War of Dragons 2: Meeting of the Camps

It's a rainy day at Camp White - many kilometers away from Seeker's Landing. Thick water droplets descending into the mountain valley. Against all the joy felt upon the plains of Kallamore, there's a subtle sadness still in the air.

The subtle rumble of thunder groans in the air in the distance. But from the camp, there's no lightning to be seen. Just a rumble in the skies.

There's a few mages standing guard just outside of a larger tent, and at least one of the earth mages has created a little constant 'cave' for themselves they can stand in to get out of the rain -- constantly feeding in a bit of their magic.

Within the tent itself, it's a bit warmer. Those just entering are witness to the leader of the northern camp of Wrath, the titular Wrath himself, shaking and grabbing Weed by the shirt. Weed himself dispassionately looking at Wrath.

"We have the advantage now. We should strike at the city! Take them out!"

Weed, bringing his hands down on Wrath's hand, looks him right in the eyes. "Your people would just be slaughtered by the Guardians. And you know this, brother Kyou~" -- "Wrath!" --- "Wrath." Weed relents.

Sophia Keren touches a hand to her mouth and lets out a rasping 'ahem', reminding them that they are guests in her house with just a singular sound - leading Wrath to let go of Weed and turn towards the rest of the Adventurers entering. Weed pats his shirt, and notes; "We still don't know where the entrance to Kallamore's underground is. And while we have a man on the inside, and we have the momentum against them, it is important to consider that this is exactly when they are not expecting us to strike against Rosenheim."

"I believe we should use this opportunity to find a way into Thor from beneath the ground right now. Alternative entrances, while they are moving their people out to help shore up the defenses at Kallamore. But more importantly, we should create tensions between the Kingdoms. If we can make them feel like they stand alone in this, things will go much easier." Sophia proposes.

Once she's stepped inside Shiruba pulls down the hood of her cloak. And resists the urge to want to shake like any canine would want do when wet. As is she does give her tail a light flick to keep it from getting soaked down though. Then takes in the current situation. "... Looks like they started the debates already."

She steps to the side as to not block the entrance, and folds her hands behind her back. "But you're correct, trying to just rush the capital would be reckless without finding the entrance to the underground first. We can fight other Adventurers and Lander troops, but not Guardians."

    The large lizardman parts the entrance way to the tent and holds it open for the others who are entering. Still though this gives him plenty of time to catch up on the conversation, "I see the conversation has already started." There is an attempt at levity in his voice as he stands at the entrance for the moment though eyeing a spot on the ground that looks dry. "So I am assuming the topic of the day is our next move?"

     Rizadoman gives a moment for the answer before he weighs in, "In times like this perhaps we need to plan something on multiple fronts. We have the numbers and while searching Kallamore we could also work on Rosenheim, or Thor." His head swivels to Sophia, "A pipedream for Thor kingdom, would be the gate. I don't suppose anyone here has any knowledge about the gates do they?"

Yeowang has come in from the rain, her heavy cloak quite damp. She sheds it, to be out from under the damp burdenb, and looks around at the various significant dignitaries. She ahems softly and offers, "i am in the last stages of organizing a mission to Lumina Cloth," Kallamore's capital. "under the guise of a merchant mission. A disguised Palace Lander boat captured when Seeker's Landing was retaken, and a small smattering of trade goods will, I hope, along with suitable disguses for local Palace Land garb, allow us to infiltrate. I think that entry would afford us a good opportunity to conduct that search." She looks around to the others to see what they can offer.

Haru steps in with the other Silver Sword leader as he draws back his hood to shield the rain from his head. "It requires to take stock of the assets you currently have," Haru tells Shiruba as he dusts off the rain with a light wind arte. "Espionage would be something you execute after being cultivated, like reaping a harvest. Not something you start after the fact," he says, having had unintentional involvement in that before. "Starting late pulls away from momentium or sets up a long game." He used similar even headed logic to plan and retake Shibuya. Looking to Riz there is a light nod of the head, "No ideas at the onset are bad. It will be a matter of field assets after that and alternatives."

A hand gestures, "Personally a cut of supply lines and internal dissent is advisable. Seiges are acts of attrition or blitz. If we had the later, we wouldn't be talking like this." Or maybe we have a secret weapon tucked away. Dun dun duhn.

