The meeting

A piercing shriek fills the air momentarily as a shimmering portal appears.

You walk through a shimmering portal, which glows brightly as you pass through.
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The Star Chamber council room and auditorium.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Smiling gently at his surroundings, Naedaros Inalai is here, dressed in fine, gilded garments. A grand emerald dragon turtle with a chubby tail rests here, an air of majesty on her features. A noble unicorn wanders here with an air of quiet serenity, a fluid shimmer of silver light playing about his long horn. Sitting squat and low to the ground, this penguin is a perfectly poofy puff of baby. Emanating a soft, scintillating light, a shimmering portal hovers in the air nearby. Playing a spirited song on a wooden pan flute, an alluring sileni frolics here. Startled from the languor of slumber, a dreamy-eyed damsel lingers here as if lost, her face coyly buried in a bouquet of pure white roses. Only barely noticeable, silver constellations float about a star-struck explorer, basking them in a faint glow. A headless humanoid stands here wearing bloodied hunting leathers and carrying a large, grinning jack-o-lantern under one arm. Jingling and jangling, a playful jester cavorts about your surroundings.
You see exits leading north, in, and through a shimmering portal.
[ (v5996) @ the City of New Celest ]

You doff a lupine great helm cordially.

You tilt back your head and inhale deeply through your nose, the whiskers of a wolf's snout upon your face twitching as you sense the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
Maligorn               - the Star Chamber council room and auditorium - v5996
Aramel                 - the Star Chamber council room and auditorium - v5996
Kali                   - the Star Chamber council room and auditorium - v5996
Kreon                  - the Star Chamber council room and auditorium - v5996
Minkahmet              - the Star Chamber council room and auditorium - v5996

Minkahmet bows respectfully to you.

Kreon bows respectfully to you.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Greetings Primarch."

A shimmering portal collapses on itself, leaving glistening sparkles in the air that slowly dim into nothingness.

You smile with a wink and say, "Usually a bad place for me, so a pleasure to be here."

You doff a lupine great helm cordially.

Pressing his hands together before him, Minkahmet bows his head and an indigo glow suffuses the area around his forehead.

Aural Tildarmin yells, "Long live the Pantheon of the Light! May their glory forever grace the Basin of Life!"

Kali Eli'Silar says to Kreon, "I'm not particularly fond of Magnagora, but they haven't been causing us that much trouble lately."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Alright, so what is your thought on my decision in in defering the village to Magnagora."

You idly twitch your tail.

Maligorn Shevat says, "Who are you asking this time?"

Maligorn glances askance.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Apologies, towards Shango."

Comprehension flashes across your face.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas asks, "A surprise?"

You say, "Well. Surprising, but appreciated. Less surprising than a total shock due to Glomdoring apparently having done it's part in angering most of the Basin at every damned turn it has ever been able to...those shouts glorifying themselves, alone."

You shake your head.

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

Maligorn Shevat says, "That sounds about right."

Aramel nods her head emphatically.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "The Glomdoring and their Regent are so far stuck into their own arse to notice that they have angered most of the Basin with the way she acts, ill befit a leader in my opinion."

You say, "And figured, since you all went for the peaced village, it offered you a good chance for a proper distraction, keep them focused on the bloody fight, your influencers worked over there."

You say, "Mm. Pity though, I had liked Veyils before she took office. But the company she keeps is known poison, and Glomdoring has enough of that to easily have the scales tipped."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Well, the plan was for Celest to take Acknor as I had discussed briefly with the prince and Romaan-just to fill you in."

Naedaros Inalai says, "The Resurgence of the Light, the last bastion of the Old Empire. A place blessed and sacred, held forth as a perfect example of a people who worship the Light. Of course, it is nothing in size or power by comparison to the old city, but it is still a great place with much hope for the future."

Kreon nods his head emphatically.

Madam Skanylla, Knight of the New Order shouts, "You wanted a duel Hecton. Come and face me!"

You crease your brow in a frown.

