Dawn of a New Day: Eve of Peace

For once, the Primarch appeared genuinely taken aback. He stared at the professor for some time, eyefires flickering wildly, before finally turning to Betcher.

"Assuming, of course, that these laws regarding the summoning of powerful outsiders will be mutually agreed upon by all nations involved. Unequal rules are often ineffective, or biased in favor of one side or the other."

His head swiveled, presenting the young dwarf with a smile. "Young prince Dun has a valid point. If we as nations attempt to set up specific overall laws to constrict each others abilities--even in cases as important as this--then, given the contentious nature of such laws, we are likely to spend more time arguing than actually successfully enforcing anything.

"Perhaps, instead, we should consider forming an overall council, between our nations, set up to determine if certain actions or projects could be considered an arcane danger to the nation where it is being produced, or other nations beside it. The nations involved could present their project to said council for review, and then the council--one preferably made up of a number of arcane specialists--would be able to advice the nation involved, and the other nations, as to how dangerous this project could become.

"Such a council would be advisory only, so that no nations rights are directly interfered with, and no direct action can be taken by the council itself, but said council would be obligated to advise all nations of any large scale potential dangers they are informed of. Ones where the majority of the council became concerned with international well-being, or similar. That way, said nations could react accordingly, based on how they see the project.

"However, such matters can be tabled for future review. At the moment, we as nations have a literally rather large problem in front of us that needs to be dealt with post-haste--particularly so that the nonsentient living impaired currently residing in the marshlands can be effectively recovered and removed. Professor Inquitego..."

He stared at the professor curiously, his eyebrow-plates scrunched together into a kind of triangle. "You'll forgive my continued requests for information from you... since it appears my continued presence bothers you... but you appear to be the local expert on dealing with large extraplanar creatures roaming the Prime Material Plane. How would you suggest we deal with this problem?"

Professor Inquitego is quiet for a moment. He begins rubbing his face, mumbling into his hands.
"Wonderful. I'm the expert. Not the guy who summoned the thing, no, a KOS has to be put out on him..."
He sits up as best he can.
"Well, there's always the simple, standard procedure for reclaiming any dangerous creature. Scry to find, Locate Creature to pinpoint, I-I the team to get the advantage, and then hold, dominate, anchor, disintegrate, dispell, or banish, depending. Heck, if its a solar, the old bait-n-wait could work: Fake an aura of extreme evil, put it in an open field, and slap it with an anti-magic forcecage, or just a banish, if you want to get rid of it. Or, instead, I guess we could sit here and point fingers until we're certain that all the blame has been properly doled out."

"It is good to hear that someone has an understanding of how to accomplish this task. How soon can it be put in action? And how soon can I have detailed written reports of the processes that work most effectively?

"We do not have equality between our nations. It would be foolish to assume that laws restricting all equally would work to balance that inequity. Among the population of another nation even you, Primarch, could be considered an artifact of excessive magical power. Members of my own city council could be seen that way in other lands as well, and it is that very problem that drove many from the mainland.

"More importantly, an advisory council is in effect mere finger waving. I do not propose unequal laws be made, but that treaties be written between nations so that certain actions may be understood as acts of war.

"Summoning uncontrollable beings whose very nature demands that they descend upon the citizens of my colony and destroy them completely is an act of aggression against our very nature. It would be the same if members of my colony were to summon creatures whose nature demanded that they descend upon all others and destroy them completely."

The professor smiles to himself. He has nothing to contribute, but he does mumble to himself. "Heh. Anything'scontrollable if you have the right spell and patience."

He cocks his head, obviously thinking to himself. "Then again, with enough foul-ups, anything's uncontrollable, too..."

After Kalther finishes, he does point one thing out. "Well, the first step IS finding it. Anyone have a scry or greater one handy?"

"Kalther, I will accept such an agreement only in writing as a binding oath between your nation and my colony. I cannot take just your word, because you see, generations forget but my citizens will still be here when yours have all passed on of old age and your childrens' grandchildren rule."