Wet from the rain clings to Mikage's pale hair as it lays about her face. The storm doesn't bother the girl who is an elementalist in her own right, often calling those same elements to her will. However, Rama is studiously grooming himself, clearly not enjoying the gray day. The cat has aged from the first days they were trapped in Yamato, now a full sized Lynx.

Mikage is not a diplomat, or a strategist. She is a sword. A weapon people point in a direction where they want to see things fall. So, this argument between various forces is met with only a curious lift of her eyebrows, her usual quiet tendencies lingering taking precedence.

"We've found hidden entrances into the underground before. Some of us are remarkably skilled with tracking that sort of thing down... but..." She lightly strokes Rama's head, the Were Fang looking thoughtful. "We can't afford to split those resources too widely." Does she have any suggestions? No, it seems not. Instead, she just seems to be taking in what the others bring to the table.

Even the swiftest of the swift can't always avoid the rain.

Kotono arrives looking a bit on the wet side herself as her hair is plastered to her head. She runs a hand through it as she enters, making room for Miyako to follow her in as well. She takes the time to dry herself off before helping her fellow Spriggan dry off as well.

Kotono is not a diplomat, and while strategy is in her veins somewhat, it's more of a spur-of-the-moment thing than anything, so she doesn't say much for the time being, instead letting the others speak for now.

There is a Prophylaxis! He is absolutely here! His player, however, is pretty damn miserable with some kind of headcold.

And so he will be a little less well-animated today.

Clearly the animators are going to have to touch this episode up in the Blu-Rays.

"Mmm. I agree. It'd be best to focus on a single city at a time. Though... Three Alliances, three cities. It may be worthwhile to at least make it look like we're splitting our forces. That way they might drop their guard while we focus on finding an alternative entrance. The question I have is..."

"What about their Kunie? Do we go for them too...?"

    Miyako arrives in concert with Kotono, as the Spriggan pair frequently do, patting her hair dry with a towel. "We've got a good beachhead here but it's not perfect," she muses. "We need to focus on the top, the source of control for the Crowns, not the common soldiers who are just following orders." She pauses for a moment, glancing over towards Prophylaxis. "Dangerous," she muses. "We know they can do all sorts of tricks. If they're genuinely loyal to the local leaders, not controlled..."

    Fukaziroh is behaving. When the NWA is present in such force, she's generally on her best behaviour... though to be fair, she generally does behave fairly well when talking in general. It's when she's one on one or just among friends that she tends to go all-out outrageous.

    That said, she's not without comment or expression. "A siege doesn't sound great." she notes. "Or an assault either. I don't think any force can assault a root town, not without neutralizing the ... ah... the Guardians first." she says. Having been in on one of those sorts of discussions, she knows about the manner in which a root town changes allegiance, but isn't sure it's her place to say. "I don't see the point of a siege though. Sieges just weaken the people inside the city, which is pointless if we can't fight the Guardians. And it'd mean a whole bunch of innocent Landers are going to suffer, right along with the not so innocent ones."

    Not said, but felt... if we take it all out on Landers who weren't a part of the invasion of Yamato... what makes us different from those who attacked believing their own way of life had been threatened?

Wrath spits to the ground. "I know." He answers Shiruba as she enters. Seeming pretty sour on the reminder he's being given. Wrath is a man that, while wild and prone to bouts of anger, hasn't led his people astray yet. His guerilla warfare tactics have proven quite effective near the Kallamore region. However, even he is getting antsy at trying to keep the momentum, with the Blind Goddess statue up.

"But who knows how long it us before Harrifenas pulls out some of his secret weapons to tear down that statue!" He points out.

Weed sits down at one of the temporary tables and pulls out some paper. "There is another problem. And that is supplies. Our camps are days of travel out from each city. And while we can communicate safely for the most part thanks to our Chimlinks..." He motions at his ear. "Somehow, some of the Landers in their Kingdoms have gotten access to Chimlinks as well. So that is not an advantage unique to us. And then there's the logistics. The /resources/ involved in trying to keep this going that long distance." After all, things expire in one's Inventory.

"We are rebels, we don't have the resources to attack on multiple fronts. Not when it comes to these kinds of dangerous missions." Weed points out to Rizadoman, nodding at Mikage in agreement.

"I don't know much about the Gates beneath Dol Dona. But it's also the hardest place to get into, period. We have no chance of getting in across the surface. It's too well defended. We need a way to get through the underground gates. But there's high level monsters living in the underground around Dol Dona, proving a natural barrier to any investigations so far." Sophia provides. "It would take a significant mission to get information on them." Mikage might recall seeing some of those gates during her visit beneath Dol Dona. Before everything went tits-up.

