Summary: Lord Grigoire is taking over Maghana's duties and is now both Steward and Military Advisor to the Zoluren Court. New intelligence on the Elpalzi means they are preparing action against them, though Lord Grigoire was quiet on the particulars.

The log is heavily edited and features mostly the spoken conversation, with a few extras.


[DiSilveron, Front Gate]
Grand alabaster lions flank a regal wrought-iron gate that is accented in heavy silver leaf. To either side of these gargantuan works of art are high hedges of jasmine intertwined with woodrose, which continue on for several yards before banking out of sight. A silver-tinged, multi-gabled roof is visible just above the hedges. You also see a small muddied box labeled "TRESSPASSERS", a Zoluren guardsman, a Zoluren company, a freshly-planted pathway and the wrought-iron gate.
Also here: Mischief Maker Synamon, Blood Channeler Naeya who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Fenasta Sveton Aliselyn, Wind Herald Mordimer who has a stony visage, Alley Fighter Allye, War Witch Heartsfyre, Believer Malchazador, Father Gratio who is emanating a bright holy aura, Crayzeke, Sunderstone's Zuz'darm Sendithu, Life Weaver Karthor, Caidie, Sand Herald Grenhart and Perune.
Obvious paths: none.

Lord Grigoire's group came through the wrought-iron gate.

You see Lord Grigoire Denesal, Military Advisor of the Zoluren Court, a Human.
His slightly wavy shoulder-length dark brown hair has been pulled back away from a ruggedly handsome face with a defined jaw and cleft chin, accentuating its squared shape. Above a crooked nose that looks to have broken several times, sepia-hued eyes look out from under heavy black brows that cut an oblique line into his sun-bronzed skin. He has an excessively muscular build, with broad shoulders and arms that draw his garments taut with any significant movement.
He is of a towering height for a Human, and appears to be a mature adult.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing a dark blue greatcloak with a braided gold fourragere draped over the left shoulder, black swordsman's shirt laced at the neck with a golden cord, a jet black silk weeper secured to the side with an intricate gold knotwork pin, a heavy marble signet ring carved with the crest of House Denesal, a claymore sheath, some supple sable lambskin dueling pants with golden gladiolus embroidered along the seams and some steel-toed marching boots.

You see Mayor Arandus Linlaig of Leth Deriel, a Human Ranger.
Save for a few wisps that feather his sun-bronzed brow, his long golden-streaked hair is combed neatly away from his face, revealing slightly-pointed ears, each pierced with a row of tiny cambrinth rings. High cheekbones and thick lashes frame the intense gaze of his sparkling blue-green eyes, his athletic build complementing his handsome good-looks and charismatic appeal.
He is tall for a Human, his movements fluid and decided.
He is a young adult.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing a full-length black archer's cloak, a full-sleeved black brocade doublet with silver-hemmed slashing that reveals a finely woven grey shirt beneath, a tawny suede pack, some black leather gloves, an wide icesteel signet ring with an intaglio crest of House Linlaig, a double-wrapped leather sword belt secured with a silver buckle bearing the Linlaig crest, a pair of black suede pants laced with grey cording down the outer legs and a pair of forester's boots secured with ivy-shaped buckles at the ankles.

Grigoire says, "I've a small announcement prior to the main of things."

Grigoire says, "Do get quiet so you can hear."

Azettie says to Grenhart, "Yes I am sure no woman will ever bless you with them."

Grigoire asks Azettie, "You done?"

Azettie shrugs.

Azettie says, "When I please."

Azettie says, "No I am."

Synamon grins at Azettie.

Grigoire says, "Yeah, good call."

Ahneya offers Azettie a taffelberry tart.

Azettie declines Ahneya's offer.

Grigoire says, "So, for those of you not aware, I'm Lord Grigoire. I am the Military Advisor for Zoluren."

Azettie says to Ahneya, "I am afraid I will chew to loud."

With amazing speed, Mordimer strikes Azettie in the throat with the edge of his flattened palm. Azettie clutches her throat, wheezing pathetically.

