[Game Thread] On the Trail of a God

[Ziether]

The Hill, City of Twenty-Five Fountains As the guardsmen led the assembled heroes up the interminable flight of marble steps toward the summit of the Elders' Mountain, a grandiose name for a moderately high hill in the middle of the cosmopolitan City of Twenty-Five Fountains,, a trio of mighty roars pierced the relative quiet of the heights. The guards visibly tensed, turning towards each other, all looking to the captain. "Standard formation, stay ahead of the civilians. Don't get separated, and trust your training." the captain encouraged his troops, picking up the pace to crest the top of the hill. "Please do not get involved. This is a matter for the City Watch. It is unlawful to commit violent acts of any sort within the city limits unless called upon by the City Watch. If we need you, I am not unduly proud. Aid will be requested." The guardsmen dashed toward the enormous edifice standing before them, polished marble columns stretching fifty feet into the sky, supporting the towering structure of the Elder Council Hall. The captain streaked after his squad, making good time despite the heavy armor he wore as a badge of office. The unarmed, unarmored heroes followed behind. Reaching the entry, the City Watch squad paused, gawking at the sight within. Three fell creatures stood within, the Elder Council cowering before them. The beasts stood easily thirty feet tall with wicked blades in their hands and evil sneers on their faces. From the east wing, a streak of movement erupted; a figure girded from head to foot in shining armor dashed with what seemed the speed born of sorcery, slamming into the leg of the nearest creature with a crackling greatsword, slicing clean through the offending limb, gouts of acid spewing from the open wound. The daemon roared in pain before falling to the ground, rolling with the loss of limb. Its fellows turned to advance on the newcomer, but he was simply a blur. Dashing out from the shadow of the fallen outsider, the figure leapt toward the oncoming invaders, swinging his sword in an enormous arc cleaving through first one neck, then the other. The decapitated creatures' eyes rolled back in their sockets as they fell to the shining black tile floor. The bodies followed, losing their balance slowly before toppling. The armored individual glanced around for further threats before sliding his sword back into its sheath on his back. "You may compose yourselves, Councillors. The threat is contained for now. Might I suggest we get this meeting underway with all haste? It wouldn't do to let our enemy send another attack before we set out..." The ancient elf councillor gestured to the newly-arrived heroes "Please, enter, be seated. Your timing couldn't be better. We have much to discuss."

[Ziether]

Grand Council Hall, City of Twenty-Five Fountains The tall elf motioned to an enormous table of polished darkwood. The surface gleamed with three thousand years of polishing, reflecting the filtered light of the midday sun. "Please, all of you, make yourselves comfortable. We have much to inform you of. Your people have given you the basics, but the situation is more intricate than could be entrusted to any other than the most sensitive auditory organs. By the way, I am Erlannes Regiale, elder statesman of the Grand Council. Each of the beings before you represents the finest diplomatic mind of their race. Please afford them the respect due their station." The Grand Council shuffled to their customary seats around the large oval table, leaving a small number of empty seats at the near end. There were a few moments of awkward quiet as the newcomers found suitable seating arrangements. The figure encased in metal remained standing, as did the elf who had spoken earlier. Once everyone was situated, the ornate elf spoke once more. "Thank you, once more, for heeding our call and journeying to the acity of Twenty-Five Fountains. The Grand Council has a mission, and only the most trusted champions of each of the sacred races would do. While there are several other champions still journeying to the city, the time to set out is nigh. I and my fellows will bring you up to speed as best as possible, and our guest here will tell you his tale. Once all has been discussed, if you are willing, provisions and transportation will be provided, and your mission can commence." The robed figure slowly made his way over to a very plain oak bookshelf and pulled down a pair of scrolls from amongst the various assembled volumes. He started to unroll the first as he paced back over to the table, "You, of course, know of the events of the First Age of War, the time of the Ancient Gods, before they were slain and the times of peace came. How this body, not yet enshrined in such a place of esteem, determined the cause of our strife was the urgings of the divine, for all their benevolence. Despite their other benefits, they had to be slain. So our mightiest heroes slew our masters, and we were able to be at peace." Erlannes continued after a moment "You have heard about a new God. A being of undeniable, incredible power who has risen recently to call all beings to its worship. What you do not know is that its rise is not as recent as has been reported. This "God" has been active in one form or another for two milennia now. This has come to be termed the "Second Age of War." The other thing that isn't being reported is that the arcane veil around the world that kept the divine forces at bay has been rent apart. This new God has torn it asunder, and is feeding its will and power into its followers. Only recently has the new God been confident enough to come out publicly and attempt to convert the more civilized peoples." The old dwarf sitting at the far end of the table spoke gruffly "Erlannes, you old windbag, get on with it. These folks need to get themselves off on their mission, and we need to get out of here. That attack was only a first wave. This hall will be destroyed by this time tomorrow, no matter what we do." Erlannes nodded in agreement. "As my esteemed colleague has said, time is of the essence. The Herald can brief you further once you are on your way. You can trust him, despite the outlandish tales he will tell. You must get to the jungle city of Terek'tule, in the remote jungles of Wraest, the southern continent. One of God's lieutenants has been reported as raising an undead army, and converting the locals to the new religion. If you can capture this perverted Aasimar, find out more about this God's endgame, maybe we will have a better chance of once again orchestrating the downfall of a god." "If you have any questions, we have about an hour until the airships are set to arrive at the stables at the bottom of the Hill. Once you have left, the attacks on us should fall off quickly. They are after the Herald, not us. The city will be safe." Erlannes moved closer and looked at each of the faces of the assembled, ready to resolve their queries.

