War of Dragons: Council

A large hall has been prepared for the meeting at hand. A large series of desks that are parked in circular fashion in order to best address one-another and be able to look eachother in the eyes. Each table is afforded a head of state, and a warrior of their chosing. There's a few desks that are afforded to the Adventurers as well, one for each Alliance, with multiple seats, and one for the Uncrowned who have come this day to afford their wisdom to the cause.

Furthest from the wall, sits Gilgamesh, upon a golden seat. This is his home teritory, so he has been afforded a fancier seat as the host to all of this. Right now, he's got his elbows to the desk, fingers interlaced, and has a thoughtful look on his face as he is inspecting various papers set before him.

To the right side of the chamber, are the Four 'Dukes' of the Fourlands Dukedom, and the council for the Eastal Free League. To the left of the chamber, are the nine of the Ninetails Dominion. And closest to the door, is the space for the Adventurers. Notably, the Bandit King is also in attendance. Although he no longer has a 'nation' to rule over, it seems that Gilgamesh has insister that the Bandit King themselves would attend this event.

They're giving the Adventurers some time to settle in, before Gilgamesh begins;

"Thank you all for coming here during these unprecedented times. Not only has War come to our doorstep, we are now also greeted with the realization that the Root Towns we've come to assume to be unassailable are in fact... very much assailable. With the fall of Mac Anu, the matters here in Yamato have gone from worrisome, to grim."

He looks towards the Adventurers ahead of him. "What's more, it seems that some of my old friends are no longer themselves. Harrifunas was a far more reasonable man, than to perform an act such as this. And it seems that similar thoughts have come to light on the other Kingdoms over there. Which only serves to cast a greater shadow over all of this."

The old man pauses there for a moment, as he turns one of the pieces of paper, and considers something.

"Thanks to our Adventurer friends, our borders have shifted. They have come under threat. But simultaneously, they've aided us in repelling these invaders and have performed great deeds in the many years before now." He releases the piece of paper. "I will not hear word today blaming the Adventurers for this misfortune. The blame lies within the Palace Lands."

He leans back and turns to the various Kingdom members. "Before I open this to the other Kingdoms of Yamato, I would like to turn this to the ones who have experienced this madness for far longer than us." He is turned towards Tian. "Thank you for coming, Tian of the Uncrowned." The man has this grandfatherly look to him, even though the air of him is firm and regal. "Please. Would you regale us with what you've come to know, in summary, so we may best guide this meeting?"

There is a sense of tension in the air. The dire nature of recent news has cast a grim pallor over recent proceedings. With the loss of Mac Anu, what is essentially one full fifth of all available adventurers have been placed at incredibly high risk. Should any of the other Root Towns fall, the situation would quickly devolve from grim to hopeless.

Prophylaxis of the Scale Emblem Alliance has come down from the tower, his hat set aside for the sake of a more austere air. Now, however, is not the time for him to speak. There are others who must first hold the floor. Gilgamesh first, as is his right as regent, but then...

The Uncrowned. Prophylaxis inclines his had at Tian as he appears, remaining silent among his contingent as the free Palace Lander goes to speak.

...Well. 'Speak.' Tian... can't really. But it'll work out, he's sure.

The fact that Gilgamesh himself is residing over this gathering is something to behold. That he was able to get so many other Lander officials and leaders to gather for it even moreso. Even the Bandit King. Maybe because even without a kingdom to rule, a lot of the Outcasts look to him as a leader figure? Who knows. He's here and that accounts for something if Gilgamesh deems him worth of presence.

Shiruba pauses to give a polite bow to the gathering as a whole, then moves to claim her seat, doing her best to behave in proper decorum for someone much more at home in the wilds.

Occasionally she pulls out a parchment, looks at what's one it, and then tucks it away again until it's contents are needed.

There's a mental sigh of relief as this doesn't turn into an abrupt trial and it's insisted to not blame Yamato's Adventurers for what has happened, but she's careful not to let that slip out into actual being. The only real indicator that she might be more than a bit anxious is the tip of her tail twitching back and forth, occasionally rapping against the rear of her seat.

That's good, let the Uncrowned speak first. They know more about what happened before the Yamatoans visited their land. Also gives people a chance to get their own venues in order.

    The doors to the large hall open and Rizadoman enters dressed as well as he can be, with his Naga fang shield on his back and a look of exhaustion on his face. Rumors would absolutely have been going around that the once jovial lizardman has been disgruntled and stressed. The bags under his eyes would seem to only further show the stress he has weighing on him.

     He takes a seat and adjusts for a moment before he begins to take notee of all who is present and can't help but wonder if this is going to be a long lecture of how adventurers caused this. His alliance had reached out to so many and so many had responded with it's an adventurer problem. So here was what letting an adventurer problem go for so long turned into.

     Rizadoman listens to the opening speech by King Gilgamesh and is surprised at Gilgamesh pointing out his own concern before the floor is directed to Tian and the Lizardman turns his head waiting, slightly optimistic that they could get somewhere afterall.

