RP:The Warriors Initiative

Part of the Dissonance Theory Arc

This is a Warrior's Guild RP.

Summary: Warrior's Guild! Assemble! ...And then fight about how to take care of Xicotl... I guess.

Vigilanti Semper

Kailani arrives with a small and eclectic entourage, as the blue haired druid normally does. As per the norm, her companions include one full grown griffon as well as a young and still growing blue dragon. While many of the people that are currently arriving are familiar to her, the druid’s reclusive habits are hard to shake. The blue haired woman does not seek out the company of anyone in particular, she is more than content to loiter toward the back of the crowd with her animal friends. The griffon, Grimclaw, settles into a lying position toward the back of the room while the young dragon, named Aspen, curls up on Grimclaw’s back. There is a select few that Kai will attempt to greet with a smile if she happens to catch their gaze upon her, those include Khitti, Penelope, and Quintessa. Beyond that, the druid keeps to herself and leans/snuggles into the side of Grimclaw, listening in silence.

Kreekitaka hadn't been to these halls in a while. The lack of Lionel hadn't been overly disconcerting until pointed out--the uyeer had been so wrapped up in his alchemical studies, various experiments, business, and monitoring the undead situation that he simply hadn't had any attention to spare on the man. Now, however, apparently there was some kind of subterranean realm-devouring monster on the loose? That couldn't be good, but somehow as the crabman strode confidently into the room, his exoskeletal feet tapping loudly on the floors and paddles clattering behind him, he seemed to ooze "I have a plan and it's going to save all your butts". Now granted, he hadn't been the one to call this meeting, but with the way he carried himself one might almost be forgiven for assuming that he was the one in charge. His mount, Vindicator, the giant sea scorpion, he'd left outside. His eyes flicked back and forth, glancing around at who he had to work with--after all, a plan is only as good as the people you have to help pull it off. Seemed like this was a good group, though, so no worries there.

Penelope arrived at the semper, and really a feeling of uneasiness washed over her from the halls. Retrieving the word of notice from Kasyr was not an easy message to take in. Lionel was gone for unknown reasons again. It was a torn decision whether she should come back and continue to be on the medical side of things. Considering that the world was so complicated, there was a magnetic pull that brought her back to the semper. One for Lionel who had still been a big part of her life, and the other, Xioctl that was still a fate of Lithrydel’s future. The Ardelian is poised as she walks towards the meeting room, and through the crowd, she makes her nods and slight waves to different faces before approaching a face she had not seen for quite some time. Kailani. And what was that with her…? A griffon? “Hey, stranger,” cue killing Kailani’s silence. She offers a smile, and maybe a nudge if the blue-haired druid would let her or if she is even able to. A brief pause is given as she watches Kreekitaka’s confident approach before saying, “Meetings, huh? My -favorite-.” She is sarcastic and mildly humorous through the grim topic of today. Nel dealt with bad things through really bad humor. Could one tell? “I’m just gonna stand here, yeah?” And with that, Nel would also just stand in silence, for she knew that she could get away with easy silence with Kailani.

Kasyr has been, fittingly enough, keeping Vigil- the swordsman having hung out atop the keep in order to keep an eye out for the various people that had been called to meet today. That, and to chain smoke as much as is humanly possible before the meeting. It's in this manner that he greets the approaching warriors, sparing the occasional wave for whoever deigns to look up- at least, until the trickle of newcomers subsides. It's only then that he flings his most recent smoke off the roof's edge, and begins to make his way down towards the meeting room. "Okay, so- Let's see. Notes? Sort of check. Smokes? Check." There's a pause, the kensai's hand drifting towards entry to the command wing. "This is fine." It is not fine. "Just- look like you know what you're talking about." This part's said quietest of all, before he strides into the room proper and takes in all the faces there. ...And honestly, given the giant crabman's introduction- maybe things aren't going to go so poorly. Or at least, the crux of any imminent blame wasn't apt to land in the kensai's lap -first-, given that boisterous bit of Bravado left Kree center stage for the moment. "...What?" Oh, right- that bit aside, the swordsman side shimmies so other people can get past him.

Krice hadn't really seen the other warriors - and in some cases, healers - since the last time they had all met to discuss world events, but very little had changed by way of his appearance; he wore the usual black button-down, katana strapped to his back, the only difference being longer hair. Elsewise, the enigma had been preoccupied with other things deemed more important than a leader missing in action. Krice of all people understood the need to get away, and since Lionel was strong enough and experienced enough to take care of himself, his disappearance didn't cause this warrior particular concern. He arrived by way of wyvern-back, dismissing Gylworliath after dismount to hunt and then return to Frostmaw. He could walk back. Flying overhead gave him the perfect view of the keep's roof, but he would have noticed Kasyr anyway. He looked up, offering the chainsmoker a nod and no uncertainty about his ability to lead. As everyone gathered for the meeting, Krice stood outside the group to observe them overall, affording Penelope a nod if she glanced his way, sparing a speculative look in Kreekitaka's direction, and casually ignoring those with whom he had poor histories unless interaction was required.

Quintessa had long prepared a method to quickly travel to and from this location by a portal in her Warror’s Guild laboratory, though admittedly it had gotten less and less use as time went by. Luckily for her, the average member knew to stay out of her lab- for their own sake, so everything was still in place when she arrived. Dusty tomes and maps still open where she left them lay strewn about, note and tactics for how best to counter the defenses of the thralls and put an end to their subterranean master. Memories of her past duties here flash before her eyes before melting away to nothing. Quintessa had a new motivation to be here, one provided by her old teacher, Kasyr. After a moment to disengage her magical locks, the warlock heads outside to meet the rest of her guildmates, offering a simple nod to those she recognized. Other than that the changeling remains silent, fiddling with the metal clasp of her silver cigarette case to distract herself from the sense of anxiety she was feeling. Quintessa had no reason to feel this way, yet when her mismatched eyes took in the surroundings too many bitter memories remained. She suddenly remembered why she hadn’t been here in several months; her sense of belonging was nearly nonexistent, and deep down she knew why. Finally, with a flip of her thumb to open her case, Quintessa drew a single, black cigarette and placed it between her lips. Silence would serve her best in this specific moment.

