Session 20240516 The Diplomatic Gambit
General Summary
Bertrum's Journal
The Diplomatic Gambit
In the fair spring morn, with hearts resolved and minds astir, we set forth upon the tranquil waters to a small isle on the lake, there to convene with the Linowan delegation. Their arrival struck a curious sight, each delegate masked in the visage of a wooden beast, a council of mystery and intention veiled.
Arrayed before us, from left to right, were the voices and wills of Linowa:
- Iriyaya, seeking the measure of the Bull's might,
- Huta, ardent for war's savage embrace,
- Talzu, envisioning Linowan strength unfettered by the Realm,
- Wallanni, scheming for her matriarch's ascent,
- Lalantiwasha, keen to broker the finest accord,
And Huzuwa, desiring Linowa's alliance with the Realm.
Armed with my crafted missive, empowered by the "Twisted Words Technique," I presented our proposal of alliance, the eloquence of my words weaving a persuasive spell. Five delegates acquiesced, yet Huzuwa seemed an enigma, her presence a shadow in our minds, a phantom of altered memories.
Amidst this eerie disquiet, the horizon darkened with the approach of Realm war canoes, laden with monks on a martial errand. These figures were familiar, erstwhile allies in the skirmish of Kajeth, now turned foes. The tension burgeoned as their canoes advanced, hostile intent clear.Battle commenced as the monks launched their assault upon our barge. Arrows flew, one grazing my arm, a sharp reminder of the peril at hand. Attila's anima blazed fiercely, his fiery chakrams cutting through the first two boats with deadly precision, felling two of the Dragon-Blooded monks in an instant.
Upon our gangplank surged a force of monks, met with unyielding resistance from our Unconquered Guard and Mufasa, who swiftly laid them low. Nightshade's prowess shone as she dispatched another Dragon-Blooded adversary upon the deck, while Mistress of the Glade's might felled yet another survivor of Attila's initial onslaught.
In the midst of this chaos, a monk of great mystery, whom we suspected to be Huzuwa, engaged Nightshade and was bested. Yet, in a manner most baffling, this monk vanished from the fray, leaving our memories of the encounter shrouded in confusion.
The skirmish concluded swiftly, leaving us to return to the negotiations, our martial prowess having left the Linowan delegates in stunned awe. Yet, amidst this temporary triumph, a disquieting revelation surfaced. The delegates had been dispatched with a ruse to squander our time, intending to spurn our offer while they resupplied and readied for continued strife.
I hold a tentative belief that our demonstration of strength and diplomacy has swayed them towards alliance. Yet, doubt gnaws at my peace, for the true extent of their power and intent remains uncertain. In the wake of battle and bargaining, vigilance and strategy must be our steadfast companions.
Thus, we chart our course forward, ever mindful of the shifting tides of allegiance and enmity that weave through the tapestry of our endeavours.
Bertrum Blumenthal