Ithilien.
"Lieutenant O' Tokugawa." Jack was by this point standing, his presence forceful, "I should not need to remind you that Ithilien and Anvard are allies. Should any hostile actions be taken, the Lords' Alliance would be honor bound to intervene upon their behalf." He then looked betwixt the two, "My good lords, I would think that there be better ones with whom your wrath be placed. No?" Jack then looked across the table to the elemental, "Surely some comprimise can be struck between your two, peoples? One which will serve both well?"

Jack then paused for a moment, allowing the room to settle just a little.
"While upon the subject of borders..." Jack then removed nearly a dozen scrolls from a pack upon the floor and set his gaze upon the one in purple, "I have with me, two writs of protest, one from the Church of the Neigemont and the other from the council of Forn Siðr, along with the protests of a half-dozen other religious organizations from the other members of the Lords' Alliance, pertaining to the actions of your so-called 'missionaries' within our lands. If that weren't enough, I also have three proclimations from Lords hereby denouncing your activities and banning your followers from their lands. "Upon pain of death"." Jack read the last line right from one of the scrolls, then leaned forward, placing his elbows upon the solid table and his chin there upon his knuckles, "Why don't you dispel all the rumors once and for all, and explain to this council why that might be?"
Jack sat motionless, head upon his hands, intently awaiting his response...

[Kensii]

"Are they ready?" He whispered in the corridor.

"Yes, my lord. We can begin immediately. Our forces have successfully surrounded the city. The time has come for your victory." A young soldier smiles as he knows his hour of glory is near.

"Then tell everyone that its time." The Lord Protector smiled a wicked grin, this was it. He walked back in and in a quite noticeable and boisterous fashion sat down on the throne. He cleared his throat and said, "My Lords and Representatives I am sorry, but the hour is late and the tension high, may we rest for the evening? We could reconvene in the morn but, you see, I fear that won't be possible. You see, you won't survive the night."

After he said that several large soldiers in white gleaming armor carrying large swords began filing into the room as a loud "click" noise could be heard as the main hall door was clearly locked from the outside. The men in white began to attack....

[Spiderling]

Spiderling had been blithely ignoring Jack the entire meeting, enjoying the fact that the warrior had to observe propriety rather than attack him on sight, as he clearly wanted to do.  He was about to begin a well-practiced and usually convincing dismissal of the charges against him when the Lord Proctor burst back into the room, followed immediately by the white-clad soldiers.  Seizing the opportunity this distraction provided, he stood and, quick as a flash, grabbed the scrolls off the table, shoving them into his robes before the other attendees could take notice.  When his hands re-emerged from the billowing robe, they clutched the twin swords that had been hidden there.  He backed quickly against the wall, parrying blows from the soliders but keeping Jack within his field of vision.  Spiderling gritted his teeth in frustration; he had hoped for their next meeting to be on his own terms, and there were too many here who might side with the man, but at least for the time being he was spared the hassle of being the primary enemy of everyone in the room.

[Dragonwalker]

Aodhfin flashed a smile as the soldier's burst in, and leaped from his chair, roaring in delight. Now THIS was something he could enjoy and understand! He unsheathed his sword and unstrapped his shield from his back, flinging his cloak behind him as he charged one of the white knights. The two met, the knight's sword screeching against the Dragonknight's shield, and Aodhfin buried his sword to the hilt in the armored man's chest. He roared again, spinning and sending the white one towards the wall the Dragonwalker had just come from.

[Kossak]

Kossak had been standingn in the shadows, his armor absorbing the light and rendering him invisible to all except possibly the elementals powers.  He had cone representing Be'Lakor and the City of Skulls, and to assist Sveinn in any negotiations.   However his only real words were to be to Dralcos and Milo.  Now as men burst into the room he drew his blade from the scabbard and a blood curdling scream erupted from the blade as black flames burned around its length.

"Mortals be damned and they call us the savages," he said to Sveinn as he went to his shoulder.  Two Black Crusade Warmasters stood together now, the bloodshed would begin and it would be a glorious sacrament to the Dark Gods.  As his own blood boiled and the power of the four Chaos Gods flowed through his veins the White Skull emblem upon his chest began to glow with an evil luminescence.

[Gorbag]

As the fighting broke out, Gorbag sat back down and covered his face with one hand and let out a long sigh. Yes, the talking was boring and yes, he was a war machine, but the speed at which this talk had broken down was honestly ridiculous. "It's almost like these people only want to gather together to try and kill one another," he spoke aloud to no one in particular.

Scanning the crowd once more, he looked for his hired body guard to see what he might learn about his goblin acquaitance. "Perhaps something interesting might come from this debacle after all."