Beldur arrived with snow still on his shoulders. Having come from Frostmaw via what limited magic he had. Shela would poke her head out of the thick furred shoulders. Her nature loving the snow that was slowly melting on him. He would move to take a seat within the area they were having the meeting. His helm being rested on his lap. Shela would be handed a jerky to ensure she stayed somewhat docile as he nods to the other members of the guild. Waiting for it to begin.

Khitti yawned as she hopped off her tikifhlee and headed inside to join the rest of the group. And once she did join them, and she went to smile back at Kailani, she yawned again. It was one of those yawns where it not only hurt your throat a little, but the rest of your face felt like it was going to split open and fall off from how intense the yawn was. She blinked a few times at herself then sighed and finally gave a nod to those gathered. It was tough taking care of a pregnant lady. Who’s the pregnant lady, you ask? Well. It’s not Khitti. Annette (Khitt’s wife) had been keeping either Khitt or Khitti up with wanting fried foods from the Whaler’s at three in the morning. And one does not deny a pregnant person’s cravings. Because they’ll probably rip your head off, if you don’t. There were slight dark circles under Khitti’s eyes, but it mostly blended in with her dark eyeliner and eyeshadow. She’d be keen on sitting there mostly in silence like a lot of the other members of the guild and would attempt to not to fall asleep.

Karasu bounces a small red dragon on one knee as she surveys the room. The letter she had gotten from Kasyr was alarming, if not outright infuriating. The red dragon handles what appears to be a large snowglobe in his claws, completely enamored by how the light reflects off the different surfaces and textures inside of it. Karasu huffs and puffs, waiting for the man of the hour to appear so she could snap something along the lines of 'you had time to leave a giant ink stain on the paper, but not to tell me what the threat was?'

Mathollak ambles from his luxuriant, comfortably furnished room on soft leather flipflops past the door to the officer’s lounge or whatever it was, before hearing voices from the other side. He pivots back to it and mutters, “Thought it was farther down.” He cradles a nearly full cup of coffee to his core and leans his shoulder against the door, easing it open without spilling a drop. “What the…” He pushes his sunglasses down with the pad of a finger and scans the room incredulously. How had he been here this long without noticing the gryphon. Or the dragon. Or the, “Ohhhh. That’s...an uyeer.” His mouth begins to water, until he remembers he’s working. “Bro. I know not one single person here…” he mutters to himself. Then louder, “ Alright just to get this out of the way, I’m Mathollak. Mathollak. Good to meet you all!” That’s when he notices Khitti, and he pushes his shades back down over his eyes. “Sup chief.” He holds his mug aloft and picks up a chair to sit next to Khitti with. “Dayumm, you look uh.. great!” He’s about to take a sip from his mug, when reluctantly he realizes they might need it more. “Coffee?” Then to her other friends, “Hey good morning guys.”

Kasyr said to Karasu, "You know, as far as ink stains go- it was fairly timely."

Kailani :: Penelope’s approach is met with a smile, try as her fellow druid might to kill Kailani’s silence...The blue-haired woman has developed quite the knack for avoiding conversation. In this case, the avoidance was not meant to be an insult. Nel was one of the taciturn woman’s favorite people. Just...Kai and words, they don’t always mesh. Penelope does manage to get Kai to speak a few words, “It has been too long.” But beyond that? Kai manages to keep her tongue stilled. She does nod in acceptance of the fact that Nel would like to stand with her, circle back to the point that the other healer was amongst her favorite people. She was always welcome company, even if Kai was not the most talkative. Grimclaw attempts to flirt with Penelope just a bit by resting his large head on her shoulder, trying to pull her attention on him even for just a few brief moments. Kai can only smirk at the griffon’s antics but her blue-eyes shift toward Mathollak and his very sociable arrival. A brow is lifted for a moment but her attention was quick to turn back to the meeting itself, waiting for it to get underway. There was some sort of point to this thing, right? Something about having to deal with some sort of horrible evil world ending threat that Kailani had almost zero knowledge of? Could this villain really be -that- bad?

Kreekitaka looked around, and then down at Kasyr. At first, Kree looked at him uncomprehending. The man had called them all here, right? So shouldn't he be the one to receive the "what"s, not dish them out? Hmph. The uyeer flared his facial crushers in disdain and then raised his voice. Screw protocol, then. "As you may ao be aware, given HHHTHe noTAH! we ao receiveDAH!," he began, "iTAH! seems HHHTHaTAH! Yionoh is missing. HHHTHis may noTAH! be cause for ayarm, however iTAH! DAH!oes mean we're going TAH!oo neeDAH! a pyan of action for HHHTHis--" he quickly double-checked the letter they'd been sent, "subTAH!erranean monsTAH!er. ForTAH!unaTAH!yee," he rolled his shoulders, hauled out his jawblade, pointed it towards the floor and pointedly slammed it against the stone with a semimetallic CLANG, as the metal plate that reinforced the blunt side rang out, "I have a pyan." After only the briefest of pauses, he started in, the plan having his usual lack of subtlety: "TAH!aking aDAH!vanTAH!age of a series of burrows in HHHTHe grounDAH!, I once smasheDAH! open an enTAH!ire foresTAH!--"

Mathollak said, "Oh I got a nice buttery pyan with your name on it pal. Heh."

