CMP Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "We let our cities be destroyed?! I'll let you know that my family fought in that war, and we did not lay down our swords and let our cities be destroyed. Maybe you let this city of your's be destroyed. As for your isolation - this bridge is supposed to remedy that. Yet you rise against it." "The leader of that city believed in every word you fed him. Karstaal believed this bridge would open us up to the world, and had few dedicated soldiers. He wanted peace. Now his city lies in ruin. We're not rising up against the bridge, not anymore. We're rising up against you and these monsters you call allies."
swils Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Ignorant old man. Olmstyr brought us here because he believed in the idea of a peace between the Clans and the Kingdoms. He wanted to share trade and culture with your people. When the other clan leaders spoke of war, he begged for diplomacy. It's only now, after witnessing the soldiers of your lands butchering a city he loved, that he is ready to take up arms against you."
Zepher Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Do not call me ignorant. You call him a hero, but he too has allies that are monsters, and worst of all, he is not willing to do what is good and right for his people. I was taken prisoner by Grishnod. I watched loyal soldiers die around me, and then I was subjected to a dark cell with little food for over a year. What do you imagine I wish to do right now? March, alongside my son, to seek revenge for those who killed my men around me and subjected me to torture. But that is the wounds of the past, and if we can't let them go, we have no future." Heweyrt smiles shyly. "Aye. There is much talk of what has been done, but not much talk of what we will do. This bridge should stand, for the sake of the future, not be destroyed for the sake of past."
Scubacarrot Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "And then I'm sure that the Red Lizards will go and avenge their fallen in your land - it's the same cycle over and over again. We have tried to move past our history, can the Orcs not do the same? It was your aggression in our land that started this war the first time." "These Red Snakes invaded Baltarok through your bridge. Seems it's your aggresion this time around."
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) "If we continue this back and forth of who did what, we will be here a long time. Both sides have suffered loss. Both sides claim to want peace." "What can be done to ensure peace that doesn't involve armies slaughtering each other?" Edited April 12, 2014 by UsernameMDM
Zepher Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "We defend the bridge. It may cost the lives of the armies gathered here, but if either crosses... then there will be more armies gathered, certainly. Even giving the bridge to either party will start a war - and whoever wins the bridge will have a much easier time winning said war than the side that doesn't."
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "We defend the bridge. It may cost the lives of the armies gathered here, but if either crosses... then there will be more armies gathered, certainly. Even giving the bridge to either party will start a war - and whoever wins the bridge will have a much easier time winning said war than the side that doesn't." "We will defend the bridge, as that is this party's job. How long will that take though?" Turning the Orc party. "Valentino wants peace. Grishnod wants peace, otherwise he would not have let Valentino go. The Orcs and the Paladins want war to appease debts long dead. Will the orcs' thirst for vengence be sated if we hand over Raguel and who else may have incited violence against the orc clans?"
Peppermint_M Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Talking is a free action or what? Gods, just point me at something to hit without all this moral quandry! All is grey in this path of life, not black or white. Hit hard and fast those who would terminate your walk and remember that anything that makes beer easier to come by is a good thing." Tesni looked to the bridge. "You can't complain of isolation and then tear down a link."
swils Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "I don't believe the Orcs plan to tear down the bridge anymore. Was the plan, and mind ya we were here to help prevent that, but then they crossed first and laid siege. The bridge'll stand, just depends who's gonna be crossin' it."
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "I don't believe the Orcs plan to tear down the bridge anymore. Was the plan, and mind ya we were here to help prevent that, but then they crossed first and laid siege. The bridge'll stand, just depends who's gonna be crossin' it." "Then let Grishnod come forth so that he and King Valentino may treat."
Waterbrick Down Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 "Then let Grishnod come forth so that he and King Valentino may treat." "Don't know if anyone's brought you up to speed friend, but Grishnod's only in charge of one of the clans and just newly minted as chief too. Not sure how much sway he'd have over the troops here, plus he's nearly a day's travel away."
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Don't know if anyone's brought you up to speed friend, but Grishnod's only in charge of one of the clans and just newly minted as chief too. Not sure how much sway he'd have over the troops here, plus he's nearly a day's travel away." "We should find out, even if it does take two days."
Zepher Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Don't think Baltarok is welcoming any visitors at the moment."
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Don't think Baltarok is welcoming any visitors at the moment." "Well they have some. 1 more with some sense would not hurt. The easiest way to protect this bridge is to make peace. If Grishnod can help in that, then we should send for him. If not, YOU, Hewyrt, will stand on the front lines to defend the bridge."
The Legonater Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 And how do you suggest we make peace, Hoke? I've made it clear it's option I still strive for, I'm just increasingly less sure how possible it is anymore. The orcs seek freedom from the High Kingdoms which have attacked them, and the Kingdoms are led by fear against the orcs they've attacked, and will continue attacking out of fear. As Valentino said, it's a vicious cycle which will continue to repeat itself. What do suggest that will appease both parties forever? Even a massacre today will simply lead to another someday else.
