The First Dark Congress

[ski_king3 0]

Garion listens to the words of the grizzled man, thumb and forefinger stroking his beard in attentive contemplation. "Yet you ask us to put faith in Order unproven, whilst we have been entrusted to do that which you ask. Is it not more apt to entrust those who already succeed in their efforts, rather than a suspect shadow with no such record?"

[Locklathlan 41]

40 minutes ago, trap_queen3 said:

Garion listens to the words of the grizzled man, thumb and forefinger stroking his beard in attentive contemplation. "Yet you ask us to put faith in Order unproven, whilst we have been entrusted to do that which you ask. Is it not more apt to entrust those who already succeed in their efforts, rather than a suspect shadow with no such record?"

His eyebrows raise and fall in an accepting gesture, before he speaks with a careful tone.

 

"Though you have tried for some time to stamp out the Mortal Arts, you have failed; I say this not as a criticism, for you have heard the repetitious line over, and over again as to why this is. It is not possible to completely blanket the dark with light, for forever shall the shadow persist where your eye cannot quite reach. If you cannot stamp it out, why cull the one Order among the dark who seeks to bring about some kind of order in it? Surely allies of that nature are better than none, and any allies one can gain are not ones to be turned away. Give us time and space to prove ourselves, if we must before you, and you shall find us dependable allies - at least, I should hope so. Again, we fight the same side of this war, merely with different benefactors and tools before us.

 

Let Xion rise to govern the dark as you do the Light, and perhaps some equilibrium might be reached. We may be of the dark, but we are not of the perverse individuals whom you call 'suspect'. If you do not allow us the chance to make a 'record', you shall have halted a possible solution of which you have no true knowledge. Truly, to halt us would be as if to halt ones allies simply for wielding a blade comparable to that of the enemy. When, have you seen two Men walking down the street, stop to duel over the fact one wields a lance, and the other a blade?"

 

At this he laughs quite heartily to himself, grinning out from beneath his cowl before he brushes it back with one hand, waving with one hand.

 

"Apologies, apologies, but really this does appear to be why you find us skeptical; we wield abilities that you have long fought against, and so you paint us as villains. We are attempting to turn those blades you have fought against to a side of progress, something those of Guardianship should support."

[Zarsies 6795]

A keen eye could detect the stray, queerly stiff signs of telepathic conversation being held amongst the table's head between the likes of the grizzled wizard Vapor, necrotic father Naruntah, and false-skinned Kozilek; nods, shakes, glances, and acute facial expressions.

[Wretched 2075]

The ashen librarian perks up from his silence, gauntlets clutching tightly at the arms of his spruce chair as his form looms forth to display his silent, empty stare to the gathered. He'd speak out in his usual dry metallic tone, voice bearing a deep echo "I shall personally see breakers of the peace into the next life. Steady yourselves, or be removed." Orithur would promptly return to his state of silent observation, helm twisting to and fro to the speakers.

[Ventusyr 233]

"If you do not spread the chaos you claim only the unchecked Dark does, then we have no reason to hunt you," states Ashanaak, his infuriated expression only mildly relaxed at this point. "I desire peace for my Brothers and Sisters, both in the Light and in Balance, and for the Innocent. If truce between us would grant such, and you govern the Dark, then so be it: let such a truce be made. 

 

"That said, I stand with the servants of Xan on whatever decision they make, for it shall likely be in line with that of my Lord's, and if a being of Darkness crosses my path and harms the innocent, then I will not hesitate to confront them."

[Locklathlan 41]

2 minutes ago, Ventusyr said:

"If you do not spread the chaos you claim only the unchecked Dark does, then we have no reason to hunt you," states Ashanaak, his infuriated expression only mildly relaxed at this point. "I desire peace for my Brothers and Sisters, both in the Light and in Balance, and for the Innocent. If truce between us would grant such, and you govern the Dark, then so be it: let such a truce be made. 

 

"That said, I stand with the servants of Xan on whatever decision they make, for it shall likely be in line with that of my Lord's, and if a being of Darkness crosses my path and harms the innocent, then I will not hesitate to confront them."

 

His visage rotates to view Ashanaak, bobbing several times over the course of his short piece; once this is completed, his arms fold across and he pivots back in his chair with a satisfied look. A few moments more of silence pass as he contemplates, rocking a little on his chair, back and forth, back and forth with an oddly childish demeanor. Once again letting his head nod in agreement and satisfaction, he halts and leans forwards on both hands as they hold his head atop both fists.

