Greybrook Family/Ferdinand/Split Politics between Mentor and Pupil

This RP between Ferdinand and Vahanian represents the OOC discussion of the realm at the time and the IC consequences and arguments for both sides.

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian was back in Grehk after the ordeal at the basilica. Stheno would be arriving shortly before she ventured off on another hunt. He was tired, he ran a hand through his silvery-grey hair and then rubbed the weariness from his eyes and traced the edge of his beard. Vahanian knew Ferdinand was in the city, he could feel it in the air, the Templar guard stood a little straighter, polished their shields a little more whenever the general visited the city. It was off-set by his own personal guards lack of extra preparation. He couldn't help but smile at that, they had served for too long under Vahanian as general. Vahanian normally would have reprimanded such behavior, but the slight was subtle and was more of a compliment to him, than an insult to Ferdinand. He heard his men challenge Ferdinand out in the hall, Ferdinand presented his Templar seal and was allowed to pass. Vahanian stifled a smile, as Ferdinand entered Vahanian's personal study. His young pupil knelt and said "Executor." Vahanian chuckled, taking note of Ferdinand's use of his formal title as Executor of the Templar Order and said "Rise, dear friend, rise." The two friends embraced and Vahanaian offered him a seat before taking his own behind his desk. A tray of food and drink was brought before them and Vahanian poured himself a cup of tea, took some bread and cheese and lit his beloved pipe. "So..." he said, puffing away on the sweet tobacco. "Your meeting with the Oracle..." Vahanian trailed off, waiting for his pupil to comment on his version of events. Baldwin entered into Vahanian's private study during his meeting with Ferdinand, annoyance flickered across the Duke's face. Baldwin murmured an apology and handed the Duke a letter from the Oracle. "Your pardon." Vahanian said to Ferdinand as he read the words in the familiar hand of his closest friend. Vahanian's eyes lit with the fires of passion. He chuckled to himself and folded her letter neatly, tucking it into his breast pocket. He looked up and Ferdinand could see Vahanian was far away, deep within his mind, planning, plotting, soaring through possibilities. Ferdinand was confused, he knew not what the letter had said, but whatever it was, it had inspired Vahanian. Vahanian looked up and said to his pupil. "Do you know what the death of progress and ambition is?.... Complacency and caution... We have much to discuss my young friend..."

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Ferdinand had returned to Grehk after a significant period of time on campaign. The Enlightenment was progressing by the week and Obeah's vision was slowly being realised. However, Ferdinand was concerned. He remembered all to clearly the dangers that inhabited Obeah's theocracy before the phenomenon in Jidington. The uneasy nature of the situation seemed to be almost forget to some of the common folk in Grehk as Ferdinand rode through the city. There had been such change since the Lightbringers had taken back the city. There was life again and there was hope. Where there was fear and dispair there was now hope. Riding to the Templar Nexus as planned, Ferdinand arrived to meet his mentor and Duke of the city. On approach, guards still continued to not recongise Ferdinand. Perhaps that was wise. It kept them on edge. After the standard proceeding of greetings, Vahanian led them to his study. He knew the matter that was going to come up, the events inside the Oracle's own personal quarters. It was the first conversation they would have. Before Ferdinand could answer the inevitable question, Baldwin entered the room to give Vahanian a letter. Initially confused, the smile that crept onto his mentors face gave the sender of the letter away. Vahanian looked up and said to his pupil. "Do you know what the death of progress and ambition is?.... Complacency and caution... We have much to discuss my young friend..." Taking a second to process the open ended question, Ferdinand began to reply: "When I entered the Oracle's study, I did not anticipate the events that were to occur. The situation had definitely created tension that was not meant to exist. However, my line of questioning perhaps was rather... Direct." Taking a cup of tea that was poured for him, Ferdinand breathed in the aromatic smell. It was through these meetings that he had grown accustomed to the taste of such a drink. However, the smoking of the Duke was something he held little interest in. "Foresight is a great thing as you fully well know. I would of preferred events to go rather... differently. While my questions were perhaps valid, the manner of which they were delivered did not suit the situation. The meeting would of been far more productive as well. However, while I recongise the Oracle's wisdom and shall use it, Obeah acts through all of us. Perhaps there was a purpose for the events of last week. My thoughts have been occupied by the aspects ever since..." Taking another sip of his tea, Ferdinand looked into his mentors eyes. His gaze has signature to him alone. In the Oracle's room or here today, you felt his gaze upon you as if there was a audience of a huge. This did not make Ferdinand uncomfortable. It only brought the best out of him. "Progress and Ambition balanced against Complacency and Caution - each balances the other out my mentor. Every human possesses these traits. It is their motivation. Their fear. Their emotion. Their strength or biggest downfall. It is how one uses these through their actions that govern the result. Perhaps you could enlighten me on their meaning in our context?" Ferdinand sat upright in his seat while laying his gaze on the lighting of tobacco of his pipe before then returning to engage Vahanian.

