The Start of Something Big [Plot, Altair]

One thing Altair had noticed since arriving back in Reim, was how much more of a Kou influence there was in the city.  Kou soldiers were posted on a few street corners, and the new buildings were beginning to take on Kou architecture in Portsmouth.  But Altair heard whispers in the crowd of dissent.  People who were unpleased with this new Kou occupancy, among other things.  It would seem that King Lagi was not all that he had hoped he would be to his people.  Many of his plans to make things better had backfired on him, like training beasts to replace some of the workers.  While it was meant to ease the lives of the people, it ended up taking away many of the job opportunities that they relied on.  If any one of these issues was brought to a peak, it could mean disaster for the new King.  But there was one thing that stood out to Altair.  Most of these problems stemmed from good intentions.  King Lagi was legitimately trying to make his kingdom better.  But the one thing that was causing problems that had nothing to do with Lagi, was Kou influence.  The combination of Soldiers and the encroaching cultural differences were shaking people up in the worst way.

Altair was walking down one of the back alleys when he noticed a paper, posted backwards.  He flipped it over, to find that it held information about a meeting of the citizens at a secret location, with a password to get in.  He memorized it, and went to the location just an hour early to see what it was all about.  When he arrived, he found a local bar that was somewhat run down.  He walked inside, and saw only the bartender was present.  He approached, and ordered first a lime and tonic, and then a tonic and lime, as the password had required.  The bartender nodded, saying, "LIttle early, aint'cha?"  before letting him into the back door.  A set of stairs led down into an underground cellar, big enough for about 100 people.  Altair picked a barrel to sit on, and waited.

People filed in slowly, none of them paying too much attention to Altair in particular, until a man who (given his tone and posture) seemed to be in charge asked him what changes he'd like to see.  "For the moment, i'm here to observe.  But if you show me something worth fighting for, then i'll join in."  The man seemed to accept this answer, a wry smile appearing on his face.  He started the meeting just a few moments later.  "Gentlemen, we are here to discuss our growing displeasure with the occupation by Kou.  Now, some of you have discussed wanting to start guerrilla warfare with these occupants.  Others have opposed this idea, seeking more peaceful measures, and even others want open war to break out against these insurgents.  Now you must realize, that we are only one hundred men, and not the strongest hundred.  We will need the support of someone very powerful to fulfill these dreams of ours.  If we want Kou out of Reim, it will take something very, very big.  Now, who has any ideas?"  The men began discussing part and parcel their thoughts on how to deal with the situation, including their thoughts on who they should get to help them.  Some suggested King Lagi himself, while others rejected the idea, saying that Lagi was the one who started this whole mess.  That was when Altair spoke up.

"If i may interrupt.  You all clearly have drive, i'll give you that.  But you're thoughts about the king are wrong.  I come from a kind of royalty myself, and i can tell you, the last thing i would do is allow another nation to rule in my stead.  I would bet anything that King Lagi thinks the same way."  The men were silent, waiting for Altair to continue, their leader stood with the same smile on his face as he had before, clearly expecting this.  "We will need King Lagi's support if we are to remove Kou influence from the borders of Reim.  It will take something big to get his attention however."  One of the men perked up then.  "We should attack the embassy!  That would show those bastards we mean business!"  This got some support from a few others, but Altair shut it down.  "It sure would.  And it would also end this rebellion almost at the same time.  We would be killed for those kind of actions without a second thought.  No.  We need to keep our rebellion peaceful for now.  I recommend an act of civil protest.  Something that would show what we want, and get people's attention without compromising ourselves in the process."  Altair was about to continue when a man in the back asked, "And why should we listen to you?  Any of our other plans would work just as well i think."  Altair didn't wait for a response from the others.  "Reave, Caim!" His sword shifted and changed, the ribbon wrapping around his arm.  "Because.  Like King Lagi, i am a Dungeon Capturer.  He will respect the influence i have and the authority i could hold.  You will need my help to make you look more legitimate.  All we need now is a plan, and i think i have just the one..."

The next week, through gathered support, over 2000 people in traditional Kou slave clothes walked to the castle gates.  They then knelt, and brought a paintbrush dipped in red across their necks, before falling over feigning death.  Only Altair stood then, and handed a letter to one of the castle guards.  on the front it read "For King Lagi".  On the inside it would read as a request for a meeting with the king on behalf of the citizens of Reim, and represented by Altair Loros.  He would wait at the gates for a response.

Oh? Calling me out?

The Reim soldiers stood firm in front of the palace. They didn’t know what was going on but they knew that it was their duty to protect the young king. The carrier was motioned over and decided to deliver the letter to King Lagi, who remained inside. The carrier would then proceed to hand over the letter and telling him what’s happening outside.