Grigoire says, "I am not also taking over Maghana's duties as she is needed elsewhere."

Grigoire says, "I am now, rather."

Arandus smiles.

Grigoire says, "I prefer to be known as Steward, though. It's more fitting."

Arandus nods to Grigoire.

Ahneya says to Grigoire, "Stewart is a good name."

Synamon says, "Steward Griggy, got it."

Synamon nods.

Woten sighs.

Grigoire glances at Synamon.

Azettie manages to gain control of her vocal cords.

Grigoire says, "Now, that said, in my capacity as both Steward and Military Advisor, I've an announcement on the behalf of the Prince and of the Council."

Grigoire says, "If the peanut gallery can manage to stow it long enough to listen, that is."

Grigoire says, "Right! One. Intelligence on the Elpalzi has had a breakthrough."

Synamon asks, "So we should retreat faster?"

Synamon says, "Oh right, hush."

Grigoire says, "No, I'm not going to say what it is, as it would be counterproductive and likely end up ruining the entirety of the work my soldiers and I have been doing for the last several years."

Heartsfyre asks, "Are we close to retribution Steward Grigoire?"

Voyle says, "Agreed."

Grigoire says to Heartsfyre, "Yes. Yes we are."

Heartsfyre shakes her fist!

Arandus nods to Heartsfyre.

Heartsfyre exclaims, "Finally!"

Grigoire says, "Further, there is reason to believe that at least some, if not all, of the prisoners live yet."

Voyle says, "Well, that's hopeful."

Arandus nods to Voyle.

Synamon asks, "The ones we have left abandoned all these years to be tortured and what have you?"

Grigoire says, "It is believed that one of their number has been forced to keep them living via Empathic means this entire time."

Grigoire says to Synamon, "They have hardly been abandoned."

With amazing speed, Grigoire strikes Synamon in the throat with the edge of his flattened palm. Synamon clutches her throat, wheezing pathetically.

Arandus shifts his weight.

Crayzeke says, "Living as in tourtured on a daily basis..."

Crayzeke says, "Got it."

Voyle says to Grigoire, "Thanks for that."

Grigoire says, "I won't have my work disparaged."

Woten asks, "Is military action being considered to free them, or are negotiations underway?"

Arandus gazes at Grigoire.

Woten says, "Assuming you can say, of course."

Grigoire says, "The full of the plans will come into knowledge in due time. It's a bit early to be saying, lest it give them time to prepare."

Crayzeke says, "I mean whats a while longer when its been years..."

Grigoire says, "However, know that the Zoluren military will welcome the aid of those loyal to the cause as we complete our mission."

Crayzeke asks, "So does that you want help?"

Heartsfyre says to Grigoire, "Steward Grigiore, I hope to be there when Military moves upon those scum. It is loong past overdue for retribution."

Arandus tilts his head to one side.

Grigoire says to Crayzeke, "Yes, why wouldn't I risk years worth of time and the lives of everyone involved just so you could feel like you were keep involved."

Grigoire says, "Silly me."

Crayzeke says, "Don't make it my fault you left people behind, we were told to stay out and not help."

Crayzeke asks, "Rememeber?"

Grigoire says to Heartsfyre, "And we should wish to see you there."

With amazing speed, Grigoire strikes Crayzeke in the throat with the edge of his flattened palm. Crayzeke clutches his throat, wheezing pathetically.

Woten asks, "Well, I would also be more than happy to help in whatever capacity is needed. I assume a point of contact will be designated soon?"

Korutu says, "Seems kinda rude."

Grigoire says, "So again, keep yourselves aware, as calls will be going out."

Heartsfyre says to Grigoire, "I have waited years for this moment sir. I still remember the Keep and her fallen."

Grenhart says, "The Sea Wolf stands ready."

Grigoire says to Aislynn, "The Council was discussing that during their meeting."

Grigoire says, "Amongst other aspects."

Arandus nods to Grigoire.