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian regarded his pupil for a moment, puffing on his pipe he eventually said. "Your line of questioning could have been handled better, but more than the result of the conversation you've piqued the interest of the Oracle, only time can tell if that is a good thing for you or not. My endorsement has bought you favor, but even my reach has limits. The interruption of the Farseers was... unfortunate.." Vahanian seemed to chew on the word unfortunate for a moment, pausing. Ferdinand could see his mentor's irritation at Antonia for a moment. "Ferdinand, to be candid, the Oracle is perhaps the smartest person I've ever met. For all her posturing of hating politics she is unusually adept at it. In the future you will need to be far more explicit in your conversations with her. She has a unique talent for twisting words and rules to her advantage." A mischievous smile crept onto Vahanian's face. It was clear that Vahanian had a deep respect for the Oracle, but it was also clear that he knew she could be a royal pain. Vahanian took a long pause and stared across his cup of tea at Ferdinand. "You have a decision before you." Vahanian sipped his tea again and said "You've grown much since you joined the realm, you've learned much, and you've learned well. We spoke months back about the dream the Oracle and I shared for a Sacred Empire. One that will span more than our current occupied lands. There is a chance we will fail, but there is a chance we won't. Much of this realm, much of this faith has a sickness buried deep within its core.. Complacency. We have lost our desire to grow, to build, to dream. We have worked too hard, spilled too much blood, fought too many battles to settle for this." Vahanian spat out the word settle like it was poison and gestured around him. "It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. The Oracle and I are going to build something, we are going to realize this vision into existence. It will take time, a lot of planning, and long, sleepless nights. But it will happen. I want you alongside me as it does. You've a sharp mind, you're capable and you're determined. You have a way of thinking about things that neither the Oracle nor I does.. So my question and your choice is this... Will you work with us, to build something that will last longer than our children's children can imagine?"

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Ferdinand took note of his mentors warnings regarding the Oracle. She was a intelligent woman and wise as well as the chosen of Obeah. However, it appeared that the Oracle herself had forgotten their first true meeting in the Solarium during the Violet Storm. Obeah works in mysterious ways. On the topic of the Sacred Empire, Ferdinand replied to Vahanian: "I remember our conversation well - the Enlightenment was only part of that. Obeah's teachings and vision shall be realised in time and I will support it in whatever vehicle Obeah wishes. Therefore, I have the ambition and commitment to build it." Ferdinand took his mentors compliments to heart. They were hard won but Ferdinand respected anyone whom deserved the Duke's praise. "My mentor, you shall always have my loyalty. What is the vision that you see?" Ferdinand most likely knew what his mentor spoke of. However, what form it would take is what swirled in his mind, much like the liquid in his tea cup.