Magik steps out of a smoke cloud that happened to randomly appear right next to Karasu. He places a hand on her shoulder as he whispers something quietly to her. He ends his message with a smirk then glances about the room. His clanspeople receive a subtle wink. Any familiar face that may lock eyes with the Lyastri will get a more noticeable nod except for Kree. He gets a kiss blown to him

Penelope was used to Kailani’s short amount of words, but Penelope had gotten used to Kailani’s quietness, for Kai was one of Nel’s favorite people too. Penelope took no offense, for Kailani was probably good for Penelope when it came to the Ardelian’s huge mouth. As Grimclaw tries to shmooze his way to rest on the freckled healer, wide eyes appear, but eventually cool down because… why would Kailani let the creature eat her face? Right? Right? The Ardelian sort of smirks and offers a gentle hand in return, and eyes eventually fall on Krice. A small smile would be offered and a nod. ‘Glad to see you,’ would be mouthed as the last time she saw the man, he was… in a poor state. Then, Mathollak. The druidic witch turns as the blue-haired druid turns at the same social exclamation before Penelope just blinks. She then continues looking forward, waiting for the meeting to start which comes the burst from Kreekitaka. The woman squints at the ‘plan’ that is being exclaimed and the woman is unsure of this approach of smashing the earth. Was this the right thing to do? To the human, that seemed ruthless, and Penelope only just learned how to punch. Penelope stands there with just a puzzled expression as she waits for any add-on of ‘plan’. Mentally she thinks, ‘please have something thought out for the love of Sven’.

Khitti said to Mathollak, "Huh? *blinks at you* Oh. Nah, I'm good. I'm gonna nap after the meeting. Whether it's in my bed here or on top of my cat while it takes us home is something I need to figure out though."

Karasu winces at the horrid screeching of consonants from the Uyeer. "Okay, can anyone translate that into Common?" Magik is given a fist bump of the highest respect.

Kasyr , once he's finished taking in all the new faces, supposes Karasu does have the right of it. His message -was- cryptic- and he did owe the people gathered what bits he knew. And yet, the swordsman finds himself pausing when he takes note of the Uyeers scrutiny, and ensuing scorn. Well, it turns out they really were going to get a half-cocked call to action. Alright, then. With Kree immediately doing his Krieg-enthused King thing, the swordsman simply offers Karasu a, "I'll get to it in a second-" before he stretches out, leans back against the wall- and allows the Uyeer to provide a delightfully roadmap for disaster. It's only after he's bellowed out a sufficiently straightforward & suicidal strategy that the Kensai clears his throat, and clearly enounciates, "Hey. Kree. I -love- the enthusiasm, vraiment- But i'm going to need to stop you right there. Though, thank you- that at least gives me a good idea of the sort of briefing I'll need to be giving on the subject of our deep terrain Doombringer, Xicotl." There's a pause for dramatic effect, the swordsman leaning away from the wall and starting to walk towards the center of the room, "Honetement, I was hoping for another face or two, since there's some folks with a bit more knowledge on the subject- but the sum of the matter is, the damnable thing is yet another would be apocalyptic Semi-Demi-God thing. Of the 'Devours continental civilizations as a snack' variety. Not the usual scale of our preferred prey- but, it's the problem we've been left to deal with." There's another pause, and the swordsman begins to stride further into the room, one hand drifting down to the table in the midst of the meeting room- so he can begin tracing over it's surface. "And I do mean left. Whilst I am almost certain there's more details to the story, the gist of what I know from Rilla es that she accompanied Lionel on a mission to delay Xicotl et it's forces. But- that for the time being, we should not expect him to return. There es not some intervention at the 11th hour planned- and it's up to us to deal with whatever comes next. Which es a problem. Et not just because some of us had to deal with weird time magic, demon islands- and the existantial dread accompanying the knowledge that despite however strong we were. We've lost against this thing, at least once." Kree is given a meaningful look here, as are the other warriors who'd accompanied the Kensai on the trip to the Demon archipelago. "This es sort of a crummy pep talk, I know. But the point es- our one big advantage, beyond what we acquired at the island, was having knowledge of where Xicotl was going to strike next, and having the time to properly react. But we've -squandered- that time. And the changes we've done since then -may- have further changed what will happen, which means we need to do our best to gather intel, and as quickly as we can." The kensai sighs, and figures now's as good a time as any to add, "Admittedly, some of this blame may lay on me, given that Lionel had apparently expected moi to step in and take charge in his absence. Which- ...Well, since I've gotten the memo, I'm doing that now. Because we sure as hell didn't wreck one realm wide threat, only to cave in to the next one."

Kasyr said to Kreekitaka, "Also. Unless the location changed- I'm not sure Frostmaw would appreciate them leveling their territory. So we can blunder into a free-for-all death match on their doorstep."

Krice showed no sign of illness as Penelope had seen it when last they encountered each other, standing relaxed but strong and confident in his recovery. As other people arrived, his left brow dipped inward almost imperceptibly though the reason for this remained his own. He glanced briefly at Magik, a little less briefly at Karasu, and then more pointedly at Kreekitaka through his boisterous offer of a plan. 'Burrows in the ground'... The warrior had been underground before under less than pleasant circumstances during the elf-drow war. Despite the sour memories attached to that experience, he regarded Kasyr with a level stare and spoke without hesitation. " I'll go where I'm needed." It was capable of a great many things, perhaps even more than at least half the people here knew; Kasyr could trust him to succeed in any task given him. Whatever happened to Lionel, this silver-haired enigma wasn't going to allow Xicotl to force upon them the destitute future they had witnessed on the island.