Grigoire says, "As some of you may be aware, not all of the Elpalzi who fight us now, or in the past have done so willingly."

Grigoire says, "However, that does not mean we can stay our hand when they come with force."

Mordimer asks, "I am assuming you are n referense to the Stavonark family?"

Grenhart asks, "So is there any plan to infiltrate and release the hostages?"

Grigoire says, "While it is with sadness that we may cut down those forced into combat, we do them the greatest honor when we treat them with respect as we fight."

Grenhart says, "All of them."

Woten says to Grenhart, "The steward said earlier that he can't discuss details."

Korutu says, "The whole hostage thing could just be a trick."

Grigoire says to Grenhart, "When all is over, those who should be free, will be. All of them."

Perune asks Grigoire, "Steward, is there any plans for those who surrender?"

Grigoire says to Perune, "Of course. We are not monsters."

Grenhart says, "Not all of us."

Aislynn quietly says, "Some aren't even surrendering... They're simply apologizing post-humously."

Aislynn offers Grigoire a scrap of torn paper.

Perune says, "I mean, for those of us already in the field. I've had to fight thirty today alone, and a similar number yesterday."

Grigoire accepts Aislynn's torn paper.

Arandus says, "As yet."

Korutu says, "They could always try to fight to free their family."

Grigoire says to Aislynn, "Thank you."

Korutu says, "Instead of killing ours."

Qiyan says, "And all the ones I fought... and questioned before killing, never once said they were sorry or reconsidering."

Crayzeke asks, "Quiet?"

Grigoire says to Qiyan, "They wouldn't. Their families are walked if they even try."

Qiyan says, "I looked in their eyes before killing, not one showed signs of remorse."

Qiyan says, "Like me."

Aislynn quietly says, "Look harder."

Korutu says, "If there is as many not wanting to fight as a bunch of none fighters think there are."

Korutu says, "They could easily revolt."

Grigoire says, "Right then. Discussions on the potential remorse of combatants is not really why I'm here. I'll leave philosophy to others."

Grigoire asks Korutu, "Are you trying to say that I am not a fighter?"

Aislynn quietly says, "I think he's saying I'm not a fighter."

Aislynn grins at Korutu.

Arandus chuckles.

Crayzeke says, "Interesting choice of words..."

Grenhart moves over to guard Aislynn.

Grenhart says, "She is not."

Korutu says, "I dunno what you are really."

Aislynn chuckles.

Korutu says, "I do know I dont see you fighting if you want to go that route."

Synamon says, "Neither is Griggy."

Aliselyn says, "That does not matter, let us hear the annoucement."

With amazing speed, Grigoire strikes Synamon in the throat with the edge of his flattened palm. Synamon clutches her throat, wheezing pathetically.

Qiyan smirks at Synamon.

Crayzeke says, "I've heard of a philosopher near by..."

Qiyan holds her hand out towards Synamon for a highfive.

With amazing speed, Grigoire strikes Qiyan in the throat with the edge of his flattened palm. Qiyan clutches her throat, wheezing pathetically.

Qiyan gulps.

Arandus frowns.

Grigoire says to Arandus, "This is why I didn't want to take Maghana's job."

Ahneya asks, "Are we all done harassing Stewart?"

Crayzeke says, "Not in the slightest."

Grigoire says, "The Prince doesn't want me to kill them all."

Whiteburn gazes at Grigoire with a sympathetic look on her face.

Mordimer says, "This is not at all how a Steward should be respected. I am starting to see why the officials do not treat us to public announcements very often."

Arandus says to Grigoire, "I might get worse before it gets better. Brace yourself."

Azettie asks Grigoire, "Cause there is not enough time to work on your wardrobe?"

Arandus pats Grigoire on the back.

Heartsfyre asks Arandus, "Mayor, will you be joining the ranks when we fight?"

Allye asks, "Is this a treat?"

Heartsfyre gazes at Arandus.

Arandus says, "Oh no, not me."

Arandus shakes his head at Heartsfyre.