“Oh shit, that’s quite a spectacle. 2000 people?” Lag would sip his wine as he gave off his famous words. "Azix....take care of it........Azix? Oh yea, hes not here. Ok, that's enough wine for now." Lagi was sitting on his throne relaxing; there was plenty of things he was going through. He had no time for the random happenings and complaints of the citizens, they always did that. Right now, Lagi had to focus on supporting and assisting the workforce program like he promised Azix that he would. The public transportation would be in effect soon, they would need drivers that can handle the beasts. The miners would be ecstatic if they was able to get an animal that can see a large quantity of the minerals they are trying to find. That way, they would have a guide, protector, and a fellow worker all at the same time. Lagi was working hard for the people; these animals were a part of the jobs. The point was introducing unique animals’ to hard labor, as well as improving their lives at the same time. “Can’t they see that? By making things better, we become more independent and financially secure by garnering the intake of revenue. How can these acts be selfish if I’m selling them to the Reim Government for their sakes?!” Lagi grit his teeth, he was not pleased at the message that his carrier had given him, or the fact that Reim citizens are even mimicking Kou slaves and laying on the street. “What should we do sire? Should I send the guards to clear the streets?”

Lagi had a small smile on his face as his blue eyes twinkled. “No, let’s entertain them. Since this is the crowd of the unappreciative, along with his man being the ring leader of them. Send him inside……. He follows the procedure like any other audience. “ Lagi would then order the man messenger to bring the man named Altair inside. If Altair accepted the invitation, the guards would move out the way for him. He would notice that each hallway is patrolled by three men who switch off duty every four hours. These men form a squad, and consist of one Veteran Palace Guard who leads the group and two Novice Palace Guards who follow the veteran. These guards are trained to not only detect danger, but to ring an alarm in the event that something occurs that they cannot handle as a single Squad.

Altair will be directed to the receptionist who would then proceed to explain the procedure of meeting with the king, and be advised to relinquish all weapons before going forward with the audience. Visible weapons will be confiscated and returned to him when the meeting is adjourned. If Altair refused this, he would basically be stuck at the front desk before being told to promptly leave the premises.
If he accepts, two stoic Lieutenants would appear to escort Altair to the king. Before opening the main doors to the king, they would give him one last pat down in order to check for any hidden weapons in foul play. They would be very thorough and react accordingly if they found anything. If not Altair would proceed to meet with the king. Inside of the palace, there would be Lagi on his throne, his personal guards, and three servant girls who are usually by his side. Altair would be directed to the center of the throne room and nowhere closer.

“So what do I have the pleasure of this meeting Mr. Altair?”

Full details of the procedure and the security is entailed in here.

https://magiworld.forumotion.com/t2543-lagi-s-audience-form-and-security-detail?highlight=Audience

Escort Guards

Spoiler:

"Squad"

Spoiler:

The throne room guards are in the link

Altair would be brought forward to a reception desk where he would relinquish his only weapons, his sword and his staff to the guards.  After that, two more guards approached, looking very stoic, and escorted Altair to the door of the throne room.  They stopped there, and gave Altair a quick but expert pat-down.  They looked at his necklace, noting the magic circle on the back, and gave him a look.  "Oh, it makes sheep.  See?"  Altair channeled a little Magoi into the necklace, and a single fluffy white lamb popped into existence next to the guard's feet, startling both him and the itself.  This was enough to make him remove the necklace, but it was worth the laugh for Altair.

Finally the door to the throne room opened, and revealed King Lagi sitting on his throne, with a few guards in the room, as well as three female servants.  The King didn't hide his dislike for Altiar given the current events.  Altair would be walked to the center of the room and then stopped.  The King then addressed him, asking to what he owed the visit.

Altair gave a bow, and then straightened before speaking.  "King Lagi, it is a pleasure to finally meet you.  I remember your promising speech during your coronation.  I was quite moved.  I am Altair Loros, of the Loros tribe of the mainland plains.  A shepherd by trade.  But i am much more than that, else i would not have dared to come face you. If i had my blade to show you, it would prove that I am a Dungeon Capturer, like yourself if i am not mistaken.  I am the rightful heir to the Loros tribe, but i have much bigger plans, which to accomplish, i needed the help that the dungeon provides, as well as your help."

Now came the part that Altair was unsure about.  He had to be very tactful here.  "Now, for the reason i am here.  The people outside are just a small number of those who are dissatisfied with the current influx of Kou authority.  Our demonstration shows that we feel that we will eventually become just like them, and that we would end up becoming nothing more than a part of that empire, and would rather be dead than allow that to happen.  Now, i am not a citizen of Reim.  I come from the plains.  But over there we are experiencing a similar problem.  Kou is invading the plains, and, one by one, eliminating the tribes that live there.  I wish to stop them by creating an alliance among the tribes, forming a single governing body over them.  In order to do this however, i will need backing from a powerful ally, to prevent an invasion during the transition.  One such as yourself, King of a prosperous nation, would be perfect.  But i need to be sure.  With your permission, i would like to cast a spell to show our true natures to each other.  We have to be close, and have to make eye contact for this to work.  It is called a Soul Gaze, and will show the other in no uncertain terms what they are truly like.  Now, you can choose not to do this, but then, i'm afraid that is where our talks will end.  I can always find another who is willing to help me.  I do have great relations with Imuchakk to the north...  But you were my first choice.  If you accept, you can benefit from our resources in trade as well as gain an ally against Kou.  So.  What do you say?"