Aramel thrusts her palm towards her forehead and hits it with a resounding *smack*!

Kali rolls her eyes.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Since Serenwilde and Hallifax equally hold four."

You say, "That girl..."

You shake your head.

Maligorn Shevat says, "Here's the thing."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Ignore that traitor."

*********************[ CURRENT POLITICS IN LUSTERNIA ]*********************

             Cultural Centre: The Grand Empire of Hallifax

               Stewartsville: The Grand Empire of Hallifax
                    Estelbar: The Free Collective of Serenwilde
                      Acknor: The Grand Dominion of Magnagora
                     Delport: The Free Collective of Serenwilde
                    Rockholm: The Grand Empire of Hallifax
                   Southgard: The Holy Principality of New Celest
                     Angkrag: The Grand Dominion of Magnagora
                    Dairuchi: The Grand Dominion of Magnagora
                      Paavik: The Free Forest of Glomdoring
                  Shanthmark: The Grand Empire of Hallifax
                       Ptoma: The Free Collective of Serenwilde
                    Ixthiaxa: The Free Collective of Serenwilde
                  Rikenfriez: The Holy Principality of New Celest
                     Talthos: The Grand Empire of Hallifax

      Most Honourable Family: The Incorporated Lettered House of Shevat
           Wild Nodes Victor: The Free Collective of Serenwilde

For specifics on a city or commune, see POLITICS <city/commune>.
For specifics on a village, see POLITICS <village>.
For specifics on families, see POLITICS FAMILIES.
For information on aetherspace conflict, see POLITICS AETHERSPACE.
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Kali Eli'Silar says, "We didn't really have enough of a presence to actually take the village, with everyone else who had shown up."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "But here is the way it would've gone, if Glomdoring hadn't attacked me, I'd of left the village alone for the two of your nations to fight."

You say, "Fair."

Kali Eli'Silar says, "And I think it was less him aiding you in taking the village, as killing those who attack us at every turn."

Maligorn Shevat says, "Kreon, as a leader you should not need to fortify your decisions with others' commentary. You should have asked Serenwilde to defer Estelbar to you, as you have a right to villages as much as they do. But more than that, Serenwilde should have been gracious enough to allow you to take the village too. This entire conundrum with Magnagora would've been completely avoided, and left us more neutral parties - Hallifax and Serenwilde - to assist Magnagora as each individual pleased."

You say, "Magnagora has always learned well to stand on its own, even if we're not foolish enough to turn away honestly offered assistance either way. Regardless of the circumstances that forced that assistance."

You say, "I sympathize with the...unease you may feel in helping us, however."

Maligorn Shevat says, "You absolutely did have enough Celestians to take a peaced village that nobody poked their head into."

Naedaros Inalai says, "The glorious Light of Celestia is magnificent and all encompassing. Many find themselves gravitating towards one of the four Supernals over the others, though all know Lady Elohora to be that of the supreme, that of balance. The quintessence of the Light."

Naedaros Inalai says, "However, I choose to lean towards none over the others. I am sworn to service of the Star Council, so my opinions are lost to this."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Let me quiet Naedaros."

Hecton D'Varden, the Half-Sane shouts, "For someone who blathers so openly about a duel, you sure do hide well."

"Ok!" Kreon exclaims.

Kali traces a word on the surface of a thalassic snowglobe of colourful firefly squid, and then shakes the globe vigorously. She stares intently at the swirling particles that float within the globe.

Maligorn Shevat says, "Too often has Serenwilde asked for assistance while offering no succor in return. Minkahmet, I realise this sounds unfair to you particularly, because you are one of the very few that assists regardless of situation."

You idly twitch your tail.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "So, in that instance, that didn't happen with Shanthmark in the reverse, and nor did I insist when Hallifax continued to influence when I stated Seren was intending the village."

With a flourish, you slip a wolf headed hammer into the Belt of Klangratch.
With a flourish, you slip a wolf headed hammer into the Belt of Klangratch.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "And that's totally fine."

You cross your arms, standing firm and resolute.