Again, with the mumbling.
"Boy, would I not put money on that claim...", he says to himself, looking at the Primarch.

Hel glared at the professor, scowling. "Just what the shit is your prob---"

"I, the Primarch," Primarch said, drowning out Hel's sentence, "have a wand of Scrying on hand, if we wish to dispense with this problem quickly. However, scrying out the Solar and its location would be much easier and more effective if we had access to the original caster, as doubtlessly, he knows more about this individual creature than I.

"As for the banishment of the creature itself... as you had referred to similar problems as "old hat," professor, I had assumed that you had personal experience with the removal of such creatures. If my assumption was incorrect, please, inform me, rather than attempting in vain to mumble under your breath. If not, however, I am sure we could use your assistance in this next phase of the operation."

Valdyr has been calmly observing the entire argument, saying nothing, but watching the goings on keenly. Grar has been somewhat less attentive, and looking to Valdyr inquisitively whenever anything is said.

Valdyr remains silent.

The professor tries his best to level eyes with the Primarch.

"Look, I'm sorry if I come off as being in a bad mood about this whole thing, but I am. Explaining why, though, could inadvertently take up time that could spent on some vitally important finger-pointing.
He exhales, calming himself.
I called it old hat because it IS old hat. Solars, Pit Fiends, Balors, Archons, Inevitables, etc etc. They come to our world every so often, either by their or our hands, and someone deals with it either before or after they make a mess. Just because I know some old history doesn't mean I'm an expert on how they do it, or make me a Hazardous Creature Disposal Team, but really, this is not a huge problem. Heck, I'd be surprised if someone hadn't done it already. I bet just one of you," he says, pointing to the Primarch, Betcher, and Alcuin in turn, "could handle this pretty easily if you'd just get up and go. Cripes."

Alcuin looks distinctly surprised to be among the number pointed at.

"Scrying takes time to perform effectively, and can be made much more effective by access to information and materials belonging to the target," The Primarch said. "As such, we should instead abstain from this action for one day, so that the appropriate materials, and any information Lord Kalther's caster is able to provide, can be collected and made available to us. This should provide us with plenty of time for additional 'finger-pointing,' as well as other important diplomatic functions, while limiting the amount of time the Solar remains unchecked."

He turned to the Sultan. "Your majesty, if such an action would be acceptable to you, I, the Primarch, request to borrow the services of your most wise Vizier tomorrow, in order to properly deal with the rogue celestial before it can interfere with any of our nations. I am sure the guaranteed removal of the problem before it can threaten trade should be significant recompense for loss of less than twenty-four hours of your vizier's time.

His head swiveled to Kalther, and then to Betcher. "We shall need the assistance of the caster who summoned forth this creature, Lord Kalther. I must request that you send for anything your nation has that can assist us in this. I am willing to provide magical communication assistance, if need be.

"Sir Betcher: would you be willing to assist in this venture? While I admit that your existence would be anathema to the creature we are targetting, and vice versa, of course, Professor Inquitego seems confident in your ability to deal with this problem, and I, the Primarch, suspect that whatever group goes to remove the Solar shall need as much magical and arcane capability as can be obtained.

His gaze came to rest on the professor. "Professor Inquitego, I predict that no one here at this conference has any significant experience with handling the removal of large, over-reacting extraplanar entities, and as such, your knowledge of such historical activities places you a step above the rest of us. And as a upper-level member of the Thaumaturgical Society, which, by your presence here, continues to have a stake in the events unfolding on this island, you must have significant arcane experience. Experience that will doubtlessly prove invaluable in this task. I therefore must strongly request that you accompany this expedition--at the very least in as an adviser. Afterwords, the Primarchy would be more than willing to assist in your return to the mainland, free of charge.

"Any questions or requests, or shall we continue with the discussion, and deal with the Solar-Removal Operation tomorrow?"

Prince Dun looks between the various leaders and diplomats, getting more and more confused with each angry statement. His gaze lingers particularly long on Betcher.