    Wake has come, with both a battle and even more sore trial only recently behind her. As is her wont, her emotions are hidden and she sits with a calm expression. She has no issue matching posture and bearing with any of the nobles in the room, and she spares a polite nod to both the Dukes Corwen and Sumeragi. If not exactly friends, they have at least acted together in the founding of Eas.

    The Right Clothes have her well-dressed for the occasion. She wears a gown of sable cloth on which patterns of roses are formed by crystals of red and black. Whatever she has to say on the issues at hand, she elects to hold back until Gilgamesh opens the floor.

    Yuuki has occupied one of the desks provided for the Olympus Alliance. Normally she leaves a lot of meetings to her Right Hand Lady. But a meeting of this importance requires that Yuuki actually show up as one of the alliance's Guild Leader. Plus, with an invite to the hall of Gilgamesh himself, Yuuki is cool with that. The man is the type of respected leader that Yuuki likes. Not like some of those political types...

    Of course, Yuuki has also dragged Wake here. Or perhaps it's the other way around. Hard to say.

    For now though, Yuuki sits in her chair, leaning back in it somewhat casually, listening to Gilgamesh's opening words. Then when the Uncrowned turns up, Yuuki turns her head in interest. She doesn't know this person. But still, a greeting is polite, right? So of course Yuuki gives Tian a brief wave and a greeting of, "Yo."

In a group such as this, Tian and the small group of uncrowned are likely the 'odd people out'. Though they act often as messenger and mute 'voice' of the Uncrowned, the Cait Sith is not a person at anywhere near the clout or prestige of any of the Yamato Guild Leaders or their other important representatives, and certainly no one so grand as one of the Kingdom Leaders.

Yet, perhaps because they had come here along with a few brave others amongst the Uncrowned and reached out, they are seated here today. At the Cait Sith's side is a large, muscular human with war paint splattered across his face. Without the presence of Gao or Shenmi, it appears that this other Uncrowned acts as their 'body guard' for these proceedings.

Upon the invitation, the Fox-wolf stands, making the extra gesture to remove their mask. Beneath the wolf-like features of the mask, there is a black stripe painted across their face, the bottom lips and chin painted to match the wolfish countenance. Offering a touch to their chin and then exnteding it outward with an inclination of their head, the system translates the meaning, "<Thank you, Lord Gilgamesh. Thank you, Yamato Leaders.>" There is a nod of respect to a couple of areas of the room.

There is a measure of respect offered, but it lacks the fine etiquette of someone trained in matters of court. Looking around to the others, Tian seems to gather some measure of courage, likely unused to speaking in front of such people of importance. "<I was in Mac Anu. I fought beside you.>" They raise hands in a boxer stance, lips pursed together.

"<This had not happened before. Not in the Land of Dragons. Not to us.>" Tian explains, seeming to punctuate their words with emphatic gestures. "<Understand.>" This is met with a look around the room. "<Not all Landers in the East are against you. Some are allies. Secret. Working to help our cause.>" Tian had alluded to this before, that not all the Landers within the Palace Lands, not even all amongst their leadership, were aligned with these actions.

"<I know what happened.>" Tian begins, lifting a hand to tap at their head. "<An informant traveled with the Crowned, below Mac Anu. There, they witnessed a Crown being placed upon 'The Old Man'.>" There is a pause, and a bit of an uncertain gesture followed by a slight wobble of the hands. "<This being has power over who controls a Root City. To reverse the hold... one must remove the Crown from 'The Old Man'.>"

The Cait Sith obviously has no knowledge of the experimentations and explorations that the Yamato Adventurers have made in regards to the Crowns, so they offer up the only suggestion they have, <"It is known to us, that a person of power in that Kingdom can remove a Crown. But also an Accessory Crafter of the Moonlight.>" They form a symbol like a crescent moon with thumb and forefinger, move it out from their hand into a fist, then expand it into a burst of fingers.

"So that's how they did it!" And then Shiruba promptly covers her mouth with her hands, embarassed by the outburst over the revelation.

Then she pauses, ears perking a bit as a different thought comes to mind.

"You've had informants amongst the Crowned?" Quickly waves a hand. "No, I won't ask who, that's not important. I'm just curious if it was possibly one of these informants that left the note to 'look for the Uncrowned' in the wake of the Thor Kingdom party that visited Shibuya before the invasion..."

    Yuuki listens along, as much as one can listen to the translation of hand movements. She doesn't grasp everything that's mentioned. She's a little fuzzy on some parts of the war, as she tends to focus more on the actual battling part. But thanks to some recent events, she does understand the crowns a bit more.

    "So... Get into the underground part of an enemy-held root town. Search down one target, likely guarded. Defeat the guards. Remove the crown. Retake the city."

    Yuuki whistles, "That sounds like quite a challenge." She grins, "I like it!"

    Wake allows the ghost of a smile to curve her lips for a moment before dispelling it again. Yuuki always knows what to say to dispel the gloom. She stays silent, her attention utterly focused on the expression of the Dukes.

    Despite this silence, there can be no doubt that she'll have questions for Tian later. She wants to know more about these informants. A lot more.

