[OOC] [Exalted 2.5] The Scarlet Sky Conspiracy – An Epistolary Game

[wonderandawe]

"I will work with House Tepet about the security arrangements." She smiles. "With our House's new found reputation for slow troop movements, we have a convenient excuse to stick around until Mnemon's forces leave."

Belar stands up. "I will be following your career closely, Aisa." She says as she leaves.

[BlueWinds]

Aisa nods seriously. "I will. I can already tell you my offer will be more generous in the Threshold. I have no love lost for the Guild, nor any intention of courting their support. Less for them means more for you."

"For now, though, my request is merely that your forces remain in the north, and you continue your plans to deploy further troops there. Make the trade originally offered with house Tepet, but they will pay you for 'assistance in securing our northern borders' until Mnemon's forces return to the Blessed Isle. You need not actively support the Roseblack, merely make threatening motions suggesting you're ready to destroy the weakened survivors of any confrontation."

[wonderandawe]

Belar laughs. "You are a Wyld Child. Was it you who sent that Ledaal crafter to my nephew to discuss growing rare crops in the South West?"

Belar grows serious. "You are wise to hide behind Mnemon's silks, but you must stand on your own soon. She plans on taking credit for your Northern negotiations. She told me - yes, she did talk to me after promising to leave this matter to you- you were working under her directive."

"Let us say, I promise the support of my house? What will you give us? " Belar lists off a list of economic incentives Mnemon promised when she ascends to the throne. Some include relaxed Slave Regulations. "I have little love for your grandmother, but I can not sell my house's support based on personal preference. Get with your advisors and write up an economic proposal for us to go over the next time we meet."

"Your original plan to have my house leave the North will not suit your needs. And I do not wish to come in direct conflict with Mnemon, though I assume that time is coming. Especially if you say you are building up military support. "

"What will have of my house now? "

[BlueWinds]

I'm going to invoke the bonus die from Akashan here, on the assumption that Belar is smart enough to make the connection for herself.

7 successes. Last point of WP spent! Aisa's getting real exhausted this month, running herself ragged and stressed.

[wonderandawe]

Presence (Diff 4)

[BlueWinds]

"Please see to your charms, that you may know that what I say is the complete truth." Aisa takes a deep breath. "I intend to be Empress."

"More than one Great House has aligned itself with me. More than one legion moves as I direct. I have power bases both on the Blessed Isle and in the Threshold, inside the Dynasty and out. I have good reason to believe Cathak Cainan will back me once I ask. The Sidereals are watching me carefully, and some of them are being swayed to my side.

I tell you all this not to boast, but merely so you understand that my claim is not the empty hopes of a child. The Roseblack is my piece, and I will not sacrifice her just yet. While I would prefer to avoid violence, I am perfectly capable of responding to Mnemon with force of arms if I cannot resolve things here and now."

[wonderandawe]

She agrees to the spell. You get the feeling you trigger her curiosity.

[BlueWinds]

((Just to be clear - Aisa's sharing of the secret is conditional on Cynis accepting the spell first - she won't say a peep on the subject until after it's cast. Is that what you meant her to agree to? Thus why I've stopped here.))

Aisa snaps her fingers. "Jal'Kaith, go find V'Neef Iphen and bring him here immediately. It is more important than anything else he is doing."

An earth elemental materializes, gives Cynis a good bodyguard stare as though to say 'don't mess with my ward,' and leaves. While they're waiting, Aisa will make tea for her guest - it's a thing she does - and Wind-Carried-Words a whisper to Iphen. "Please please please play along without complaint. I will trust you with a secret known to neither V'Neef nor Mnemon, if this gamble doesn't ruin me."

He returns a few minutes later with the sleepy wood aspect in tow. He had a late night last night, and is rubbing his eyes.

"V'Neef Iphen, thank you. If you would cast Corrupted Words upon Cynis Belar here, with the target of 'the secret Mnemon Aisa is about to share?'" After he's done so, she gestures him back out of the room. Jal'Kaith steps out as well.

[wonderandawe]

"What is this thing?"

[BlueWinds]

"I am not backing the Roseblack. You are correct, that is fool's cause. House Tepet has no chance at the throne. If you wish to dismiss me as a child, there is little I can do about that - but if you are willing to bear Corrupted Words, I will tell you a thing I known to only six others in all of Creation."

Aisa sighs.

"But yes, I am still willing to negotiate the trade of territories if that is all you wish to discuss."

[wonderandawe]

"My dear, if you are pulling for the Roseblack, you are less intelligent than I gave you credit for. I know she is young and charismatic, but Tepet Ejava has that and nothing more. House Tepet is dying. Mnemon will take her mother's throne." Cynis Belar lectures. "It would be good of you to support your family, instead of scheming behind your grandmother's back."

"Now, are you still willing to bargain the trade of territories?"

[BlueWinds]

Manip + Pres + Specialty = 3 successes.

Nope. Well, I was bound to fail one eventually. Can't spend WP on everything!

[wonderandawe]

Presence (Diff 4) please

[BlueWinds]

Well that changes Aisa's plans for meeting with Cynis. And forces her hand. She'd like to have time to consult with the rest of the conspiracy - and especially, she'd like to know "more soon," but events are running out of control.

"I have just learned the full details of Mnemon's plan for the North, and I am tired of daggers in the dark. I had hoped to remain silent for longer, but I cannot sit idly by while my reputation is used as bait to destroy a great house.

Great Aunt Cynis Belar, it's time I ask a dangerous question. I place my life in your hands." Aisa folds her hands in her lap and puts on a disciplined, serious expression, almost as though setting aside the friendly mask she usually wears. "Do you want Mnemon on the throne, or are you cooperating with her because you feel there's no other choice?" She manages a smile.

[Exthalion]

Ryo didn't know that at the time.

He does however have cousins. So many sorcerer cousins...

He will agree to do a favor later for one of them who knows Infallible Messenger and will send it to Aisa for him. If they ask, its a shogunate piece that is in need of a lot of repair.

"Written Receipt: Scenic Cameo suitable for a lady of white glamor, missing candles on the untrue side."

In the conspiracy cypher: "Don't allow Cynis to leave the North. Mnemnon poised to sail and crush Roseblack. More soon."