[Majestic Pyre]

Kerzumal had dressed darkly, in his adventuring clothes for this expedition. He was sure he'd been selected as much for his discretion as for his combat abilities. Strung along his chest, his tight bandolier reassured him that he was equipped for any eventuality.

Kerz looked around surreptitiously, before leaping up onto one of the chairs. Even though he was the only one standing, he was by far the smallest member of the group. If he had sat, he wouldn't even have been able to see over the table. He nodded at Erlannes haste is laying out the details of their quest. Kerz had seen the danger civilians were undertaking in committing themselves to this sort of venture. Their willingness to die for their freedom was commendable.

The Gripplis knew his hoarse voice might shake some at the table, but his companions especially had to begin to see him as a contributing member. People convinced of your sentience, and good will, were much less likely to try and burn you at the stake. With good reason, no one trusts the non-living. Honored Ssssstatessssman, Kerz began as he bowed. I am Kerzzzumal, representative of the Ssssilver Rings. Hopefully, those at the table have heard of usss, and will forgive me my... condition. I beg you not be offended by my appearance, or indeed, by my pressence on this venture. I assure you, our valuesssss align. I must assssk, how long a journey should we anticipate? Will the airships take us directly to Terek'tule?

[kedcoleman]

Irakli enters the chamber, each step of his heavy riding boots clacking on the tiled floor, each clack accompanied by a metallic jingle of spurs attached to the ankles. A Felinus, unmistakably, by the cat-like shape of his face and body, and enlarged ears - though not of the northern Caruthian Felinus, judging by his speech and attire. He wears dark grey trousers and a pale green cotton shirt, both noticeably dusty from long days' travel. On his breast hangs a brushed metal badge of some design, clearly an official insignia. He lifts his wide-brimmed leather hat off his head with gloved hats, giving it a firm pat to shake some dust off of it. The longish fur beneath it - long enough to be comparable to hair of other less furry races - is tinged a slightly darker brown then the rest of his fur, and slicked back. Over his hips sits a thick leather belt where his pistol would hang.

