bravenewworld | The Battle for Caldera

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The Battle for Caldera

The time for action is at hand, and the players have been set in place. Those who choose to make an attempt at diplomacy head off at the appointed time to meet with Valeria, the clerk and representative of the general who leads the Gigas army. Those who wish to take more direct action against Gigas leave with General Ironbrand to put their plans into motion. In the meantime, the refugees continue to stream into Union, while supplies are gathered and flow the other way.

The outcome of this war may very well depend on the combined results of these four efforts…

((This log will be a catch-all for all four efforts of the attempt to save Caldera. There will be four different parts of this post: Diplomacy, Aggression, Refugees, and Supplies. The first two should be well established, but the Refugees portion will encompass bringing those in Caldera who require help to Union and giving them medical aid and care, while the Supplies portion will encompass people in Union setting up shelters and gathering resources to send back to Caldera, as well as other miscellaneous tasks that may be of help. Gathering resources may entail leaving Union to explore out in other areas. You all signed up for groups, so please try to maintain these groups when posting, particularly to the Diplomacy and Aggression sections. The other two may be more free-form.

Mods will be responding at least once every 24 hours to keep the logs moving.

EDIT 5/31: Please try to group up if possible! We'll generally try to wait for threads to have 2-3 people before we jump in. Threads with 3+ may attract the attention of something a little more... interesting.))

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A temporary ceasefire has been called for the moment. A meeting has been arranged, halfway between the gates of Caldera and the main Gigas camp; just out of sight of the camp, Rory calls a halt and surveys those assembled before him gravely.

"I and my fellows will speak for Team Evolution today. While Valeria will be quite aware that I have coached you, let us carry on the charade nonetheless. You must speak on behalf of Union - consider your words carefully." He pauses for a moment, and when he speaks again, his words are harsher than any he has wielded before. "Those of you with strong tempers, leave now and join General Ironbrand. Your words and actions today may save or destroy Caldera. I will not have my home lost by a careless, uncontrolled tongue. It is a rare opportunity for Valeria to even agree to speak with us, but your appearance has brought with it new advantages. I have proposed some ideas, but you are welcome to speak of your own accord, naturally." He glances back towards the enemy encampment. "Well. ...If everyone is ready, let’s proceed."

A nod, and he turns, flanked by several others who are assumedly members of Team Evolution. The Gigas representative, Valeria, stands just beyond...

I've done a lot of talking lately, so consider this my last speech for a while...

[ At least for the Swords, Hans would have informed them of Rory's plan, empathizing caution and control above all else. Still he addresses the group-- the Union side. ]

Remember, this is as much Caldera's fight as ours. Gigas is more powerful, better armed and they could outman us several time if need be. But what we have sets us apart, and they'll want to see that. One way or another, we'll be changing lives today... And as long as we work together, we can do this.

"Excuse me, if I may interrupt."

A figure approaches the party, head kept low in deference. Her figure is distinctive; she possesses the tails of a Vulpix, and quite possibly the ears as well. "My apologies for our late arrival. We were uncertain if we wished to get involved fully in this affair, relative newcomers to Union as we are. But we have decided that, having our own experiences with hardship incurred as a result of our home's destruction, and in consideration of Union's warm welcoming of our survivors, that we would like to lend our aid in this diplomatic affair."

She straightens a little. "I am Ran Yakumo, former Elder of the Village of Mist. I would like to assist you in ensuring things go as smoothly as possible." There's a strange light in her eye, as if she's watching for something.

Pamela's here as both a researcher and one of Union's nobles. She'd been sure to stand close enough to Rory to clearly hear him as he spoke, and his ideas seem like a good idea for dealing with the conflict. There's some cunning in the plan, and she can respect a fellow researcher even if she thinks Team Evolution's methodology leaves much to be desired.

She smiles slightly at Hans' words. "Fortunately, you're quite good at making speeches and offering insight."

She glances at the new arrival curiously. Well, perhaps Ran can point out that Union has an accepting and helpful nature. An outsider's impressions of Union will give insight that would be bias coming from a Union native.

"The more the merrier. I suggest that we each try to bring something different to the discussion. I can speak as a researcher of Union, and while I'm not an Engineer myself, I do understand enough about our technology to discuss it intelligently."