 

"Peace for the Innocents, and peace for yourselves; whilst we are limited as you are, I. . . will attempt to assure you that those here are noble souls, and agree that peace is something that can and will be reached. We may be of limited resource, but I believe those here would do their utmost to aid in that regard; though I shall not speak for them quite so plainly, as I know not their minds. I appreciate your decision to side with the Xan folk, for I can see that your companionship means much to you, and the bonds between Men are of great importance. It is good that you can see reason despite your overseers, and it pleases me that your humanity, and your reason, shines through the dazzling Light that surrounds you so."

[youdude 104]

"..The conditions, in my opinion seem reasonable enough. It may even lead to a sort of collaboration in the future, though any alliance struck will be one full of suspicion. But-" He sighed a weakly, reaching for his metallic flask out of habit, only to frown as he finds it empty. "-that's getting ahead of ourselves. The terms are that we keep our disturbance of peace to minimal levels, which is a small price to pay for a truce. If there's another catch to this, it escapes me. And Indeed, if the folk here were unwilling to achieve peace, they wouldn't have showed up in the first place! It seems that the congress was a success, in my eyes at-least." He gave a pleased smile to the gathering, only for his eyes to linger on the three hosts. Those expressions out of nowhere, hushed grumbles and giggles. They were either whispering, or communicating through other means. "...Have anything to share with the rest?" He spoke out towards the Herald of Embers, and his two companions.

[Ventusyr 233]

The dark clad cleric scans the room one last time with his blue and crystalline eyes, before looking to the gathered Paladins.

[Tom_Whiteman 949]

           Zaiek would slowly walk down the hall, the clack of his feet against the pavement are heard as he reaches his arms out, dragging his fingers along the stone brick wall. Approaching the meeting spot he'd stop at the frame of the entrance, looking in at those gathered. Clearing his throat, he'd speak, "I apologize for my late appearance, however, I am here. Please forgive, my cart's wheel broke so I had to walk the last few kilometres."

[TeaLulu 1783]

The woman by the door points her quill to an empty seat, gesturing for the newly arrived individual to seat themselves. As the man enters, the three gentlemen requested to be removed by the meeting host, Leric, Toren, Artimec, and anyone else they brought with them, are escorted out. The door is locked behind them.
 

 

She clears her throat, tapping on the table before her with the tip of her quill. A wayward glance finds the trio at the head of the table.

 

"So, to re-cap the important events of this meeting so far.

 

The Tah clerics requested the return of their missing cleric, Elvira, refusing to return a blade gifted to them by one at the head of the table. 

 

At that request, as a show of good will, the cleric, Elvira, was returned to her flock. The Tah Prophet suggested being open to the blade's return. The Tah Prophet described the Keepers Xan has created as 'unnatural beings'. Personally ironic, considering I once saw Daniel run through and thrown against the wall of the Mage's Guild by the Undead Prophet, and he simply stood up again. I suppose if Itharels and Keepers are at all similar, that is a sound description."

 

She gives the quill an absent-minded spin in her hand, flipping through the pages of her tome as she reads through the transcript.

 

"Pardon, that was off-topic...He, the Prophet of Tah, also referenced 'enemies in the light', referring to the Paladins, and referred to them as 'impure'. He requested one 'Rosencrantz' hand over aforementioned blade, to which Daniel objected. At that, the gentleman in gold arrived.

 

The Prophet admitted fully that, and I quote; 'The blade was not ours to keep'.

 

What followed can only be described as a great deal of bickering demonstrating the current tense and tumultuous relationship between the Aengudaemonic Orders. There was also a great deal of boasting of the past, including the defeat of Setherien, et cetera.

 

The Tah Prophet then retracted his offer of the blade at the behest of Daniel, and insisted that peace was second to 'upholding Purity'.

 

Followed by this, one member of the Xan Paladins breached the premise of the meeting by bringing one uninvited, who brought up past actions of unaffiliated parties with no relation to any present save that they also practiced 'dark magics'.

 

Daniel stated it had been decided not to turn over the blade, and that the Keepers, whom he believed would be slain with the blade, were under his protection. Such that it is. The Tah Prophet then declared there was no discussion present, only demands being made by the other side."

 

She takes a deep breath, sighing before continuing.

 

"After nigh-endless discussion almost solely from the Aengudaemonic side, the pale gentleman at the head of the table spoke up, requesting civility. The proper representative of the Druidic Order spoke up, emphasising that Artimec does not represent their Order and his words should not be taken as representative of the Mother Circle. Duly noted.

 

Further reference to the long gone-by ages of Setherien... And...one of the Xan paladins declaring that he hoped the opposite side hadn't 'expected words to resolve their ordeals nor the return of weaponry'. Also duly noted.