"Marshall Irakli Vahktang of the Felinus Range, on the Hyertine Plains," he says, a noticeable drawl to his speech. "Call me Ira." He sets his dusty poncho and hat on one of the chairs near the Council and runs a hand over the top of his hair. "Folk killed a whole mess of Gods way back when, gave us all the chance to live free to our own devices for a spell. Reckon if we gotta kill one more, won't be no real fuss. Though, " Ira joins his hands behind his back and sweeps his gaze across the council, "if these folk are after this Herald fella, wouldn't we be safer not traveling with him? Out of sight, if you catch my meaning"

[Winter Wight]

Vatarin's tail unhooked its grasp from about a leg of the chair he sat in. It was, of course, far too large for his figure but he was used to the slight of errant seating. The fingers of his right hand curled back into a fist as the kobold finished his mental notes, not only on the briefing but also of each council member's appearance and voice if they spoke along with their ticks. The council members were not, however, the only ones under analysis. The tail produced a slow but steady rhythm as it lightly tapped the sides of his seat even as the other "champions" began to speak.

It was strange, Vatarin notes, although each of the races had sent a delegate champion in this hour of turmoil only a select few were present. He let an errant thought pass through his mind considering what circumstances might have already led to the delay of the other champions. Shaking his head, Vatarin willed the thought from his mind. There were too many possibilities even including an unannounced screening by the council to select only the best to make any definite inductions concerning the missing champions. Besides, he already knew that he became a target even before he accepted the mission. It would be no different in this way than any other mission. Even the undead was almost expected, he ascertained with a sidelong glance. Sitting up straight, the kobold decided it was time to make his introduction.

"My name is Vatarin, call me as such" he began, keeping the hiss from his voice. "My new colleagues and I will need all the information you have concerning this lieutenant and those he keeps around him. Just make sure this Herald has the information and I can assure the rest. Are there any other targets we should be aware of?"

As he finished, Vatarin settled back into his seat with his gaze fixed upon the kobold member of the Grand Council. Elder Council of the kobold nation, he imagined, would be a small-minded aspiration if this group did manage to halt this new god. It was difficult to maintain his cool expression against the smile that tried to rise to his face.

[Schniderman]

Answering the Summons The proceedings of the council meeting had made Haruka uncomfortable. They had been chosen as champions, recognized for their skill and discipline, and yet they were not even trusted to bear arms in the presence of the council members. It placed her in an difficult position: to balk at the council's request would be disgraceful, but to disarm would be to deny the way of the sword and become less than the champion they had called upon. Though it galled her, she reminded herself that their ways were not her ways, and that this journey would require her to cooperate with peoples and cultures different from her own. She relinquished her blade to the care of their armory, and in only a scant few minutes she found need of it. Or rather she might have, had it not been for the intervention of the armor-clad Herald. Throughout the brief, blistering combat, her nerves cried out for her to join the fray against the fell creatures. It was an exercise in personal restraint, to put it mildly, but the man had made it quite plain that this fight was his. When all was said and done though, this Herald proved to be more than a match for the daemons. Still, that assurance did not make Haruka any more comfortable with the nagging absence at her hip. After the disturbance, Haruka found her seat and sat attentively through Erlannes' address to the champions. She lay her woven straw hat on the lacquered darkwood, and her hands on her thighs as she leaned forward slightly in her seat, eyes locked on the speaker. When it came time for her new companions to speak, she took the measure of them and was not disappointed: a Felinus marshall, a law-bringer and master of the gun; and a Gripplis of the Silver Rings, known across the world for their altruism. She did not recognize the Kobold to be of any order she knew, but he spoke with purpose and had the bearing of competence about him. "I am Haruka, the chosen champion of the Yūyō Collective." she said, bowing her head briefly before continuing, turning to face the Herald. "While we are on the subject of the 'Herald', I have questions. Why do our foes seek you? What is it that you herald?" Her tone remained calm and her face impassive while she asked, though she leaned in slightly in wait of his answers.

[Drakeblade]

Durzo laughed silently to himself. After arriving at the City of Twenty-Five Fountains the City Guard had been adamant about several points. Confiscating weapons and taking Cora to the stables. Those were points they were unbendable on. However they had left him with what was unmistakably his most potent weapon and companion. Vel’kor.