Wrath notes; "I can get you some merchant passes to get into Kallamore to help your disguise work. We have some old ones still laying around from some of the people who came through the Blind Goddess statue's field recently, and have joined our camp. But with so many people coming uncrowned..."

Weed interjects; "Camp Wrath is getting overcrowded. And the Spiders are getting restless at so many Adventurers near them. But none of the other camps have room or the resources to take them."

"And I can't risk taking them. This area gets checked by Thor too often." Sophia points out. "Still, we have to go for their Kunie. We must either take them down. But we don't know if they are even crowned, or if they are willingly working for them." She points out to Prophylaxis. "That will have to be a decision to be made in the moment. Not something we can plan for, based on reports we've gotten. We can't risk trying 'twice' to go into their domains." And to follow up with Miyako, adding; "It seems that to take down the Crowns, the best thing to do is to deal with the Kunie. If we take away control from the leaders of the city, the Crowns /should/ stop working, based on intel that Wrath has gathered."

It seems all of them agree that a Siege isn't where this is to be going. But none of them can really decide which city to put their resources into yet. Kallamore seems like the logical and 'easiest' target. Especially with Yeowang already planning on scouting the area. But if they invest in Kallamore, the harder targets of Rosenheim and Thor are sure to become even more difficult to penetrate.

Yeowang nods at what Mikage says about finding entrances to the underground, and agrees with Fuka, saying, "We don'y reallu have the forces for a siege anyhow, on this side of the ocean, so flipping the Guardians is probably our only choice. Though without a way to force control over a Kunie, it will be a matter of clever negotiation rather than force applied like a commando raid in order to win the Kunie's trust and swat their allieguance. The Yamato Kunie all seemed to have different unique quirks, so we have no way to guess what a Palace Land Kunie might consider valuable."

She smiles gratefully to Wrath about the merchant passes, saying, "I would be very grateful for that," and adds, "And I can perhaps add some supplies now that Seeker's Landing is producing again, if that will help you without giving too much away?" As to a coup making the other Kingdoms even harder to take, she says, "A population can only stay mobilized for so long before it grows either complacent or rebellious, and either of those counters their increated readiness."

So going for the Kunie is about the only thing they /can/ do. At least, the only thing that can secure victory in a reasonable span of time. Prophylaxis nods slowly, then adds:

"About the spiders. It may be possible to negotiate with them. There are certainly some powerful ones around Dol Dona and Lumina Cloth. Perhaps if we can strike a deal, we may be able to more safely access the underground...?"

"Supplies are something we can attempt to address as well, but shipping is going to be rough. We'd need to either massively expand Seeker's Landing to have adequate throughput, or to capture Kallamore and use it as a main port. It seems like securing the seas may be of particular strategic value in general, as well."

    Rizadoman moves from the entrance of the tent to take a seat and casts a low amount of fire magic to try and heat the ground under him, even in these summer months the race makes the ground cold. "I am a fan of the doctors point, you rebels are not alone any more. The resources of our alliances are availabe to you as Mr. Weed has already seen. " There was a lot of information given so Rizadoman simply pulls out his charcoal pencil and some loose paper and begins to make notes, "So to recap, we have a monster under Dol Dona that needs to be dealt with. We need supplies brought in for the camps and perhaps to even institute a runner system for more secure information, or at least good ole fashion coded chim talk. Finally Camp Wrath is overcrowded and we certainly do not want to piss off the spiders but they need a new location to go, not a pre-established one. " Looking at the trio of the rebellion, "Is this accurate account of the current problems? "

Shiruba tilts her head at that tidbit. "They've found a way to.." Then stops, thinking about it for a long moment and what they've learned about the effects of dying too often. If they've beaten Adventurers down to the point they no longer count as such, but still have Chimlink access.... A leak they can do little about other than be cautious in communcations.

She shakes her head to clear the train of thought. "Of course we will still provide support and supplies, though that still involves issues with time, and avoiding their naval strengths. We did manage to find and free one of their privateer captains, but that is only one ship. Barely a scratch." Idly she taps her fingertips against a cheek. "If we could find more resources here we could assist you in gathering, that would help relieve of some that strain... Of course that's not without danger either, between the Enemy and how the threat level of your wildlife is."