Quintessa was about to light up her cigarette with the same cantrip as ever until she noticed that Karasu was here as well, and to avoid her ire and wrath the changeling instead removed the cig from her mouth and tucked it behind her ear. There is a moment that the changeling pauses to place her hands upon her hips, trying desperately to understand what exactly it was the uyeer was trying to say when it dawned on her. “Actually, Kasyr, I have to agree with the crab- we have to take the fight to the thralls and stop letting them recover underground. In a war of attrition they have the advantage and it is impossible to outlast them. The only solution is aggression.” The various small talk that presided didn’t matter so much to her, but she still had to give Karasu a wary look about the dragon child in her lap. “...You really brought him?” Quintessa whispers to her partner, “Y’know I hire nannies- this, ah nevermind…” The warlock reaches down to give the dragon a gentle stroke of his head as Kasyr responds, giving his summation of the situation as best he could, prompting a cynical chuckle from Quintessa when talks of 11th hour interventions are brought up. “Y’know, for once I’d like some stability in Lithyrdel- I can’t keep waiting around for someone who has been keeping me in the dark to rescue me at the very last moment. This is not how decisive victories are won.” The changeling gestures in the direction of her laboratory. “I have studied the maps of Xicotl’s underground networks, synced them up with the Earthquake Stones and access lifts. With the right allocation of our resources we can strike it where it hurts and end this once and for all.”

Beldur would listen to their talk. Taking an interest in the developing conversation. Shela, on the other hand would weave her way to the dragon child. Her curiosity getting the better of her as she watched from out of reach. Playfully sticking her tongue out. "The question is what will it take to end the threat? If we just throw warriors in, even if we sent them in the best possible route. If they don't know what to expect nor prepared for it, it'll all go to waste." His plated hand would move to pull his drake back. "Young."

Karasu gives the red dragon a gentle kiss on his little head. "Having to hold him keeps my temper in check." She coos. The child takes notice of a blue dragon his age and squirms until Karasu relinquishes her grip. Tiny pitter patters punctuate Kasyr's speech as Berrentram very proudly presents his beloved snowglobe to the other dragon. Karasu leans forward, putting her hands on the table. "We JUST finished beating the sh--" A deep breath is taken and Karasu flexes her hand until the joints in her knuckles give a quiet series of pops. "Taking out the terrorist in Xalious took a lot of preparation and cost significant casualties to mages and warriors under our care." She refers back to the Spellblade Corps. Sitting back, she muses, "It's plant-based, you said? If we get a good airflow going into the underground networks, those of us that know pyromancy could create a sort of controlled furnace if we herd the forces into one area."

Khitti didn’t know where the hell her brother Lionel was and she wasn’t sure if she should care. Sure, last time he went missing, he was trapped on the archipelago and had to be saved. And the time before last, it ended up being because he was kidnapped by Kahran. But, he was an adult and could take care of himself. Mostly. Probably. Khitti wasn’t exactly sure. She had her own important stuff to worry about though. Like getting the Herzegler apartment remodeled for the new baby that was coming, amongst other things. And if she happened to be asked about Lionel’s whereabouts? Well, she’d say ‘Don’t know. Don’t care right now.’ This wasn’t the first time he disappeared and if he did come back, it likely wouldn’t be the last. Khitti had been dealing with it for so long, she was used to it by now, even if she was still kind of butthurt about it all. Her olive green line of sight shifted back and forth between everyone as they spoke, taking in each of their words. “I, for one, don’t need a pep talk. Don’t sugarcoat things. Sugarcoating gets people killed. Or worse,” she said at length, her words obviously for Kasyr. “Just tell me what to kill so we can get this over with. Should’ve been done with months ago...” She muttered that last bit to herself.

Magik folds his arms across his chest as Kasyr delivers his speech. Short and to the point. Nice. When possible, the Lyastri chimes in. "Quintessa is right. As is Karasu. We have to take the fight to them. These thrall are stronger and more resilient than they look." He pauses for a moment to quickly scan over those gathered. "Whatever you think you can do to stop them, any of you..," the elf chuckles, "you're wrong." His fiery eyes then look to Khitti, "We were there the night Lionel initially disappeared. Almost everything we threw at the thrall while trying to escape had little to no effect on those damn things..Except, for a quick and small moment of vulnerability when it came to my fire..Something to keep in mind..except, whatever we brainstorm and come up with, triple that effort.."

Mathollak sighs in relief as the chief breaks his tension by declining his overly generous offer. “Alright then…” And he sips it jovially. But none of them over there except Khitti even said a word to him. “It seems...cold over here. Right?” Maybe because they’re all listening to the boss talk. “Right, right,” he says quietly. “Listening!” He pulls out a small box, almost like a humidor. Ornate and such. But inside is just cookies. “Me too,” he says as he dips one in the coffee. He’s trying to eat happily, but the bad news just gets piled on in heaps. So he eats them angrily. “Wait a minute...You said we already faced this guy and lost? Nah. Don’t think so. Pretty sure I’d remember if I was dead or not.” Now he’s listening intently with a cheek full of cookie. “Yeah, what she said,” he said pointing at Quintessa. “No, the uyeer is wrong, I’m not digging any holes. But if we have a map? Bro. Let’s go get ‘em.”

Kailani shared Karasu’s sentiments, she just did not put them to words. The druid instead stares at Kree with furrowed brows, trying her best to figure out what the heck the uyeer was saying. A brief glance is spared toward Penelope, hoping that maybe her companion had some sort of better understanding than she did but it became clear that Penelope was just as confused as she was. Thankfully Kas takes control and does his best to explain the situation at hand. The summary only does so much to illuminate things for the druid. What island? What did they acquire there? Most of the information that was explained did little to help Kailani understand, the only information she was sure of was that there was something out there supposedly threatening the lands and it needed to be defeated. The druid was just waiting to hear what the plan was and how she could actually be of use to it. In a bid to ease her social anxieties, Kai runs her fingers along Grimclaw’s side. Yes, pet the griffon, snuggle with the griffon. Aspen, the blue dragon, was content to snooze on his older brother’s back. While the druid may have a strong affinity for water, she does perk up at the mention of airflow. “I can help with airflow,” she attempts to say to Karasu, except the spellblade and her adorable dragon baby both seem to be in need of making a swift departure. Magik’s pep talk and informing the group they are wrong has Kailani rethinking her offer. What was the point of all of this, then? The druid finds her attention drifting from the meeting and toward the exit. How long should she wait until after Karasu’s departure before making her own?