That had been a reassuring fact when the Daemons attacked. Though their threat seemed minimal with how easily this “Herald” had been able to dispatch them. However this did shine hope that this trip hadn’t be an entire waste in his hunt of this God. Once inside the meeting room Durzo observed the councilors and more importantly what would undoubtedly be his companions. All would be masters of combat of some sort, though he was rather surprised by the fact that a representative of the Silver Ring and at that a Grippli had been called upon.

While listening to Elder Erlannes Regiale, Durzo found himself imagining several increasingly gruesome ways to kill the elf. While normally not prone to thoughts of excessive violence. Durzo’s years in the military had found a special place in his heart for the killing of Elves. Each champion then took a moment introducing themselves, noticing that as they talked the Kobold likewise seemed to be sizing up these future companions.

Bowing slightly to the Darkling Council member as Durzo stood up to introduce himself. “I’m Grandmaster Durzo, Harbinger of the Dark Abyss.” his deep voice, never seeming to fit his small stature. “My first question is to the Councilors. Since you seem to have the most complete knowledge of the situation. Has their been any, reliable sources that can corroborate sighting of Humans?” Turning to speak to the Herald. "I’m curious Herald, what nation do you hold allegiance to? " Setting back down. He turned to inspect the Tengu who had yet to speak.

[Panthas]

Farash wasn’t exactly pleased to be leaving behind Ialdo or his trusted bow, not to mention his other various weapons. He understood the paranoia of the council, but he had his own to worry about, and here they were, a group of “heroes” being escorted by guards to the all important council chamber, a chamber which probably had a few leaks in it, this was after all politics. It felt odd to not have a quiver at his hip and his bow at his back, he felt exposed, vulnerable, and it wasn’t something he likes, especially in a city full of races that were not usually overly kind to his people. His eyes were constantly watching, flicking from person to person, including his companions and the ring of guards around them. When the guards started running, the feathers around his head rose up a bit as he craned his neck and followed after, wondering just what was going on.

At the sight of the blur of flesh and steel he watched the fight and clicked his beak a little. The guardian, whoever or whatever it was, was quite the fighter, such lovely speed, he wondered just how the entity achieved it. When the enemies were gone he looked around the room at councilors and settings alike. Here were men of power, in their seat of power, and they had just been attacked, what a shakeup that must be. This was good, there was a god involved, comfort wasn’t something that could be afforded when making a decision such as the mission before them. He looked at the elf and listened. Elves he didn’t mind, they were….complex though. The more enlightened ones had a general amicability towards his race, the laymen among them though tended to be stuck up chicklings who thought the light shone only on their pointed ears and no one else.

As the elf ran through the pleasantries, wondered at them, not sending the whole group of champions at once but in waves it seemed, were things that bad or did they simply not want so many powerful individuals teamed up together in one group? He smiled at the elf’s words, peace, it had lasted for but a blink of an eye in the history of things before war had come again. That it seemed was the way of the world, without proper leadership people simply went back to what they were comfortable with. He looked up at the words of the veil being torn and he would have sworn, but it didn’t do to act hastily in front of politicians.

As the dwarf spoke up, Farash nodded slightly, the bearded one was right, the enemy knew the target and would strike with overwhelming power most likely now that it had failed the first time. If he had eyebrows they would have shot up at the idea of a lieutenant raising an undead army. What a thrill, something he could hunt, though an army of them usually meant aiming his bow in the general direction and shooting. Speaking on undead……one had just leapt up. His first twitch was to go for his bow, but alas he did not have it, and this was supposed to be a champion as well. He relaxed as best he could and listened as each of his “companions” spoke in turn. He was not happy about the presence of the wight, oh he knew of the silver rings, but a wight was a wight, loose that precious ring of their’s and they were back to being a bloodthirsty killing machine that needed a shot put through them to put them down.
His attention turned next to the feline, a creature that made something inside of him want to puff up his feathers. He resisted though, listening to the country drawl of the apparent gunman. A marshal at that, the law, just what he needed, someone with a book of rules to smack him with. He did see his point about the herald, if the man had a target painted on him, it seemed being around him was a hazard, but he was the man with the information and besides, if a group of “champions” couldn’t take on whatever the god threw at them, what good would they be against the god itself?