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian nodded at his pupil's words. He cocked his head a bit and looked at the young man. He took a moment and really looked at the man. Vahanian's deep hazel eyes searched the man's face. Ferdinand met his mentor's stare, something Vahanian had always appreciated about the man. He knew he could intimidate some people, but he appreciated that Ferdinand, never backed down. It was part of the reason that Vahanian had chosen him. Finally Vahanian said 'It looks like Amen Telum being a realm on her own. As will Amen Iron. Amen Telum will take the brunt of the punishment, we will be the shield and the sword for the Holy Seat. We will be the gatekeepers, the only realm between the rest of the world and Rines. It looks like the two of us manning the walls of this city as we have since they were ours to care for." Vahanian puffed on his pipe and said "It looks like you as Amen Telum's general and I as her King."

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

It pained Ferdinand hearing the words coming out of his mentors mouth. He knew that it was what he was going to say the moment that he spoke about the future. It pained him to be honest in this moment. However, it was necessary. "Mentor. As you know, I support the growth of our theocracy - in the right way. The Theocracy will grow and Obeah's following and influence with it. However, spliting Amen Telum and Amen Iron into their own realms? I cannot see this occurring right now nor in this form. There are five loyal nobles in both Amen Iron and Amen Telum. Four of those nobles of each shall become a governing body perhaps or multiple titles for some individuals. Perhaps a joint realm of Amen Iron and Telum. But even then I would have some great concerns." Ferdinand put down his tea and continued talking like normal. The urge to bleed emotion into this conversation was hard to resist. "There is around 27 nobles whom govern the aristocracy of Obeah's theocracy. They are spread thin already. The realm is not ready for what you speak of my mentor. A vast majority of the nobility speak out against such reforms. I believe there is ambition. However, a old folk story once told that one can push a horse to break its limits and travel miles non-stop. The seasoned rider knows when to stop whilst the folly push too far."

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian masked his emotions, it was a skill he'd perfected long ago. He felt a lot beneath the surface, but rarely showed anything. Today was no exception. "Ferdinand, most nobles doubt this plan, most nobles speak out against this plan. Most nobles don't know Obian history as well as they should. This isn't new territory for mankind, it's not even knew territory for Obian-kind. The Oracle did exactly what I am proposing, with far less resources, far less gold, food, support, certainty, or people. And look at what we've built." He paused a brief moment and said "When i first came to Rines I found, ash, dust, and blood. Athol Margos hadn't yet been conquered. The only Obian temple we had was no bigger than this room. Now we are one of, if not the foremost military on the continent. Our influence is felt in nearly every realm." Vahanian paused sipped at a goblet of water and continued saying "My father once told me that 'Man's reach far exceeds his grasp.' I've never found that to be true, in fact quite the opposite. I've found that those who live by that statement are limited by small minds and smaller ambition. You say ambition exists in the realm. Prove it to me. All I can see are those who would rather sit back and do the careful thing, the cautious thing, the boring thing. We dared to become something, we dared to become Templar. I, for one, am not satisfied with letting that wither and die in one realm. You dreamed of a city for Templar to call home. I dream of a realm for them to call home. I dream of an army of Templar, funded by Templar gold, for Templar causes. My grasp will exceed everyone's grasp, and I want you by my side when it does. This won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Those who deny it or refute it, are denying and refuting Obeah. The Veiled Goddess has spoken, The Oracle has spoken, I have spoken. Will you also speak?"