Mathollak said to Magik, "I can stop 'em."

Magik said to Mathollak, "Okay."

Mathollak said, "I'll stop the heck out of 'em."

Magik said to Mathollak, "Have at it."

Khitti said to Mathollak, "I believe in you."

Mathollak said to Quintessa, "Lemme get that map.

Kreekitaka hadn't even gotten to the plan part of his plan yet. However, when he was informed that Frostmaw sat directly on top of the spot that he'd been intending to turn into a giant sinkhole in order to drop roughly a mountain's worth of stone onto the monster in order to crush it right the heck to death, he had to concede that just maybe they needed a bit more information first. "I once kepTAH! a mayicious queen of HHHTHe naga from yaying one finger on CharTAH!senDAH! wiHHHTH very yiTAH!oh preparation TAH!ime, an' I can make simiyar preparations for wherever iTAH! pyans TAH!oo hiTAH! nexTAH!," he said, pivoting his tactical mindset to defenses instead of attacks. "Once we yocaTAH! iTAH!, we can proceeDAH! wiHHHTH moving iTAH! TAH!oo a more suitabo yocation wiHHHTH some cyever maneuvers, an' HHHTHen crushing iTAH! inTAH!oo a smear. Or burning iTAH!," he added, offering a since-that-seems-to-work-pretty-well sort of gesture in Magik's direction.

Penelope remains quiet on the matter to let the rest of the group discuss the situation of Xioctl. Kasyr was right, they had been defeated prior. Moss eyes bounce around the room with some familiar faces and some new. Did they know the extremes of what Xicotl had been capable of in the past? An attack was bound to happen anytime, for the world had been quiet. When Quintessa speaks up, the healer looks over her way. Again with the attacks, but this time, Tessa mentions the map she had been studying and then she looks to Karasu about pyromancy. Lips purse before adding in as she looks at Khitti carefully first. “Khitti is right… We should’ve have done something sooner because right now, how much time is really left?” Pause. “I’m not jumping to any plans since I guess we all kinda have to agree here, but If we want shake the earth a little and to burn something, I can help… and aid those who’ll need it of course,” eyes cast back to Kailani at that moment because if anyone was going to help on the healing front, it would probably be Kailani. The Ardelian then shrugs before eyeing that coffee of Mathollak’s. Really, that was a good idea for after the meeting. Were there not usually snacks at the meeting? Probably not the best thought to think of when they were talking about Lithrydel being doomed.

Kasyr pinches the bridge of his nose. Quintessa's sideways-support to the Uyeer is partially unexpected, given how much she'd studied up on the obnoxious creature- but, it did make sense. Everyone wanted to rest- needed to rest, but there was always something else to imperil everything. Who wouldn't want to just get it over with? Unfortunately, "If I thought we could get it done and over with by cramming as many of us down it's gullet and hollowing it's insides out until we'd given the underdark a new paint job, I'd be the first one leading the charge. I'm pretty sure you know that." The kensai allows a slow exhale, his gaze flicking between Krice & Khitti, before finally settling on Karasu, "But, Magik is right- it's forces are resilent. Unnaturally so, and especially to magic. In the sense that adapt to arcane assaults in fairly short order, and spread that resistance to their peers." The Kensai sounds so, damned, pained about this- because it curtails so many strategies." Which es part of why I think it's important we discover if there's an effective range for how far they can spread that resistance, if there's limitations to how much they can resist, et if it dissipates over time. For all we know, they've been skirmishing since we've last seen them, and changed even more." Kasyr is definitely of the knowledge is power, camp. "That said- you -aren't- wrong. Given Xicotl can apparently make thralls out of things slain by it, and convert it's fodder- addressing this sooner than later is of the utmost imperative. However, that also means we cannot afford to -throw- what would essentially boil down to fresh troops at it." The non sugar-coated version of this talk sucks. "That said- there is definitely merit in bringing the fight to it. If we can gather just a bit more information- I do think we could make use of the assembled talent here. Kree, for instance- While I don't think your approach es viable as a solution in and of itself- I certainly think you'd be more than well equipped to get it's attention and that of it's Thralls. The idea of making enough of a ruckus to demonstrate yourself as a threat, and -force- it to consign forces to your location, that could help to open a path. Possibly in concert with others. I ... Just... " The Kensai let's out an exhale, and allows his gaze to drift upwards, "My ideal scenario would have us utlizing a talented Terramancers touch to locate this thing. It's large enough that I don't think it could hide from one long term- and that would also provide us an expedient route." But the Kensai's savvy in regards to that lot is fairly limited, and somewhat...tied up in the moment. "All of this, however- regardless of what we do, is going to require our utmost- and for us to function more cohesively as an organisation. As what es effectively an army."

