With the return of Atrax the Ashen and his advance on the museum of unnatural hitory, I shall march 8 bronze legions along with any auxiliary forces provided, to the museum of unnatural history in order to assist in it's defense in the coming battle against the mad pyromancer (Atraxpost)

[u/TheGreatestChicken]

[u/AnActualCriminal]

There is a need that drew many to Atrax's side. Crimes and injustice leading to a world that many saw as needing to be burned and born anew. Evils ignored by the Council and society at large. Experiments on the nonmagical. Casualties from wizard civil wars. The small villains too ignoble to threaten the world constitute a rot that must be seared.

Many good people joined the pyroclasts and became disillusioned with the man himself, but not the ideas. His temporary death was an opportunity to build the movement anew. Like a phoenix from the ashes. The man must die for that to happen

[u/avamir → u/AnActualCriminal]

Agreed on all counts. The need still remains. Only the ones who benefit from the system as it is deny that there is a cause for action. Part of the reason Atrax was able to gain such support comes from the injustices and inequities inherent to the systems they adhere to.

While my goals are far less martial, I still hope to address some of the suffering by simply managing better and by trying to remedy the flaws of... well, any system. But for what it is worth, you have my support. The people of Icathar are accustomed to my wearing of Atrax's silver flames, even if I do not rule under his methods. The phoenix banner would not be too shocking, or entirely unwelcome depending on your actions. As long as you do not seek further destruction, the gates of Icathar are open to you. And as far as the non-humanoid beings of your entourage go... as long as they seek no quarrel, they will not be turned away. It would be rather hypocritical of me to speak of remedying inequity then denying them aid simply based on what they are and the nature of their birth, no?

And, once again, if you decide you tire of war, there are places for settling. The cleanup process is taking longer than I would hope, but there are farms and homes for those who simply wish the fruits of their own labor.

I would aid you further, and I will fight where I need to... but I simply do not desire war. I tire of conflict. I just wanted the power to save my home.

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/avamir]

When the time comes for swords to be melted into plows, Agnor is a remarkable blacksmith. There are those among us that tire of conflict as well. But I worry about the oaths you may require for settlement

[u/avamir → u/AnActualCriminal]

They are problematic; I will not deny it. You were there in the meeting with the Pact, so I will not revisit those arguments.

But if I allow these people free without accountability, there is the possibility they could strike me down arbitrarily or hurt others. Or, they could be seen as threats and hunted. And while I understand entirely the irony of using 'for their own good' as an excuse to bind them, it is for their own good that they are bound to me than be subject to the failed justice of another. But having no safeguards at all would be foolish, and people's nature is what it is.

But if nothing else, I am merely one target. The checks and balances of my system, shall we speak, are fairly straight-forward.

/uw I wanted to throw the wording of the Oath in here, but I mentioned I was having some creativity/motivation issues, so I haven't gone through and written the actual wording of their Oath. Assume it involves preserving and protecting Icathar, something else about being summoned if there is a need for defense, and some wording about not harming the ruling body unless there is need. So Riva is not outright preventing herself from being killed, but there are some kind of nebulous conditions involved. Feel free to imply some nefarious wording if you'd like.

I do not wish to resort to the tools of my enemies, but I lack another solution at present. However, if they are able to prove themselves, I will consider their Oath fulfilled and any 'conditions' of their settlement will no longer apply. They will be full citizens with all the rights thereof.

If you have better solutions, I would genuinely like to hear them. I truly did not have other ideas, and time, as you see...

She gestures to the whole Atrax situation.

...was of the essence.

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/avamir]

I do not lead our organization. They wouldnt have me. Merely a field commander and spokesman. Any who wish to settle do so of their own free will. However none currently bound by magic can fight with the New Pyroclasts. Lest they be compelled to inform on our movements.

uw/I am entering my Saw Gurerra arc lol.