    Rizadoman listens with some interest but he is also kinda simply in his own head still. Then the mention of the Old Man, and exactly what that Old Man means and now he is sitting up much more attentitive. "Did you say that he has the power over who controls a Root city? Not just Mac Anu, but anyone elses root city in this room? The old man has that much power?" There is concern in his voice as he tries to process what it all means.

     Immediately though they had a target to say the very least. This pleased the warrior, finally something he feels he can actively do.

There's a lot to process here. Prophylaxis sits quietly and watches, his mind processing the Uncrowned's gestures and gesticulations into language his brain can properly tease apart. "There are... singular individuals with the power to confer ownership over entire root towns?" The doctor's brow furrows, "That seems like a... risk. I would hope that the lynchpins of the other Root Towns have been placed under heavy guard as a result."

'The Old Man,' just a title, not a name. Perhaps they were hiding in obscurity...?

But then Tian communicates how crowns might be removed, and the doctor clears his throat softly. "We've very recently managed to remove a crown ourselves, though the method is somewhat convoluted and extremely dangerous. When the crown was removed, it caused severe damage to both the crowned and the one removing it. Is that to be expected, or was that a result of using an exotic method of removal?"

He doesn't specify exactly /how/ exotic, of course. Such things need not be spoken.

"When you say someone of the kingdom must remove the crown, do you mean of the kingdom to which the person who has been crowned belongs, or do you mean the kingdom of the one who placed the crown upon their brow to begin with?" He pauses to think, then asks further: "Is it possible that Harrifenas and the others have been Crowned in a similar fashion, if Landers, too, are susceptible to the control?"

"Hrrrm..." Gilgamesh makes a thoughtful sound after Tian is finished speaking, but doesn't say anything on the matter. He's watching the others.

"So that's how..." Serjiad Corwen remarks, "We had heard tales of strange things beneath the Root Cities. Of how they were originally taken by our far ancestors. But so much of that had become word of mouth." One of the human Dukes of the Fourlands remarks.

The Flamelord, who is also in attendance and seated closest to the Adventurers notes; "We will need to find a way to secure such locations beneath our own Root Towns. Those areas must not be protected by Guardians, if the Palace Land troops managed to overtake this... 'Old Man' figure."

"Or perhaps that rule doesn't protect that 'Old Man'." Jered Gan answers, the old man leaning forward with a big grin on his face, as if he knows more but is refusing to say anything else.

When Yuuki is done talking, Pazuzu remarks; "And it is a task that the Adventurers are far more suited for than us Landers. Though I would hate to ask them to put their lives - or at least their memories - on the line like this, if we aren't willing to do the same." It seems that some of that information had somehow gotten to Pazuzu's ears. How that happened is anyone's guess.

"I agree. This is not something we should permit ourselves to leave to them only." Mizufa Trude adds, with a bit of a wicked grin on her face. The General of the Holy Empire Westelande is quite well known to love a tough battle. "And I'd like to meet this 'Old Man'."

"No way, old lady. This is Mac Anu. And while I appreciate your willingness to help and your combat prowess, this is something to be solved by a fucking member of the damned Fourlands Dukedom." Sumeragi Youta demands, slapping the end of his piece-bound scabbard to the ground to make his declaration stand out more. Notably for those who know Youta well enough, he's remarkably... polite at the moment.

Gilgamesh rasps his throat. "If this Old Man is as important a lynch-pin to Mac Anu as a Root City, then we should reduce the risk to their life as much as possible." He points out. "So if you have a technique that can aid in this, we will have need of this."

The man closes his eyes for a moment, thinking on the matter, then opens them again. "Before Yamato can move, we need to find the Lynchpins - whomever they are - beneath own Root Towns, and secure them." He points out. "Which unfortunately includes this place."

Which gets the attention of the people around him for some reason. After all, while the Outcasts may spawn here, many of them may have noticed by now that they are not part of a Kingdom. Yet...

Gilgamesh closes his eyes, and there is this heavy stillness in the air.

Tian's golden eyes are looking out amongst the crowd, but their ears only show the faintest reaction to any of the nearby voices. In the end, the bulky looking male beside them is the one to nudge and point towards Shiruba. Shifting attention, the deaf Cait Sith shakes their head in the universal gesture of 'no'. "<Among the Landers.>" Tian clarifies, "<Only a Lander could place the Crown. An ally volunteered to accompany their journey to be able to bring back intel on their actions.>"

Another nudge and a grunt from the human beside Tian points their attention to Rizadoman, next. "<Not all cities. 'The Old Man' only controls Mac Anu. Or so I am told.>" They touch their mouth with one finger and move it outward, moving their lips as if forming a word.

Yuuki's addition is caught in passing and given a soundless laugh of approval from the Cait Sith. Apparently, Tian agrees with the sentiment. Their gaze naturally comes along to Prophylaxis, enough so that when they are nudged again in the shoulder, the fox-wolf gives a glare towards their companion and smacks at his hand.