Krice would have scoffed at Quintessa's request for stability had he been the type; she, at least at one point, was the -source- of instability. Remember the trees? Regardless, his calm temperament enabled him to disregard the girl's outlandish request in favour of focusing on the bigger picture; the realm-destroying, world-eating worm thing. Talk of 'Earthquake stones' and 'access lifts' held his attention more genuinely, though. He hadn't heard those terms in reference to the Xicotl war, as yet. As Magik spoke of the 'thrall' from a place of experience, the enigma listened. He knew what he himself was capable of, but the warrior was not arrogant; any insight as to the thrall's vulnerabilities and strengths would prove useful in future encounters. Intent on assisting Kasyr - and the group more broadly - with a course of action, he said to the Kensai, " The more we skirmish with them, the more we'll understand their strengths and weaknesses. They may be unnaturally resistant to magic, but everything can be cut. Let's try dismembering them and see if the parts sprout -new- parts. If they don't, someone can zap 'em over to a different dimension. Keep the parts separate." The warrior lifted his shoulders in a shrug; he wasn't an interdimensional fighter so his suggestion was purely hypothetical.

Kasyr had never expected Krice to be so onboard with warcrimes. This is turning out to be a great day.

Krice is -preventing- war crimes.

Quintessa pauses to consider what everyone was saying, her head slowly nodding as she brought a slender finger up to tug her bottom lip in thought. “This entire campaign has been a long series of pyric successes. Even the expedition into the Demon Arcipelago ended with us sacrificing just as much as we gained. I myself only have nightmares of a future that doesn’t even exist to show for it. And what of the tribal elves? Didn’t we negotiate some kind of alliance with Chieftain Tuvoc?” Mismatched eyes flicker to Krice, searching him for an answer to that specific question. When Mathollak addresses Quintessa directly with his sights set on her map she scoffs in amusement. “Can you even read a tube map?” She gives the death knight a flirtatious grin. “Sure, I’ll give you a copy of some of my maps, but you have to come into my laboratory to get it.” She plucks the cigarette from behind her ear and offers it to Mathollak with an unnecessary flourish, ever eccentric. Pulling her attention back to Kasyr she gives him a wiggle of her eyebrows. “Seriously, Kas, we should use the uyeer’s enthusiasm to our advantage. He could save many lives just by being a bigger, more dangerous target.” Quintessa looks over Kree for a moment. “What are you called again? Kreeatikakata? Close enough? I think you’ll make the perfect vanguard leader.” Pausing to allow Kasyr the chance to talk again, the changeling turns back to him and nods. “Yes… even if we know we are out of time and have to strike directly as soon as possible, that still doesn’t give us the answer to what kind of force we need to apply. Will magical fire work? Will physically pummelling them work? It doesn’t help that we have yet to make first contact with Xicotl, so we have no idea what will actually work. We only have second hand knowledge in books written by people who lasted far less than we have against it. We need more information- but we have no time left to get it.” Another pause draws her silence as Kasyr mentions Terramancers, and Quintessa knows this can only mean one thing. “The Mage’s Guild? Now? During the recovery? I suppose this is a good opportunity for collaboration, but they are not in the position to make great sacrifices either, as Karasu noted. Still, this idea is not without merit provided we can protect our allies.” An amused smirk is thrown in Krice’s direction. “I’m certain you at least can cut through anything. You are right, however, we have to do -something- against them.”

Beldur listens more as he sighs. Holding his companion from exploring the rest of the area and possibly getting into more trouble. Sure, she could protect herself now that she was nearly half his height. But he wasn't about to have her freeze someone's foot because they almost stepped on her. As humorous as that would be, now isn't the time. "We can start with the heads, then. If the head is gone, the rest of the body will fall. If it can survive without it's head, then we're in a different war." The circle talk wasn't for him. He preferred to get into the fight. He was a simple man in that regard, but he knew the importance of it. Knew that it could lead to a solution. Maybe. "If we bring in the mages, than we will have more power behind us. Also, you're not leaving me out of the vanguard!" His own desire for battle, even if the chance was low would allow him to prove himself. "If we can keep Frostmaw from being destroyed, then wonderful. I don't want to see my home destroyed." As if agreeing with her master, Shela would climb onto his shoulders. Trying to look as imposing as her kind could be in the frozen homeland.

Khitti listened again, thinking things over. She too pinched the bridge of her nose, in much the same exasperated way Kasyr had, then shrugged. “I never used my light magic against them, so if they do still retain some sort of resistance, even if it’s lessened by now, they won’t have a resistance against that.” She paused, lips twisting into a frown. “If there is a way to use magic against it, even with the resistance, there might be a way that can help… If I were to open a portal to the Shadow Plane, those of us that wield dark magic could potentially have our magic boosted a bit,” she said, motioning to the group as a whole. “I would suggest trying to lure Xicotl to the Shadow Plane itself, but arcane and holy magic is dampened considerably there, so it’d be somewhat pointless. There are other things we could do to boost other forms of magic though, temporarily. There’s a blacksmith, a follower of Loda, within the Devout’s Guild, who could likely help provide us with whatever we’d need, should we require it.” Her attention shifted to Quintessa, a somewhat devious smirk replacing the frown. “Perhaps we don’t need the Mage’s Guild. I’m not sure if they’d take too kindly to basically torturing one of these thralls to find out what we need anyway. But… the Necromancer’s Guild on the other hand… There’s plenty of us there that use arcane magic as well. And after the thralls nearly ripped me apart when Magik and I were with Lionel that day, I’d like to return the favor.”

Mathollak could see he was getting nowhere with his warrior’s guild members. “More like...worrier’s guild. Haha…” He slid back in his chair and turned with a grin to Quintessa. “Tube maps. Yeah...no! No I’d definitely need someone to teach me. But I could come by the lab later, yeah, help you with some of your experiments. I’m really smart about... anatomy.” He chuckles a little and strikes a match. “Thank you, by the way.” He takes a drag and blows out smoke, as they all double down on their worries. “Terramancy, fire magic, wind magic. Hey I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we just...give up? Sounds like the mage’s guild is much better equipped for it anyway, right?” He shrugs. “Or we could do what -that- guy said,” pointing at Krice, “and just try. A few of us, break these things to pieces and see if they get up. I bet they don’t.”

