Set in Stone

[Pirvan Kaldres]

OOC: All those interested in helping with the defense of Frigid River do join us.

Letters, messengers and personal visits, thats how you made sure things were known and how you made sure you got the right people to come, hopefully. Brightenings after the Herald article was seen in the Herald Pirvan had decided to call this meeting, Frigid River was three times smaller if not more than Mystique, their army alone probably totaled more than Frigid Rivers total population.

Friends and friends with power always came in handy though, plus unknown to a lot of people, Frigid River was quite defendable. The first messenger had gone out to Lord Heron's Manor, a young smart boy who hopefully wouldn't get side tracked. His message was simple, be polite and courteous in all he did, because Lord's as well as mages sometimes were testy. "Serale Lord Heron. Mr. Kaldres has asked if you could spare a few candlemarks of your time to meet with him, I believe the topic sir is Mystique." After that the boy only needed to await and reply and report back.

similar messages had gone out to Ameilia and Grent. Eimíle McPhearson was also invited, as well as the Elf Prince Ebany. He had sent out messengers in search of all mages in the city of Frigid River, any who wished to support Frigid River and if necessary get paid for it, should show up. High Peaks diplomat, Quick was invited as well.

The last messages was to his Council they of course helped him in his decision making, so their presence was needed as well. Hopefully he could get in contact with Audrey and settle this before it escalated but the likelihood of that was slim. Most importantly he believed that Anda and himself had found the biggest weapon they could use in this battle or war.... Chameleons legitimacy as Governor.

Before him was a map of Frigid River as well as the surrounding country and maps of the area between Mystique and Frigid River. With its newly constructed walls, that added a little more defense to the City. Riconus's rigorous training had boosted the spirits and the number of armed forces Frigid River had. Hopefully between himself, Lord Heron and Eimíle, and whatever other mages they had, they could hold off the majority of magical attacks. That was only the hope, the problem was that Mystique had more armed forced as well as more mages than did Frigid River. It would've been so nice to call Duncan, Aderyn and Serion right now, three mages of talent.

Sighing he looked over their numbers. (Riconus or Maddyn, can you please PM me, if necessary an updated armed forces number, including the BDS.) Being a Wealth Redistrubutor, him mind sometimes resorted to the easy, if wrong, way of handling things. Assassination, but then he knew that the finger would be pointed at him, regardless if he had caused it or not. Sighing he crossed that off his list again, it already had a few dashed through it, but another couldn't hurt. More ideas, came to him, such as, destroying or sabotaging their supplies. But he would target the leaders, Generals, Lieutenants, Master Mages etc. they needed to be removed from the battle if one occurred for Frigid River to have a chance. All in all, it looked back, but then what didn't?

OOC: Apologies, As Caran pointed out I forgot to state where I was.

The new and improved City Hall, almost three times as big as the old one, built to suit the growing city. In the center of the building was a room, circular, used as the meeting hall. Comfortable looking couches were along the wall with assorted decorations such as sculptures, paintings, and plants in between. In the center was a circular table that could sit twenty at any one time, all the chairs were the same around the table. There were four doors usable as entrances and exits, directly north, south, west and east. The entrances were all guarded but everyone was allowed entrance through the building and into the conference room.

[Caransulë Al'lende]

It seemed no matter where the elf ran it would always follow him. Death, pain, despair... War. Even to a small village nestled near to the mountain tops that he had perhaps hope would provide solitude and refuge. The elf found himself loosening the scimitars in his scabbard once more. He entered the City Hall after hearing numerous calls for a meeting, observing flyers and the general flock of some of the populance to this place, He rode like a lord with the demeanor of a peasent. He didn't look strong in that moment, though properly poised he was as his mount shambled towards the building, and though not many probably noticed it as he resembled the snowy envirioment around them.

He had instructed Nea to leave the city and to hunt for food in the forest, as he would not be able to provide any while he was at the meeting and the great tiger would certainly draw unwanted attention. Caran wanted to simply observe, to obtain the meaning of the call to arms. He had been on the road much, and the last view of a herald he got was the headlines that very much concerned his family. He hadn't read a word of news since.