His red eyed gaze moved to the kobold, an interesting choice of champion, he hadn’t much dealings with them, but what he had had with them had been interesting, as they were a much maligned race as well. He let his gaze move to the canine one, and listening to her words. The kitsune he had no experience with, he had moved through their territory once or twice, but had avoided confrontation. Finally the Darkling, another mystery race to him, with a grand title too, he listened and nodded, though allegiance seemed a rather odd question to ask in a moment where the nations should be uniting lest the dark power of a god fall upon them once more and bring more blood to flow upon the land than already did.

When all had finished he stood and looked around the table, standing there in a pair of dark red leather breeches and a light blue vest upon his torso, his belt was festooned with pouches still, but his sheath hung empty. " I am called Farash, representative of the Rookery Forest." He did not bow, simply fixed his gaze on the elf after letting it sweep over the councilors, including the tengu who sat there. One of the few of his race that enjoyed the scheming ways of politics, he had to admire the representative for rising past the forest, but not perhaps the position he had taken up. " If this being has been acting so long, why has nothing been done about it before now? When did the Veil fall, and most importantly, just what all is known of this god, what sort of power will we be facing? And of all of this, is this Herald ignorant of all of this, or could we be filled in on the road by him? If undead is what we are to be taking on, then the proper equipment should be gotten before we leave behind civilization." He sat down again, listening now to see just what would be said.

[Ziether]

The Herald The Herald waved a gauntleted hand at the Grand Council "I will field these questions. I am uniquely qualified to do so." The armored figure turned back toward the assembled Champions, and slowly lifted his hands to the lower rim of his sealed helmet. Unclasping the fasteners, he lifted the case from his skull, revealing a cascade of long, blonde hair, falling to the bottom of his shoulderblades. Fair skin set with lightly pink lips and a pair of piercing green eyes completed a face that would shock almost anyone. Standing before the Champions and Councillors stood a living, breathing HUMAN. " As you can see, the answer to the question about sightings of humans is evident. I can confirm that I am as human as those who were tracked down and destroyed to help preserve the balance those millennia ago. I am called The Herald, and as such, have taken the moniker of “Harold” or “Hal” in common speech. I am called such, because I was created by God, sent before him to herald his coming in full force. He is approaching the zenith of his power, and has charged me with spreading the word of his coming, preparing the world to become his. WAIT!!!" the impossible man called out, placing both hands forward, as if to ward off other questions, or recriminations that surely would follow. "God created me, placed a measure of his power in me…" a warm glow began to emanate from the Herald’s armor "But I do not do as my creator bid me. I was captured shortly after being released into this world, a full-grown adult, but still a child in wisdom. I was brought here, to the City of Twenty-Five Fountains, and was taught of why this world has no gods. Well, at least none who live. I have come to see that my creator simply wishes to usurp the vacuum of power left by the divine presences defeated by your ancestors. I now seek to bring about his downfall, if not his complete destruction. Unfortunately, to act against the will of God is to be made weak, at least for one as closely tied to him as I am. I can only sustain so much activity in defiance of his awesome power before I am unable to proceed. In fact, I am rather exhausted from destroying those I’ll get back to you with more about Ghobesh in a later post, with OOC information going to anyone with successful Knowledge: The Planes checks (Panthas already rolled)Ghobesh. Let me take a seat, and I’ll finish this up." the Lupos councillor stood from his seat, and offered it to Hal, who gracelessly plopped himself onto it, metal plates clanging. "Thank you, Reginald, you are so much more courteous than most of your people. Perhaps that is why they sent you here. ‘Twas a wise choice." Harold laboriously began removing his gauntlets, freeing up his hands and venting warm, moist air from the stuffy armor. "As I was saying, I have unique insights into God and his followers, and can assist in their defeat, even if only indirectly. The plan calls for you to travel with me more to keep me alive than anything else. Until lately a grand spell had been able to obscure my location from God’s sight, but his powers have been growing steadily, and he has started sending his servants, such as the Ghobesh, to remove me from this world. The birdman asked why nothing has been done to counter God’s presence in this world thus far, and the answer is twofold. First, actions have been undertaken. Clandestine actions, small strike teams of magi have attempted to find and destroy fonts of power used by God, and have had mixed success. Second, his power has been underestimated. Until a few hundred years ago, most who knew of his existence believed that his worship would not gain traction, and that he would leave to find a more fruitful home. On the contrary, hundreds of thousands now worship him." "Lastly, we seek the lieutenants of God, who perform the great deeds they do with a measure of his power. There are three of them. I was to be the fourth. I know not which of his servants were promoted other than Garen, the Aasimar we currently seek. He will know more, and we must obtain his knowledge by any means necessary. For that reason, we travel by airship to Itsiju Kiko, capitol of the Yuyo Collective, from whence we will take overland transport to Terek’Tule, deep in the jungles of the unclaimed lands to the south. Our journey will likely only take a few weeks, up to that point. After that, only fate will know how long we must journey to reach and defeat the other lieutenants. It will not be swift. Once we reach Itsiju Kiko, we will restock on provisions and anything else you might deem necessary. As we travel, I will send out messenger birds to deliver lists of needed supplies, and we will pay for what we need when we arrive. Horses, wagons, feed, and other supplies are already loaded on the airships, and should arrive at the docking station down at the base of the Hill shortly. You will be able to retrieve your weapons and other gear, as well as any companions you left in the stables before we leave. It would not be prudent to go to battle in anything less than your most trusted kit." Harold slumped forward a bit before straightening. "Is there anything more you need know immediately? If not, further inquiries may be made once we disembark." The Councillors nodded in agreement. The tapestries strung along the walls fluttered with a strong breeze, and a ray of sunshine smote the surface of a particular piece. "The Goat of Fortune! Fate smiles on you today!" the little female Halfling-sized Otterfolk, Racial information to come soonLutran squeaked.

