[center]------ Djerád Thymár [u]House Dracons Honoured Halls of Memory[/u] ----------[/center] Time oft played cruel tricks on men, even when he but allowed only a moment of lapse to take his eyes of the shifting sands. It seemed only scant years ago he had vied with his brothers for right to rulership. Fought all to the last for the honor to lead their proud homeland. It was rare such duels of succession took place even in as martial as a culture as the Jahun-ka. Yet, when Dianru II Dracon the ruler of the five houses of Karkarth and lord of the Seat of Flame died suddenly of illness. Three of his four sons quickly began vying for power in the coming chaos.The situation had almost spiraled out of control before Dianru’s youngest son had stepped forth and challenged his older siblings to duels of honor. The move surprised many, most of all the three contenders. None had expected the young Tiberius, who had showed little ambition throughout most of his life, to move so boldly. So often forgotten was he that many had nicknamed him “The Other Dragon”. His brothers had thought his challenge equally absurd, but so assured were they, and not to mention the repercussions for refusing, that they quickly accepted Tiberius’s challenge of succession by trial by combat. Little had they realized Tiberius’s grown skill with the blade and shield. Oposs, Suaco, and Vignar, from eldest to youngest, had each mastered a given path of the Sublime Way. Tiberius however had done something rarer, something many thought impossible. He had learned all nine paths and mastered each in turn. Years of endless toil and training, of which Tiberius had thrown himself into with greater degree than even the radical Jahun-ka norm had allowed him to succeed where few even tried. It had been an escape mechanism he knew. A adolescents attempt to escape the unbearable truth of Ashara, his beloved's, death. He had never imagined his skills put to use against his very kin. Yet, it was an unavoidable outcome. He had seen what his brothers had become, he could not have allowed Karkarth to fall under the sway those who cared so little for those they deemed lesser than they. Honor demanded more than they were willing to sacrifice. Those days were years ago yet he would remember the fateful day of his duel until his last breath. The memory forever etched into his skin, quite literally. Here in the Honored Halls of Memory, a large circular room with with an oval high ceiling, such remembrances seemed fitting. Adorning the walls were heirlooms of countless sorts; from artfully crafted weapons, portraits or suits of armor from famed figures throughout House Dracons history immortalized in stone. Here and there were placed these stunningly life like sculptures placed throughout the room. The walls too bespoke of the legacies of kings and queens alike. Tiberius Dracon stood before a portrait of the late Dianru II. The stoic visage of his father stared back down at him as if with judging eyes. Tiberius returned that stare with one of his own, all the while wondering idely what the man before him would do in Tiberius’s situation now. Immolation had been declared on the lands of the once mighty Somnus Imperium. The man who would call himself the prophet of the Dragon Goddess had called all those who upheld her honor to restore order. Of course he knew what his father would do. He would march to the aid of his allies without hesitation and with firm resolve. Come what may. Could he harness such resolute resolve himself? How this coming of the Dream plague had changed much in the world, for it now made difficult a once simple thing. A knock on the door to the chamber rocked Tiberius from his silent thoughts. “My Lord, the council of war is ready to begin but at your command.” came a voice from behind the two large wooden doors. Tiberius sighed and collected himself. He gave one last look up at his late father. “Let it be so then.” [center]------ [i]Chamber of Campaigns[/i] --------------[/center] The Chamber of Campaigns was alight with its usual fires, something not as needed as usual since today the sun had decided to reveal itself on a rare occasion. Tiberius took it as a good omen. Seated around the oval table were the some of the east’s most talented tacticians and warriors. Tiberius sat at the far end of the table in his own stone seat, his distinct iron mask and hood obscuring his face as usual. To his right was his son freshly arrived from the northern frontier, still wearing his segmented battle plate armor from the road. Kelnzo’s long braids hung down across each of his massive shoulders, his features sharp and carried a rugged handsomeness to it, his dark draconic eyes were on the map before him. The colors and landscapes of which shifting slightly from clouds flowing by peaks. The illusion of the tables magic even showed the movement of rivers and the smoke billowing forth from Mount Dread. On his left sat Kiha Dracon- her expression unreadable and every bit as imposing as most Jahun-ka and no less armoured at that in her corselet of tempered steel left sleeveless to reveal her impressive muscled arms. She wore a single long thick braid of her night-black hair which ran down her back, with an added pair of wicked horns protruding from her forehead, the twin spikes matching the curve of her skull so that their pointed tips stuck out behind her. The horns alone bespoke how