Impend

[Raksha]

(( OOC Note: The way this will work, Tamryn will tell anyone assembled known information through a series of posts one after the other. Once I've posted that up, you can have your characters react, ask questions, or do just about anything, and Tam / any helpers will respond to whichever ones are currently up when I go to reply.

Hano is also definitely welcome to contribute, and any other character with information to share can do so -- assume that Tamryn allows anyone to speak that asks to, within reason. ))

The murmur of quiet conversation began to die down as she stepped in front of the gathered individuals -- as diverse as the land that had brought them together. Rangers and druids, arcanists, humans and elves and dwarves, and maybe even a tiefling in the back? Tamryn couldn't quite be sure, and it was impolite to stare. There was even someone in Red Blades armor, though she couldn't spare the scrutiny to see whether it was a representative or just an adventurer who shopped at Mirakus Post.

All gathered in the Temple of Helm, for a singular purpose... all of them dedicated, to some degree or another, to fighting the gathering darkness.

She drew in a deep breath, attempting to still the butterflies.

"Greetings to all of you this evening... welcome... and thank you for coming. If you're here, you already have some idea what we face, or otherwise are dedicated to defending the land regardless of what enemies attack it. For that, I and all the people of Sundren give you thanks."

"I'm not going to waste your time with any grand speeches about courage, or honor, or justice. We have... a lot of work ahead of us... it's going to be difficult work. Some or all of us may die. But hopefully, by sharing what we know and have learned, we can keep the land safe while ensuring that as many soldiers and adventurers as possible come home alive."

"I'm going to start by reviewing how the Cube came to be where it is..."

[Raksha]

[[ This is a placeholder post for a recap of the events leading up to the attack, regarding the Cube. ]]

[Raksha]

[[ This is a placeholder for tactical information about Xithis' forces, and the attack on Sestra in detail. ]]

[Raksha]

[[ This is a placeholder post for any other odd things. ]]

[cmosier]

"The Cube got to where it is thanks it part to foolishness and pride. The arrogance of the Triumvirate has now come to bite them in the ass. The thought that you could simply protect something using the number of swords as your defense was foolish, the enemy simply brought more swords. What you refer to as courage is really pride and what you call faith is simply ignorance. Aid is but a question away, all you had to do was ask and be patient."

Sehron shakes his head, finished with his rant.

[Dark presence]

Serena Taintedblood is no where to be seen at this meeting (even with True sight), citing a general desire to both continue living and retain her personal freedom, rather than foolishly surround herself with prejudiced city dwellers as they drone on about their own problems, and risk capture or murder in the process. Instead she busies herself in the forest, repairing the blight damage.

[Silas North]

Osclow sighs to Sehron's statement. As was typical in speaking with anyone stating accusatory remarks, a plethora of sarcastic remarks came to mind. Each one tempting, each one cleaver, at least in his own opinion. However, this was the kind of place or time for such childish behavior. He was determined to prove his worth to Hano and Tamyrn with weight of words if he could not by blade. There was also the fact that he had far too much respect for Sehron and owed him a great deal for keeping Jenny entertained in his absence. That being the case, the bard spoke clearly and with the respect Sehron deserved, though his answer was for all ears present.

"Sehron the Triumvirate took every necessary precaution they could to ensure the secrecy of the artifact, as well as its safe transportation. More than a simple 'number of blades' were utilized. We also employed every method we could to keep the information from being spread. Considering that Hano, Tamryn, and I were beseiged by a well-armed and well-prepared force while returning the artifact, it is clear we did not take ENOUGH precaution toward secrecy. If you wish to blame this upon the Triumvirate, so be it. However, do not confuse a mistake for darker renditions of everything the Triumvirate stands for."

In his mind, the word traitor screamed over and over again. The bard could not ignore it, but dare not speak such a thing here. Already, he was concerned that he unintentionally hinted toward that direction. There were only a few people that knew about the artifact, so why.. why did the force that assaulted them know exactly when and where to strike? Sehron could be trusted with this information. However, it was best spoken to him in private, away from the ears of others.

[Lollercide]

Clears his throat, obviously used to Sehron's constant harassment on that one particular mistake.

"The Artifact - Genum's Cube first came to the Triumvirate from one of our Tormite merchants who, through unknown means obtained it. He died shortly afterwards from the Cube's draining affects. The Triumvirate then, not knowing its origins or purpose relied on the Hands of Mundus to discern such."

He clasps his hands behind his back and looks around idly. "However, it came to our attention they were recklessly tinkering with it and would quite possibly unleash a terrible threat. We decided that we, with the aid of the Left, would move the Cube to a place where it would not be tinkered with. It was then we were ambushed and the cube was taken into the Servants of Talona."

"It was after we lost the Cube to Xithis and his followers that Pom and his friends excavated ancient Ilfarne Ruins that lead to the discovery of it's origin, purpose, and what it contained.. Further investigation of the ruins lead us to understand what it contained in specifics; the Avatar of Shar."

[cmosier]

"This was not the first attempt to gain the Cube while being transported, and the Triumvirate knew it. The first attempt failed. Perhaps it was not our bravest moment, but we all knew what was at stake and what had to be done. We may have hidden and ran from our enemies, but Gods damn it, the Cube was in our possession at the end of the day!"

Sehron takes a moment to relax and calm himself.

"If you are seeking allies to aid your cause, you know damn well I will join. If you are seeking blind followers, then you had best look elsewhere. I will no longer bring up what has been done and work on what we need to do. If you will excuse me, I have things to tend to."

((Sehron will wait for any replies before leaving))

Sehron bows slightly to the group assembled and leaves.

[Urithrand]

Leck had refused to be a part of this until now. The Truimvirate were his friends for the most part, but he was forced to conceed that they had a terrible habit of sticking their noses in where it was unnecessary. On this occasion, he felt sure they had done the same, but with no intention of unleashing the consequences this situation could potentially present.

"As will I." He heard his voice saying, almost unbidden. "Shar's influence here is tentative. I intend to keep it that way, if that means picking a side then so be it, I have picked yours. You all know what I am useful for, should you need my services then they belong, at least for the time being, to you." He fell silent. There was nothing more that needed saying. Even Resia stayed quiet in his mind.