Grigoire rolls his eyes.

Heartsfyre nods to Arandus.

Korutu says, "Treat."

Ephic says to Mordimer, "Seems pretty thump happy, guess that's what is considered military action these days."

Arandus says, "Perhaps one of the family, but...not me."

Mordimer says to Grigoire, "If you wish the services of this Warrior mage, send a page, I will be more then pleased to assist you."

Voyle says to Grigoire, "If you need men of decorum for this operation, feel free to call on me."

Grenhart says, "There is worse."

Voyle says, "Good day, everyone."

Crayzeke says, "Maybe the measure of the respect received is a balance from what has been given."

Heartsfyre asks Grigoire, "Steward, will there be another meeting before we head out and finally squash this threat?"

Grigoire says, "My patience is wearing thin, if you wish to hear more, the Turmar are at the forefront of the investigative side."

Grigoire says, "Their services have come in handy in uncovering the most recent leads, and it due to them that we have the opportunity at hand."

Synamon says, "You shoud definitely retreat and regroup, and give it a few more years so that maybe there will be nothing left of the good people held hostage."

Arandus gazes at Grigoire.

Grigoire says to Arandus, "If only."

Mordimer says, "A lady of the House Tumar was escorted and sent to Dirge not but a few days past."

Arandus chuckles.

Mordimer says, "It was rumored she had visions."

Grigoire nods to Mordimer.

Grigoire says, "Lady Lilena Turmar, yes. She is a Moon Mage."

Perune asks Mordimer, "What kind of visions?"

Klines doffs his bowler hat at Mordimer.

Klines says to Mordimer, "I may be able to answer his question."

Mordimer says, "I do not have first hand knowledge, but they could be a sign of something from everyones past."

Aislynn quietly says to Perune, "She wishes to speak with you, by the by. In case no one has told you."

Mordimer says, "I defer to Klines."

Grigoire says, "She is taking the face of her House's efforts."

Perune says to Aislynn, "I had heard, but thank you."

Grigoire says, "You shall be seeing more of her in days to come."

You say, "The First Land Herald recently published an article featuring Lady Lilena, authored by Klines. I would be happy to give copies to anyone."

Klines nods to you.

Grigoire says, "While I oversee the rest of the military."

Arandus says, "I'd like to see more of her."

Arandus gazes off into the distance.

Arandus shrugs.

Grigoire says to Arandus, "Vaehmic would slaughter you."

Arandus says to Grigoire, "That's the rumor..."

Grigoire says to Arandus, "Slowly."

Crayzeke asks, "You really want to see people dead don't you?"

Grigoire says, "I'm a military man and a guilded Barbarian."

Heartsfyre says, "Steward Grigiore is nothing but efficient."

Perune says to Arandus, "Don't let fear stop you, good Mayor. I'll help you."

Arandus says, "Come now...Grigoire is a ray of truth, and....sunshine."

Arandus nods.

Arandus glances at Grigoire.

Heartsfyre smirks at Arandus.

Crayzeke says, "And a steward now lets not forget that."

Crayzeke says, "Many hats..."

Woten says to Grigoire, "Any news concerning the Lich that attacked some time ago? I hope it's not another Lyras type situation."

Heartsfyre says to Arandus, "I have worked under his.. guidance.. I well know.."

Arandus smiles at Heartsfyre.

Grenhart says, "In any way."

Grigoire says to Woten, "He's been contained, so no."

Klines says to Perune, "In the vision we shared, we felt an overwhelmingly negative and unnatural force. It was also accompanied by extreme pain, it felt as though our minds were being invaded. We ultimately saw an Elpalzi woman's face, flickering in and out in front of a dark, winged shape, covered in scales. We also saw the image of a triple-tined claw."

Arandus says to Heartsfyre, "Undoubtedly why he trusts you then."

Perune asks, "Contained?"

Woten says, "Good news then."

Crayzeke asks, "Contained? To what his own island?"

Mordimer says to Klines, "I took this information you gave me and visited a certain altar in the underswamps."