 

The host then spoke several things. First and foremost the removal of those uninvited and who breached the premise of the meeting, now done. The host clarified, in a round-about-manner, that the Xionists are not of the same beliefs nor actions as the individuals who once inhabited Embermoor.

 

The host then stated, quite plainly, that the clerics could keep the sword, as the Xionist organization did not desire it. In fact, he declared that the Xionists would rather destroy the blade than anything else. Another concession. The host then restated his point, which has thus far largely not been responded to as the subject continues to be brought off-topic;

 

'Agree to be neutral with Xion as long as Xion is neutral to you, on the premise of agreement in which those of Xion may be responsible for dealing with the evils of the dark itself instead of your kind', with the goal of ultimately 'bettering man, so that when the time comes that some archaic threat to the mortal world arrives again, he may respond to it himself.'

 

That is, in short, ultimately not a request for the Aengudaemonic orders to be dismantled; instead a request for them to allow an opportunity for the Xionists to self-govern, without risk of total obliteration solely due to the strays who just happen to practice their same magics causing havoc. There was no request for the allowing of individuals to target, attack, maime or otherwise harm innocents, settlements, or villages. But rather to allow the Xionists to handle governance and punishment of their kind should ever such occur, as I understand it.

 

One of the Paladins then queried as to being requested to put faith in an Order unproven, while claiming to have been entrusted with that task."

 

She clears her throat, arching a brow.

 

"To clarify briefly; No mortal force ever entrusted you with anything. You were assigned the task by your Patron. The Descendants do not at this time rely upon you, in the majority, for their safe keeping. Never in the history of man as an Aengudaemonic Order, to my vast knowledge, ever asked the Descendants for their faith and trust, and to allow the Aengudaemonic Orders to 'shepherd' them as they have done for so many years. Please represent your purpose and source of such accurately.

 

Back to the meeting minutes... Our dear librarian, regretably, was awoken. Following that, the Tah Prophet declared he wanted peace, despite his unwillingness to make concessions for such, and insisted that if Chaos was not spread by them, then no harm would come to them. But also that he would stand with whatever decision the followers of Xan made, despite previous...words."

 

She exhales raggedly, her hand disappearing into the coverage of her hood to rub her throat briefly.

 

"Thus the discussion turns to an impasse; Is it sufficient for the Aengudaemonic Orders to leave well enough alone, and only seek to 'cleanse' individuals of taint or practicers of dark magic if they attack innocents? Furthermore, will the Aengudaemonic Orders all adhere to this, despite the fact that in the past, the Tah Clerics have been reknowned for purging any and all tainted individuals, regardless of their actions? Will the Clerics and Paladins actually be willing and able to abide by one another, to allow the Xionists the peace they seek?

 

Or is such an agreement not sufficient enough, for it does not allow the Xionist Order the opportunity to seek out and punish those who break their tenants, thus allowing them the opportunity to prove themselves capable of maintaining Order amongst their own people, in a fashion similar to or better than the Aengudaemonic Orders maintain currently?

Are the Xionists willing to allow the blade to stay in the hands of holy men, despite the power it holds and threat it potentially poses to them, rather than to have the blade destroyed? Alternatively, if the blade was to be destroyed, would the Clerics be willing to have such done, with themselves present for observation and proof of the destruction?

 

Can the Xionists abide by the niceties preached and power and right claimed by the two holy orders, on the basis largely of solely the Golden Lance's past service in the defeat of Setherien? Can the Xionists abide the lack of willingness to negotiate, and to do anything other than bring the conversation back to themselves and their holy might, that the Paladins of Xan, who now, by admission of the Prophet of Tah, represent both main Aengulic Orders, practice? The prior willingness to negotiate shown by the Prophet of Tah now being null and void in the face of the fact he has given his Order's allegiance to the Paladins of Xan.

 

And finally...The Druidic Order has been very quiet, observantly so, save to make clear their separation from the intruder now removed. What is their opinion on the matter, and what do they propose?

 

Otherwise, fairly beneficial meeting thus far...at least for the Clerics."

 

She gives a light shrug, looking to Elvira. From there her hooded visage turns, simply examining those around.

[Corvoo 562]

The group of three Druids would be sharing quiet whispers, occasionally shaking their heads or nodding. Eventually, the red-haired one would stand up his hands behind his back. He'd clear his throat, before speaking.

 

"I'd first like to apologize for our silence. We did not have anything to add on to what the Paladins and Clerics have been saying, and were more comfortable waiting until we felt it was time to speak our part." 

 

He'd nod after saying this, his gaze shifting in between the many people at the meeting.