As the team approaches, an extremely severe woman can be seen standing, or rather, sitting at the pre-arranged area. An large, Serpent-like Pokemon is coiled around her, in the form of a makeshift chair. At her side are four guardsmen, their broad shoulders barely concealed beneath the large cloaks that encircle their body, showing nothing of the weaponry or Pokemon they carry.

"Well?" she says sharply. "Let's get on with this. I've little time left for Team Evolution's whiny peace-mongering."

Rory steps forward slightly with the most perfunctory of bows.

"Valeria. We are, of course, grateful for your allowance here."

He glances towards the Union representatives.

"Doubtless, you have heard plenty from us from the... several times we've attempted to make contact. Perhaps you'd care to interview the other relevant party first?"

You're on, Union.

Pamela decides to step forward next. She's mindful of the fact that Rory mentioned that Gigas would value intelligence and swiftness of thought. As a researcher, she can discuss things from a scientist's viewpoint. Valeria doesn't seem like the sort of person to tolerate repetitive and weak arguments, or pointless small talk, so Pamela decides to keep the formalities to a minimum. She offers a polite nod before speaking.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Valeria. My name is Pamela Isley. I'm one of Union's researchers."

She keeps her introductions short and to the point. Hans and Ran can explain their own roles momentarily. For now, she'll take the coaching Rory gave the diplomacy team and add her own spin to it.

"Combining my research with my Grass type Enlightened abilities, I've been able to work with Caldera's Grass Earthkin to dramatically increase the growth rate of crops within the city. With that and the supplies we've brought in courtesy of Union's warp bands, we've already been able to provide tremendous relief to the citizens of Caldera. Our warp bands allow for nearly instantaneous travel over miles."

She goes quiet after presenting that bit of information, leaving the rest of the team an opportunity to jump in.

Flemming has been quiet since first joining up with the group, not having introduced himself properly, though he has been standing by idly. He doesn't socialize well, but he is one of the Engineers who work directly for Union and though his name will mean nothing to her, it's worth something, surely, to introduce himself as someone who works with Unions technology.

Sure, they're technologically behind Gigas but he still has connections. "I'm Sr. William Flemming. I do research into technology for Union. My team has helped with the development of a small handful of materials. We are not a large team, but we've managed to help some with the residents of Caldera."

Ran bows as smoothly as she can. "I am Ran Yakumo, formerly of Mist. I assist with taking care of the Pokemon that the people of Union have befriended. They have proven quite talented in this regard, I have found, and take excellent care of them," she replies. She still continues to watch for any sign of recognition of the town name.

[Valeria smirks, a bit wickedly]

So the fabled forest-city of Union sends its researchers to conduct matters of diplomacy? Interesting. Typically we of Gigas prefer to send trained negotiators, but I imagine such an... isolated society likely lacks such capabilities.

[The smirk broadens]

And a representative of "Mist" are you? Unfortunately Gigas cannot recognize that false sovereignty. Pokemon wearing the masks of men are still Pokemon, and claiming land within Gigas territory is simply an unacceptable act of aggression. You were wise to leave a failed rebel state.

[It then drops completely]

Why does Union choose to violate Gigas sovereign territory to support these unlawful rebels? Under Imperial Command Gigas demands the rebels of Deathfire Mountain lay down their arms, surrender, and re-integrate into the Gigas Empire.

Valeria, if I may--

[ Hans cuts in-- woah, pretty lady. Slow down. Chill out. He offers her a pacifying smile. With words like that, she'd get a rise out of just about anybody. Not Hans, obviously. ]

Our reasons are our own and matter very little at present, I'm afraid. While I'm sure we could all discuss our different opinions and cultures for quite some time, that's not why we asked you to join us here today.

[ Okay, Hans gets serious. The last thing they need is to derail such an important negotiation. ]

Let's not forget that we are, all of us, present to propose an agreement between your great empire and the independent nation of Caldera. As neighbors, we of Union came to Caldera's aid, and as my colleagues have mentioned, our presence here has already bolstered Caldera's forces, both human and pokemon alike.

Things are at a standstill now, but I'm sure we can resolve this peacefully if you'll hear us out.

[ And, y'know, not call everyone ignorant freeloaders, but that's a Gigas thing, huh. ]

[It's good that Hans steps in when he does. While Pamela doesn't jump in out of turn, she can feel herself getting annoyed at the woman's words. Perhaps it's a deliberate attempt to antagonize them. Perhaps it's simply how Valeria is. Either way, Hans speaking up has given Pamela the chance to think through her response. She offers a small, polite smile before stepping forward and speaking again.]