The Noble slid down his horse swiftly, instructing the trained war beast to not move, nothing short of a dragon would make it tremble, and since a dragon hadn't been seein since Abestat and least of all would it prefer the cold of Frigid River he considered it safe for the moment. He entered his white cloak wrapped about him, its thin fur lining keeping the cold out for the moment, perhaps he would remove it once he entered the body-heated rooms of the City Hall.

The elf attempted not to draw attention, making no attempts at conversation and simply making his way to an empty couch to the side. He spotted one face he knew, though he lowered the cowl of his hood so that he would not be seen likeways. Pirvan Kaldres, it's a long way from Centripax. Though I've indeed made the journey as well, but Thane of Frigid River... making a name for yourself hmm? Well, of course more then you already had I guess... Seated, he simply waited to see what unfolded, deciding whether to reveal himself and the possible aid that could be brought. That would be decided when he found out the enemy the city had brought upon them.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Hope you don't mind if I join
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The clanging of platemail could be heard from well outside the town hall as Riconus, accompanied by his guard of roughly 20 soldiers, approached the door, all now completely garbed in their battle gear, ready for war on a split second. He never much enjoyed wearing his armour at all time, by as it was in Lauryl, not being prepared was no longer an option.

While a small group of the stoldiers stood outside the hall, to stand guard and rally passing civilians for battle, the majority walked in with Gen. Kaldres- a man who had proven himself in the Battle of Centripax, but yet to make a name for himself in Lauryl. Last darkening was not filled by sleep, but rather precise calculations, concocting a worthy war plan to repel the much larger Mystique enemy.

Riconus wasted no time. Immediately, his attention was drawn to Pirvan, and as always, he took a knee with a deep bow before introducing himself into the thane/governor's presense.

"M'lord, I stand at your service one more."

Rising from his knee, those viewing him could see a set of parchment in his right hand, with his left hand on the pommel of his longsword, which had become the usual as of late. Riconus explained what the documents in his hand, or rather his gauntlet, told.

"M'lord, I've set a battle plan that could be used in the defense of Frigid River. It deals with big risks, but if successful, it may be able to save us from falling into the hands of the magocracy. Please, allow me to show you it to you."

[Andrea Marsilia]

As a prospective statesman, his job was supposed to be jaw, jaw, instead of war, war. When the clash did arise, people of his station generally retreated from the limelight to safeguard their properties, possessions, and mayhaps, even their paltry lives.

What else was a professional politician supposed to do? Throw great sheaves of parchment at the advancing enemy? Blind their officers with the contents of numerous inkwells from the various bureaucrats’ desks? Pelt them from the rooftops with the crowns from the municipal treasury?

That last one might just work…

He’d felt himself somehow useless as of late. Oh, yes, there had been much work to do as Chancellor/Chief Minister/Margrave, depending on who did the beholding…essentially being Pirvan’s lapdog, to put it charitably, and while Andrea had brighteningly managed to slip parchments from the left side of his desk and onto the right, with the passing of the cycles, it didn’t feel quite as satisfying. Administration, aye, government, mayhaps even the rudiments of trade were some things he had been good at, but at the end of the brightening…somehow such moribund duty, particularly in these times of crisis…it felt as if he was shirking in some way. Certainly no one had ever been honored in Historia for being a great administrator. Particularly not in times of war.

Ah, well, there are other ways with which a merchant’s son from Arkdun can bring merit to himself.

He was here to advise…and while that Andavariel seemed to have a monopoly on Pirvan’s ear—something which bothered Andrea to some end—surely, it didn’t hurt to have an advisor by each shoulder. Mayhaps even more. Perhaps that was why the body had been called a council, due to the fact that they were supposed to provide counsel.

He opened the door to the conference room and stepped in, nodding in greeting to those already present. Perhaps, aside from providing counsel, he could make himself useful in the war effort in the logistics side, with the baggage train, perhaps as a quartermaster. Numbers and parchments, a busman’s holiday, in effect. He certainly was no trained warrior, but he could bring the fight to the enemy in other ways.

“Serale there, Pirvan. I was wondering if I might have a moment. No doubt you’ve heard of certain news from Centripax?”

That prospective embassy to the other cities didn’t seem to have taken off, but hopefully, there was still time to rush in reinforcements...particularly if Frigid River appeared all the more beleaguered. People loved the underdog, particularly if there was still a chance for him to strike back, and strike home.

