Session 51: A New Direction Report
General Summary
Three days of rest and the Scales assembled to discuss the talks concerning the Defensive Alliance of the Pax Draconis. Delegates from neighboring Dragon Clans would be arriving to build something to defend against external threats. A'lar would start the meeting with dire news, "I do not think this will work. I have learned that Vermillion has already formed what they call an Empire to our south....We have the Argentumfrost Dominion to our North, The Dracolich and its machinations to the east, and the Holy Empire influencing to our west...a defensive pact, across this much territory will just have us reverting to defending ourselves and falling apart under pressure." After some intense discussion of what the alternative would look like the scales voted, all but Adalon in favor of converting the talks concerning hte Pax Draconis into a fully fledged alliance with central military authority. A'lar and Long Wei first took this change to the Serene Republics Council, to ensure Amaranthines acceptance. Lord Yong felt this only strengthened Amaranthine further so readily agreed. An invitation was extended to Aureate and the stage was set for grand political spectacle.
The delegates all arrived, some known to the scales, others unknown, like Saleen Moonshadow, a Moon Elf from Clan Sparkle, a Crystal clan like Starlight. Thalion Sunblade of Sunburst as well was a new face who brought much news of the South. Vermilions new compact was embroiled in a bitter war with the Theocracy that had arisen within the other two Red Dragon Clans. They have subjugated 3 neighboring clans and are currently fighting a war with Vermillion and the other Amethyst in the south. On the south east coast an isolationist alliance had formed to protect the tropical rainforests and their own interests, it seemed most of Ioban had drawn lines of allegiance. This news spurred the talks which progressed well, the Scales being able to adequately to skillfully handle the objections of each potential member. Clan Moonfrost was the first to decent, concerned that their distance and non contiguous nature would pose a problem, the Scales however were determined to find a solution to this wishing Moonfrost to be with them.
At the end of the discussion Saleen would speak up, looking squarely to Ellomin, Ismarils father, "And what if, a member branches own internal policies are problematic to the whole? I know we have said internal governance shall be left to the member states, but, this could lead to problems." Ismaril would glare daggers, while Ellomin remained calm, "What is it you refer to?" Saleen would smile, "Well...I do not wish to cause strife, but the second class nature to which you treat your dwarven kin, is well, just terrible, and unjust." Ismaril's displeasure for the moon elf would rise. Zanidira from Clan Moonfrost would join the concern, "Yes would the combined alliance military be expected to put down a rebellion should the dwarves rise up at some point?" A'lar would attempt to calm these concerns, "No I should think not, it would be an internal matter afterall." Zanidira would nod, "But it would greatly impact our military, desertions, fighting amongst those members who are different sides, etc." A'lar would nod as this was making a valid point, "Well that is perhaps something our good friends in Starlight can address soon?" Ellomin would nod in agreeance, Saleen speaking up once more, "If the example of Clan Sparkel and the harmony in which our dwarven and elven citizen live can be of any assistance, please let us know!" With this out of the way the first task was set before the alliance. Its new military force would prepare and be ready to move in the Spring to relieve the besieged clan of Windsfury and to take the fight to the armies of Darkgrove and the Dracolich.
The Scales having successfully forged an alliance in the region, Ismaril would gather them together for another meeting. "So, with that done, I think we should visit the spirit world." Several confused stares would greet her. "You see, A'lar has suggested we should judge the dragons, or somehow decide what their fate should be, and frankly we nor the anti dragonists are qualified enough....but the spirits, who have had to live with them, repair the world after them, and the like, may have greater insights into this. I propose we cross over, and seek their council." A'lar and the others would seem skeptical of seeking the Faes opinions, but the idea did have some merit to bring more clarity to their situation. "What does Argerranth thing?" Adalon would ask. Argerranth the dragon soul trapped in a crystal that now floated around A'lar would speak up, "Oh the spirits wont be un biased but most if you seek ardent opinion will not lead you astray, just understand their motivations." "It is nearly Magmus's ascension holiday, he is the only dragon who became a spirit, the rest became gods...perhaps he has something to offer and will be easier to reach," Sildenaer would offer. Argerranth would buzz about, "Oh Magmus was a strage fellow, very different from the rest, he wont lie to you, just be sure to bring a gift!" The Scales would all look over to the ominous black dragon helmet they had taken from the Dracolichs former lair. "I guess we are going to the plane of fire then!" A'lar would say excitedly, "Better get some sunscreen."