[RPG] Re: [FEI][SoC] A Council of War?

[Greg McGlynn]

Before he met with the Arch Priest and Knight, King Xerxes once again 
had his scribe read aloud one of the letters he had received recently 
from the King of the Antoza Commonwealth:

"King Xerxes

I am glad to see you to start coming around, for the support of 
Nighthelm is all ready won. You see long ago Zonsa was foolish and 
nearly destroyed Nighthelm. I can easly gain the support of Nighthelm by 
merely mentioning this fact, also Antoza and Nighthelm will never find 
each other on opossing sides in any conflict. For they have somethign to 
gain as well, the region of Edarin and growth of an ally.

Their is a way you can stir up conflict and still have the support of 
the island. Order a small raid into their lands, with your units in a 
murders mind set. Clear a region of its militia and fall back, no 
looting no anything. Say it was a mistake their will be question of your 
strength of rulership but ignore this, take anything as a personal 
insult and declare war. I will fully support you.

Nighthelm only needs to be on the side lines, our realms share the same 
border and your capitol is on the front lines, you can only gain from 
this war. Not lose."

Xerxes didn't think Corey's idea was particularly elegant or insightful, 
but he had failed to come up with a better way. That meant, Xerxes 
realized, that there must be no other way--otherwise his divine guardian 
would surely have inspired him with some brilliant plan. Thus he was 
free to proceed secure in the knowledge that his course of action was 
the best possible. And if Nighthelm remained neutral, it seemed certain 
that the war could be won. Well, he might as well talk to Victor and 
Danny now then. He sent a servant to bring them.

The King smiled. At last he would push back the boundaries of the 
Sanctum. He could forsee a transformed realm: large and prosperous, with 
many prominent and wealthy nobles, a powerful military, and a respected 
and admired King.

---------------------------------

Danny had been impatient lately and Victor was getting ready to go to 
the tournament, so Xerxes summoned them to one of the royal chambers and 
began to explain why he had sent for them.

"Since this realm was founded we have not thought much about the realm 
on our southern border: the Principality of Zonasa. Now we should start 
thinking about it--as place into which we can expand. With a powerful 
ally, we could push into Zonasa and claim their lands for our own.

"We have expanded little since our founding, though we did acquire 
Ansopen and Zarimel in the war on the League of Anacan. Now King Corey 
of Antoza Commonwealth wants Ansopen and Zarimel again. In return, he is 
prepared to aid us in a war on Zonasa.

"Now, we cannot just declare war on Zonasa without some good reason for 
conflict. It will require some ingenuity and planning to get one. But I 
have an idea. Danny, this is where you come in. You're going to provide 
the reason for us to go to war. Listen carefully.

"You're going to take your unit into Zonasan lands--with instructions to 
attack anyone in sight. Somehow, you need to start a battle with Zonasan 
troops. When word reaches the Sanctum that you've been in a battle with 
Zonasa, I'll angrily demand of Bleys why his troops have attacked a 
noble of the Sanctum of Casshern. Soon, we will be at war with the 
Principality. Antoza will come to our aid and we will crush them. We 
will conquer Zonasa entirely.

"In return, Antoza asks for Ansopen and Zarimel. I am prepared to give 
them up once we take control of the capital of Zonasa and add another 
city to our realm.

"Victor, you have two roles to play here. First, as Arch Priest, you 
must not punish Dany for his battle with the Zonasan troops. In fact, 
neither of you must say anything about that first battle, to nobles of 
this or any other realm. I will do all the talking. Secondly, Victor, 
you must be prepared to accept the transfer of Ansopen to Antoza 
Commonwealth. It is a loss we will have to take to grow.

"An important question is when we will start this sequence of events. 
Well, we cannot proceed until after the tournament in Soliferum is over. 
Danny, I will tell you when you will do your bit and set everything off.

"Now, unless you have any questions, you two may go. Victor, I 
understand you are eager to be off to the tournament. Good luck."

The King drew Danny aside as the three prepared to leave.

"Well, Knight Danny, is this exciting enough for you? No more boring 
peace--a secret mission into enemy territory, no less! It won't happen 
for a while yet, though. In the meantime, feel free to attend the 
tournament, unless you'd rather stay at home and prepare."


Greg McGlynn