    "I'm no military strategist." Fuka says in an exaggerated manner that almost makes it sound like she's bragging about her strategic genius. She IS good at exploiting expectations though, and wonders if that might be useful here. "But if our only path forward is to deal with the Kunie, then we probably should tackle the most difficult city to access *first*." she claims. "If we take a weaker city by reaching its Kunie, it'll make our enemies more aware of our methods, making it far harder to reach the next one! I think we're going to need to go after the most heavily-guarded first, while we still have some degree of surprise on our side."

Haru stands and listens, eyes going to each person that is referenced. He hums as his voice finds no ears. A mental note is taken there and, as such, as little more to offer verbally to the busy pot. A single blue eye flicks to Shiruba and what she has to say about the chimlink. "We cleaned ours up before. It was a known risk and we took measures early on during the conflict. Its not surprising to see signals intercepted by intelligence." Nor spies in the local area.

Mikage's blue eyes shift over towards Yeowang, giving a nod of agreement. "If the Landers aren't controlling their Kunie, it's going to be a task to try to convince them to change allegiances. The hard part is doing so without making ourselves as bad as our enemies in the process. Words, not force." This, from the person who is usually not one for much in the way of words. Obviously, Mikage is not volunteering to speak to any Kunie on the group's behalf, she knows that would be a bad idea.

"As for supplies... I would say that we should be able to put a bit of pressure on our allies in the Fourland Dukedom. They know first hand just what it was like to be under the Landers' control. But travel takes time." She fidgets, fingers touching the edge of an earring dangling from her ear. "A lot of our finest crafters ended up here, helping with the statue. I'm sure some of them could help."

Again, Mikage seems to not be volunteering, herself. The Ranger isn't a crafter, not by a long shot. Maybe volunteering other people isn't really wise, but it seems all she can offer for the time being.

"Look, anything to get us more information, and to push those guys noses into the dirt." Wrath answers Yeowang as he is being thanked. It doesn't seem like he's really good at taking 'thank you's and rather just point out that he's doing it in order to get revenge. One doesn't favor the name 'Wrath' and be polite all the time. "Still, we could definitely use the extra supplies. But I don't think even Seeker's Landing will be able to keep up with demand. No offense." Wrath points out. "And the shipping lanes aren't exactly safe."

Prophylaxis brings something up though. Wrath scoffs; "You think you can get the Teras to work with us near Kallamore? You must be mad. Besides, Lumina Cloth doesn't have the kind of underground that Dol Dona has." He points out.

"But he's onto something. If we could get help from the Spider Goddess you people uncovered a while ago - it might just be the way to deal with Dol Dona. But are you sure that you can /control/ such a ruthless thing? I know that reports say you barely managed to communicate with it." She glances to Mikage at that, then back to Prophylaxis. "What if it turns on us? Or worse?"

"Monsters." Sophia then corrects Rizadoman. "The area around Dol Dona, beneath the ground, is like an enormous dungeon floor. It's rife with high level and dangerous monsters. Behemoths a plenty, if you understand." The woman tries to push home. "But some of what you mentioned sounds accurate so far."

Weed nods his head. "Yeah, the big problem is that we don't have a place for the new refugees to go. We'd love to keep them on as battle forces. We'd ship them out, but there's just too many of them, and naval travel is too risky at this time." He adds. "At least it is when trying to head to Yamato. That corridor is being watched like a hawk by the Navy."

The Yamato ships keep having to take slightly different detours to avoid Rosenheim Navies from starting to gun them down.

To Fukaziroh's point, Sophia points out; "That would be Dol Dona."

Weed disagrees; "No, that'd be Naval Monte. To even /get/ there, you need to come by water or get across the massive bridge. There's no way of even getting in there without being spotted."

Something Sophia seems to relent to with a sigh.

Weed then adds; "Honestly, Rosenheim is the biggest problem. It's almost unassailable. I have been trying to come up with plans to deal with that city for years now, and I've not found a single viable weakness." Something he clearly hates to admit, as he kind of 'slams' a fountain pen down on the table.

"Anyhow. I don't think we are worried about our communications being 'intercepted'." Wrath points out. "We are using guild channels, and our guild is pretty small. That isn't the problem. The problem is just speed of communication. If they spot us, they can more easily stalk us and detect us, reinforcing positions and ambush through communication." Trying to paint a better picture to Haru.