Then, that gaze lingers on the Scale Emblem doctor, as he seems to have more questions that require attention. Tian repeats that same gesture of touching their lips and then mouthing a word. "<So I have been told. Yes. This individual is 'The Old Man' in Mac Anu.>"

There is a curious look that follows, a tilt of the head in a quizzical fashion as Prophylaxis describes them having discovered their own, dangerous way of removing crowns. This causes Tian's eyes to widen in surprise, "<Not expected. Landers can remove with no harm. Our allies have done so for some of us.>" They explain, motioning as if having a piece of headgear removed. "<A Lander of rank within the same Kingdom.>" They answer, "<I have contact with one in Kallmore who aids us.>"

However, as Gilgamesh seems to draw people's attention and that silence falls, Tian looks around once more, before slowly sitting down. The expression written there is very much one of uncertainty, especially with all these high ranking Landers in attendance, all voicing their views. So many in one place is likely to have both of the Uncrowned slightly on edge. Yet... they were still here, at least.

Shiruba gives a nod to her head. While it's true they may be better suited since Adventurers can respawn, at least a few times despite knowing the losses risked, there is no reason to not let the natives assist in protecting their realms. "Then we will have to find the other equivilents to 'the old man' for other Root Towns, and arrange protection for them much as we did the various Churches."

She also nods to Tian in thanks when he clarifies that matter. "So it has to be a Lander..." That would explain the issues the Scale had then? Seems like it. But now is a good chance for her to bring up one of the other things on her list. "Doctor Prophylaxis," she goes full formal title in hopes of helping get his attention admist all the other chatter. "We also have someone investigating the nature of the Crowns. A woman named Ayame." Shiruba decides now is not the time to mention she seemed to even be in a 'strange mood' over the matter. "She would be willing to help, with access to your ... 'company', if you could get in touch with her on the matter." The wolfgirl nods towards Tian again. "If it's possible to find a way to get the crowns off without specific individuals as indicated, we should continue looking into that matter. We may not be able to get a proper kingdom Lander to everyone, after all."

    Rizadoman listens and relaxes a little, it wasn't like the enemy had won the entire war by catching one old man at least. There is the question of the guardians hwoever and why they didn't protect the old man. "Guardians only protect that which is a part of the root city. If the Old Man was not in the root city then he would not have guardian protection. If it was through the sewers, I know some of that extends pretty far, maybe he was in a spot of the sewer that wasn't in the city. Is there a depth beneath a city that doesn't count as the city?"

    The lizardman has questions but as Gilgamesh continues and then closes his eyes Rizadoman recaps the last bit, "So our first priority after today is to find the old people and secure them. " Nodding Shiruba as she says similar. Then turning to Prophylaxis, "We have an accessory forger who I believe would be interested in studying the crown you remove do you think that would be possible?"

    While much of the commentary does not require a word from Wake, the outburst of Sumeragi calls her to speak. She has little to say, but a promise to keep and no intention to abandon it.

    "When the Dukedom marches-or dives-against the Palace Landers whatever power Eas has shall be ready for the call. So long as I remain among the Unconquered, I will honor my word. Eas shall be more than just a barb in the hand of our enemies."

    And then Shiruba speaks, and Wake's attention is drawn once more. She simply looks, though, and then turns her focus back to Gilgamesh. Wake's secretary already has her support in her work with crowns, after all. What Wake really wonders aobut is what the King will say next.

    Yuuki nods along approvingly as a number of the kingdom leaders remark unwillingness to simply stand by and do nothing. Or leave it just to the Adventurers. It's a bit early to be talking full detailed battle plans, but Yuuki does offer up, "I think it'd be better if any underground operation had some above ground assistance. To keep as much of the Palace Lands forces occupied. Otherwise it'd be suicide to go underground!"

    Of course, it does make sense to also secure the other root towns first. Yuuki hmmms thoughtfully, "I wonder if the other root towns also have an 'Old Man' or if they instead have some other person... Or title... Or even thing?" She shrugs.

    At the mention of using a ranked Lander to remove the crown, Yuuki rolls her head side to side a bit, "Not sure using a ranking Lander to remove the crowns is great in this case. Maybe for others! But getting such a person to The Old Man could be troublesome." Yuuki nods in agreement with Shiruba who is mentioning the same, "It would be better if we had an Adventurer who was one of those moonlighty types. Not that I know any myself... That I know of." Yuuki laughs and rubs the back of her neck, "I'm not much into the crafting scene!"

"I see," Prophylaxis answers Tian with a nod. "Good, then we'll keep our method as a means of last resort if we're unable to secure the assistance of a Palace Lands noble. Are Moonlight Accessory Crafters also able to remove the crowns with no issue, even among Adventurers? Or have you run into a Lander Moonlight Accessory Crafter in your travels?" Ever the practical sort, the Doctor of Tolbana.

But... one in Kallamore who aids them... Who could that be, exactly? Prophylaxis has his suspicions, but no way to confirm them.

"Ah, it seems this is new information for all of us, then," the doctor nods slowly. "Well, you can expect to have my personal assistance at least in uncovering the locations of the Lynchpins of Carmina Gadelica and Dun Loireag. It will be up to these other august personages if they would welcome adventurers from foreign kingdoms into the hearts of their Root Towns."