Grigoire says to Crayzeke, "Yes, actually. According to the Temple."

Whiteburn blinks.

Woten says, "I can see I have some catching up to do later on."

Crayzeke says, "Hardly seems contained, telling to just go home."

Grigoire says, "Contained is contained. More final matters await the Temple."

Mordimer says, "I personally matched spells with that lich, he was hardly contained when he melted into the earth."

Qiyan says, "Contained like spotted and living comfortably... not like fenced in."

Korutu says, "Clearly hes a hostage too."

Grigoire says to Arandus, "I think I hit all of the points."

Arandus nods to Grigoire.

Arandus says, "I believe so."

Azettie says, "No no wait.... if I am gonna be thumped I wanna be thumped by the man not his boy."

Aliselyn says, "Thank you Steward and Mayor for speaking to us."

Arandus smiles.

Qiyan says, "Yes thank you sirs."

Arandus says, "The esteemed gentlemen has things well in hand."

Heartsfyre says, "Sirs. thank you for the news."

Arandus motions to Grigoire.

Ahneya says to Grigoire, "Thank you, Stewart.l."

Synamon asks, "So basically you know things that you found out over years and years of passive research and can not tell us anything about anything except that hey good people are still being tortured but don't worry if they are still alive when we try to help them they will be alive.. right?"

Crayzeke says, "Hey griggy, you know we are still here if you ever decide you want to let us help again..."

Grigoire mutters, "And if I stay much longer, I'll forget my current job doesn't allow for execution of insubordinates."

Arandus chuckles at Grigoire.

Woten says, "Good luck with your new Senschel duties."

Azettie says, "That means I would be under you and I like the tops."

Grigoire asks Arandus, "Did you pay them to do that?"

Arandus says, "Yes."

Arandus asks, "I'm sorry, what?"

Synamon says, "And some elpazi are not so bad."

Grigoire asks Arandus, "I hate you sometimes. You know that, right?"

Arandus says, "Yes, I'm aware."

Arandus nods to Grigoire.

You say to Grigoire, "Lord Grigoire, your words are, as always, appreciated. We citizens of Zoluren stand ready to aid in whatever way we can."

Grigoire says to Arandus, "You owe me a beer."

Crayzeke says, "And hes a steward now, that was first and formost..."

Azettie says, "I own a bar I can buy you one."

Arandus exclaims to Grigoire, "Done! Now we're speaking my language!"

Arandus grins.

Heartsfyre says to Arandus, "Mayor, just give him the whole keg.."

Arandus chuckles at Heartsfyre.

Azettie says to Synamon, "He is gonna ignore me he must not appreciate ladies with minds."

Heartsfyre mutters something into the air about goddess knows hes gonna need it.

Arandus asks Heartsfyre, "No, no...that's not a great idea either. Can you imagine him unhinged?"

Arandus shakes his head at Heartsfyre.

Grigoire walks through the gate, ignoring Arandus.

Synamon says to Azettie, "He is not very good with action."

Heartsfyre says to Arandus, "Least it will be city wide pandamonium."

Crayzeke says, "Unless its from someone saying somthing he doesnt want anyone to hear..."

Arandus exclaims, "Well! I'm glad for the progress, none the less. We may finally be ready to rid this thing yet!"

Crayzeke exclaims, "Then hes a man of action!"

Aislynn quietly says, "Ahh. You might want to head indoors, Mayor."

Qiyan says, "I had more to ask."

Qiyan says, "I just couldn't figure out the nice way to ask."

Arandus says, "I bid you all a good evening...I'm sure you'll hear more as the Steward has more information to share."

Azettie says, "Support the cause."

Arandus accepts Azettie's wilted poppy.

Azettie says, "Wear it proud."

Perune says, "Have a good evening, Mayor."

Arandus exclaims, "What a lovely poppy!"

Korutu says, "Nice cupcake."

Arandus chuckles.

A servant nods deferentially as Arandus enters the wrought-iron gate.