Weed nods at Mikage as she mentions some of the crafters. "Yes, some of them entered our camps and have been helping. But any help you could get from Fourland would be greatly appreciated. But shipments will be risky. And it's still what... a week's travel to get here? Keeping those supply lines safe is risky. But may be worth it on the short term."

"Not control," Prophylaxis answers. "The Spiders we've encountered have been... much more intelligent than that. And capable of complex reasoning besides. Add to the fact that they aren't immediately hostile, and I believe there is the distinct possibility of communication and cooperation. We will need to have the right personnel on hand, and negotiation will need to take place first, but I believe that they can be reasoned with. If nothing else, we can provide assurances of peaceful post-bellum relations and respect of territorial control. If we can build additional ties, then we might be able to achieve even more."

Beat.

"If we need a short term base..." The doctor... fixes a finger on two spots. "There is a temple to Long Wang here, hidden in the wilderness near Seeker's Landing. Also, if we can clear the guardian protecting Babel Tower's base, we may be able to use it as a local base."

    Miyako discards what she was about to say to look over at Prophylaxis. "You know, I'd almost forgotten that. Babel Tower ... we should check it out regardless, if we can get to it. It's just too significant to let stand uninvestigated."

Yeowang nods to Wrath about Seeker's Landing not providing enough to satisfy their needs. "No offense taken. If the best we can do us ease the strain a little, it's the best we can do." She considers the comm vulnerabilities, but then it seems like it's not /too/ vulnerable. On the subject of timing, she proposes, "If we can come to some agreement with the Kunie in each city, we can perhaps include timing in with that agreement, so that all the cities are affected at once and none given the chance to prepare?"

Proph's words about the Spiders are telling, and she says, "Having them as an ally will help us tremendously. As for bases, I will defer to the militarty strategists here for logistic choices."

Kotono nods to Miyako at the comment about Babel Tower. "Yeah, although if the name is any indication..." She trails off. "Should we even..." The Spriggan shakes her head. "Nah, I'm sure there's no harm in checking it out."

There is a moment of quiet consideration from Mikage, as Rama finishes his grooming and then lifts his head, looking around, ears swiveling. "The 'Spider Goddess' didn't seem like a threat when I spoke to her. But I won't know for certain unless we seek her out and try for a longer conversation. That is easier said than done." The strange powers aren't always easy to maintain for long periods of time.

"If you need offensive power to throw at something, point me in the right direction." Mikage gives a nod towards Prophylaxis.

    Rizadoman makes a noise of acknowledgement as he edits his notes, "Monsters got it. " Looking towards the doctor for a moment there is a questioning look but nods his head accepting, "The doctor's alliance is quite competent at dealing with situations like what you describe at Dol Dona. Perhaps it is best to let the Scale Emblem Alliance see what they can do there. " Turning his gaze back to Fukaziroh, there is a look of surprise at her idea and then the others as it is discussed, and several times Rizadoman seems to suggest something before devolving to hmm'ing and ha'ing and tilts his head slowly for a momenet back and forth and then an idea, "In Yamato it is soon to be storm season I don't know if that happens here but if it does large storm would provide enough chaos to allow people to sneak in there, but it would be dangerous. "

    Rizadoman tilts his head back and forth more and shakes his head, "So we seem to have several ideas, I suppose we need to decide what we are commiting to. " In the end if this just devolved to talks with no actions nothing would come from any of this meeting.

Haru looks to Mikage with the mention of supply chain, "It can be arranged, or reinforced, locally as well as externally." He glances to Riza and says, "Correct."

"Peaceful post... bel... what?" Wrath plays the fool, as if he doesn't get what Prophylaxis is saying. "Stop using fancy words, BunBun!" Humphing and crossing his arms. "Anyhow, if you wanna go talk to spiders, have fun. Just don't be bringing them to our camp. They're enough trouble as it is. The Spider that runs that shithole is constantly on edge already."

"Long Wang's temple could work for a few people though." Sophia points out. "I hear the Adventurers have been helping keep it cleared out a bit. And we can move some of our people into the shops and the like left at the Blind Goddess statue. Probably just the warriors - being that close to Kallamore." She points out.

Weed shakes his head. "Already full. Wrath may look like that, but he knows how to use his head."

"Are you calling me ugly!? You want a go, penny-pincher!?" Wrath grunts at Weed. Which immediately gets Sophia to pipe up; "HEY!"

Wrath shuts up.