Especially those of the Scale. Their reputation has, historically, been somewhat... spotty.

"Of course," the doctor answers Shiruba with a nod. "I'd be glad to be of assistance. Again, the issue we're running into is one of practicality and risk. We can offset the latter with the presence of a number of healers, but the former... A lot of ducks have to be in a row, you know? But I would absolutely be willing to lend my aid if it means removing the crowns."

"That might be rough," he answers the Lizardman with a frown, "When we removed the crown, it sort of... Well, it's not in a state that can be studied at the moment. But if we capture another Palace Lander, their attendance can be arranged."

"There is in fact one I'm looking to reclaim," he says with a shrug, "The one bonded to the Vermilion Bird. Though I understand the task might be... somewhat difficult, with that one."

He's pretty strong, after all.

    The Baroness looks away from Gilgamesh to meet Prophylaxis's eyes. "I will play the same role. Until the last crown is removed, I will never tire of it."

    She looks back to the King and says, "This was something I heard at the fall of Mac Anu. Among the many cares of the time, it perhaps has slipped my mind. But an adventurer said that they saw strange lights in the chamber where the Mirror to the Moon was captured. I know little of the meaning, but perhaps others with deeper lore can enlighten us all."

    With that shared, the Baroness has a question for Tian. She figures now is as good a time as any to ask.

    "Did your contact tell you what symbols were by The Old Man's name? I.. have met interesting people in the depths of the world previously and would like to know."

"Much as I appreciate such a noble sentiment, Baroness, having you remove crowns at this juncture is... Far too great of a risk. If my medicine were to fail, you'd be in the hands of the enemy in an instant."

But then...

"Strange lights at... /there?/" Prophylaxis boggles for a moment. "That place... was a cathedral of sorts, deep under Mac Anu. I thought it was just a coincidence, but it does fit the bill. It could be a starting point for our search for the Old Man. Strange lights, though... That could mean anything. We'd need to bring someone like Uta to verify for sure."

Tian is nudged again in Prophylaxis' direction, just about the time that the Cait Sith seems to be content to fade somewhat into the background of the discussion and let far more important people take the floor. There is a questioning look from the big guy beside them, who starts to sign, repeating Prophylaxis' initial question about the Accessory Crafters. Apparently, the big bruiser of a human wasn't chosen just for their size and strength, but as they might be one of the few others who can communicate in sign to Tian.

"<Not as easy to remove, but not as dangerous as you describe.>" Tian answers, "<We have a rare couple in our ranks. I hope to train towards it, someday, myself.>" The Cait Sith did have a number of bangles and jewelry upon their person that all seem to be handicrafted, likely by their own hands.

In the lull, Tian's eyes continue to sweep the room. They are likely still on-guard. A year worth of mistrust is hard to set aside entirely. So they meet eyes with Wake just before the question is asked, this time. There is a tightening of the lips and a furrowing of brows before they shake their head, following with a few signs. "<My contact is a Lander. They cannot INSPECT as we can. They would not know.>" Tian explains, and then offers a lift of the shoulders in a shrug.

"The fact that a Lander can Remove a Crown is not something that should leave beyond these doors." Flame Lord Eugene suddenly remarks, staring firmly at Shiruba, with a heavy intonation to his voice that makes it very clear that this isn't so much a 'request'. "It is clear that this Uncrowned is letting us know and putting a lot of faith in us. But were that kind of information leave these doors and have any chance to reaching the Palace Landers, it would put that person in Grave Danger. I'm certain that there are not many people in a position capable of performing such an act. So let us not touch on that topic any further."

Jered grins at Eugene. "Hmm, finally have come to appreciate that Knowledge is Power, have you?"

"This is about a Tactical Advantage. Of course this is important not to be released beyond these doors. And we have already seen that Adventurers have a method referred to as 'Chimlinks' by them, capable of sending information amongst eachother at high speeds."

To Rizadoman's ask, there's a shake of a head by Mifa; "No. As far as we've discovered, the sewers are all part of the Root City. It would need to be a special chamber of sorts hidden within the sewers. And I don't even know where to start looking. The sewers beneath Mac Anu are like a maze." She points out.

But the attention draws back to Gilgamesh as he speaks again; "I did not particularly have any wishes for Carmina Gadelica to become a Kingdom." He slowly turns towards the Bandit King of all people. Who shrugs at him, within their pure black armor, making it impossible to see their face. "With the Ezzo Empire fallen, Yamato needs a new source of Power. And while my people have been welcomed by the Adventurers of the Tower, that is no true Kingdom. I know you have your concerns, King Gilgamesh, in regards to following any writings of Sarla. But I believe this must be done."

At the mention of that name, Gilgamesh's hand closes a bit, and the old man takes a deep breath. He looks to the others. "Any opposition?"

The other Kingdom heads shake their heads. "You already have our respect. We have referred to you as King Gilgamesh for as long as we've been alive." Is spoken by Chuunen Shounin.