Maligorn Shevat says, "You mean when Feyr stalled out a village alone when the entirety of the city was there?"

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "That possibly came after I departed the village."

Aramel props her chin on her hands, looking thoughtful.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I wasn't there for that bit."

Aramel Shevat says, "And no one is blaming you personally, of course."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Feyr..is another story."

Aramel Shevat says, "But we are judged by those with whom we keep company."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "As I'm learning."

Maligorn Shevat says, "Hopefully I need not broach the subject of why Serenwilde, while holding four villages, would want to take a fifth over Hallifax, who at the time would only have three."

Hecton D'Varden, the Half-Sane shouts, "The coward Skanylla requires an arena duel. Let it be known of her fear."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to you, "Ultimately what I'm trying to say is, you are still enemies to New Celest and we will fight when it comes to it, if one raids each other, but ya'll are mostly on the back burner as Glomdoring takes precedent since they think they can run the Basin how they please with their annoyances."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I would have to disagree there. Hallifax typically holds the most villages, a bit less these days, but never was the case."

You say, "Understandable."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to you, "But I believe this was a one time thing that has happened since I let anger cloud my judgement."

You lift your eyebrow slightly, curious.

Comprehension flashes across Minkahmet's face.

Madam Skanylla, Knight of the New Order shouts, "Perhaps but i'm at least consistent with the holy paladin code and not letting my fervor interfere with my duty."

You say, "Do you regret it, then? Given it let Glomdoring be reminded of their place."

Maligorn tilts his head and listens intently.

Kali rolls her eyes.

The Drunk That Already Did It, Kuramana Calithel shouts, "You stopped being a Paladin the second you left Celest."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Only regret is the impact it had to my citizens in going against my own teachings of not assisting the taint."

You pause suddenly, a bloodlust filling your mind, as you think of glorious battle.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "But it gave a bit of satisfaction knowing that Glomdoring knows they are not liked."

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Nor easily manipulated."

Quietly, Maligorn Shevat says, "Nor easily forgiven."

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

Maligorn Shevat says, "No mercy for the Merciless Forest."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to you, "What probably will happen is just to keep true to my ideals that I was raised, I will not have my citizens assist you if you are claiming a domoth, nodes, village, but if you send mercenaries to assist our allies then we are fine."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I do think the bullying has got to stop overall from them, and by removal of the dragon's head-no offense, will make the basin safer and likable."

You say, "Mm. Look past the Taint then. We of Magnagora embrace it to use as a weapon and shield against They from whom it came. Cannot expect others to understand that sacrifice, nor do we ask you to forget our nature. We've a common enemy, at the least, and Magnagora does try to repay our debts, particularly to any that we may see as friends."

Kreon nods his head emphatically.

Minkahmet nods his head at you.

You say to Kreon, "Our ideals are too dissimilar, so I respect and understand your position entirely. I don't hold that against you and yours."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Understandable, I am not too closed minded like my mentor and predecessors as I was there when the War of the Roses happend and we allied together to stamp out the forest."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to Minkahmet, "Apologies."

Kreon winks conspiratorially at Minkahmet.

Minkahmet smirks.

Minkahmet chuckles long and heartily.

Aramel Shevat says, "There are some who would see us return to those days."

Aramel glances askance.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I wasn't thought of.."

Minkahmet peers about himself unscrupulously.

Aramel Shevat says to Minkahmet, "Not you."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I get what they mean."

You say, "There are some that prefer any sort of trouble due to how 'fun' it is when not on the receiving end...the matter of those shouts we've had to listen to just now, for instance."

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

You say, "Best to ignore such."

Kreon nods his head emphatically.

Maligorn Shevat says, "I want to ask a more pressing question."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Mhm?"

Maligorn Shevat says to you, "Of you and yours."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "I ignore anything that knave of a girl says, she was illbefit as a Paladin and claimed her beliefs superior to that of the Supernals."

You say, "I believe this is your stage more than it is mine, I am but a guest. Ask away."