Adaptability and evolution go hand in hand, Valeria. It's a trait that Union encourages in its citizens, and it's that adaptability that has allowed our Enlightened to thrive and grow. That trait has made the citizens of Caldera resilient as well.

[Rory did mention they would be interested in the Enlightened and in the warp bands, so she's certain to bring it up.]

The fact is that with Union's assistance, your siege of Caldera could go on indefinitely, wasting your precious resources. Even if you eventually took Caldera, your gains would be greatly outweighed by your losses. The strengths that make individual societies like Caldera successful would also be lost as they gradually assimilated with Gigas.

[It's obvious that trying to make arguments based on decency and compassion will be completely useless, so she'll focus on evolution and other pragmatic things.]

No one benefits from a homogenous population. Gigas and Caldera alike will benefit more from a formal treaty than from Caldera's surrender.

[Off to the side, Rory winces slightly and attempts to telepathically convey that some of these are excellent arguments for currying the favor of Team Evolution, but perhaps less so for the more pragmatic Gigas without actually saying anything or moving any body parts.

He isn't very successful.]

On our part, both the people of Gigas and Caldera number amongst the Team, as you are well aware. Our role has been largely neutral thus far, but if Gigas continues aggression, we will be forced to withdraw entirely before tensions amongst our own people rise too high.

The advances we have made with our combined resources have been great. We have no desire to sever relations, and I should expect the people of Gigas feel the same.

Caldera is prepared to make several allowances for the purposes of a treaty.

[Ran, for the entirety of this, remains still. Smiling. Nonvocal.

That's because right now, she has to resist the urge to change into Vulpix form and leap at this woman's throat. She certainly has something major to confirm to Yukari and Tiki either way.]

I think you Union people vastly overestimate the threat your little backwa-

[At that moment a nondescript man walks up and whispers something in her ear. Her expression grows sour.]

They what? Are you sure? I want two regiments on it immediately, I will not tolerate such impudence!

[She clears her throat, her expression again condescending.]

I see some of your soldiers managed to make a lucky strike. It matters not. You vastly overestimate your own power. Do you think your little skirmishes are enough to forestall the might of the Gigas Empire?

Correct. With Union's own unique technology, we're able to quickly send soldiers in and out of our "backwater city," to continue to support Caldera for the foreseeable future. Attacks like the one your men reported will continue, unless we can reach an agreement we're all satisfied with.

[ Two can play condescending, Valeria. Though Hans delivers his whole bit with a smile. ]

Now, we're all sensible people here. Why not hear us out, so we can put an end to this fighting? Agree to a treaty with Caldera, and Gigas will have not only a share of their resources but fewer casualties all around. You'd be saving lives.

Edited (now with 100% more condescending smiling) 2014-06-06 17:35 (UTC)

[She'd considered feigning surprise, but then Hans spoke up and it's actually more satisfying to see some of Valeria's condescension turned back on her.]

Saving lives and avoiding a waste of precious time and resources. Our technology can't even be used by anyone who isn't a Unionite. Warp technology is interconnected with our Enlightened abilities.

[It's probably best to make sure that it's established early on that stealing the warp technology would be an exercise in futility for Gigas.]

So really, we can keep aiding the people of Caldera for quite some time. Ideally, we'd like to establish an arrangement that's agreeable to all parties. Caldera is prepared to part with a few of their iron deposits, provided that Gigas withdraws their military forces and recognizes them as an independent nation.

[Valeria draws herself up to speak, her expression hard and indignant but several more men, all in nondescript clothing sidle up respectfully. The first one steps forward and whispers something to her, followed by the second, followed by the third, down the line. Her expression grows progressively more sour. She then clears her throat, her expression suddenly sunny.]

In light of these recent revelations and out of respect for the wishes of the City of Union, Gigas will withdraw. For the moment. We accept that your Enlightened and Warp technology are quite formidable, though why you choose to side with rebels we will not understand. We shall work to arrange a meeting at a later date to resolve these lingering issues. Good day.

[She turns with a huff and walks away, her scouts and her soldiers in lockstep behind her.]

[It's probably wise that Flemming had continued to choose not to speak, but at the moment he can't help but feel somewhat smug. The warp bands were a unique technology, and the Enlightened were something that Gigas didn't have control over.

He keeps his hands clasped politely behind his back.]

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The Battle for Caldera

Diplomacy

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