5/2 Denying Ipos

[14:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: I want to explore all possible options to keep Gehenna unburnt.
[14:22] Iosefka Coza says, "I would appreciate it, just for the moment, yes."
[14:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Yes, please. Sorry, Sugarboy."
[14:22] Sugarboy says, "All good fam"
[14:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Little sprout. I'm afraid that means you too."
[14:23] Ipos quirks a brow, resting his blade against the box.
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[14:23] The boy points over to a small unseen point on a chair, a source of a whisper in his mind. Some tale being told in the overlapping Alfheim.

"What is that? I keep hearing them now and then and the other day I kinda saw something that was kind of like-" The boy tried to remember what happened the other day, his eyes briefly holding a faint glow of latent exorcising magics as three small wisps came into view, slowly taking form into three unknown adventurers, using his body as an anchor to gain some semblance of existence.

"Kinda like that.. well, Exactly like that!" He points at the three before looking over at Iosekfa and the big ugly monster that was Ipos. What the heckk?
(Jalokah Cordo)
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[14:24] Iosefka stares off into the ceiling. So close. HE was so close.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[14:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Ah, well...Those are spirits, but. Please. Another time."
[14:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "I have to speak to these people. Alright?"
[14:24] Iosefka Coza says, "We'll be an hour. Tops."
[14:24] Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Maybe even half!"
[14:24] Iosefka Coza says, "Maybe even FIFTEEN."
[14:24] Iosefka Coza says, "minutes."
[14:24] Iosefka Coza says, "Not hours."
[14:24] Ohtli gently urges Jalokah out the door.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[14:24] Jalokah Cordo exclaims, "Okay! Fifteen hours! I'll be outside!"
[14:25] Jalokah darts outside.
(Jalokah Cordo)
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[14:25] Iosefka Coza says, "God bless."
[14:25] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Apologies..."
[14:25] Iosefka Coza says, "Hi Ipos! This is Ohtli Tezcacoatl, you know me, Iosefka Coza."
[14:25] Iosefka Coza says, "While we are both affiliated with Crafthold, Ohtli here is the spiritual advisor for the chieftains more often than not. We give her on loan."
[14:25] Iosefka Coza says, "Like a rent-a-sage."
[14:26] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "Hmm."
[14:26] Ipos Dalmeroth asks, "Does she represent Gehenna?"
[14:26] Iosefka Coza asks, "Sort of no, sort of yes?"
[14:26] Ohtli folds her hands atop one another on the table.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[14:26] Ohtli Tezcacoatl asks, "In a manner of speaking. I'm not the final voice. I don't think that's unfair to say?"
[14:26] Ohtli glances to Iosefka.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[14:27] Ipos purses his lips, leaning forward- arms folding atop the table.
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[14:27] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "I see."
[14:27] Iosefka Coza says, "She follows Gehennan values and traditions, mostly. When it comes to politics, she tends to be a much more heeded voice than most."
[14:27] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "Well then. You know me already, I've no doubts. Ipos Dalmeroth."
[14:27] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Heard of you. Never formally met."
[14:27] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "Vel is typically our diplomat, but he's unavailable. I've never been.. very fond of meetings."
[14:28] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Well."
[14:28] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "However, I'm not above them."
[14:28] Iosefka Coza says, "Yeah, no. I get that."
[14:28] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I tried meeting with him."
[14:28] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Invited him around for tea. Never happened, unfortunately."
[14:28] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "I see. A busy man he is."
[14:28] Iosefka Coza says, "Let's cut to the chase, Ipos."
[14:28] Iosefka Coza asks, "Formalities are fun, but we all want to talk for a reason. What's up with the invasion of Gehenna?"
[14:28] Iosefka Coza says, "I want a straight up-and-down answer, get right to the core of it."
[14:28] Ipos Dalmeroth asks, "Hm. Do you want the long answer, or the short one?"
[14:28] Iosefka Coza says, "Long answer, and then give me a short answer to summarize."
[14:28] Iosefka Coza says, "Like an essay."
[14:42] "The common misconception is that I'm marching on Gehenna to conquer it simply because I can. Because I'm evil. However, there's a large potion of warriors and common people that understand my view- most of them conveniently residing in Obsidia."

The Archon's ruby eyes flicker onto Ohtli.

"I desire to establish a capital for Obsidia. No better place to start than Gehenna. Most certainly so after my initial offering of peace and coexistence was tossed in the trash by your former Chieftains, and then my offer of a peaceful surrender was outright ignored."

A shake of the head is given.

"I despise stagnancy, like I've said so many times before. The three factions have been in this.. unstable situation for the past however long- having so much influence, power and land- yet choosing to do nothing."

"It was even more of an insult, when I found out these three nations of the past joined together in a room- discussing the possibility of a mutual threat- aiming to form an alliance to preserve their lifestyle of comfort and idleness.