Maligorn Shevat says to you, "Will you ever expect recompense when you so eagerly send your people to assist us? Serenwilde and Hallifax? Oftentimes I have Magnagorans offering their assistance without me asking them. I, personally, cannot lend more than a passing aide to those that are tainted; do you foresee that becoming an issue?"

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Aye that actually was something in my mind."

Maligorn Shevat says, "I know that some of ours assisted during the Death domoth claim while I slept, but."

Aramel jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Falaeron pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Aramel.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Falaeron comes into view.

The peculiar scent of crystal roses reaches your nose, sweet and sharp, wafting from a rose quartz viola.

Minkahmet bows respectfully to Falaeron.

Maligorn Shevat says, "Chairman."}

Aramel beams broadly.

Kreon bows respectfully to Falaeron.

Maligorn nods his head at Falaeron.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Chairman you are alive."

Kali raises her hand in greeting to Falaeron and says "Hi!"

Kreon snickers softly to himself.

Aramel Shevat says, "It is shocking."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to Aramel, "Don't kill him."

Kreon snorts and snuffles at the air through a ridiculous pig nose.

You say, "Perhaps, further down the road. Thankless jobs often get seen with less enthusiasm than the start of their attempts. As I said, we have been used to standing alone if we had to. That you don't work directly against us, is boon enough to my mind."

You say, "Plus there is the matter of similarities when Glomdoring came crawling to the north for succor when they betrayed Magnagora and Gaudiguch the last time there was such a shuffling...the parallel sits poorly with me as well."

Minkahmet looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

You say, "Granted, circumstances are hardly the same at least. Their arrogance and conniving caused the situation to be as it is, nonetheless."

You shrug helplessly.

You say, "I know several would prefer better...definition of our relations, one way or the other, at least. Neutral is an odd stance, given the history the last century or so, after all. I'm sure all present have felt the same."

Maligorn Shevat says, "It's very awkward."

You say, "But that isn't something I care to rush, for that same reason."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to Falaeron, "So we were just discussing what happened during the revolt in me telling my forces to assist Magnagora in slaying the Glomdorings, which surprised everyone I'm guessing."

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Minkahmet and prances in a slow circle before fading.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Not I, I'm not one to judge Celest's decisions."

The corners of Minkahmet's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "And gave me a good backlash from the Glomdoring Court, which brought a bit of a smile to me being talked to by the Regent and Xenthos."

Falaeron Shevat says to Kreon, "I approve."

Aramel hums a happy tune.

Kreon smiles softly.

Aramel Shevat says to Kreon, "Their ire is a badge of honour."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Anything that causes strife to them does."

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "Anyways I believe that is all off my chest, if anyone wishes to add things."

You say, "You help us, we help you if asked...try to avoid slaying any of ours that come to assist, unless they deserve it. We do not asked to be coddled, nor expect you all to 'need' us by any stretch of the imagination. Less antagonistic towards one another is hardly out of the question, at least, mm?"

Maligorn Shevat says, "Perhaps one day we shall destroy the Avatars of Night, and their punishment can end on a proper note."

Maligorn Shevat says, "Keep it in mind."

Kreon nods his head at you.

Maligorn mutters and traces complex glowing symbols before him. The symbols fade away and Maligorn nods knowingly.

You say, "I've noted Glomdoring tends to quit their raids the moment I step foot into the Etherglom. Sadly I cannot easily handle two Daughters at once."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Remind me to have a front row seat for that with platters."

Maligorn Shevat says to Minkahmet, "If by front row you mean jumping in front of Gwyllgi with me."

You smile with a wink and say, "They keep crossing the line, I'm happy to orchestrate such a showing."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Of course, you know I like to get in good with the brawls."

Kreon nods his head emphatically.

You say, "They need a reminder there are consequences for their hubris."

Minkahmet nods his head at you.

You give a pained sigh.

Minkahmet smirks.

You idly twitch your tail.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "The only reason I have a grudge towards the Regent is her petty antics of assassinating me while I was mindless at my Nexus and sitting in our mantle room attacking citizens."