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

As expected, Vahanian held his composure, earnt from many decades of experience. While Ferdinand was also experienced and both men have debated before, there was almost a slight battle of wills. Both men immensely respected the other for reasons for their own. Both knew that this topic would not break their relationship as mentor/pupil, friends or even fracture it a slight. That would not mean that they would hold back in their thoughts and opinions. Taking a second to take in Vahanian's words, Ferdinand responded: "Executor, no. Vahanian. In my studies as Grey Knight, I studied our history. It is prosperous and a excellent demonstration of dedication and faith to Obeah. I will never try and degrade that as it is part of our history. We have both been part of that history in greater or smaller parts. Bringing the Enlightenment to our part of the continent should be celebrated. Nevertheless, our military has earnt its reputation well. Yet, we must train to not go rusty. That does not mean that we fragment that same military into separate parts? Beaucracy breeds a host of negative emotion and efficiency. While these barriers could be overcome, they are not necessary. There would be 3 armies of Generals, Marshals and Vice Marshals which will listen to a chain of command from one greater General. These armies on their onset could not be called true armies by the continents standard. Yes these can be overcome but not without cost of effectiveness. I will not depict the political beaucracy that will be created, you know this as much as I." Ferdinand paused and looked at his Templar seal and then back to his mentor again: "When you speak of a Templar City, we have got that. We have made great progress in the time we have held the city. However, more needs to be done. Our regions are not nearly as dense with peasant population to tend it's fields. Glogin is a exception in the southern Duchies. Our own city and Ardmore is not occupied with nobles to tend the lawless lands. This is not secure nor a sign of prosperity to push for such a split. Beyond petitioning nobles of the Amen Obeah or Amen Keffa, the chance of nobles to find and fill our lands dramatically decreases." Taking a sip of water, Ferdinand continued: "I will always support the Templar Order and I will stand by you as we build the order to even greater heights. Times have changed now my mentor. The Templars are not a army - they are a philosophy. Times demand that all can command units so that they can defend our realm, Templar, Inquisitor and non aligned- exactly what the Lightbringers represent. The Templar Order in some form are those whom follow the creed of Obeah's militant. Along with the Inquisition, these orders of Obeah are not realms onto themselves. They serve as institutions of Obeahs theocracies with a Grand Herald as a realms representative. They have seats in cities but they are not powers onto themselves for themselves. We all carry out Obeah's will - Dukes should not be Kings." Ferdinand stopped and watched. Did his mentor believe that he was refuting Obeah?

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian sat quietly for a long time. He fiddled with the end of his pipe and said "This realm lacks imagination. It lacks the will to defy odds. There were those that thought the idea of a second army, of only Special Forces units would be folly, that it would fail. Rania and I ignored them." Vahanian paid special attention to Ferdinand, wondering how his friend would react to his casual use of the Oracle's first name with no titles afforded to it. He continued on as he observed, "We implemented the Farseers and now, now they are the most effective army this realm has ever seen. They move and strike with precision and lethal force." He paused, puffed on his pipe and said "Nobody thinks this will be easy, nobody thinks this won't pose an enormous amount of unknowns, questions, problems, and obstacles. We know it will be hard, damn near impossible even. But it's worth it. Because I guarantee you this, when the Daimons come, and they will come again, if we don't do this. Rines will be besieged, Rines will fall, and Rines will burn. My best friend will be dragged through the street and executed, a young girl whom I love as my own will be tortured, and I will be put to death. This is Obeah's vision, her plan. Who are we to deny that." He let that sit. Vahanian had, like Rania, always hated politics and navigating conversations with care, he preferred to be blunt. But because he hated it didn't mean he hadn't learned how to do it, he used those skills now. He waited a long time, patiently. He waited for what seemed like a painful amount of time in silence, until Ferdinand was about to speak and then he said "When did you become afraid to fail?"

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

There were a couple of words that repeated themselves throughout this conversation with his mentor. Ferdinand pondered the emphasis on the words of ambition and to a lesser extent imagination. While Ferdinand could go into the matter of the Farseers of the Oracle, there were issues that deserved more time from the conversation they were currently having. The use of the Oracle's first name was not surprising considering the relationship between the two. However, to Ferdinand, she was still Obeah's prophet and her titles are in respect to that. The issue of Daimons stirred Ferdinand. He knew the background his mentor referenced. However a vision? Whether it was a slip of the tongue by his mentor or not, a vision from Obeah should be taken seriously: "It is true that Daimons will one day return to our lands. Whether it is next week or in many seasons. We shall never be truly ready for the onslaught. However, we must rally what we can to ensure we are as prepared as we can be. Creating additional barriers such as not being able to access the recruitment centres of Rines are another reason for my position on this matter. Therefore I ask you, what practicality does this split serve?" Taking some time for his next answer, Ferdinand responded with a honestly that perhaps did not suit the situation: "I am not afraid to fail. You know this from your teachings and my own experiences. The difference with time my mentor is that there are responsibilities we both have to stand to. We shepard Obeah's souls through our shield and care. I will not go blindly into the dark unless I have a torch with me. No noble goes to war without his armour. I make this comparison as this politically binding decision will permanently stain Obeah's Theocracy and weaken her, not strengthen her. Unless... Unless it is done properly, not like this. The Theocracy will have to change to progress. I believe there are other ways to meet these changes, not through political upheaval."