All this despite me never having claimed to destroy Dawn, despite me having extended an olive branch of coexistence to Gehenna prior to my surrender ultimatum.

Huangzhou is composed of stupid zealots- talking to them is pointless, as you may already know."

He grits his teeth.

"Oh how far humanity is willing to go to reject change."

A smoky sigh leaves his lips.

"Since Dawn has somewhat come to its senses, I plan to conquer Gehenna and then Huangzhou so I can establish a capital for Obsidia, and begin the construction of a unified paradise.

All shepherded by the Archon of Glory."
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[14:43] Iosefka leans in towards Ohtli, nodding her head. "May I reply, first?"
(Iosefka Coza)
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[14:43] The Drakan nods, ever-placid. She gestures for Iosefka to go ahead.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[15:10] Iosefka beams as she talks, turning her attention to Ipos once Ohtli gives the go-ahead. While there was more of a personal stake for Ohtli, Iosefka was more of a, 'Get the answers' kind of girl. The unknown was a pain. She clears her throat and shifts her chair forward.

"A unified Agartha is an equally maligned and sought-after thing, according to the three nations that have inhabited this island over the past century - and beyond. Everyone wants to rule the world, and apparently there are no other forces they'd allow to do it than their own. You know the deal. No one wants to feel like they are an inferior to another."

She rolls her wrist, waving her hand off into the aether.

"... I'm getting away from my point. Crafthold's official stance, acting as neutral grounds for political and business reasons, is 'whatever, dude'. While I personally think another Gaiar Aetherius isn't exactly what Agartha needs, Huangzhou's zealotry is definitely been... A pain in the ass, even for me. Gehenna's official stance is more in line with Agarthan principles now than before. Too little, too late and all that, but it seems they are at least capable of working with even their former common enemy, should the need arise -- Valmasia and their Necromancers. The only one nation that cannot fall in line, it seems, no matter what, is... Huangzhou."

She clears her throat, her brow furrowing.

"Think of this, Mister Dalmeroth, as a deal, of sorts. Maybe even a business plea. Money can change hands. Even other resources, should you so desire. Weapons. Armor. Other... Rare materials. The list goes on. Gehenna, should it be unable to defend itself from your army, will be your territory. And so I am proposing to buy it from you. It is a proposal I offered to Vel. Maybe you can leave that to him, to determine what goes where. Determine if it's even possible. But Craftholdis asking to own that land, and to have that deal unable to be reneged, unable to be broken by just the acting Warden when I inevitably retire... Seeing as you plan on making a capital."

"So when you march on Huangzhou, when-slash-if you conquer their lands, when-slash-if you establish your capital, I want to buy Gehenna and whatever people native to those lands that live in it. Meaning, as many people left alive following this attack. My reasoning, sure, comes from a personal fondness for my best customers in the past couple decades... But you know. This is what I'm offering."

"You don't have to accept it yourself. This is all maybes and what-ifs. But I want to buy the lands you conquer, once you invade Huangzhou."
(Iosefka Coza)
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[15:12] Iosefka Coza says, "And if you think I can't be trusted with owning Gehenna... I mean, the other option is to sell it to Eiphraem."
[15:14] The Drakan evidently doesn't have too much to say. Her clawed hands remain folded and she puts immense effort into keeping a neutral exterior. Simply tremendous.

All she does is watch, listen, and arch a brow.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[15:17] Ipos Dalmeroth asks, "Hm. Before I say anything, tell me, Iosefka. What are your intentions with the land you wish to purchase?"
[15:18] Iosefka Coza says, "ONE. Dreadwoods. Easy access to resources that we normally spend too much getting. Also, easier access to water crystals. The beaches of Gehenna have things that while we can get around Crafthold, we need more sources for. It also would give us a much more advantageous location near the Mythril Caves around Huangzhou, seeing as our only other option is taking from the Volcano or buying it, and that's just no good."
[15:19] Iosefka Coza says, "Farm space is also a huge deal, and it would let us expand or take more crop space without worry for gouged prices."
[15:20] Iosefka Coza says, "Gehenna is big. Its people also have a lot of practice with the natural and spiritual world. It helps with our magical research, considering a lot of projects tend to revolve around accessing spirits. Dryads are also uniquely qualified to tend to plant life."
[15:20] Iosefka Coza says, "We want to know what they know, and the less fuss they give us, the better."
[15:21] Iosefka Coza says, "Jungles are a dangerous place, too, and having people who we can pay for or use as 'bodyguards' to help find natural caches of rare minerals and flora would be useful."
[15:21] Iosefka Coza says, "Pay for less, at least."
[15:30] "You know.. Gehenna's conquest is inevitable. That much I know- they can't stand before my army. I don't plan on selling it in the foreseeable future... However-.."

The Dalmeroth grins maliciously, fangs eerily protruding from beyond his hungry lips.