[Kensii]

The Lord Protector said over the buzz of combat, "Kill them all, leave not one standing! This is our chance to claim the lands for ourselves!" He then rushed into the same side door he did earlier and it shut with a "thud" and a "click" as it locked.

Kensii had his back to a wall and saw the large blade come down upon him. He just barely dodged it as some of his robes were torn down his left arm. He ran past the soldier and saw the Warmaster and someone he didn't recognize from the meeting. They were fighting wildly and taking blows and giving them out tenfold. Kensii ran up next to them and said, "Our deal won't go through if you die on me barbarian." He gave a coy smile put his back to the Warmaster and his friend and drew his blade to engage the foes.

[Milo Baines]

Grabbing a wine bottle and his smokes, Milo deftly dodges away from the Crunch and over to the far wall. Seeing his old chum Gorbag, he nods and raises his bottle before taking a long pull, all the while artfully weaving through thrashing combatants and flying funiture

[Sveinn Shieldsbane]

Sveinn was enraged as the Lord Protector ordered in his men. He had held his temper throughout the entirety in hopes to plant a seed of corruption with those he dealt with, but this insolent action would prove ruining to his plans. He took to his feet as soon as the first soldier dared to enter, lifting up his heavy chair with him with unbelievable ease. With the rage of a Bloodthirster, Sveinn hurled the heavy chair towards the group of soldiers before uttering a quick phrase in the Dark Tongue while gesturing to the solider furthest back.

A lot happen in the short couple of second following the utterance. The air suddenly became cold and carried with it a sense of unease to those not accustomed to Warp magiks. The unfortunate solider Sveinn gestured at for still advanced, but his armor turned from white to a glowing red. The soldier stopped and frantically attempted to release his armor strapping. This stopped shortly as the man feel to his kneels and let out a blood curdling scream of pain. The armor was burning him severely and the scent of burnt flesh soon wafted through the air. The Screams of pain would not stop, as the incantation's purpose was to keep him alive, bringing him to the edge of shock and death while the dark magik kept his cohesive and alert. It was a cruel thing to witness, but the Warmaster wanted answers after the other soldiers were dealt with.

As the furthest solider dropped. Sveinn felt a hand on his shoulder and instantly was aware of Warmaster Kossak. Whilst his gaze never left the coming soldiers, he reached to the side and was tossed his shield from one of his knights. Unsheathing his sword with a resounding clang, he roared with laughed over the commotion.

"Indeed the innocence of mortals is strong. These poor lads have no idea what they face today. By the Dark Gods, MAKE THEM PAY!"

One of the soldiers closed in on Sveinn front and swung heavily downward at him. Sveinn meet the blade with his shield and steered it to his left. As he did so, Sveinn raised to strike with his pommel for sport. The blow catching beneath the helmet and landing on the soldiers chin. "Come one boy, you have to do better than that!" Sveinn kept parring the soldiers blows and returned non-lethal blow to taunt him. For those accustomed to Chaos cults, he was playing with his foe like that of a Slaaneshi Lord, Sveinn's senses were keen and his speed was great. Every swing the poor soldier attempted was readily meet as if Sveinn saw it coming it slow motion. Before long, Sveinn began to cut at the weaker parts of his foes armor, each cut going deeper then the next as if he was punishing the solider. Sveinn grinned and knew he would bleed out before long.

[Kensii]

Several more soldiers filed in as they heard the screams of their comrades. The Lord Protector stood in the hallway, he was going to get rid of these leaders no matter the cost. Whether 100 or 10000 men, they were going to die. For a moment, the fear of failure flashed in his eyes. He had never sized up his targets before. Were they too powerful? Were his soldiers enough? He shook his head as ambition took over again. No, this couldn't fail.

Kensii dodged left then right. Swung hard and clipped a soldiers neck beneath his helm and the kicked another soldier down before dodging another blow. His clothes were bloody and torn now as both his wounds and the blood of his enemies soaked his skin. This was bad. Surely they couldn't hold off the soldiers forever. He looked around and saw Milo among the fray, "Alchemist!" he shouted, "Do you have a way of finding the Lord Protector?"

[Milo Baines]

Hear the shout, Milo looks up and spies Kensii. Milo begins to frantically search his pockets, bags and belts...patting rapidly, his face scowled in concentration before, with a cherubic expression, Milo finds exactly what he was looking for...his lighter.

With a grin towards Kensii, Milo shouts "NOPE!"

[Kossak]

Kossak smiled under his helm, fangs flashing briefly.  He swung his sword once decapitating one soldier with one blow and struck out his hand in a claw-form as black flame shot from his palm immolating another in the process.