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian gauged his pupil's reactions to his statements and then listened intently to Ferdinand's responses. His response was about what Vahanian had expected, but far less than what he'd hoped for. "We're not asking you to go to war without your armor, or walk through the dark without a torch. Merely that we not waste time polishing the breastplate that will soon be covered in blood and dirt. What we're asking isn't going to happen overnight, or even over the course of a few weeks, it will be months of work, and many more of planning. In fact we aren't even asking. The Oracle has decreed it. Obeah has spoken to her, and to me, this is her will. There will be much preparation, and careful planning and rebuilding. Grehk improves everyday, Glongin and other regions will soon follow. I want you by my side on this, Ferdinand, but I will not order it. If when the time comes you still deny this path forward, I will release you from your oaths to Grehk, you will be free to pledge fealty to whomever you wish." Vahanian sat back and puffed on his pipe. He knew that his words would strike a cord with Ferdinand, he was gambling on pride and honor, and Vahanian hated gambling. "We can build something great, we can build something that will last. I won't lie, I am intrigued and partially motivated at the prospect of becoming King. But to think that is my only motivation would be a grave mistake to make." Ferdinand knew that Vahanian wasn't necessarily referring to him, Vahanian knew Ferdinand's loyalty. Ferdinand could also read into Vahanian's words and tone and knew, beyond question, Vahanian had killed men for less. "The Daimons are coming, and to think that we can huddle behind the walls of Rines and prepare and train and that, that, will be enough is foolish. That line of thinking will get people killed. Splitting the realm all but ensures survival of the Sacred Realm. Should Amen Telum fall, we have the option to fall back and join with the realms of Amen Iron or Amen Keffa. If not, we risk dooming the rest of the realm. I will not do that. Histories and education can only teach so much. Most of the nobles of this realm weren't even babes at their mother's breast yet when daimons last roamed. They don't know the horrors of facing a daimon horde. They don't know the sheer terror, even the bravest of men can feel when hearing the war cries and bloodcurdling shrieks of Daimon warbands. I promise you this, if we don't split off, we will all die, humanity will fall and this world will burn. I for one, will not sit idly by and watch that happen, knowing, in my bones that I could have done something to stop it."

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Ferdinand thought about the situation at hand. Standing on the other side of the room to his mentor was not a regular occurrence. A situation which he would not ever want to remain on. However, as he thought through the argument that his mentor had put across, there was a underlying assumption that needed to be addressed: "My mentor, I do not understand. Why do you assume that we have to split apart to succeed? If Grehk falls, we retreat to Amen Keffa. If Rines falls, we retreat to Amen Iron. If Irombro falls, we retreat to Amen Telum. Three separate realms are not required to achieve this? What practical purpose do we hold to split the realm?" However, as he spoke these words, the gravity of the situation grew. From the Prophet decree to the fact that Vahanian would even release Ferdinand from his vows. Gambling on his pride and honour, Ferdinand was torn. "Vahanian, if the Oracle has already decreed this and there is no opposition that is allowed, are you expecting that the nobles of the Theocracy to simply follow suit? A realm's nobles are also Obeah's voice. Please listen to them. Listen to me my mentor." Ferdinand got up and went down on one knee: "You have my loyalty now and always. I would not pledge my loyalty to another as it is first Obeah's then yours. Nevertheless, this is not a path that we should walk down. Rather than the success that Daimons are expecting to face, they will find a weaker collection of realms that they would face instead. If this is the path that we must tread, surely there is another way, another time and another method. Why is this the only option?"