strongly her dragons blood ran within her giving her a frightening if exotic beauty about her. She was also just as tall as her father, if not an inch or two more, making her the second tallest in the room. Only Warsword Kayun of House Vervesh was larger, his arms thick like cords of steel, he was built like a small mountain. His wild mane of hair was unbraided, rather rare for a warrior Jahun-ka, but his beard was well groomed and braided with many iron beads. Each one bespoke of a victory over a foe, and he had many indeed. Lord Kayun was in fact Patriarch of House Vervesh, which held the fearsome Black Host. Warpaint was painted around his eyes a snow white coloration to it, its pattern sweeping down his face like tears. Of those at the table, Lord Kayun perhaps held the largest smile. His place had always been that of the battlefield, even when he was a young toddler the Ankin’s of his Cradle had seen it early on. Once Tiberius was certain everyone was settled he began. Looking across the table at his Charlin guest he nodded slightly then said. “I welcome you honored brothers and sisters. As we are all here I believe we shall begin. Yet first, introduction I believe are in order.” He turned to his left. “This here is my second born and my only daughter, Ash Princess Kiha Dracon. To her left is Kayun of House Vervesh, he leads the Black Host as their Warsword and has been most active among the Host Warswords in the westlands. On my right and last but not least is Fire Prince and Firstsword Kelnzo Dracon.” “A pleasure,” King Vrox Galenon answered, he himself wearing his usual purple regal vestments. “Allow me to introduce those who will be joining us from Charlin today,” He continued, gesturing at three others who sat across the table from the great hosts. “My Brother, Grandmaster Paladin Marc Galenon,” The king nodded towards the well armored man straight from the purging in Rinswald. Out of all the Charlinites at the table the large man closest resembled the muscularity of the Jahun-ka, as well as their fierce demeanor. He resembled the king in visage, with the usual beard and long jet hair, but weilded sharp blue eyes that had seen the deepest pits of battle and turmoil. A soft eerie glow pronounced itself from his pupils, proving his personal blessing of strength and valor he received from Justinian himself. “Of course,” The King resumed, “My Daughter, Princess Rachox Galenon.” The Princess in question sat to the kings left, opposite of Marc. She was the youngest one at the table and was clad in her carefully smithed suit of articulated plate armor, as to not show sloth and weakness in the royal family. She was tall as all Charlin women are, and just as athletic as the female knights. She however kept a soft feminine face with a gently angled chin, fair unsullied skin, dark hair and large bright green eyes. Her figure gave off the aura of grace and pose rather than a battle-hardened maiden, but her benevolent eyes spoke of ambition and willing, as well as die hard honor that screamed out of every notable Charlinites core. In contrast to Rachox’s beauty was an older gentleman who the King simply addressed as the prestigious Boyar Ivan Purlox of Lrev. The elder man had grey shaggy hair and signs of balding as often as signs of long ago battles and duels that marked his skin with scars and imperfections. He was a wide shouldered man, and despite his older age, he showed fierce aggression in his very stature. As if trying to seal the image of a very capable seasoned soldier, the Boyar sat in his well-made plate armor that was proudly adorned with tokens of past wars and campaigns. “So, I find it fit if we first start with mapping out the details of the expedition first, then the plague and ultimately the more complicated planning of a campaign in the Remnant,” Vrox Galenon offered with his usual smile and noble prose. Tiberius nodded once. “Then let us begin.” He gestured with his right toward Kelnzo, who in turn took the cue. Kelnzo cleared his throat as he looked up from the map. His voice clear and strong as if possessed by one older than his 27 summers. “As you are now aware, an old order by the name of the Keepers of the Covenant have reached out to the Houses of Karkarth. Their quest involves finding the six lost Dragon Tablets from the Age of Dragons. They believe in doing so will give us much needed answers involving the dream plague, perhaps even give us a means of combating it. The last two members needed for the expedition are being rounded up now, The Order requested aid from the Paladins, as no one else holds their expertise when it comes to dealing with the plague. In fact ,the first clue to the Dragon tablets is believed to have been resting in what is now the plaguelands. The expedition would wish to know in what way the paladins could aid its venture.” Marc exhaled sharply from his nose and nodded at the mention of the plaguelands, “Coincidentally,” The deep voiced grandmaster began, “there are Paladins already looking for a tablet in the plaguelands, it is of a different nature, but still that raises a brow.” “As for aid, I can provide man power, as well as provide proverb on dealing with the plague, my order has developed a very fine tuned process of preventing plague outbreaks and dealing with the infected,” Marc paused to think, “But I wonder about the similarities of the tablets you seek and the single tablet