"Very well. Then, four 'Old Men' must be found, or whatever it may be that hides beneath our cities. Presuming they are the same as Mac Anu." Gilgamesh points out, and looks to the Adventurers. "The moment this is done, we will first help liberate Shibuya, before we move upon Mac Anu." He turns to Mifa.

The Undine nods, "We will start placing more warriors at Eas in order to help protect it in the meantime, so that our Adventurer allies can focus their efforts on figuring out how to best deal with Mac Anu and the crowns." She expresses, before looking to Baroness Wake; "By your permission."

"I would likewise want to emphasize that our ability to remove Crowns is probably best kept secret. Though..." Prophylaxis furrows his brow, tapping his chin, "...On the other hand, we could use it as a ruse. After all, if the Adventurers have learned to remove crowns, then that might remove suspicion from Landers who are able to do the same. Who can say for sure if a crown was removed by Lander or Adventurer, after all...?"

'The writings of Sarla', the Bandit King says. A new source of 'Power.' What does that mean, exactly? And... What they might find under the Root Cities...

If history is laid bare in those depths, what might happen to the Kingdoms of Yamato?

Shiruba nods to Prophylaxis. "Even if that is our backup plan, if we can find a way to make it less of a hassle to use, it's worth persuing." The firm stare at her from the Flame Lord... doesn't make her flinch, though the gravitas in his tone is very clear and her ears slightly cant back from it. "Of course. We don't want it to eventually slip out to were our enemies can learn that we know of it, or they will take measures against it... or worse yet, figure out who the contacts within their operation are. It is another reason to continue with the effort to refine alternate means, as well. To rely on just one isn't optimal."

Shiruba turns her attention when Wake speaks up, then Proph. "Interesting... though fitting in hindsight, yes."

She glances at her list for a moment. Considers. Takes a moment to compose herself and looks back up. "The experienced former military members I have contact with have suggested we do more to 'take the fight' to the invaders, though not in direct combat. They indicated tactics like finding and disrupting any supply routes they've established to the cities they now hold. Creating trouble for patrols or other encampments they've made... in general force them to divide their attention... Diversionary tactics away from our primary objectives, even."

    Prophylaxis care is both wonderfully thoughtful, but it does draw a flash of Wake's eyes. And a retort that is calm. Perhaps too calm.

    "If I were to die removing the crown of the Old Man under Mac Anu, then I would not be in danger. I cannot ask my people to risk their lives when I do not do the same. I am a Baroness of the Fourland Dukedom and I serve my people."

    Wake turns abruptly when Mifa speaks, and she is clearly torn, her calm expression wavering.

    "Eas is a people who are now safely hidden, yet the land that is our home.. I hate to imagine a single Lander falling, and yet you all have at least as much right to fight and die as I do." The Baroness struggles, and for the first time emotions shatter her calm. Sadness takes hold for a time, and then it is squashed once more.

    "I will accept your help. If Eas were to be in their hands.. it would be ruin for the Kingdom."

    Rizadoman sits and listens and takes special note of what is happening in front of him. Sure there are interesting implications here but truly they are sitting here watching history take place as the King who is not a King seems to be stepping up into the role fully. This is something that books and legends could be written about. Rizadoman then hears Shiruba speaking of the retrieval of Shibuya. "Also we should look into the idea of taking their boats over sinking them where possible. We will need them if we plan to take the war back to them. "

"We have a vessel, but it's just one vessel," Prophylaxis says to Shiruba. "We can harry their supply ships, but if they're being escorted by vessels like that battleship that they have floating around Yamato, it'll be a fool's errand. But after the success of our latest weapons in the defense of Eas, we've begun work on a solution that might work well at sea. If the Fourlands' navy is still intact, then we can try to coordinate to sink their battleship and at least begin to contest the waters. After that, diversionary tactics will be much more viable."

"...I wonder though, how the Palace Landers learned of these Lynchpins before we did? How could they have figured that what they were looking for was right under our feet the whole time...?"

His gaze darts towards Wake, then, and the Doctor smiles. "Ah, good. I'm glad to hear you won't be trying to pull any more crowns from any more heads until after the Mac Anu situation is sorted, Baroness. That's a load off my shoulders, indeed."

Shiruba nods her head and points as Rizado and Prophylaxis both bring up ships. "True, and true if we could take a ship or two for ourselves, that would deny them the resource while adding to our own... But also, they can't be moving everything by ship, not if they intend to attack places farther inland like Eas. They also have to patrol the areas they now control. Harassing them with hit-and-run tactics, sabotage or such would force them to take notice." She bites her lip a moment. "And an effort to fight back rather than be on the reactive defense would do something for morale of others, as well."

"You leave their Navy to us. We've still got a few aces up our sleeves - did I get that saying right?" Mifa remarks. To which Sumeragi immediate adds; "Yeah, our ships are fine. Mac Anu only had a few vessels in it at the time. Most of our ships are in our major ports. We can kick their asses with a good plan, but Mac Anu has to come first. And we need a way to track their main battleship." He points out.