 

"Our main priority is defending the balance of nature, rather than the descendants. Void magic itself disrupts that balance, dark magic even more so. We propose that Xion puts strict regulations in place on the use of any dark magic. And when such magic is used and caused a great imbalance, the mage or mages that caused it be held accountable. I have seen firsthand the damage magics such as necromancy do to nature, and the balance. That must be controlled, and regulated."

 

"We most certainly do support the self-governing. If anything, something like that would help make sure that nature does not have to carry such a large burden, assuming Xion is willing to put strict regulations on dark magics."

 

"Another point that needs to be addressed. In the past, I have witnessed individuals from Xion preaching their beliefs to settlements, and even to Druids in our own Grove. We want that to stop. Those of our Order do not preach our beliefs onto others, if people are interested in following the path we walk, then we let them come to us. We are more than willing to negotiate, and be neutral with Xion. But going out and preaching, recruiting others and whatnot. It only succeeds in putting a larger strain on nature and the balance, once more individuals learn these magics."

 

He'd sigh, rubbing his forehead for a moment, before continuing.

 

"Lastly, regarding the incident with Artimec and his Naelu'rir. I must stress the fact that nothing he says or does should be considered representative of what we at the Order think or believe. Please accept my apologies for the... Entrance he made."

 

He'd nod, before taking a seat once again.

[Locklathlan 41]

1 hour ago, Corvoo said:

The group of three Druids would be sharing quiet whispers, occasionally shaking their heads or nodding. Eventually, the red-haired one would stand up his hands behind his back. He'd clear his throat, before speaking.

 

"I'd first like to apologize for our silence. We did not have anything to add on to what the Paladins and Clerics have been saying, and were more comfortable waiting until we felt it was time to speak our part." 

 

He'd nod after saying this, his gaze shifting in between the many people at the meeting.

 

"Our main priority is defending the balance of nature, rather than the descendants. Void magic itself disrupts that balance, dark magic even more so. We propose that Xion puts strict regulations in place on the use of any dark magic. And when such magic is used and caused a great imbalance, the mage or mages that caused it be held accountable. I have seen firsthand the damage magics such as necromancy do to nature, and the balance. That must be controlled, and regulated."

 

"We most certainly do support the self-governing. If anything, something like that would help make sure that nature does not have to carry such a large burden, assuming Xion is willing to put strict regulations on dark magics."

 

"Another point that needs to be addressed. In the past, I have witnessed individuals from Xion preaching their beliefs to settlements, and even to Druids in our own Grove. We want that to stop. Those of our Order do not preach our beliefs onto others, if people are interested in following the path we walk, then we let them come to us. We are more than willing to negotiate, and be neutral with Xion. But going out and preaching, recruiting others and whatnot. It only succeeds in putting a larger strain on nature and the balance, once more individuals learn these magics."

 

He'd sigh, rubbing his forehead for a moment, before continuing.

 

"Lastly, regarding the incident with Artimec and his Naelu'rir. I must stress the fact that nothing he says or does should be considered representative of what we at the Order think or believe. Please accept my apologies for the... Entrance he made."

 

He'd nod, before taking a seat once again.

A look of disgust passes briefly over the features of the green swathed one, his fingers tensing together before his form relaxes as the subject changes. Once his shoulders slump and his back loosens once again, he leans forth to speak.

 

"Your plea for control is heard; under Xion, such noble arts are controlled out of a matter of necessity, out of great understanding for what they signify. Just as a ruler might dub their subjects 'knight', so is the handling of the Mortal Arts held in such great respect; to have such a grand blade placed upon ones shoulders, to have such a power attributed to ones name. . . it is truly a great honour indeed. For us to hand it out to every passerby who utters the name of Xion, that, is the lack of control that we abhor, as do you. Fear not drui, for we understand the power of our art, and the need for control over such a thing.

 

However; your point concerning our preaching is thusly unjustified by what I have just relayed to you. I for one, shall not cease any form of preaching, for it is righteous and true of us to attempt to turn people to our way of thinking, just as you spread your thoughts and ideas to those who enter your culture. Do not be concerned that this will create a sudden influx of individuals wielding the Mortal Arts, for only those whom are worthy shall be gifted such a great honour. Those who are gifted these magics shall use them responsibly. In fact, I would wager that they shall put less 'strain' on the balance of nature than your own art. . ."

 

His eyebrows bob upwards with a slight 'humph', a look of quiet superiority blossoming across his sharp features before he turns away again.