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian toyed with the end of his pipe and looked at his pupil, his friend, his steward, kneeling before him and bade him rise. Vahanian sighed, the hour grew late and he was tired, but he would not rest until he was satisfied he knew the outcome of this conversation. "This is the path we must tread, there is no other way, no other method, no other option. For so many reasons. If we don't split and Rines is to fall, even if Grehk and Iromboro still stand most of the army will be cut off from recruitment centers of any quality. Sure we could attempt to build some in those other cities, but we don't have a guarantee they will produce units worth fielding. Without splitting Obian influence will never spread to or beyond Jidington. Because if we split into three realms we have a higher chance of attracting young knights looking to make a name for themselves than we do as one realm. Because Daimons aren't stupid, they don't fight like rogues, or undead, or men. They fight for blood and death and they fight in ways that maximize their chances of accomplishing that goal. If they attack on multiple fronts, which they are likely to do, and we are split into three different realms loyal and autonomous armies will be better positioned and ready to adjust, and deal with the threats with a shorter time to refit and recruit. It cuts down on the length of our supply chains - unlike today where we have to return to Rines to refit and recruit. Because if Rines falls, moving the capital will hurt all of our regions in a critical time when we might not have the ability or time to tend to them and fight daimons. Beacuse Daimons don't go for flashy kills, they don't try to impress with their prowess, they hunt and kill like monsters. They don't wait for the perfect strike they cut you a hundred times until you weaken and die. If they're going to stab me in the heart, I'd prefer to have three hearts rather than one. Because what people fear is isolation, but the heralds have already brought us all together, they will not let us drift apart. Because in times of invasion the human realms bicker and argue like petulant children as to who should lead and play a game of who has the biggest stick rather than trying to deal with the threat before it becomes one. If we were to split Obeah has three voices in the ruler's council rather than one, and that makes her agenda that much more likely to succeed. Multiple nations, multiple rulers guaranteed to argue in favor of Obeah, and that, not gold, not divine power, not magical artifacts, Obeah's agenda and will succeeding is the Oracle's primary motivation." Vahanian stared across the desk in the silence that followed and waited.

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

The conversation grew late. For both men knew that this course of topic could last hours more. However, there needed to be a answer. Looking to around the room, Ferdinand found what he was looking for. Grabbing the map and bringing it over to the desk, Ferdinand depicted as he talked. "To me, there are two options for the realm as we grow. 1) To keep the realm whole and make a administration in Grehk to support the lands that made old Riombara. The city will provide the right position to hold the realm together while having the Duchies, centred around the cities to hold recruitment centres. 2) The realm splits. But not in the way that you are currently inferring." Taking a dagger from his belt, Ferdinand loosely illustrated his idea: "What if the Sacred realm stayed as it was now and was separated at Ardmore bridge. Then, the Duchies of Amen Iron and Telum would form a realm when they have perhaps 20 nobles. While the number perhaps could be revised, having a administration in Irombro will insure that the realms in the south would thrive while laying the foundations for the next phase which moves into Jidington peninsula." Ferdinand stood in front of his mentors desk, briefly examined the blade before putting it away. "While I would prefer to support my first idea, I believe that the realm would be more supportive of a proposal that would see both the Sacred Realm and the Duchies to be on more populous terms as well as having prosperous, estate filled regions. I am against a split that would occur right now. Not a split under thought out terms, such as installing a Grand Herald and consideration of the nobles impacted when the time was right."

