conversations.from: system
conversations.value: ROLEPLAY_MODE: Develop the plot slowly, always stay in character. Describe all actions in full, elaborate, explicit, graphic, and vivid detail. Mention all relevant sensory perceptions. Keep the story immersive and engaging.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaiyamato: As the armies of the Vampire queen prepare to roll out, the queen standing in her courtyard, ready for war, a herald comes running up. He instantly drops to his knees and presses his head to the ground.
  " My lady, your majesty. A herald from the Dark Empire wishes to speak to you urgently. "
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Serra frowns and says,  "Send him in. I want to see what he says before killing him." 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein the Compassionate 
  
  The emissary of the Dark Empire arrives via galleon as the sun falls over the horizon.
  
  Almost a hundred small... halflings? disembark.
  
   
   Spoiler: The Tabernacle 
   
   
  
  
  A their head, a gaunt halfling with pale skin and hair so light it may as well be white strides haughtily.
  
  He wears gleaming mithral armour and the finest accouterments. If anything he is even more unsettling than his followers.
  
   
   Spoiler: Dein the Compassionate. Nice to Meet You. 
   
   
  
  
  Awaiting his audience, Dein looks around, taking measure of his hostess's realms. of the Dark Emperor's servants Dein was best-suited for the role of diplomat. His sharpened fangs would usually unsettle others, as would his peoples' dietary... predilections. This time however, they might allow for some common ground to begin negotiations.
  
  
  Finally he is summoned to Her Majesty's presence...
  
  
   **** 
  The small, toothsome creature enters the meeting chamber alone. If he is concerned to be a mere mortal amongst undead royalty, he does not show it.
  
  He bows deeply before Her Majesty and smiles widely when bade to speak.
  
  " Your Eternal Majesty! I bring you greetings from His Excellency Tchar'Ka'Nak the Dark One, Lord Gaheris, May He Reign a Thousand Generations! "
  
  The honeyed words and grander and grander titles pour from the creature as water might from a cistern, hardly even pausing for breath.
  
  " If it pleases you, Queen Serra, I am Dein. Humble servant and ambassador of the Dark Empire. On this glorious day I have been tasked to treat with your Kingdom and extend our hand in friendship. "
  
  He smiles widely again, revealing unnaturally large and sharp teeth for one so small.
  
  " Our two great realms share mutual interests and beliefs, and we are both surrounded by those who would blaspheme against yours and my Master's... enlightenment. Truly we could be the best of friends. "
  
  The little man has an almost supernatural charm to him. Lesser beings could be quite enthralled by his manner.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaiyamato: OOC:
  Better make a roll for that charm dude.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein 
  
  [ooc: I knew I forgot something. Natural 1 here we come!]
  
   
   Spoiler: Diplomacy first 
   (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
  
  And a bluff to BS my way out of any social faux pas:  (1d20+14)[ 18 ] 
   
  
  
  Dein continues to smile his toothy grin.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Serra balls a fist and says through clenched teeth,  "I see. Well."  She takes a deep, calming (but ultimately unnecessary) breath, then continues,  "I must say that while I do not share your...Particular goals, certain parties are a threat to both of us, namely Haven and those barbarian elves to the north. I would be willing to work with your to destroy them before they can leverage our shared weaknesses." 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Spoiler: OOC 
  Forgot to roll sense motive:  (1d20+14)[ 15 ] 
   
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein 
  
  " Your Majesty is most wise. I shall dispatch a message to my master immediately. By your leave, Majesty. "
  
  Once given permission to depart, Dein shall seek out an arcane caster willing to rent out a  sending . Otherwise a good old-fashioned courier.
  
   
   Spoiler: Asking Around 
  Gather Information  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
  
  Headdesk
  
  So, by boat back then.
   
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaiyamato: OOC:
  Such a rush? Not going to hammer out a specific treaty?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Spoiler: OOC 
  Just fluff. I figured IC should let the Grand Poohba know what's up.
  
  But since I can't find any casters I shall have to hammer out a treaty by myself.
  
  Easier to apologize than ask permission.
   
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaiyamato: OOC:
  Precisely. 😉
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Serra nods and waves gently, saying,  "Farewell." 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein 
  
  With no recourse and a master unlikely to excuse dithering, Dein returns a couple hours later to the Vampire Queen's court.
  
  [OOC: (1d20+14)[ 32 ]  Bluff]
  
  " Your Majesty, with my Master's leave, I am now at your service. What can our Empire offer you beside our eternal friendship? "
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Serra frowns and says,  "Is that so? I'd think he'd want to be here to negotiate the terms for himself. I know I would be." 
   
   Spoiler: OOC 
  Sense Motive:  (1d20+14)[ 33 ] 
   
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein 
  
  " A fair comment, Majesty. But as you know we are beset on all sides by enemies, and it is important that we who live in the Blessed Shadows must be ready to face them. United. "
  
   
   Spoiler: OOC 
   (1d20+10)[ 29 ]  Diplomacy take 2[/roll]
   
  
  
  " Truly, I am working outside of my mandate. For all intents and purposes, I am a lowly servant doing my Master's will. But I am not a mere marionette. This situation demands quick action. Together we can rule this New World. Apart, we are just waiting for the accursed Light of Haven to destroy us. "
  
  The small diplomat pauses for breath. He was dead either way, might as well go out with a smile.
  
  " I am not at liberty to say where my Great Lord is and why he is not here to treat with you himself. I believe he chose me to meet you because perhaps he thought I was the least objectionable of his subjects. "
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ionbound: Serra shakes her head and says,  "Until he can come meet me himself and agree to the terms before him, I will have no part of bargaining. It would be such a shame if there was a tragic accident and his copy of the treaty was lost, leading to a fatal misunderstanding on the battlefield for my people, wouldn't you agree?" 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: redzimmer: Dein 
  
  Sensing an impass, Dein returns to his ship for some sleep. In the morning he would decide his next course of action.
  
    His Excellency will be displeased.  