 

"If you dislike the act of preaching, there are further orders whom do so readily, orders whom have plagued this land for many years. Do not order us into silence due to your own philosophies, for they hold no sway outside of your culture."

[Ventusyr 233]

The Prophet, his expression still very slowly returning to its past neutrality, dips his head in a small agreement to the Druids, before turning to the woman with the record book. "To clarify: I hope the record shows that a Xionist organization, the Covenant, did desire the blade, to slay the Keepers of Xan, and they drew forth my past pride and anger towards those of Order with their words and attacks on my order in order to acquire it. We, the clerics of Tahariae, shall keep the blade, and we shall use it in defense of the servants of Xan, which the Covenant has so clearly stated they wish to assault, and of the realm.

 

"I also quite clearly remember the Keeper Garion stating that if the Dark does not spread disorder and chaos, they shall see no end to the Paladins' blades, and this is, and this is quite true, rare. So it is with the clerics. If you indeed follow your ideologies, and seek to reign in the Darkness once more, we have no qualms and shall not attack; but the clerics shall not hold back their blades if a ghoul is seen attacking travelers, and we shall not restrain our light should spirits and Daemons of darkness come into this realm. Let the record show that as the clerics' view of your offered peace."

[TeaLulu 1783]

"Yes, do pardon me; The records state one member of The Covenant, an organization which may contain Xionists but is not at any point admitted or claimed to be a a part of Xionism sought the blade for the purposes undefined, which you believe to be for the slaying of the Keepers of Xan. As I quote; 'What I wish to do with the blade is my own business, cleric. My brethren remain uninvolved.' Thus it is the one member of The Covenant seeking the blade stated fully that the Xionists, with whom he shares a religious belief, hence the term 'brethren', including the host, are not involved in his plans, which may or may not be to slay the Keepers of Xan, who are, by your own words, 'Impure' and unnecessary.

 

And so we come back full circle, with the only official stance of the Xionists, as declared by the meeting Host himself; 'the only destruction we of Xion would bring with the sword, is the destruction of the sword itself.'"

 

The woman tilts her hooded head to one side, a muffled jingling coming from within.

 

"I will have no mistruths here and I will not allow them to be spouted. The Library exists for the accurate and whole recording of all knowledge. As you were saying?"

 

 

 

[MrJoshy 130]

19 minutes ago, Locklathlan said:

A look of disgust passes briefly over the features of the green swathed one, his fingers tensing together before his form relaxes as the subject changes. Once his shoulders slump and his back loosens once again, he leans forth to speak.

 

"Your plea for control is heard; under Xion, such noble arts are controlled out of a matter of necessity, out of great understanding for what they signify. Just as a ruler might dub their subjects 'knight', so is the handling of the Mortal Arts held in such great respect; to have such a grand blade placed upon ones shoulders, to have such a power attributed to ones name. . . it is truly a great honour indeed. For us to hand it out to every passerby who utters the name of Xion, that, is the lack of control that we abhor, as do you. Fear not drui, for we understand the power of our art, and the need for control over such a thing.

 

However; your point concerning our preaching is thusly unjustified by what I have just relayed to you. I for one, shall not cease any form of preaching, for it is righteous and true of us to attempt to turn people to our way of thinking, just as you spread your thoughts and ideas to those who enter your culture. Do not be concerned that this will create a sudden influx of individuals wielding the Mortal Arts, for only those whom are worthy shall be gifted such a great honour. Those who are gifted these magics shall use them responsibly. In fact, I would wager that they shall put less 'strain' on the balance of nature than your own art. . ."

 

His eyebrows bob upwards with a slight 'humph', a look of quiet superiority blossoming across his sharp features before he turns away again.

 

"If you dislike the act of preaching, there are further orders whom do so readily, orders whom have plagued this land for many years. Do not order us into silence due to your own philosophies, for they hold no sway outside of your culture."

 

 

Of the three druids that mutter amongst themselves, Cecilia coughs gently into her arm, leaning forward and resting her arms on her staff, and looking over toward the man. "Xionist, we have not ordered, demanded, nor told you to do anything. We have said what we would 'like' to be done. No more, no less. Your ideals that we preach ideas whom enter into our culture is correct; but we do not preach outward otherwise. Whence a seeker of druii comes to us, they are underneath our beliefs, as they have come to learn. Aside from that, we do not preach outside our homes at all. We have brought our points."

She takes a soft breath, drumming her fingers along her staff, looking over at the man with a bored expression in regards to his "superior attitude," and rests them gently. 

"We are willing to agree to the treaty, as I will repeat. The only thing we wish is for the regulation of magickas and whom hold the title of 'Xion,' as you have so stated you shall uphold."