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian toyed with the end of his pipe and looked at his pupil, his friend, his steward, kneeling before him and bade him rise. Vahanian sighed, the hour grew late and he was tired, but he would not rest until he was satisfied he knew the outcome of this conversation. "This is the path we must tread, there is no other way, no other method, no other option. For so many reasons. If we don't split and Rines is to fall, even if Grehk and Iromboro still stand most of the army will be cut off from recruitment centers of any quality. Sure we could attempt to build some in those other cities, but we don't have a guarantee they will produce units worth fielding. Without splitting Obian influence will never spread to or beyond Jidington. Because if we split into three realms we have a higher chance of attracting young knights looking to make a name for themselves than we do as one realm. Because Daimons aren't stupid, they don't fight like rogues, or undead, or men. They fight for blood and death and they fight in ways that maximize their chances of accomplishing that goal. If they attack on multiple fronts, which they are likely to do, and we are split into three different realms loyal and autonomous armies will be better positioned and ready to adjust, and deal with the threats with a shorter time to refit and recruit. It cuts down on the length of our supply chains - unlike today where we have to return to Rines to refit and recruit. Because if Rines falls, moving the capital will hurt all of our regions in a critical time when we might not have the ability or time to tend to them and fight daimons. Beacuse Daimons don't go for flashy kills, they don't try to impress with their prowess, they hunt and kill like monsters. They don't wait for the perfect strike they cut you a hundred times until you weaken and die. If they're going to stab me in the heart, I'd prefer to have three hearts rather than one. Because what people fear is isolation, but the heralds have already brought us all together, they will not let us drift apart. Because in times of invasion the human realms bicker and argue like petulant children as to who should lead and play a game of who has the biggest stick rather than trying to deal with the threat before it becomes one. If we were to split Obeah has three voices in the ruler's council rather than one, and that makes her agenda that much more likely to succeed. Multiple nations, multiple rulers guaranteed to argue in favor of Obeah, and that, not gold, not divine power, not magical artifacts, Obeah's agenda and will succeeding is the Oracle's primary motivation." Vahanian stared across the desk in the silence that followed and waited.

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Ferdinand returned to his seat, almost looking angry at himself. Was there more that he could do? He looked at his mentor and then the map that was laid out on his desk. The Duke was adamant that a separation of realms was the only way forward. Was it the only way forward? In thought, Ferdinand took some moments to think - he knew that his mentor would understand. Would splitting the realm be as bad as he predicted that it would be? Yes the bureaucracy would increase. That was easily amended by some work, perhaps extraordinary, to ensure that the armies were in check. All of the Generals of the Obian realm could be led by one. Ferdinand had not truly considered the impact that this would have on the rest of the continent. Having three separate realms coordinating could be seen stronger than just one? Against the Daimon invasion that is always beckoning, the stronger source of military potential would also be of great use. He had faith that if this was the decision that Obeah had steered her realm into, she would provide her most faithful strength to continue. After all, the Oracle was Obeah's only prophet on this soil. Relaxing upon the realisation, acceptance of familiar territory, Ferdinand was about to speak. Then something occurred that was rather unusual. For a second, Ferdinand's eyes flickered and a shield appeared in his eye lids, before fading away as quickly as it came. He could discern what shield it was, whether it was in one piece or any other detail. Unsure of what to make of this, Ferdinand stood up and wandered to the side of the study, deep in thought. Questions rushed through his head. This was no extraordinary occurrence - this had to mean something? With his faith in one hand, realism in the other and loyalty in his heart and the occurrence in front of his eyes, the Grand Templar took a minute of silence. With the contemplation over in his mind, Ferdinand finally looked at Vahanian. This was not the stern face of Obeah's Grand Templar. It was of a man, looking at the closest resemblance of a father figure and friend he had in this life, attempting to keep his heart and mind separate. "Vahanian, we have talked about this topic on many occasions. I accept, there are many reasons and good intentions for the realm to split. Perhaps it has taken me a long time to realise that it is simply not about the pocket of the continent we live in. It is about the faith, it's nobles and what our Theocracy sets out to achieve in the name of Obeah. Yet, it is not about the big picture, it is the nobles within the Theocracy. It is the newest nobles to the faith, the old veterans of Daimonic invasions past, it is young lords and there is us. Nobles will rally and in the darkest times, we shall be guided by Obeah's light." Ferdinand opened his cloak and within one of it's pockets he found a simple grey velvet pouch. Holding it in his hand for a few seconds, almost to judge it's weight, he put it down on the table in front of him and pushed it towards his mentor. "My mentor, you have my absolute loyalty. It is a honour and a privilege to serve by your side. If you did not take a interest in me that day in Rines all those years ago, where I was recruiting Paladins for the faith for the first time, I would have gone down a very different path. Perhaps it was Obeah's will. Yet, at the crux of the matter, this is where I stand. If the day comes that you separate this duchy from the Sacred Realm, I will stand by you and defend this city in the name of the Templar Order. You have my loyalty and honour. That shall never change." At the end of that sentence, Ferdinand's face returned to his usual posture, as if we was on inspection for the Silver Arrow. "Until you choose to make that decision, I shall with all my energy, commitment and faith to see that you should never make such a choice. There shall be no respect lost between us. As we have said, politics should not be mixed. However, expect to see me petition the Oracle to reconsider, talk with my fellow nobles about the subject and be prepared to debate my piece in the Grand Council. While I will stand by you when the time comes or Daimons return to make this all seem worth naught, I expect that the decision that you make is accountable and the right decision for the Obeah's theocracy. I hope this is a circumstance that we can both settle for." Glancing at his ring on his hand, a symbol of his position as Steward of Grehk, he looked to it's lord for a reply.