"The more time I've spent at Gehenna's border injuring their Magi, the more I realize.. it'd be a shame of those misguided warriors died such a brutal death.

In hindsight, I do believe that the main reason Gehenna initially rejected my proposal of coexistence is because their little spirits would get angry."

Maybe if Ipos had been here in the first meeting, he could've mentioned a lot of this earlier.

" There is a different way to 'coexist'."

A lowly, demonic chuckle.

"Abandoned by Huangzhou, forced to cater to their every demand... damned to fight an unwinnable war. Then, no matter your reasons or justifications, ignored by their zealot leadership- despite all your efforts to convince them of the growing threat."

He stares at Ohtli- pupils dilated.

"You must loathe them. After all you did for them? Bringing back Shen? Assisting in sealing Malentine's rift?"

The demon crosses his arms defiantly, lifting his chin and resting his heavy gaze upon her features.

"I'll call off the coup de grace on Gehenna and spare your people.. only if you accept these following terms."

"You assist me in the complete conquest of Huangzhou, I'm out of your hair and the lives of thousands upon thousands of your warriors are spared."

"The zealots or Gehenna. Choose."
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[15:32] Iosefka raises a brow, still smiling, as she glances at Ohtli. Very curious.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[15:50] Iosefka Coza says, "Out, Adsila."
[15:50] Iosefka Coza says, "Eiphraem's not here."
[15:50] Adsila Coaxoch says, "I'm not here for Eiphraem."
[15:51] Iosefka Coza says, "Then go out."
[15:51] Iosefka Coza says, "We're having a meeting."
[15:51] Adsila Coaxoch says, "I would guess it's something about killing someone I don't particularly care about either way; however; very well."
[15:51] Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Thank you!"
[15:51] Adsila Coaxoch says, "Ipos, I would like to speak with you after this... meeting."
[15:52] Iosefka makes a pained expression. Hoooly FUCK.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[15:55] From the Drakan's carefully composed exterior, the demon draws a single momentary but significant flinch.

He touches on a very sore topic, no doubt on purpose. A deep source of discomfort and even, yes, loathing. That's no secret.

But even she knows when she's being manipulated. It's clear as day.

"If I agreed to this..." she starts slowly, leaning forward.

"If I agreed to this, I would be no better than Huangzhou. I would be throwing away all my principles. My people would keep their lands, but they wouldn't be the same. It would be a back-slide into a terrible tradition, following nothing but the desire for vengeance. All the change I've worked to give them would be undone with those words: 'Gehenna marches with Ipos'.

"No. There's no 'Glory' in that. I will fight for my people. I'll bleed for them every day, but what you want would harm their soul. I won't have that.

"If the warriors instead want to stand down and be offered refuge somewhere? They will have it, and I'll make sure they're safe. They won't have to die needlessly, and they won't have to die for you either. I hate Huanzghou's -leadership- for what they've done. Not its people.

"So...Unless you have another suggestion for 'coexistence', I believe we're done."

By the end her composure is back, painfully regained, and her scaled fingers interlace with one another. She looks on calmly to the Archon.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[15:56] Iosefka pats Ohtli's back. There there.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[15:57] Iosefka Coza exclaims, "... What a cruel ultimatum, Ipos!"
[16:10]
{LOAD GAME}

[16:10] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "What you want isn't something I can do."
[16:11] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "If you have another offer? I'll hear it in good faith."
[16:13] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "The best I can offer?...Is inaction if you march on Huangzhou."
[16:13] Iosefka Coza says, "... Definitely need to invest in a set of keys for this place..."
[16:14] Tezoxochel Coza says, "Oh, right."
[16:14] Iosefka Coza says, "Thank you, dear."
[16:14] Tezoxochel Coza says, "I forgot I can do that."
[16:14] Tezoxochel sniffs.
(Tezoxochel Coza)
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[16:18] The Archon cackles, rising slowly from his seat, making sure to grab his blade.

"No. I suppose we're done here."

A fan of harsh ultimatums, this one.

"You don't bleed for your people. Your opportunistic nature leads you to hide in your comfort zone while the people of Gehenna, not your people, bleed.

I rarely see you out of Crafthold and even less on the battlefield, even when my army slaughtered the tribesmen of Gehenna."

"In your efforts to distinguish yourself from Huangzhou's self-righteous leaders, you were sucked in into their cycle of stagnancy- shackled by your mortal and moral binds."

"Even your leaders- Quincy, Tototl.. they don't view you in any sort of positive light. They didn't even know you held a meeting without them."

A glance is offered to Tezoxochel as he stands before the locked door, turning around to offer the Drakanite a few.. not-so-nice parting words.