I seek.” “You speak of the Code of Honor tablets,” King Vrox concluded after Marc had finished, “The one of Krax. I don’t doubt the coincidence in the matter, but I confess a doubt in any similarity, I think we would have noticed foreign marks on the tablets years ago.” Tiberius head raised at that. “The tablets of Krax?” Tiberius’s dark almost reptilian eyes inherently fell to the map before them. Specifically where Krax today stood. “If memory serves. These same tablets of Krax, later moved to a chapter house, were originally from the monasteries of Roland, I’m I correct?” “Correct,” Marc answered first. “The possibility of mere coincidence proves an unlikelihood then.” “Though not an impossibility.” Kelnzo was quick to note. “As you say. Yet, legend holds that one of the dragons secreted a tablet in the Roland mountains. There is no mention how, and this was to be the expedition's first goal.” Tiberius eyes narrowed. “It would seem, fate plays a cruel trick on us then. Should this in fact be one of the dragon tablet we seek.” Kayun who had been quiet until now spoke up. “Aye, possible. Chatentarea is well known to play such tricks.” “We won't know for sure until we can reacquire this tablet and see for ourselves.” Kelnzo voiced. “Precisely.” Tiberius added. “It seems the expedition has it’s target, it has always been my suspicion the tablet of Roland had always been a Dragon Tablet. Proving so would put us on the right path.” Kelnzo shrugged. “Then they have their first target.” He turned his attention fully to Marc. “You will have our aid in finding this tablet. I only hope it is as we believe it.” “Blessed Knight Commander Derrix Herchiv was sent after it weeks ago, and should be nearing it soon with a detachment,” Marc replied as he leaned back in his chair slightly, “Derrix has proven himself very competent to myself as well as Justinian personally, I’m sure he will see to it that his mission, which is now ours too, will be carried out with haste. In the meantime, we could send messengers in his path to update him and us on the mission or perhaps a look at the remaining tablets of honor will prove useful?” “A look at the other tablets would be most appreciated, perhaps we will be fortunate and recover a Dragon Tablet easily.” Kelnzo then turned his attention back to the map. “The other tablets will be more difficult to acquire. But with that handled..” “That brings us to the heart of this meeting purpose.” Tiberius placed a gloved hand on the table before him. The landscapes previously showing all of Avara now narrowed and seemed to fall toward one specific area. That region being the eastern portion of Avara where Karkarth, Charlin, and the Somnus Imperium bordered. “As promised the Host of Karkarth will march with Charlin’s riders. I would hear of your plans and ideas involving the campaign, however.” “After a long discussion with Marc and Boyar Ivan,” Vrox began, “We have decided that the two points needed for a successful campaign in the remnant would be a port city to control the sea that lies north of Karkarth and the remnant, as well as a city far between the axis that borders all three of us, so as to cut off Somnus reinforcements to the surrounded finger of territory.” “After a successful capture of these two points we can close in on all sides and take the finger of territory with little resistance. However the Somnus will surely come against our newly captured city, and hopefully most somnus leaders can listen to the reason of Justinian and give up without fight.” “Though I doubt it, so after the successful campaign in the ‘finger’ we will have to reinforce the western front, while using the sea to transport logistics and troops around the newly created war front and split their force,” The king finished with a smile and sat back in his chair. “”As were my thoughts and I have a plan in taking the port city, [i]Everyren[/i], as they call it.” Tiberius nodded toward Kayun. The big man grunted, “Ah, thoughts on that matter have been upon mind. I have had a few dealings in Somnus. The Marquis of the city is known to me, and both port cities around the Sea of Night are under his control.” Kayun drained his cup of water to wet his dry throat and continued. “Hmm, now on my visit we had something of a small meeting o’sorts. Apparently he wished to procure some Jahun-steel, which trade for has been strained of late since the start of their squabbling war and the demands from Otnemarcasan. I’m not head of House Orlious, but he believed I might persuade them. Now, I’m thinking we give’em what he wants....” Kayun then gave a big fanged smile. “Only, not’so much as he may have thought. A few of our best fighters can be smuggled into both cities when our ships go to anchor and trade there. Then by night, they make their way to the cities gates and leave’em wide open for our forces. It would get us both cities without a siege so quickly the Remnant would never know what hit them.” “Thus giving us access to the entire Sea of Nights,” Kelnzo reasoned. “With little bloodshed at that. If Takataren smiles upon us, it might convince the other barons among the other rebel factions to join in with us and tip the balance. Many depend on those ports for trade and fishing in the local area.” “Such is the aim of our plan, it would be a decisive early victory at no cost to us, swinging support to us and hurting the rebel factions will to