[Winter Wight]

The awkward silence was broken by a small clap. So small and insincere it did not even have the strength to rebound from the walls.

"So we're traveling with a Godling. At least we can rely upon his information. Probably. I won't state the obvious, I'm sure it's not true anyway." Vatarin's draconic tongue peeped out from his mouth as it wet the rim of his lips. "I am satisfied. I will need nothing more from you, Council, and won't waste any more of your precious time."

The kobold slipped out of his chair and crossed the room. He stopped by the door, looking back at the other champions while leaning against the wall.

"By the way, I don't care if you trust me or each other but we will be working together. What we are and what we have done is irrelevant. All that matters is what we are. We are the ones who will be responsible for another dead god. Unless you have more questions specifically for the Council we should be going. Preferably to someplace more discreet."

[Drakeblade]

“Vatarin is right we have no time to waste. If there is any other pertinent information that the councilors have now is the time. Otherwise everyone should be ready to leave for the airships as soon as they arrive. We are unaware how or when the enemy will attack again and every second allows God to grow stronger.”

Rising from the table, the slightest jingle of chainmail was audible as the Darkling danced his hands in a pattern so fast that it seemed almost habit. Pointing toward Vel'kor for only a second before both made their way across the room and toward the door. Taking a moment to climb atop Vel’kor, turning to wait for his companions to come along.

[Schniderman]

The Council's Orders Haruka was understandably taken aback when Hal removed his helmet, though in light of other revelations it barely gave her pause. What was much more alarming than his race was this man's patron, even if he'd forsaken it. He was a creation of their enemy, and with God's deific powers, no one could know exactly what that entailed. If this God had been active for millennia, she suspected its plans would be far reaching indeed. Though she did not like it, what mattered to Haruka was that her patrons trusted this uncanny man; which meant that until he gave her reason not to, she would follow her patrons' example. "I think all that must be said, has been. At least for now. We journey to our foe's stronghold and exact the answers we need." Rising from her seat, the halfbreed samurai bowed deeply to the assembly. Straightening up and retrieving her hat, she walked after the Darkling and his strange beast. She was eager to retrieve her things from the armory, though she lingered long enough to hear if any of her new companions had more to say.