In any case, should the worst come, the former Thane pro tempore still had that short sword, forged by the Imperial Senator from Tirisfal. It was still unbloodied.

Perhaps that was a good thing.

[Pirvan Kaldres]

Chuckling Pirvan patted Riconus on the shoulder. “You never change. Perfect, I knew you were the right man, well Elf, for the job. Sure, just hold onto it for now, we’ll discuss it in private.” He trusted Riconus with his life, more so than anyone else in this town. But that could not be told about everyone, a simple but useful tactic of war was a thing called espionage. He didn’t know who was who and who was giving and telling the enemy what tidbits of information, so important things were kept secret until they needed to be known.

When the ever brilliant enthusiast and jovial cousin walked in Pirvan. The man was always in a good mood and always had some new plan or another up his sleeve; he knew no one who could give you ideas, and good ones at that all the time, other than Andrea. The man probably stole the brain of a scientist, politician and some other sneaky profession and mushed it into one. “News from Centripax?” He shook his head to answer as well as spoke. “Nothing, what’s going on there?” Looking at the mans hands Pirvan sighed. “No apples today?” Even though he had eaten, the last apple Andrea had brought was quite tasty.

Looking around at some of the people gathered Pirvan nodded. “Well I’m not trying to have an all day meeting. I called this meeting to discuss one thing, and that’s the possible upcoming battle with Mystique. Mystique is five times our size; its army alone is probably more than our total population. That being said, I’m sure they are still going to be coming. Everyone who has read the Herald and been around for the past few months know the cause of this. An overreaction and a violent one I say, but it isn’t for me to say. Cycles ago I sent a letter to her Majesty, and I received a reply. I will be sending a diplomat to meet with her and the outcome of that meeting will be known to all. Hopefully that meeting occurs before Mystique decides to play knock the city down with us.”

Taking a deep breath he tapped his fingers on the table a few times. “With that being the case, if any of you have any contact, any allies, any associates, anyone or anything that would be willing to help, than I ask you to get in contact with that person and see if they would be willing to come to the aid of Frigid River. If and only if the need shall arise though, gatherings armed forces inside and around Frigid River would only show that we want a war and that’s the last thing I want right now. I don’t need nor want to know who your associates are or what aid you can provide, as long as its for the protection of Frigid River and its people.” Gentling rubbing at his chin he raised his hands. “Anyone have any questions or anything to say before I continue?”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus gave a respectful nod to his lord, before recognizing his orders and shuffling behind Pirvan in observation. Though he always listened attentively to the thane's directions, his compliments were always something that could warm the old soldier's heart. Indeed, he was becoming more like his father every brightening.

Giving a gentlemen's bow to Andrea as well, as he did always, Riconus kept his mouth sealed with his arms folded in front of him- the war plans always within his sight. Withing nothing to say, he simply stood at Pirvan's side and waited for the meeting to advance.

[Andrea Marsilia]

The head of his house invariably became the cause for the Tirisfalian’s first grin of the brightening.

“Sorry, Pirvan, no apples. Haven’t had the time to go out much, really. Work in here tends to keep me frightfully busy.” Andrea looked a bit regretful, cheeks sinking, but then his eyes rose on mention of communication with The Outside.

“Well,” he said, coming close to whisper in Pirvan Kaldres’ ear, “…last I’ve heard…a certain female cousin of ours,” his eyes fell to the floor as he said that, “…no doubt, you know who…appears to have been kicked upstairs in the midlands. I’m not sure if it’s Enamoria or Centripax. I’ve got some ideas regarding that and our present predicament…but that can wait until after this meeting. I’m friends with an elf in high places. You’re right, we’ll have to move fast. It takes time for a horse to gallop, while bad news travels as fast as the wind.” Finished, he set down his left hand from his mouth, the same one he’d used to prevent nosy busybodies to read his lips. I’d be interested to know what Her Imperial Majesty has got to say, as well as what inspired words fell from her lips in reply to Pirvan’s communication, as well as if our good friend Andavariel gets to rub shoulders with our sovereign quite soon. Goodness knows, we’ll need someone of greater prestige to send to audiences at the Imperial Court. Kind as the Empress is, I don’t think she’ll be listening much to a two-bit former interim Thane and one-time Aedile of a rustic hamlet.