"So far, scouts have been having trouble getting close enough to get a good bead on where it is. And we can't send a major fleet - what with the Leviathans. Though they seem to have calmed just a bit since last New Years." Sumeragi continues to add.

To Prophylaxis' question, King Gilgamesh notes; "Harifunas is older than even I. I was surprised to learn he was still alive." Gilgamesh explains. "He certainly had enough time to learn things."

A pause. "Unless there are any other matters, I believe me and my fellow Landers need to discuss what it means for Carmina Gadelica to become the root of an Empire."

    "Prophylaxis, I forget how you always knew how to outflank me," the Baroness says. "However, there is something else I wish to call to attention that might benefit all of us."

    The Baroness presses on, "I have started prying into the history of Queen Laira Lorelai. I learned that she was a caring leader who found great joy in marrying couples. She was kind and sought ever to add to her people's joy. They say that it all changed when a stranger came to her bearing a prophesy. I have yet to learn what that prophesy might be, but I have seen her face. She was at Mac Anu, and she was greatly distressed at the loss of life. I.. may be a fool, but I believe I can help her. I can redeem and save her from this madness. I mean to try."

"Hit and run tactics. We can assist with those. But as for the location of their flagship... Mmn, there might be a way, we'll look into it on our end. I know of a surefire method of doing so, but I can only do so a couple more times, so we'll need to be sure we can eliminate their flagship at that time."

Still, it's nice to hear that the fleets of Fourlands are in good condition. The doctor nods, relieved, at the news. "And the steamship as well, I hope...?"



Harrifenas. Yes. Prophylaxis' expression tightens slightly. "King Gilgamesh," the doctor says, sensing a lull in the chatter. "If you wouldn't mind answering, we have... Recently been made aware that Harrifenas knows far more about the Tower than we do. We've encountered something that you might be familiar with, a potential threat to the people of Tolbana and beyond. During the Crystal Tower Rebellion, did you encounter a series of Machina within Aincrad?"

"If we learn anything of their ships' movements or such, we will pass it along to your forces then," Shiruba replies to Mifa and Sumeragi. Before turning her attention to Wake as she remarks about the Queen, head tilting to the side with curiousity. "You think she's been corrupted, then? Or manipulated in some way, by the sound of it."

There is a distinct look of relief from Tian as attention focuses away from them for the time being. Too long spent in the shadows means that they are far more comfortable there than in the spotlight. A companionable nudge to the shoulder is given by the large human next to them, gaining a roll of the eyes from Tian who places the wolf mask back onto their features, adjusting the straps behind their ombre hair. Much seems to be able to be communicated without word when one knows what to look for.

"<I will continue to help where I can, along with the Uncrowned here in Yamato and our contacts and allies.>" Tian offers, but seems to be largely leaving the planning to others. "<Our resistance still largely lies trapped in the Land of Dragons, but we will do what we can to offer aid and assistance.>"

From what Tian has said before, the vast majority of the rebel Adventurers in the Palace Lands are still in hiding throughout the three Kingdoms. Only a brave few managed to stow away to Yamato, risking discovery.

"Ah, Tian," the Doctor says, as if remembering something, "Speaking of which, we have another Uncrowned you might want to introduce yourself to, when you have a spare moment of course."

As Prophylaxis shifts the topic temporarily to Harrifenas, Heathcliff adds; "You may be familiar with them as The Four." He's been quiet so far, letting Prophylaxis handle this matter.

Gilgamesh hrrms, "Yes. The Four. I recall them. The Four great enemies I had to defeat on my way up the Crystal Tower." He leans back. "This is hardly the time for me to regale you with my tales of youth however. But yes - I am familiar with them. They stood to face me every ten floors." He explains to Prophylaxis. "I... do not recall much of some of them, I fear. But they were the most difficult foes I faced during my climb. They held back my Rebellion by days, if not weeks."

He shifts his head and shakes it. "I do not wish to recall further than that at this time, and distract this from important matters. If you are facing one... I believe you know what must be done to destroy it."

Heathcliff then touches a hand to Prophylaxis and whispers something into his ear, pats his shoulder twice then, and then moves to depart from the chambers.

    "There are many ways one can fall to dark paths," Wake says to Shiruba. "I do not know whether it is dark magic or some more mundane form of control. I may be wrong completely, but I need to try. It would be a tragedy to slay someone who once serve her people faithfully."

    She sees that the meeting is over. At least for her. The Baroness rises and steps away from the desk before gliding into a deep curtsey. "By your leave, I must return to ready my home for our coming guests."

Shiruba nods in understanding. "The only oppritunity wasted is the one not attempted. I have faith in your efforts, Wake... and even if you find yourself to be wrong, it is more learned about our enemies."

She doesn't really have anything to add at this point. She's just listening to the talk of 'The Four' because of her general curiousities on lore, though Gilgamesh isn't going to elaborate more at the moment. Alas. But understandable. There's a lot on everyone's minds at this point.

Just as the Cait Sith seems to be content to be largely out of the public eye and sit back to watch the goings on, there goes the good Doctor. There is another of those canine-like tilts of the head, as if questioning without words. Then, seeming to put the pieces together, Tian's eyes widen slightly. "<The one you Uncrowned, correct?>" There is some interest in that, but also some wariness.