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian watched with great curiosity as Ferdinand worked through his inner turmoil. There were moments during his silent struggle when Vahanian saw opportunities to influence the young General with a word or an action. Instead, he remained silent and still. Ferdinand needed to come to this decision on his own, and trust that it was his own choice, and not the result of influence by Vahanian. Ferdinand looked at Vahanian with a certain sadness in his eye, it was a look Vahanian had only seen once before, and in Stheno's eyes when she thought she was the reason Vahanian and his son were estranged. It didn't have nearly the same impact coming from Ferdinand as it had from Stheno, but then again, Vahanian hadn't raised Ferdinand. Vahanian's interest was piqued even more when the grey pouch was placed on his desk. He didn't recognize the pouch, but he recognized the shape and weight of it's contents. He smirked briefly and leaned forward and pulled a small obsidian stone from the pouch. He traced the stone with his fingers as he listened to Ferdinand. Ferdinand pledged to join him when the time came, but until then would work tirelessly to convince him that the split was a bad idea. Vahanian had no doubt that Ferdinand would throw himself at this objective with as much fervor as he would a daimon. Ferdinand looked from his signet ring to Vahanian and waited. Vahanian was still looking at the stone. "I remember the day I gave this to you.. Do you remember what I said when I did?" Vahanian turned the stone over in his hand and then put it back in the pouch and slid it across the table and looked at Ferdinand before saying "I told you that a Templar cares for his men and his weapons first, and himself second. I also told you that if you joined me I would sharpen you into a Templar to use against the enemies of Obeah, just as you would do with this whetstone and your sword. I'm not done with you yet, Ferdinand. Not by a long shot. Use every resource available, challenge the ideas and methods the Oracle and I propose, we welcome it, you look at things in a way she and I can't. So, we welcome your view." Vahanian stood and circled the desk to stand in front of Ferdinand and said "You are the best student I've ever had, you learn fast, your efficient, and most importantly you think. You can't imagine how rare that is these days. I've never once questioned your loyalty, not to me, not to the Oracle, not to The Templar, and never to Obeah. You're far too dedicated, and far too intelligent to be stupid enough to betray any of us. Knowing you'll stand by me, is enough, my friend." Vahanian clasped arms with Ferdinand and pulled him into an embrace. Before saying "Now, if you'll pardon an old man. I really must sleep." He smiled at his friend and bade him good night before returning to his own chambers. Once he was alone, he sat by the window and peeled an orange, he replayed the conversation in his mind, from start to end. When he was satisfied, he closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.

Vahanian Blint