[Majestic Pyre]

Kerz watched as each of the champions introduced themselves in turn. Most looked askance at him at least once during the meet-and-greet, but he was used to it. He realized, wryly, he was extremely grateful for the universal disarment they had all experienced. He'd get Saguine Sleep back soon, and in exchange for its absence he'd had the opportunity to introduce himself to a group of champions with no weapons. Without the procaution, he may have had to defend himself, which was never as fun a party trick as you'd expect.

When Harold removed his helm, that was a shock. Even Kerzumal found himself twitching for his weapon. It was like meeting a childhood terror in the flesh, one of the grinning demons of nightmares. Of course, he reflected, he was also a one of those smiling evils, so Kerz did his best to put his prejudices behind him.

Hal, I am glad to hear that you possessss intimate knowledge of the situation. I must concur with the concessus, and agree we should embark post-haste. Thank you for trusting us with the secret of your compromising heritage. If you've any questions of me or my order during the voyage, please asssk.

Briefly flashing a toothy, wide smile; Kerz slipped off his chair and headed out.

[Panthas]

When the helmet came off, Farash stiffened in his chair, eyes narrowing. He didn’t have anything against the historical humans other than their pigheadness, but here one stood, one, but were there more, was extermination needed again? As if that was not disturbing enough, to hear that the man standing before them was a herald of the god, he grabbed for an arrow that wasn’t there and twitched a bit, running through the mental list of his prepared spells. ”Shards” he thought, he didn’t have anything ready to contain a potential threat. He cursed himself mentally for his relaxed attitude this morning when had been choosing spells. In lieu of being able to pin the Herald to the wall with arrows or spell, he instead opted to quietly cast a spell to detect magic to scan for what spells were active if anydetect if the council was under an enchantment spell. As he let the spell play out while the herald spoke, listening even as his eyes rested on each council member to see if they had spells cast on them and if he needed to he could can roll knowledge checks to see what schoolfind out the type.

He watched the man sit down and listened, wishing he was better at discerning lies but politics and lies had ever been his forte. If the Herald spoke true, then the attacks would follow them rather than focus on the council, though of course those could just be a ruse, after all, the creatures sent thus far were no great threat to a warrior. He said nothing, simply listening to the Herald and then the response of his compatriots. He agreed that they should get underway and if attacks were to come, he wanted to be armed. He stood up, pushed his chair back with not a word and turned on his heel and strode out of the room, his steps taking him out of the building and into the air as quickly as he could. He didn’t like the situation, he didn’t trust their guide, and there were 3 powerful adversaries between him and his true target, it was time to get underway.

[kedcoleman]

While everyone talks things through, Ira slowly pans his gaze over the assembled champions and council members. A bizarre assortment of creatures, to be sure - a kobold, a kitsune, a grippli, a tengu, a darkling, and himself. It was, somewhat, depressing that of all the nations of the world, only these few champions were assembled. He looked over the councillors. His eyes locked with the Felinus representative from Caruthia for a moment. He wondered what he thought of Ira, with his foreign attire and accent. He wondered if his people still held their grudge after Ira's people left their home. The Hyertine Felinus had not had an easy life, these last few centuries, and much more important thing to concern themselves with than political squabbles. They, on the other hand, well, they had peace and prosperity, and - this was not the time or place to bring these things up. He shifted his gaze. The gnoll representative, from Hyertine. His representative, he corrected himself. A pang of derision crossed his mind. How could she claim to represent the entire Hyertine Plains and everyone in it, when they couldn't even control their own people? He bit his tongue and moved down the line, until he settled on the Herald.

"If the Council reckons goin' with the Herald fella is the right thing to do, best we get saddled up," Ira tucks his thumbs through his belt and examines the surface of the table for a bit. "Plenty of folk probably spent a lotta time talkin' and debatin' ideas and politics and all sorts of fancy-talk. Reckon they made the decision for a reason. Time for talkin's over, now. Gotta a job to do, so let's get to it."