"Find me this fool and I'll cleave the skull from his body," like a farmer through wheat his blade was a scythe cutting down the men left and right.  Grabbing the sword with only one hand, he unbuckled his shield and unslung it from his back.  The circular form of the White Skull was the shape, runes glowing across it's surface.  With a few utterances in the Dark Tongue light flashed from the shield and blinded those around him.  Charging the door, he was going to rely on his armor to help him through the lock.

[Garret Ironshield]

Garret's face grew puzzled as the white soldiers began to pour into the room. Did the Lord Protector not know what he was up against here? By far, Garret was the least dangerous here, and he was quite dangerous.

Shaking his head slowly, Garret stood up and loosened his seaxe in its frog. He brushed himself off and faced his first opponent.

The soldier was of medium build, helmet-less but heavily armored in white. Garret could see in the soldier's eyes though that he was not experience in battle. The soldier's hands shook slightly, and his eyes were darting back and forth. However, he wore a stern look on his face, trying to hide his anxiousness.

The soldier swung his two-handed sword at Garret's face, which Garret dodged by bending backwards slightly. Garret brandished his seaxe and duck under the next swing, advancing to half-range. With the sword still in motion on the back-swing, Garret leapt up and shoved his short blade under the soldier's chin. Blood spewed out and the soldier dropped.

Satisfied, Garret cleaned off his blade on the man's head and looked around. Seeing more men pour through into the room, Garret decided it was time to go. A scrawny alchemist like him was not fit for this kind of battle.

He slid under the table and slung off his backpack in relative safety. He pulled out three things:

1. A vial of clear liquid labeled [NIGHT EYE].
2. And two glass cylinders, both filled with a white powder, with a rag of cloth poking out from the top of each. They were labeled [WHITE PHOSPHORUS].

Garret crawled out from under the table, bumping momentarily into a flesh golem of sorts. Intrigued, Garret pulled out a pencil and a scrap of paper, but put them away when he decided it was not the time for this sort of thing. Garret stood up, barely avoiding a throwing axe whirling through the air.

"Alchemist!" Kensii shouted, "Do you have a way of finding the Lord Protector?"

Seeing Milo draw a negative, Garret took out his Night Eye vial. He spotted Rainen across the room. Garret yelled to him:

"Rainen! Take this!" He held up the vial of clear liquid. "Drink it!"

Garret chucked the vial towards Rainen and punched an engaged soldier in the back of the knee, toppling him.

Onto the next phase then, thought Garret. He held a bottle of White Phosphorus in each hand. Unfortunately, he needed a fire to start the process...

[Casimir Glassjaw]

Idiocy and violence broke out right near him the moment the white soldiers entered the room, so with a sigh he stepped back and slid away from the grind.  Fortunately, it appeared that these soldiers would be no problem for the mighty and unstoppable heroes facing them as these diplomats came to this meeting armed to the teeth and the soldiers seemed to be half brain dead and incapable of defending themselves.  Nothing more then cannon fodder one might say, makes you wonder why one would even bother to send them in knowing that they would undoubtedly be slaughtered.
Making his way to the table he took a seat next to the golem to ensure that his voice could be heard over the rabble, and he asked quite simply, "What now?"

[Jack Stewart III]

A twinge of anger flashed across Jack's face, at the 'Lord Protector's' betrayal. Being furthest from their entrance, it took the first soldiers several moments to reach him.
"Traitor!" Jack shouted across the room, as he situated his helm, "There will be blood!"

As the first soldier reached him, Jack removed his sword, which screeched loudly with the sound of scraping metal. In time with a mighty swing, Jack's voice whispered but one word: rend - though it were more like an echo - and as the blow fell upon the soldier's sword, his blade cut the other in two, before cleaving through man and armor with ease, from left-shoulder to groin. Not a sound was uttered. The mithril blade shone like moonlight through the dripping gore.

A glance over his shoulder, though brief, allowed him the opportunity to hear a mighty commotion from the other side of the large doors. Clearly, the Lord Protector had made more than the one err of attacking the assembly...

There was little resistance as Jack fought his way to the large doors themselves. Clearly, they thought them impenetrable. Jack knew otherwise.
"Elune. The doors. Now." He said fighting off the few who dared oppose him, before plunging his blade into the stone floor.
A loud sigh came forth, from the fair woman that now stood where his blade had previously been. Her hair and eyes were silver, more beautiful than the best ore of the dwarven lords, and her skin pale like a fresh white-rose. "The others?" She spoke firmly.
"You worry about the door." He said impatiently, removing a hidden dueling-dagger from his maille, "I doubt that many will survive this..." He said grimly as she turned her back.
In a flash, her arms turned to those of dragon-wings and with the strength of many men, she began to claw her way through the heavy door. The thick planks of oak stood no chance. Jack vainly readied himself for the inevitable counter-attack as they realized his plan...