"I have been taught the purpose of these meetings is to bring our nations together, not to further the divisions between us. I admit that I'm not yet done with my lessons, but some of you are showing little more maturity than the young children in my city. We've found a good way to deal with the Solar problem, and I'm personally willing to help clean up the countryside of undead. Let us move on to other issues that need to be considered. This bickering brings shame on you and your nations.

The young Duergar takes a breath, smiles again, and continues in his normal bouncy speech.

"Certainly irresponsible summoning can pose a threat, but as long as we're united in our duty to each other, there's little that one event can do to threaten us. If we stick together, we're invincible."

The sultan, who has been more or less in his own little world until directly addressed, makes a good showing for day-dreamers everywhere.
"Well, friend Primarch, I suppose that he, too, could serve as an advisor... of sorts... to you, but I cannot, for the life of me, imagine why you would need him. He's not even a mage!"
Alcuin clears his throat. "Quite. I cannot imagine why anyone would think so."

The professor raises an eyebrow, and then shrugs. "Fine. Good. Whatever. I'll do what I can, as long as you promise that we can leave this behind and move onto something more important. Like, oh, I dunno... Help for my associates, maybe? A plan to start fishing undead corpses from the river before they reach this gentleman's nation? The effective debarkation of the soldiers crowding up here? Maybe getting some sandwiches in this joint?"

As it turns out, the Professor gets his last wish... various servants of the Sultan sweep into the tent, and begin placing victuals on the table. They are neither so lavish, exotic nor as... well... excessive as the Sultan's meals typically are. In fact, the Sultan himself looks a little disappointed at how many vegetables and fruits and lean meats there are, and the distinct lack of any kind of fatty or sugary dishes. Still, though, it's food.

Valdyr takes a passing wine glass.

"My scouts can locate any undead you wish to find. We are also capable of destroying them, but if you wish them contained and corralled, we can do that as well. Betcher, if many of your casters would work with us, I am sure their effectiveness could be increased. I will send for Gull, his expertise could greatly help our navigation of the swamps. We can easily move through the swamp, and can likely herd any undead into proper containment zones. Primarch, I believe your warforged could perhaps be best at clearing the river."

"I am worried that the river's swelling has carried some of them off, as such, I have already ordered some of my rangers to travel downstream and erect what they described as some system of nets for the river. That will be a stopgap until my combat engineers can be mobilized to erect a proper dredging system."

"We have a lot of wounded here, Professor. I sent a group of my healers to specifically tend your group, so I am hoping that they are at least well cared for for now. Have no fear, your people will be well cared for. I am considering sending some of my regular troops home, and if I do so, your people will be among them. They will be given free lodging in the port of New Skaplyndi for as long as they wish, and from there will receive free transport to wherever they wish to go. You have my word on that."

"As for the Solar, I am afraid I have little to contribute that cannot already be gathered. I know Gull has some experience in scrying, but by the time he arrives, I suppose that shall be finished with."

The professor smiles. It is a warm, and altogether extremely sincere smile.
"See now? That's what I'm talking about. That's what I call on top of things. See a problem, solve a problem. And, it must be said, we are not unthankful for the help, Lord Valdyr. He gets a bit morose. "Honestly, I know that things were stretched between us, what with the previous... and I guess, somewhere, still current... Administration, so I wouldn't have been surprised if you just left us to rot... But none of us would have survived much longer in that Hell if not for your man."

He noms on a sandwich. He looks quite pleased about this fact.

Hel glanced at the Primarch. He nodded.

"We'll be happy to help," she said. "My DMRs are still ready; I can have them moving in a day or two."

Arlensul does not eat or drink because she will not lift her veil. Mogaba does not eat or drink because he really just can't. Betcher does so in such a polite way that it is hardly noticeable.

Betcher quietly summarizes the state programs for refugees in the UNENS for the arcanist.