You say, "Also wearing your collective faces quite often."

Aramel Shevat says, "Well, also the endless Celestia raids."

You say, "She's been fond of that."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "It's ill befit of a leader in my opinion but show of force in a way."

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

You say, "Least my Celestia raids were only ever in response to Nil being raided first. Undeserved never was my way."

Kreon nods his head emphatically.

Maligorn Shevat says, "If you ever find yourselves with a surplus of vengeful citizens, remember that the Night Avatars are just a few moments away..."

The corners of Kreon's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Minkahmet nods his head emphatically.

You utter a deep, rumbling laugh.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "And worth -lots- of gold I think."

Muffled laughter echoes from somewhere outside.

Falaeron Shevat says, "Okay, five months from now."

Falaeron Shevat says, "See you there."

Falaeron grows still and his lips begin to move silently.

Maligorn's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Maligorn waves goodbye at Falaeron.

Kreon snickers softly to himself.

You idly twitch your tail.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Perfect for me."

Maligorn Shevat says, "Guess he's sleeping in your Palace."

Falaeron is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to Lusternia.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Hehe."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Auriella's present."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "It's fine I sleep in my manse."

Minkahmet sniffs the air while fluttering a cute little rabbit nose.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "He can have the royal bed."

Maligorn Shevat says, "Excellent."

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas asks, "Anyways anything else from my dear guests?"

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Hm.. not on my end."

You say, "I do wish to apologize for the awkward situation we find ourselves in, at the least. I understand all of your positions on the matter, particularly when it comes to the Taint we have embraced."

Kreon nods his head at you.

You say, "Shows how badly a certain party has made it a necessity to be brought back in line."

You sense the passage of Auriella to the north with a twitching pair of pointed ears.

An enchanting melody drifts upon the winds heralding the arrival of a graceful ryujin as she glides in from the north.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to you, "Your Warlord is a dear friend to me, so he knows my stances."

Kreon snorts and snuffles at the air through a ridiculous pig nose.

Auriella Indara, Heart of the Sea says, "Greetings."

Kreon bows respectfully to Auriella.

Kali raises her hand in greeting to Auriella and says "Hi!"

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime smiles and says to Auriella, "Greetings!"

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to Auriella, "I'll inform you once we have adjourned."

Maligorn Shevat says, "I have passed enough judgment for now, I think."

Maligorn's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Maligorn Shevat says, "Please forgive me of any abrasiveness."

Kreon shakes his head.

You idly twitch your tail.

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "I've thick skin."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Anyone need anything else from me?"

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says, "The bitter true is better than a honeyed truth."

Minkahmet nods his head at Kreon.

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas smiles and says, "But if that is all, you may all continue with your daily lives, thank you for attending and sharing your thoughts."

Waykeeper Minkahmet, of Wintry Rime says, "Or False memory and fake news coming from Glomdoring."

Minkahmet whistles appreciatively.

You grunt noncommitally.

Aramel Shevat says, "Very well. Thank you for inviting us."

You say, "Largest item of contention was over that..."

Kreon's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Delicate cherry blossom petals burst into a joyous flurry and envelop Minkahmet, riding a grand emerald dragon turtle with a chubby tail, before swirling away to the north.
A grand emerald dragon turtle with a chubby tail ponderously leaves to the north.
You sense the passage of Minkahmet to the north with a twitching pair of pointed ears.

You say, "That is all then?"

Prince Kreon Zayah, Ravager of the Seas says to you, "Aye, thank you for coming Primarch."

You say, "Hopefully we'll be working together more in the future...even if at arm's length. Shall see what events unfold..."

You doff a lupine great helm cordially.

You spread your arms wide, and the air between your hands begins to warp and twist as you bore a hole through the fabric of the planes, seeking to ascend to the Divine Havens.
You cease to stand firm against attempts to move you.

Kreon bows respectfully to you

You fold space and a swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before you, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes to the Vault of Heaven. You ascend confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind you.