"<Can they be trusted? Some took Crowns willingly, others not. Are you sure which one this person is?>" There may be some justified uncertainty there. Though Tian largely blended in with those fleeing Mac Anu, this sort of contact would clearly 'out' them as an Uncrowned, if the person in question still had allegiances to their Palace Land masters.

Every... /ten/ floors? The doctor looks surprised at that, but only for the briefest of moments. "I see, I understand. Thank you, your highness," he says with a nod. "Perhaps you can tell the story at a less serious time? The rebellion is a subject of great interest to me. Hearing old stories retold from the mouth of one who witnessed their happenings personally is an especially rare treat."

Heathcliff whispers something into his ear. The doctor pauses, then nods, "Before we adjourn, I'd like to raise one last question. Would it be viable to recruit the Uncrowned, newly liberated and old alike, into the Kingdoms of Yamato if they are willing and if it is deemed safe to do so? I do not know the details of the process, though I am aware that it was done for those released by the Bandit King."

Though that might be a key part of the process that they're missing.

He looks to Tian, then... And shrugs. "They seemed genuine, and on pain of death pushed the crown from their head. In moments of lucidity, they seemed adamant on being released. If you wish to remain in contact until we're more certain of their allegiance, though..." He gestures vaguely in the direction of the chamber doors, "We can speak in private about making arrangements to that end after this meeting."

Gilgamesh answers; "I am willing to take Uncrowned into my Kingdom when it has become one. Until then, that will be up to the leaders of the other Kingdoms individually." Gilgamesh proposes, pointing to the others. Most of the leaders simply nod their heads. They see no problem with accepting more into their Kingdom. Though the ones from Fourlands note: "We're not willing at this time, until Mac Anu has been retaken."

The Doctor inclines his head gratefully, "Thank you. I will begin making arrangements, then. Thank you all for hearing our voice today. And to you, King Gilgamesh--" Prophylaxis bows deeply, "Best of luck. I shall take my leave as well, then. May the Goddesses smile upon our efforts."

He glances towards Tian, then, and motions for the Cait Sith to follow as the doctor exits the chamber.

At the invitation and indication that the Uncrowned should find safe harbor amongst the Kingdoms of Yamato, there is another of those surprised looks from the Cait Sith. After the shock wears off, they begin to sign quickly, "<Some of our people have scouted your Kingdoms and would be willing to find new homes amongst them. If you are willing, I will have them seek council with your leaders. When such things are available.>" Tian says nothing about themselves, or what Kingdom they might choose, not in such mixed company.

However, as Prophylaxis goes on to explain more about this newly freed Adventurer. "<We would speak to them before revealing ourselves. Perhaps... Shenmi more than myself. They are... better at reading people.>" Tian's hands move quickly with that explination, but then as the doctor goes to leave and motions them to follow, the Cait Sith rises as well.

Their human companion gives a questioning look, but seems to be waved off by Tian. Apparently, Prophylaxis is trusted enough that a body guard is not required, at least at this point.

Prophylaxis is of course quite trustworthy. He's a doctor, after all! And now that the Uncrowned do not need to fear overmuch the risk of dying to some kind of unfortunate accident...

Well, all the better.

"Of course, he's welcome to visit as well. Some of the young Spriggans are still talking about all those magic tricks of his. Sorcery is one thing, but proper show business is another entirely," Prophylaxis says with a smile as he leads the Cait Sith to a more private nook, and speaks in somewhat softer tones, "I'd like to formally invite you into the Scale, and your friends as well, if they're interested. It would make it substantially easier to coordinate with you all and make use of your intelligence. And if you would need assistance from us, we'd be glad to offer it."

As Tian falls into step with Prophylaxis, there is a moment of quiet thought. Well, quieter than normal for the deaf Cait Sith. Enough to make it obvious that they are mulling over the invitation. The Uncrowned had met people from all of the Alliances, some which certainly had exhibited behavior and attitudes that did not sit well with them, both individually and as a group. "<So long as it is not an offense to join one over others.>" As there are no Alliances within the Palace Lands, Tian seems uncertain as to how this all works.

"<Yes. We are - isolated. Alone. Communication. Coordination. Those who work for a common goal. I cannot speak for all, but for me. Yes.>" Tian bobs their head in a nod, motioning near their mouth, "<I will speak with the others.>"

"It's a complicated thing," Prophylaxis admits with a sheepish shrug. "And I certainly will not force anyone into anything. Each of you has the right to choose where you belong. That ability to <choose> is something that the Scale cares deeply about," Or at least, it's something Prophylaxis himself cares quite a bit about.

"I'm admittedly not sure how chimlinks will work in your specific case," Prophylaxis considers after a moment, then: "But we'll make it work. Let me know what the others decide, but for now..." He gestures, sending over an <<Alliance Invitation>> to the other Cait Sith, "Welcome. We're glad to have you, and any of the Uncrowned who wish to join us."