fight.” Tiberius pointed out. “From there a small raiding force should move quickly toward the their central mountains where they keep their mining outpost. Quickly removing those would further hurt their ability to fight us in a battle of attrition, as well as their desire to fight. We will need to move quickly upon the success of these victories to capitalize our full advantage. If done right, we will have almost won the war before it has officially started.” Kiha Dracon who had been quiet until now as nodding. “That would also leave a raiding force far within and behind enemy lines. Further sowing chaos.” Despite her experiences and well she already knew the man, Kiha was still surprised at the tactical and strategical insights of her father. Truly he showed why he ruled a people who demanded only excellence. “I like it,” Marc said simply, “I would volunteer myself for such a mission, on the honor of our alliance.” “Although I would have to get back to the main camp to lead Paladin forces in case of a counter attack,” The Grandmaster concluded, “Either way, we will both go into this together, it is an ingenious plan.” “Perhaps then,” King Vrox said, “I shall go in your place, the boyars are so keen to lead their armies without my help anyway.” The king shot Boyar Ivan a playful smile, but got a very stretched false smile in return. Marc shook his head at the exchange, “So it is settled, I will lead the Charlin main north forces outside the gate, his majesty will personally honor the raid with his blade, and the boyars?” “I pledge my men to securing the mines along side the Jahun-ka,” The toadlike voice of Boyar Ivan croaked. The princess only offered a smile to the group. As much as she wanted to fight with everyone else, she knew that the absence of her father in Charlin meant that she was to sit in his throne for him. “Is there anything else we should discuss about these raids?” Marc asked, thinking the plan over as he stared vigilantly at the map. "Excellent," Tiberius voiced. "The Vanguard Host sent to take Everyren will be lead by my son Kelnzo Dracon," Kelnzo looked pleased by the announcement. "I will bring honor to our family and realm father," He inclined his head in respect. Tiberius gave a slight grunt in response. Kayun smiled at that before saying. "Aye, then we shall be fightin alongside each other then, fer'if it pleases you Vanquisher, I would volunteer for opening the gates." Tiberius seemed to raise an eyebrow at that. "Truly Warmaster? Such a dangerous task for one who has proven himself is not required, but I shall not turn away your aid. I profess in fact to feeling secure with this plan knowing you will be its spearhead." "As for me, I will gather the Host of western Karkarth and march them to the border of Somnus. We will not pass into their land, but it will draw their eyes south. No doubt they know of Justinian's announcements and fear a crusade of some kind. I would feed on that fear and thus draw their forces south. It must be timed a day after our trading vessels land. But the force that will take the seaside cities will come from the north instead, ferried by our fleets in the Sea of Night. By the time they discover we have taken the Sea of Night, we will be at full strength and ready to march north to rejoin our forces. They will be forced to leave their cities in our hands, or risk a siege and thus be caught in the rear by our southern forces." Kiha understood her father full scheme now, but there was one piece she still did not know. So she dared voice her concern. "And what of my contributions?" "You will remain in Karkarth and oversee the affairs of state in my absence." Kiha's jaw dropped, and Kelnzo did not miss the look that crossed her face. He had seen her lose temper enough times in their youth to know that look; and fear it. Kiha exhaled sharply. "Father, surely you do not expect me to remain her locked away like some frail maiden." "I expect you to do what you are told. I cannot trust this to Taldon, he has not yet earned the respect of all like you have." "But fa-," "Enough, the matter is settled." Tiberius turned to Vrox while Kiha fumed. She held her tongue however. "The raiding force will require speed and aggression, something the famed Charlin destrier can accomplish with ease. If you send a tally of your swiftest horses with the northern force carried across the sea, I dare say there will be little our enemies could do to stop them. This would be risking some of your men of course, So I would hear your thoughts on that matter." “You will get your destrier as well as knights to ride them,” Vrox looked at Marc. “Paladin trained knights,” Marc finished. “So it is settled, The King will help infiltrate the city and the Grandmaster will help take the city with the northern vanguard once the gate opens, while I will ride with the southern main forces,” The Boyar reiterated. “Then it is settled,” Tiberius announced. “The ships we need should be ready in three days, it will take another week to reach our targets. We must prepare our southern forces accordingly.” “The Paladins will be ready at a moments notice for the crusade, and Master Paladin Franx Jerril will be informed about the dragon tablets in my absence,” Marc offered, “Everything is set in place it seems.” [hider=Summary] Charlin and Karkarth begin preparations for the expedition. Both realms lay plans for their crusade. [/hider]