She rubs along the bridge of her nose. "It's like dealing with children." She mutters, before looking to Miyako. "Babel Tower is right out of the question for us. That area is guarded by enemies that are way too high level to approach without a raid party. Not to mention, climbing the mountain itself to get to the tower seems impossible. You'd need some kind of flying fortress to deal with that." She points out.

"Still, you are welcome to try and check it out. Just remember that it's dangerous." Sophia adds.

Weed then looks to Mikage as she speaks of the Spider Goddess. "It seems like a good way to help Sophia with Dol Dona, if we want to go in that direction instead." He proposes. "Do let me know if you have any ideas on how to approach Naval Monte though." Giving a bitterly hopeful look. "But the Storm Season is something that helps disguise - if you wanted to do some scouting there." He offers to Rizadoman, since he brings it up.

Shiruba steeples her fingers together thoughtfully. "So, Rosenheim is off the table for the moment, though we should keep eyes open for any unexpected oppritunities... Worry about Lumina and Dol Dona first. And strenghtening supply access. Which may likely take more than one method." She gives a glance towards Haru and Mikage. "Because if we focus on just one means of resources, and that method gets stomped by the enemy, we're back to square one. I know outriding isn't the most exciting task, but it's something more combat or defense oriented members can contribute to."

She sits up, turning her attention to Prophylaxis as the main Scale Emblem representive present. "Most of the Uncrowned Adventurers have joined your Alliance, Doctor. That's another resource for information we need to keep tapping. We may learn quickly but they still know these lands and their ways best."

Haru motions a hand to Shiruba, "Weaknesses create Opportunities. If there are none known, the act is to probe for them. It is worth assessing now for a future strategy but, yes, it looks like that is last." The hand goes down to his side. "Which means Lumina and Dol Dona. And keep in mind when you secure one, you secure a local supply line." Then, the man who Uncrowns people takes stock of that little fact as he looks from Shiruba to Proph, "True. And Wake is best suited for that discussion." The silver haired man closes his one visible blue eye and slowly reopens. So noisy.

    Fuka glances sidelong at Shiruba as Long Wang is mentioned, and she snickers. Quietly though, while maintaining eye contact with Shiruba. She's behaving, honestly! Or at least she's behaving honestly.

    "Is flying possible around here?" Fuka asks, as a comment catches her attention, breaking her off from a potential snigger. "I've been on an attempted flight back home, and it didn't go well. If it's possible that airships work effectively here, well... what do you think, Prof?" the little Sylph asks, knowing Proph may not have been responsible for Scale's project but no doubt he was informed and involved in some manner.

"Cyrus can make potions and such to help support efforts. As for me, I'll help however I can, which usually means as a communication hub or shooting things in the face." At least the girl knows what she is good at. Mikage shrugs one shoulder, "Though, with the Storm season approaching, you and I might be able to provide some cover with some of our elemental abilities." Afterall, Mikage and Shiruba were well known for being some of the Adventurers with the best 'storm' affinities.

The girl appears to be thinking, though. Her fingers tap along one knee.

With the need for improved logistics identified and her own mission seeminglu greenlit, Yeowang seems to have nothing more to offer. But they didn't protest her proposal to synchronize takeovers, so perhaps that has been simply assumed? The infighting between Wrath and the other Palace Land principals is a bit unsettling, but they are at least all motivated in the same direction. "If we are lucky, then the Kunie are crowned, and we can gain their trust simply by uncrowning them." As to infiltrating such an impregnable city, she is at a loss. "Infiltration by stealth seems called for, but disguises may be useful? There /must/ be some method such a city takes in supplies?"

"That and making use of the wildlife," Shiruba agrees with Mikage. "Nothing like the retaking of Seeker's Landing, but getting to better know and handle the... unusual nature of Beasts here gives us more potential eyes and ears." Especially with her own Relic that allows her to briefly borrow their sense and perceptions.

"Hmn, we might want to hold off on Babel, then. At least until we can secure other beachheads," Prophylaxis rubs his chin. Why did there have to be so many damn high level monsters out here? It makes logistics a double pain in the ass. That's one pain per cheek, and that's just two pains too many!

He nods at Shiruba's suggestion, then. "I'll see what I can do. On that topic, I'd like to focus some of my attention on Lumina Cloth, personally. I have a few obligations I need to take care of up there. Though I admit that I've got one hell of a bone to pick with Harrifenas, too. But I figure it may take us some time to hash out a deal with the Spiders, anyway."