Kailani || Could Kailani be useful as a healer? Probably. The druid spoke up once, trying to bring light to the fact that she could manipulate the element of air but her offer seemed to fall on deaf ears. She wasn’t the sort who was particularly keen on gloating about her abilities. Only two people in this room had any idea she could heal, they were the same two people who had knowledge of her connection to elemental magic. The druid just pressed her lips together, doing her best to ignore the dull headache that was beginning to form as the group argued back and forth over the best plan of action to take. Eventually the druid gives in to her want to leave but before she does, she leans in toward Penelope to say in a hushed tone, “Let me know if they come up with a plan where I may be of some use.” With that goodbye said to Penelope, she and her little entourage mosey out the door and back to the wilds of Venturil. Some might consider Venturil a harsh and desolate land, but it was sure a heck of a lot more peaceful than all the clammer she was currently hearing within these walls.

Kreekitaka was absolutely in favor of setting himself up as the biggest target, primarily because he felt like he -was-. Anything that got in his claws usually didn't last very long, so it'd be interesting to see how much punishment these "thrall" things could take. He didn't exactly like being told his place, but given it had been his idea to fight this thing head-on to begin with and the others were going to let him do just that, he rippled his paddles up and down in a quasi-musical pleased-with-himself sort of motion. "Io begin coyecTAH!ing my forces. Someone conTAH!acTAH! me when you know preciseyee where I am TAH!oo strike, an' Io creaTAH! an impregnabo barrier an' smash HHHTHese HHHTHraohs inTAH!oo dusTAH!. I have never yosTAH! in open warfare, an' I DAH!on'TAH! inTAH!enDAH! TAH!oo begin yosing now." Already, he was planning. If it was near the Frostmaw location, that meant rocky terrain, hills and valleys. If he could funnel the thralls into a killbox which he had set up with landtraps and siege engines...

Kasyr perks up a bit at the mention of other planes. Sure, the unique limitations Khitti mentioned -could- pose a problem for an assault, but that inquisitive part of his mind found itself dwelling on certain thoughts, "I imagine a Thrall couldn't pass on it's resistances -across- planes- which would make it a decent testing ground for trying things out without risking the possibility of things growing more severe here, non as? Minimize repercussions, hopefully." In any case, the current tangents were hardly conducive for making progress, which is about the point the Kensai's patience ebbs away. "As much as I'm certainly keen on sitting here and watching the bickering continue, and pot shots taken- I don't remember taking an accidental turn into Kelay Tavern." The swordsman glances over towards Mathollak before his attention flickers towards Khitti and Quintessa, "I still need to familiarize myself with the Warrior Guilds Roster more. That might call for a second meeting- But for now, I think it's safe to say you both show the most enthusiasm for trying to figure out -how- these things tick, and how to kill them. Plus, Tessa already has pre-existing research. Set up a lab, here, With the necromancers- wherever you need to. I'm sure you two will get results. Et if you're familiar with anyone present amongst here, or the other guilds- ask. As hard pressed as they are, I'm sure folks at the mage guild aren't too keen on being made into a snack." Barely skipping a beat, the Kensai turns his attention towards Krice, "You -are- fast, and right now, we need that expediency. I want you to see about capturing as many thralls as you can. I'm not too picky about the condition other than 'Alive'. Hell, Send Khitti & Tessa Parcels of broken bodies bundled together- It works. But we need material et research data quickly." God- who else was still here and had the patience? Oh, right. There was Kree. At least he was pleased with things. "I need you to do more than just collect your forces. Our forces at large for the Warriors will need to be drilled for this- because if we're going to properly hold out in order to create an opportunity for a strike force, well, it'll take training. I want you to organize some war games between your Uyeer and the other fighters. Discipline and a chain of command is going to be important if we don't want to simply throw a number of people into a meat grinder- And uniform trainnig for an enemy like this will help to ensure there's less lapses in communication and intel." Plus- it meant the Kensai could get a better bearing of just how well individuals would fair in a stricter command structure. Which then left Beldur. "...You...Uh. Hold that thought." The kensai squints a little bit- trying to place a name to the face. "...Honetement- I really need a better idea of your capabilities- if you'd be keen on a drill so I can get a better idea, I'll find time, otherwise, I'd ask you partake in the uyeers Drills, or help with the scouting effort for figuring out Thrall movements. Even rumours of odd things following prior incident occurences could help." A pause, and the Kensai leans towards Magik, "...Uh- Honestly. Help the Sadi- ...Scientists?" he meant to say that. "You said your fire had an odd interaction. May as well study it." Which leaves last, but not least- Mathollak. "You, You're on my shit list. Until I can figure out what to do with you- since your plan of diving into the tunnels and becoming a thrall is awful- you're accompanying me for drills, and to help make sure relevant documents get around." That's right, Math - It's gopher Duty time. "Don't worry- I'll make sure to give you a spotlight to squander later."

Magik simply nods at Kasyr. He was more than okay with this.

Krice glanced toward Quintessa only long enough to acknowledge her mention of Tuvoc's elves. Had he told her of their assistance with his recovery, or was her knowledge of his alliance with them purely based on their encounter during the battle at the Eternal Tree? Since she was still a dangerous brat with a poor attitude and hadn't yet proven herself - to him - to be otherwise, the warrior addressed Kasyr for whom he had more respect. " They're just as endangered by Xicotl as we are. Thus, they are equally invested." And he and Tuvoc had a certain level of respect for each other. When Kailani moved from the group, Krice looked her way to acknowledge her departure and appeared thoughtful in the seconds thereafter. When Kree spoke, he commanded attention - purely because one needed to focus a little to understand the odd dialect. This enigma was somewhat experienced with the crab's wordage, though, so he didn't struggle too much. It was only as Kasyr addressed him with something he could directly do - i.e hunting and dismembering the baddy's lackeys - that the warrior moved. After nodding his acceptance of the task, Krice turned to depart at a relaxed but purposeful pace. He could track these things on his own if need-be.