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) "I've offered Raguel and his ilk. I've asked for Grishnod. King Valentino and King Speros want peace. If the Orcs truly want the same, then they should either withdraw or send the chieftains to treat. The only lasting way to protect this bridge is a last peace. Both sides have wrong and been wronged. Isn't it time to just stop, cut the losses, and move on? The Kingdoms are at peace with the Vikings even after the violence they perpetrated after my companions and I helped Chief Grishnod on his way after his, um questionable, release." Turning around a looking carefully over the face before him, Hoke asks, "Where IS King Speros?" Edited April 12, 2014 by UsernameMDM
Zepher Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) "Like I said, I'm not keeping anyone on this bridge. If you want to brave that army," Heweyrt gestures towards the Orc war party that continually inches towards the bridge, "be my guest! But if not, Grishnod isn't an immediate solution." "I believe Speros helped the Nords evacuate Carn. I imagine he wants to be here, but there's a bit of a road block." Heweyrt, this time, gestures to the High Kingdoms force. "I'm sure you picked up on it, but he doesn't have the best standing with David and Raguel." Edited April 12, 2014 by Zepher
Chromeknight Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Nerwen dismounted from her horse and stepped beside Guts, speaking quietly. If Grishnod is not here, who leads these orcs? How many kingdom troops attacked Imaestym? Should we let that many orcs across? Twice that many? All the orcs? And what of when they have sacked a village as repayment, will they turn around and go home? Or keep pillaging? If it is only a small force would they expect not to return, to be wiped out to the last man as you did with the invaders of Baltarok? Nerwen turned to Valentino. Will you, before these gathered armies, proclaim that your kingdom recognizes the sovereignty of the orcs over the land of Baltarok and their right to hold and govern that land? Will you make it a crime punishable by the crown to breach that sovereignty by force? Will you proclaim the freedom of the orcs of Baltarok, even though you may not believe sic proclaimation is necessary? Will you speak boldly to your people, explaining the necessity of such proclaimations? I will deal with the apostate paladin myself, with some help of course. Olmstyr, would such a proclaimation suffice for giving the orcs their freedom? This man is the leader of those with red dragons on their shield, but has influence over the other kingdoms as well. And if he is the leader, his people will follow him in what he says. Are words his enough, understanding he has the authority to bring his words into action? What more would you demand of the kingdoms?
UsernameMDM Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 "Like I said, I'm not keeping anyone on this bridge. If you want to brave that army," "Oh you may not lift a sword, but we will be Blessed with your presence, like our good Luck charm. We could use your words of Encouragement and Inspiration. You will help Reinforce our resolve to see our mission of protecting this bridge through and maybe that will Hasten about a lasting peace. You never know, your bravery may Transcend you into a song of legend," Hoke said Diplomatically with a grin that match Hewyrt's.
Purpearljellyblob Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 "If my men could be reasoned with, I would. But I'm afraid that moment passed the second that an Orcish force showed itself. My son, and his... advisor, will suddenly appear to have been in the right. The Orcs are attempting to invade, again. "And then I'm sure that the Red Lizards will go and avenge their fallen in your land - it's the same cycle over and over again. We have tried to move past our history, can the Orcs not do the same? It was your aggression in our land that started this war the first time." "Get my son to me, and I will try my best to make him see reason. Though, again, it appears he and Raguel will be harder to call liars now that there is a force to meet them. "I am led to understand that Prince Speros struck out against the Orcs after they murdered the High Kingdom General Mint. It was not the appropriate response, and I hear also that one of my best Generals was sent to stop him, but the Prince too was reacting to aggression. We must bury the hatchet of the past." "The Orcs murdered the High Kingdom General Mint? As a matter of fact, King Valentino, it was General Hamilton from the Red Lizards who took General Mint's life, not he orcs. More than half of us here bear witness to that. You should be wary of the people who decides to sneak these untruths into your consciousness. Thousands of innocent lives perished because of that little reinvention of words. We all know who wants war on your side, the Four Boulders aren't here, yet you speak as if your hands are tied. You are the King, are you not? Is it not that you command the force that is on your side of the bridge? Is it not that you have the influence over your son and your subjects?"
UsernameMDM Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 "Mint was killed in the assistance of Grishnod, so the orcs owe the Red Lizards a bit of thanks. Sadly, the good King's influence is weakened by Raguel, whom I am glad to hand over for his crimes."
CMP Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 "Mint was killed in the assistance of Grishnod, so the orcs owe the Red Lizards a bit of thanks. Sadly, the good King's influence is weakened by Raguel, whom I am glad to hand over for his crimes." "You say this like he's yours to hand over. If he's the one controlling this army, how do you expect him to just surrender? And if he is the leader, his people will follow him in what he says. Are words his enough, understanding he has the authority to bring his words into action? "Do you not the see the army being led by his upstart son cutting us off from the High Kingdoms? Whether you come up with a solution or not, Valentino's in no position to make it happen. They will try their very hardest to kill my kin nonetheless. That you suggest we lay down our weapons and try to negotiate with those just as responsible for the attack on Imaestym, those who still would see us all dead, is futility on your part. If there was any chance for peace, these Kingdoms have already thrown it away."
UsernameMDM Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 (edited) "You say this like he's yours to hand over. If he's the one controlling this army, how do you expect him to just surrender? Hoke looks over his party. "We can make that happen. It's better than allowing the orcs cross over and become the savages the paladins say you are." Edited April 13, 2014 by UsernameMDM
CMP Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 "We can make that happen. It's better than allowing the orcs cross over and become the savages the paladins say you are." "Fighting a war doesn't make you a savage. If you want to see the work of savages, you should come back to Imaestym and see what the Kingdoms have wrought there."
UsernameMDM Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 "Fighting a war doesn't make you a savage. If you want to see the work of savages, you should come back to Imaestym and see what the Kingdoms have wrought there." "And your kind has likely done the same to their kind. Not sure why you can't see the endless cycle and that it needs to stop. Any fool can quarrel, but a wise man knows when to cease."
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