Haru shoots a gaze at Yeowang, "There is nothing lucky about being crowned." Period. He still vividly remembers the Mac Anu Kunie. Fire of the Divine Beast stoking like embers in the notion of it being seen in favorable or exploitative light. "I don't object to focusing on Lumina Cloth first. All things equal, we need to pick one."

    Miyako scowls at the dismissal of an attempt at the Tower, having been quite curious what might be hidden within. "There is nothing lucky about being crowned... but being uncrowned, /in this case/, means that they're either cooperating willingly, or ignoring it. Which is definitely not of the good, for us." She clenches a fist and glares. "Not at all what I'd call 'lucky' for us, certainly."

    A glance to the doctor and then at the ground, "The Harrifena family is definately on my to do list. The princess and I have unfinished business." There was a low growl before he looks at the others, "So it feels like an agreement has been reached that we will focus our main efforts on Lumina Cloth, while working on supporting supply runs and efforts to find new places for camps. With what resources we have left we can work on gathering information and making steps for Dol Dona and Navel" Writing this all down for a few more minutes he stops and looks up, "Did I get it all?"

Kotono does nod to Miyako with agreement, but she doesn't say anything either. From the look on her face, she's not exactly happy about Miyako's dismissal either. Unlike her buddy, Kotono's a bit more silent for the time being. She simply folds her arms and looks away after a moment, closing her eyes in disgust.

Wrath, Sophia, and Weed quiet for a moment as they listen to the Adventurers. In truth, they are all concerned. They've gained great allies when Yamato came over. In many ways, they are heroes that succeeded where the Uncrowned failed. Wresting control back from the Palace Landers after the take-over of Mac Anu.

How much can they ask for? How much is it appropiate to ask for? These Rebels are in their debt, but they also still need their help. The Adventurers are of course all too willing. But... where is that limit? Where is the limit for Yamato as a whole? At what point would the Kingdoms give up on the Palace Lands?

"Agreed. It seems there's at least a plan. A focus on Lumina Cloth then, in order to ensure we get a base of operations, hopefully freeing it. And while we are running operations to find the Kunie, the rest will be starting an operation to get into contact with the 'Spider Goddess' and running missions beneath the ground near Dol Dona in order to get a way through the Gates." Weed summerizes.

"Thank you." Sophia then adds, touching two hands above her chest for a moment. Noticing Miyako's chagrin, she notes; "I don't think the Tower will help us get control of the region back. When we have more resources, we'll gladly help you check out that Tower. But right now, we just cannot afford to do so." Pausing, before nodding; "And you are right, there is nothing positive about being Crowned. But from a cruel and technical point, it is the most likely conditions under which we might see success."

"Whatever - seems like a plan I guess. I'll see if I can arrange for a meeting with our contact in Lumina Cloth if we're going to try and push for the matter of the Kunie." He points out. "But he's pretty flightly. I think Tian is one of the few who has seen his face. I don't know if he's willing to talk. But we'll see."

Yeowang shrugs to Haru, "If they're Crowned, it's certainly unfortunate for the Kunie, and difficult for us, but it will make it much more straightforward for us to gain their allegiance, if we can /un/Crown them," she explains, echoing Sophia's point.

She nods as Weed lays out our path forward, and she ohs at word that someone has seen this Kunie. "That's fortunate, then," she agrees. "And I suppose we shall see what we see if we can get there."

"I can understand if he would not be willing to speak directly to us yet, to keep his identity a secret from potential notice, but if he can at least pass information to those intending to investigate Lumina Cloth farther it would be of considerable benefit," Shiruba replies with a nod. "Which we would greatly appreciate."

Haru shrugs to Yeo and turns his attention to Sophia, "Beating an enemy that uses cruel tactics by employing them ourselves for an edge." Things he won't back down on. With that he glances to Shiruba. He has heard enough. Its fortunate that there are others that share his technique, he wants nothing to do with it now. The Artificer departs.

With a plan seemingly in place, Mikage pushes herself up, patting her side as an indication to Rama. The Lynx gets to his feet, shaking himself off. Luckily he is mostly dry. "Sounds like I know what I need to do."

Mikage inclines her head to the rebel leadership before she starts to head out. "I'll get Cyrus on those supplies in the mean time." Finding the Kunie and communicating with the Spider Goddess. Those were her tasks. As simple as they sound, neither is an easy task to accomplish fully.