If the King said yes, Altair would call for his staff.  He would approach the king and cast Soul Gaze.  after their visions had finished, he would give his staff back to the guard, and move back to the center of the room before deciding.  If the King decided against it, Altair would simply thank him for his time, before moving to exit the throne room.

Abilities:

“Dungeon capturer and a handler of animals like myself, I guess it’s safe to say that I am impressed so far. You are also an heir; I see to be running into a lot of those lately. Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You already know I am King, I am also the heir to the El Nagi clan myself.” Lagi listened to what Altair said and decided to give him a response after fully hearing him out. “For starters, Reim is a defeated country. We lost in combat and the previous king was killed, its tanks to diplomacy from Kou that I managed to end up on the throne as well as the fact that we was able to make arrangements that did not fully devastate our way of life, as well as leaving room for improvement. I believed in such a thing at a point, that two great counties can come together to achieve great things, but what you say does trouble me. The Loros clan is in deep trouble, and I think that allying yourself with Reim directly could prevent such advances in order to keep your land, as well as prevent the deaths of your people. If the Loros clan appears to be a dominance clan  in a way of herding their animals,  then I can’t simply ignore you if you turn to me for help. “

Lagi was quiet before he continued. “ I do not want to forsake you, but Reim’s involvement has to be justified. But you are right about your soul gaze if you want to confirm both of our intensions.  This is a gamble and I dislike foul play by allowing you to have  your staff in my court.” Lagi would snap his fingers as he got off of his throne. The majority of the guards tensed up, not sure what would happen once Altair got his staff. Once Altair received his item, Lagi would give a serous gaze into Altair’s eyes. If your spell is what it appears to be, and you turn out to be who you appear to be, I will hear you out. Now, show me your parlor trick and try not to pull off any illusions, it’s  not good to anger me if  I  am willing to face you like this as a man. “ There was some weight behind Lagi’s words as he had this intense stare down with Altair, waiting for something to happen.

In the visions that Altair would see, he would see plenty of animals and happy people around them. This mostly represented the harmony that Lagi was striving for while working so hard to introduce beasts into the workforce. With this, Lagi truly thinks life would be a bit easier on people and make some people happy. There is visions of a powerful creature, but it was hard to make out what that was. Finally, there were visions of conflict, though it was hard to make out what it was about.

As soon as they locked eyes, the world would vanish before both of them. In Lagi's vision, he would see a field of lush bluegrass, a hill with white horses, and a hill opposite with a single giant black horse. In between the two hills was a lake with crystal clear water. At the bottom of the lake was a sword stuck deep into a stone, and a barely legible inscription on the stone. Suddenly, the sword would burst forth from the rock, and fly into the air. The water would coalesce around the sword, and then fly towards the black horse. The black horse would then split into many, much smaller horses, and get almost wiped out by the blade, but never quite. And the whole time, the white horses did nothing.

Suddenly reality would snap back for the both of them. It was somewhat dizzying, but Altair steadied himself with his staff. "You're intentions are pure. I have seen it. I would ask only this of you King Lagi. Should Reim ever hear of any plans by Kou for the plains, that you relay that information to me. And i will do the same for you. Should the situation require it, i would appreciate any help you could send, and again, i will do the same. And as promised, i will open trade relations between our two nations once i have united mine. Do we have a partnership?"

If King Lagi agreed, Altair would thank him before excusing himself. He would collect his things, and then leave smiling. if it worked, he would have made a great ally.

“What does that even mean?!” Lagi would say as he was rather frustrated about the dream. “ What’s with you and horses man? I thought you were a sheep person? There was no sheep in that vision, it was a…..oh wait…I think I get it…wait…no I don’t..” Lagi thought hard as he tried to interpret the vision that he saw. After a while, Lagi would give a deep sigh as he shook Altair’s hand.” I’m not going to let your people be destroyed. The earlier stages of the El Nagi clan started off in the Nomad lands, I think a small bit of that space was shared with the dragons as well, but that was a long time ago. Either way, it would be right for me to turn my back on you. We settled in Reim on a whim and made our living here but I think it’s important to never forget where we came from. “After shaking Altair’s hand, he would start to walk back to his throne. “You have my word; we have a partnership."