His eyes fell on the confident-looking elf by the corner. Strange fellow, never seen him before. I like his eyes. He certainly looks like he’s been around the block some…and like he’s killed a man before. If Andrea had known the fellow, perhaps he would have fallen to his knees in obeisance. Unfortunately, he didn’t and so he merely traded glances with Riconus, sitting beside him as he did so.

“Serale, Riconus. Hope supplies are keeping up. Wouldn’t want The Regiment to go a-foraging through your land anytime soon,” he said with a wink and a teasing smile. He likewise nodded at the men-at-arms The General had brought in.

“I like the ardor of your troops, General. At the rate things are going, you’ll have to order them to take three men for every one of theirs just to get even. I trust your numbers are up, for we’ll definitely need every man…”

He grinned. “…no doubt, even a clumsy swordbearer like me, one more attuned to crossing quills on fields of parchment.”

I wonder if there are Imperial troops nearby. The Legio Secundum at Jaedexia certainly looked quite impressive…

[Maddyn]

While Lord Heron hadn't bothered to show up for the brightening at the Thane's request, the other three people of Frigid River had followed Pirvan's prompting. Sitting in various places was Ameilia Natalyi of the Lylles, Mister Mc'Phearson once of the Mage Guild and Senior Aedile Grent Ironstone all listening with various degree's of interest. In Ironstone's case, hanging onto every single word given he really didn't want to see some of his developments suddenly destroyed all because of politics or some rubbish. Ameilia listened with an interest born from caring about the welfare of the people rather than the city itself... and Mc'Phearson, well...

He was asleep.

Tiny, the little gnome was just a touch round around the middle... well, okay. If he fell over onto his side there was a risk of rolling. He wore a purple and green tartan kilt, leather boots to his knee's and about his shoulders was a dark green cloak. His skin was brown and the right half of his faze covered in a blue inked tattoo of a cresant moon. His head was planted against the desk as he made snoring sounds.

Ameilia on the other hand was leaning backwards and forwards on her chair, the air filled with a rocking sound as she listened attentively. Medium of build and rather tall, Ameilia had rather sharp and angular features that prevented her from being beautiful - handsom seemed much more appropriate with black hair pulled into a bun with silver strands along her temples. Her eyes were an ice blue and her clothing rather simple with a white skirt and a light blue blouse. "As you said Your Grace, Mystique is five times our size... but sir Ironstone, confirm for a moment?" Natalyi pushed, interjecting as the Dwarf nodded his head.

Wide, he probably needed two chairs or at least one that was reinforced consideing his weight was all unnecessary bulk having gone to seed several decades ago. Garbed in black velvet robes with gold trim, his hair and beard were both closely cropped, black of colour and curly. Resting by his side was an oaken staff with a knob on the end showing a claw with a crystal ball on the top. "Incorect, five times is being overly optimistic statistically Your Grace. The last known census on housing estimated Frigid River's population as 4, 800 citizens, 250 mecrchants according to the Trellis Inn's guaging provided by Ms. Natalyi... and the Black Dragon Syndicate you brought here. Mystique on the other hand has somewhere between 250,000, and 300,000 people. Statistically speaking, having just waged that civil war of theirs would mean... 25,000 soldiers, minus whatever casulties they claimed. That's naturally assuming they leave no fort guard - but it remains that, statistcially." Ironstone was fond of this word, he was a papers man... er... Dwarf. "Statisically, even assuming every single person in Frigid River could fight, and we were evenly matched in arcana which... damnit Mc'Phearson! Could have damn well confirmed we're not. Now, seige warfare according to the illustrious Lieutenant Cullyn's reports means if they lacked arcana they would require... 50,000 soldiers to overwhelm us."

This was where Ironstone paused and Ameilia let out a sigh. "They have arcana though, they can probably best us with half of that. And that isn't even the important bit... we need to send our people to safety if Frigid River's to survive. I recommend an evacuation to High Peak... military stay here, Riparia or Medonia perhaps if High Peak refuses aide..." Ameilia stated, and she in turn was interupted by McPhearon as he snuffled as if something the size of his head was caught in his nose.

Snapping his head upwards, eyes groggy, a dazed "I'm awake! Aye!" was quickly said out of sheer embaressment before glancing about the others mustered. "Oh... bugger me."