Naoki's Table 3

The Empress had seen the tall, furry gentleman loitering around — it would have been difficult not to, but now here he comes, approaching her table.

“Greetings,” she responds. Usually, she would offer him a seat or make a joke about how she would usually offer him a seat, but it seems like it would be in poor taste. “How are you finding the ball?” she asks instead.

The Empress listens carefully, as one tends to do when being addressed by someone significantly more massive than themselves. She accepts the gift when offered, and places it near the center of the table.

However, she doesn’t remember inviting anyone quite so large. Perhaps it slipped her mind, or perhaps this is someone she’s invited but has been transformed since the last time she saw them. If that were the case, she would have hoped that he would have introduced himself, because she has absolutely no idea who this is.

Naoki thinks it more likely he’s putting on a facade, but she’ll play along. She’s had eavesdroppers the whole evening; to ask him his name would embarrass him in the ears of others.

“Thank you for attending,” she responds, accepting the gift and placing it toward the center of the table. “Though I apologize for the lack of suitable seating. Would you prefer I open this now, or shall I save it?”

The Empress nods as if the name means something to her. She’ll have to look into it later. Implicitly, the Korgan are a tribe of men that are men no longer, presumably similar to Mr. Suebek here. The idea is compelling but not something she's heard of before. It's somewhat reminiscent of The Residents of Paradise.

Raising one hand in a calming motion, The Empress attempts to assuage him. “Not to worry. Usually, one would visit The Citadel and arrange a meeting. Most days, I spend some time in the afternoon meeting with those that seek my attention. … I’ve met a great many interesting people,” she adds, and leaves it at that.

“But, since you’re here…” The Empress gestures and puts on her formal tone for his benefit. “What is it you would ask of me?”

(This post addresses Empress Noaki, Elizabeth Finch )


The beast took mental note of the process official request. It was likely wise he didn't skirt them again...
" Thank you, Empress," he starts ,pulling a folded bit of paper from his coat pocket." Me and my tribe are currently tracking a wild group of Korgan and may end up pushing further east, we wished to notify you and advise the local populace of the danger they present and request your permission to operate in these areas in an attempt to mitigate harm to some of your outlying hamlets." The offered paper was a detailed map of the western portion of Isra, with red dotted lines. A dark blue ray was aimed at several of the smaller villages.  A legend showed the meaning of each symbol.

Hearing the newcomer the Korgan halted his explanation. " Ah, good evening Miss Liz." The Korgan rumbled nodding his head , unsure of her position exactly. But the ease at which she approached the empress suggested she was important...

Liz takes the offered map and studies it. In spite of her lack of familiarity with the ongoings in Isran social circles, she was fairly up to date with Isran military situation, at least the major aspects of it.

"Hmmm, interesting." Was all she said, albeit with much more enthusiasm then the words would suggest. She kept her own thoughts to herself as well, wanting to hear his answers before potentially offering an opinion on the matter

“Ah.” The Empress nods slowly, able to read between the lines in this instance. “That was going to be my next question, ‘Why do they raid?’”

Resting her chin in her palm, The Empress considers. Now that she’s aware of them, the wild Korgan, while not to be underestimated, shouldn’t be but too difficult to deal with. If one makes the assumption that they won’t be using anything resembling a bow — if they even use tools at all, the wild korgan don’t have any obvious means to deal with enemies ^above them. And the terrain is farmland: large, open areas with nothing to hide under. It’ll probably take more than a few arrows and some poor farmer’s crop is going to be ruined, but the wild Korgan would be little more than target practice for the Dawn Riders. If there’s only twenty or so, The Empress is entirely confident that the wild Korgan can be dealt with swiftly. Hopefully, swiftly enough.

But Mr. Suebek would like to capture them. Implicitly, there’s something out there in the world turning men into Korgan and by some means, Mr. Suebek can return their intelligence. It stands to reason that he would prefer they be captured; they are his kin, in a way.

“I applaud your foresight in approaching me," The Empress begins. "Not only will lives be saved, but had Isra’s first encounter with Korgan been these wild ones, it would be hesitant to speak with the likes of you. We will do this:”

“You and your tribe will be permitted to enter Isran lands. You will stay clear of roads and villages, and fly flags that will be supplied to you. Twenty feral Korgan stomping about looks like a big problem; sixty of them, in a camp, with fire and weapons and an air of organization about them — that looks like an invading warband. Isra is tolerant but peasant children scare easily, so you will do your best to avoid raising alarm, especially while moving.”

“In Isran lands, you will proceed about the task of capturing the wild Korgan in by whatever means it is you intend to use. You will be in communication with Isra by way of winged messenger, and follow directions given to you to the best of your ability.”

“Soldiers will be briefed on the distinction between ‘aware’ and ‘wild,’ but if any Korgan comes within… say… two miles of a settlement, standing orders will be to issue a verbal warning, and if it persists, drive the Korgan back with whatever force is necessary. I appreciate your willingness to assist and your desire to capture and rehabilitate your kin, but my duty is to protect the citizens of Isra. If the wild Korgan assault a village before you get to them, they will be killed.”

Though this isn’t quite the sort of light conversation Naoki would like to be having here at The Ball, delays could cost lives and there’s no sense in sugarcoating what needs to be said.

Bowing his massive head deeply once again the beast men felt at ease. This is the person who he had expected to first meet.

" Naturally Empress. We intended to be as un-obtrusive as possible, and will follow your orders to the letter---" His attention turned to Elizabeth.
" We are soldiers born Ms Finch. From the moment of our creation we adhere to a strict hierarchy, are moderately versed in swordplay, pole arms, and archery. Thankfully though it does not seem that these Korgan are at the direction of anyone else with more foresight than a few days from this moment.
From what we've gathered we were created to hunt down a rival mage-- Our minds are shielded from intrusive magics such as charms , compulsion ,or telepathy. Physical spells do not seem to be any less effective however."

"As for mental capabilities--- It would be unwise to think them dull creatures. Narrow minded men might paint a more accurate picture.--- " The Korgan explained. " Likely they know we will follow them, they will likely not foresee our limitations on movement and will predict we will use the roads to move quickly. Which actually brings me back to a concern Empress Noaki," His eyes moved back to her. " I would advise your troops to not issue warnings. If my clan seeks to make contact we will make ourselves known plainly and unless I vastly underestimate your soldiers, they will not see the wild-ones first.

Liz didnt particularly care for the idea of these things dealing with the problem themselves. She certainly wouldn't second-guess the Empress in public though, but a quick glance towards Naoki revealed the Empress in control as always. That was a comforting thought, and Liz mentally chided herself for even the momentary lapse in confidence towards her friend, the chide showing as a grin and a sip of her drink as she waited for the response to Naoki's offer.

The Empress waves one hand, indifferent. “Whatever makes it easiest for you. After the matter is resolved, send a report to or visit me in The Citadel. I should like to hear how this turns out and perhaps speak with you more to see if a repeat incident can be avoided. Until then, enjoy the rest of the evening and good luck on your mission.”

Nodding, The Empress dismisses the Korgan, adding the matter in the west to the list of things she’ll need to attend to once The Ball is through.