Quintessa grins when Kasyr gave not only permission, but the order to expand her laboratory here to include necromancy. “Aye, aye, right away.” The warlock already had her eyes on the next room over- she’d just need to move things around and knock down a wall… “If anyone needs any of the information I have gathered in Project: Dissonance Theory, you know where to find me. My knowledge is your knowledge and I plan to be as transparent as I can with this theorem.”

Beldur nods at the order. Shela on the other hand, wasn't happy about being told to train. Her head resting on top of her masters drew a chuckle from him. "My name is Beldur, Hedge Knight from Frostmaw. I would be honored in sparing with you when you find time. Even training the greenhorns. I'm sure if you look in the records, Lionel might've left some records of my combat skills. If my allies in Frostmaw are still alive, they might send us some troops. Most of whom fought along side me. I'm sure if I explain they'll be eager to join the fray." This perked his pouting drake. A questioning chirp sounded as he chuckles. "But I'm not sure if they'll be willing to divert troops into my command once more. I have been out of touch for a while training in Frostmaw's wilderness." Still, the chance to talk to his old friends was something he wasn't eager to pass up. Never the less, he would continue, his gaze turning to Mathollak. "Surrender was never an option. There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity. Learning about the enemy, while a pain, might save many more lives in the end."

Khitti just sighed. She was getting her own headache, much like Kailani, and the noise from everyone was starting to become unbearable, even if she did add in her own input here and there. She gave a nod to Kasyr as she stood, smoothing out any wrinkles in her outfit. “Alright then. Let me know when the thralls have been captured. I’m needed back in Cenril, as I’ve got some massive remodeling going on at the apartment. Unfortunately, not every terramancer is as wonderful as Odhranos, so I’m going to have to babysit them somewhat.” They were great, and they were the ones that made the building in the first place, but damn if they didn’t talk all day instead of working. “That said, if you don’t find me there, someone will let you know where I’m at.” With a half-assed wave, she’d leave the group and went off to find her tikifhlee, who just happened to be snacking on some very unfortunate squirrels. Gross.

Magik throws in some final words before making his exit, "As always, Kasyr, we'll speak side-bar about what type of resources I can pull for this mission." The pyromancer gives everyone remaining one final look over, "Be safe and careful, everyone. We have no room for error." With that, the mysterious elf disappears into a plume of black smoke and makes a quick exit back towards Sage.

Mathollak noticed people were spilling out of the room one by one, which to him, meant the official part of the meeting was over. So he stands up out of his seat, and takes another drag of Quintessa’s cigarette, before moseying over to Kasyr. “Actually, boss man,” he says with a friendly hand on his shoulder. “You’ll be coming with -me- for drills. And I’d be happy to do your little paper route for ya. But then I’m still gonna go down into whatever smelly cave these creepy cellar-dwellers are hiding in, and I’m gonna beat the dookie out of ‘em. Then I’m gonna drop ‘em. Right...” He takes several steps to the side for no reason other than to make a point. “Right here. And I’m gonna do that until there are none left.” Beldur was making some practical points, that Mathollak couldn’t deny. “Alright, alright! Just because I’m not whimpering about some defeat that didn’t even happen yet doesn’t mean I’m charging in blind with nothing but my big enormous balls! I got Love on my side,” he says with a knowing wink. “Nothing beats Love.”

Kasyr was intending on attendinhg the drills anyways. What sort of leader would he be if he shirked them. That said, Mathollaks faux-familiarity was- well. It took a small bit of effort to suppress the spark that courses over his form, the spiral of electrical energy meant to dissuade any other 'friendly' pats. "Look- you get turned into paste down in the tunnels- I just want you to know one thing. When your Thralled ass has to be dismembered, I'll be asking Tessa to stitch you back together so the training hall can get an Old Dummy back into working order." He exhales sharply, a simultaneous sense of relief at the words, mixed with a pang of frustration at giving into the impulse. "But I guess that means I owe you an imminent drill. One on one, same as I aim to give Beldur- before we move onto proper drills." Speaking of Beldur, "If you have a squad that you have functional history with- so much the better? That sort of experience es invaluable. At worst- you can see if they have any jobs needing to be done around Frostmaw- entreat the leader, or army. We can run some errands and see if they'll loan us troops, supplies or funding in return. Maybe something they deign beneath them? Or less local, but still a problem." Tessa, lastly, is granted a wave as she gets ready to - ...Well, he's given her relative carte blanche to get research done. So likely readying atrocities. Ah, well. And Kree? Well- he's probably still happily frothing over the joys of war. "..Well, this went about as well as could be expected."

Beldur would nod as he stands. Knowing he has more work to do in his homeland. "I'll let you know if they agree. And when you're ready for the sparing match, let me know. I'll return and we can test each other." Shela would stare at the sense of electricity. The human would pull his drake as he chuckles. "Come on, Shela, we have work to do and I doubt our boss wants you to annoy them."

Mathollak snatched his hand off Kasyr’s shoulder and brought it to his lips. “Ow! Wow! Man, you guys are mean here!” He plants a small kiss on his finger making it better. Delisha’s powerful magic? “Alright fine, you’ll come around anyway. Just make sure you fight him first, cause you won’t be able to fight him second! Hah! Alright I’ll uh, I’ll make sure those weirdos know what’s going on.” Then he turns to leave. But wait, wasn’t he forgetting something? Yes! “Oh and by the way. Next time you have one of these things...put out some food? Coffee? At least for yourself, boss, you seem cranky to me.”

Kasyr said to Mathollak, "I... Hmm. Honestly. I'm goddamned starved, so sure."