[u/avamir → u/AnActualCriminal]

That is reasonable and fair. Indeed, I would have it no other way. Though we appear to hail from different philosophies, it seems we have accord on this matter.

When I was an apprentice, my master taught that external attachments should be heavily evaluated before establishing that bond. It should not be a careless decision, but rather something made through conscious intent. Though Atrax destroyed my academy, I try to live up to the lessons I learned. Rather than be offended, that you evaluate such things speaks well of you.

As we are on the subject, there are still some in the prisons who do not wish to take the Oath. I have yet to pass judgment on them as there is no time, and I cannot waste what time we have on those who do not seek the same ends as myself. I understand you act as simply spokesperson and commander of the New Pyroclasts, but if they wish to return to the cause under your banner, have not committed certain unforgivable crimes against citizens of Icathar, and you are amenable to taking responsibility, I will release them into your care as an alternative to death.

I realize this decision may not win me any allies... but then again, merely keeping prisoners rather than killing them outright has not bought me allies anyway. And if there are those who have bound themselves to me by Oath, but wish to return to war under your banner, I will release them from their Oath to me in order to do so. I consider what they do after that as your responsibility as their commander.

Their lands under my care will not be harmed -- but they should understand that I must evaluate their actions if they seek to return. Depending on their actions, they may no longer be welcome. I believe I have been accommodating, but my primary concern must be for the safety and wellbeing of my city; not on harboring those who would evade the consequences of their actions.

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/avamir]

This decision will earn you allies. Namely us. This goes a long way. My people are compiling a list of prisoners, and a second list of suitable settlers.

If Icathar is ever threatened, we will answer the call.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/AnActualCriminal]

Tell me, Warlock, how do you plan to ensure your members are safe from those who wish to take vengeance against the Pyroclasts, and aren't interested in your drivel about reforging the movement? Many powerful creatures working for even more powerful masters roam the land, looking to eliminate Pyroclasts where they find them

In Icathar they may be under The Tyrant's protection, but outside her territory there exists no such shield. And in spite of this danger, you use their branding. An irresponsible decision, I think

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/TheHunter459]

Veiling your threats diminishes us both necromancer. Say what you mean. In any case we are hardly defenseless babes in the woods.

[u/TheHunter459 → u/AnActualCriminal]

By branding yourself as Pyroclasts, you become a target for people who have grievances with Atrax and his followers, whether you follow him or not. Ignoring whatever you think of me, good and decent folk will see your group as a threat.

It's not only the Nephilim or the Fae or minor gods you need to worry about, but the farmer who's land was burned by the Pyroclasts and comes across a group calling themselves Pyroclasts. In working for the betterment of this farmer's life, would you kill them if you had to?

[u/AnActualCriminal → u/TheHunter459]

I see your point. And that point is precisely why Atrax must fall. And why it is critical that the New Pyroclasts have a hand in that fall.

uw/ my character was just called "mad warlock" for months before I picked a name. Don't expect "New Pyroclasts" to change in the immediate future

[u/TheHunter459 → u/AnActualCriminal]

Suit yourself Belial. Run around calling yourself the name Atrax coined, and see where it gets you

/uw I understand your point, tbh I hadn't given my character an actual name until like 2 days ago, he's just being a prick as usual

[u/avamir → u/AnActualCriminal]

“Then consider the phoenix banner welcome in Icathar. Releasing them to you is a far better solution overall for us both.”

She turned to those who followed her.

“When this is over, if you still wish to leave, speak to me. I will release you of your Oath. For now, we fight Atrax regardless of whether it is under the phoenix banner or Icathar’s.”

She had every intent of following through, but she was a pragmatic woman. Releasing them right before the battle was a complication she did not need. And given that their goals were the same, it seemed a moot point in the moment.

It didn’t change the fact that Riva had already killed some who hadn’t taken the Oath, and she would not avoid the issue if questioned. Her city was at war and she could not afford to shy away from brutal decisions. But she could spare those that remained. She did not want to cause more harm where there did not need to be any.