"When there isn't an angel tromping about to kill all my colleagues, we will be able to regain control and create civil servants of the zombies in the swamp. They are much easier to transport from one place to another if they do the walking for themselves. A simple dead body creates no less a problem then one that continues to walk. If you do not corral them away from here while moving then the unmoving will cause the same problems that you blame the walking for. If you destroy them, you should be sure to have a plan to get rid of their remains. Burying would spoil the water as badly as leaving them, since the swamp's land is like a sponge that the water trickles through, and as the water table rises in the rainier seasons their bodies would simply be pushed back above ground."

Valdyr scratches his chin.

"Yes, I agree, destroying them would be impractical. By corralling, I meant gathering the undead that had wandered into areas too difficult for most to pass, and bringing them into containment zones where your people can properly process them. We can track out even the most difficult stragglers, It's not like zombies cover their paths well. Clearly, though, we can't do much about this with that Solar still around."

"I believe I have an idea. If memory serves, no matter how far into zealous rage this... Angel has flown, its nature shall not change. I also seem to remember that it is in its nature to never attack or harm another creature who... ah... registers to it as good. Unless attacked first, of course."

"Aowyn, the last time I checked, had not lost her status as a Paladin. Nor have you, Kalther, and nor have the rest of your soldiers. The Solar will not attack you, and clearly, your Gods do not condemn your actions. I also believe that each one of us has... At least one representative who also registers as good according to the Solar."

"Given what I know about Solars, I doubt we could all take it. Even with our magic. We're strong, I have no doubt, but this Angel is an embodiment of powerful justice. That, then, must be our point of strength: We are all still just. I think our only option may be to try to prove that to it. If we make no aggressive action, it cannot attack us. If the 'good' troops shield the others, then the Solar will not be able to attack... And must be forced to listen, and recognize that there is justice here. That is... All that I can add."

Valdyr takes a sip from his wine glass. He looks slightly perturbed, as if he had just said something very, very strange.

"Alright. I need to go talk to some folks before tomorrow, anywhoo." The professor then leaves, with his makeshift sandwich and a number of other goodies.

The Sultan looks rather flabbergasted by the whole thing... Like he had a plan for a joyous and raucous celebration of their victory, with many speeches of celebration and perhaps offerings in turn, and instead it turned to bitter bile right off the bat. Sulking just a little, he does not oppose the Primarch's proposition, nor does Alcuin.

"Convincing the Solar to leave would be the best option, although it is also very dangerous. I will speak with Aowyn about speaking with the Solar. Perhaps she can convince it that it's actions are causing a chaotic disruption to the surrounding lands, and that by leaving, the area can be cleared of evil without chaos." He sighs and bites into a sandwich of his own. "Just a suggestion, but we need some argument that it will accept. Anyway, enough of this depressing talk, we should celebrate the end of the ork threat."

Valdyr sighs and swirls his wine glass slightly.

Grar speaks up. His voice is strained.
"Sir... I'm going to get some rest."

Valdyr nods. Grar trudges out of the tent.

"Hm... Strange situation, this. Strange, indeed. I am, I suppose, quite glad that I trusted the safety of my people to our strength of arms and strength of alliances. Not to some powerful entity that must be bargained with for control. I suppose I shall learn a lesson from that. I would hope we all do. We won the war with out own strength. We simply don't need to enlist the aid of whatever powerful creature we can con into serving us. I think... We may be forgetting that somewhat."

He glances at his wine for a moment.

"We won on the backs of the men and women who died for our nations today. Not through super-weapons. I propose a toast then:"

He raises his wine glass, not particularly bothering to see if anyone else does.

"To the brave soldiers, from all our nations, who sacrificed greatly to preserve us. To the Alliance of nations they fought and died to protect, to the wisdom of their leaders, and to the future of all our peoples. May we remember it all."

Valdyr drinks, and then returns to silence.

"Agreed," said Primarch, raising a glass of wine pulled from a conveniently-located serving dish, before tapping it gently against his faceplate, and then promptly handing it to Hel. Hel smiled, and immediately downed the entire glass, leaving a thin smudge of purple on her adamantine "lips."