"Keep watching as your nation crumbles."
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[16:18] Iosefka Coza asks, "Is the purchase still on the table?"
[16:18] Tezoxochel throws his shoe at the door. It unlatches.
(Tezoxochel Coza)
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[16:18] Iosefka leans back, stretching her arms over her head.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:18] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I'm fairly sure I informed Tototl of my diplomatic meetings..."
[16:19] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "You can keep trying to manipulate me. I do more than you will know. I believe we're done here."
[16:19] Ipos Dalmeroth asks, "Just like Alvi, right?"
[16:19] Ipos chuckles, glancing toward Iosefka.
(Ipos Dalmeroth)
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[16:19] Iosefka Coza says, "Man, FUCK Alvi."
[16:19] Ipos Dalmeroth says, "I'll probably sell Huangzhou. We'll see how it goes."
[16:19] Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Maaan!"
[16:19] Ohtli swivels around, arching a brow.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[16:19] Iosefka Coza says, "Alright..."
[16:19] Tezoxochel Coza says, "Thank goodness somebody said it."
[16:20] Iosefka Coza exclaims, "Well!"
[16:20] Iosefka Coza says, "That turned out just as expected."
[16:20] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: ...Am I not doing enough?
[16:20] Iosefka Coza whispers: Well Ohtli, I'll be totally honest with you.
[16:20] Iosefka Coza whispers: Your abilities as a fighter are admirable but not up to snuff.
[16:20] Iosefka Coza whispers: You serve better as a dignitary and spiritual advisor.
[16:20] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: Hence why I brought back Ithaca. And I'm going to bring back others.
[16:21] Iosefka Coza whispers: Then perhaps it's time you brought them back, my dear?
[16:21] Iosefka raises a brow and grins.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:21] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: Guess so.
[16:21] Iosefka Coza says, "ANywho."
[16:21] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: ...I just hope Alvi doesn't suicide -again-.
[16:21] Iosefka Coza whispers: Oh Gods, please don't bring back Alvi.
[16:21] Tezoxochel Coza whispers: Nooooo...
[16:21] Iosefka Coza whispers: Pleeeaaase...
[16:21] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: Who else? If you know someone else...
[16:22] Iosefka Coza whispers: Zoldak? I dunno.
[16:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: I can't. I tried.
[16:22] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: (i don't think i can, i believe pope asked
[16:22] Iosefka Coza whispers: (alas)
[16:22] Iosefka sniffs.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:23] Iosefka Coza whispers: ... I got nothing. Ask Eiphraem.
[16:23] Iosefka Coza whispers: He's more aware of fighters than I am.
[16:23] Ohtli Tezcacoatl whispers: I guess that's an option.
[16:23] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Thanks for the help either way, Io."
[16:23] Tezoxochel Coza says, "... Mmmmmmnnnnn..."
[16:23] Iosefka Coza says, "You needed a friend."
[16:23] Iosefka Coza says, "I made my offer."
[16:23] Iosefka shrugs.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:23] Tezoxochel Coza asks, "Were there any Huangies who weren't insufferable in the past, maybe?"
[16:23] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Good question. I don't know."
[16:23] Tezoxochel Coza says, "That would be, uh. Work-with-able..."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "And Crafthold will probably just go back to whatever it was it did in the past..."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "... Buying Huang though..."
[16:24] Iosefka scratches her chin...
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I guess I should talk to Eiphraem. Discuss evacuations."
[16:24] Ohtli sighs, dragging a hand down the front of her face.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
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[16:24] Iosefka Coza asks, "Why the glum look, Ohtli?"
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "You did what is in your power."
[16:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I'm worrying too much about opinions that don't matter."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "Do that every day, and you should be fine."
[16:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I think that's the issue."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "Not the worrying thing."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "The doing your best thing."
[16:24] Tezoxochel Coza says, "... Owning Huangzhou is just an excuse for us to be blamed for Huangzhou's shittery."
[16:24] Tezoxochel Coza says, "And thusly be another piece of conquest."
[16:24] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "Yeah. That."
[16:24] Iosefka Coza says, "Yeah, oooor."
[16:24] Tezoxochel Coza says, "I hope that's entirely obvious to you."
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "We buy the caves."
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "And say fuck off to the rest."
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "I want that mythril, Tez."
[16:25] Tezoxochel Coza says, "Their caves are staggeringly mediocre, babe."
[16:25] Ohtli Tezcacoatl says, "I'm going to get back to business."
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "THE MYTHRIIIIIL."
[16:25] Tezoxochel Coza says, "I've been there."
[16:25] Tezoxochel coughs.
(Tezoxochel Coza)
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[16:25] Iosefka whines.
(Iosefka Coza)
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[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "Fine."
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "Whatever."
[16:25] Tezoxochel Coza says, "< No I haven't. But she can't prove that. >"
[16:25] Tezoxochel Coza says, "< Hee hee. >"
[16:25] Iosefka Coza says, "Get back to work, Oats."