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The Time Before : Discussion and Voting

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City of IF -> The Time Before

How does Norral answer the guard?

Humbly deny all knowledge of any Sempa?

42%

[ 3 ]

Explain that your fire was throwing up a lot of sparks last night? Easily mistaken for fireballs at a distance.

14%

[ 1 ]

Sempa killed your family. You're heading straight to the Capital to complain and demand recompense?

28%

[ 2 ]

Author option (DO NOT USE)

14%

[ 1 ]

Total Votes : 7

Who Voted: algu95, Chinaren, D-Lotus, DeadManWalking, Key, Reiso, Smee

#361: Author: Shady Stoat, Location: England

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:37 am
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Another corking chapter Smee Smile

The first and most obvious thought is that the Sempa Elders are going to have to forego a little of their smugness from now on. No longer will they be able to ‘leave one person alive’ to run back and report. Their new policy should be to attack swiftly, unpredictably and without mercy (not that mercy was ever one of their prime considerations!)

I don’t think that larger squads need to be a consideration for now. It has been surprise that has taken their teams out so far, not disadvantage by numbers. However, I think the squads can no longer be recruited on the sheer pleasure of hearing the screams. They need to get the job done, from a distance and shielded if necessary. The Elders can always offer them compensation in the form of ‘bring back one of the Mages that’s working against us and you’ll get the chance to help with the torture.’ If they’re in it for the power trip and the evidence of pain caused, that should be a fresh incentive for them.

Maybe they could sent a few scouts out to infiltrate the enemy though? Have them return to normal lives and let the word out that they wish to join with the forces of good? A source of information from within the anti-Sempa camp might be invaluable!

As for what Norral could tell them, I don’t think he really has that much to hide. He’s acted as well as he can under difficult circumstances. If the Elders wish to punish him, then I don’t think anything he holds back will alter that. I await the opinions of others though, as I’ve probably missed something somewhere Smile

#362: Author: LordoftheNight, Location: Hell

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:46 pm
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F5 both of them, and shielding should become a common practise

Norrel shouldn't forget to mention that he disposed of the body, and no-one apart from the captured mage knows they lost a member - although that point is sort of moot now, seeing how the other attack was foiled

#363: Author: Key, Location: The Royal Palace

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:34 pm
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The most important question for the Elders is how widespread is this resistance of mages. So interrogation of the captive is called for before any other decisions are made. If there is some identifiable organization, assassination of the leaders should become the our prime motivation. If an functioning organization of mages resisting the Sempa grows, that will be the greatest threat the Sempa have faced, not only because of their power, but because of their potential effect on the our recruits. If things go badly for us, our mages might could start to desert.

This might also be a good time to reconsider the purpose of this war. If the point is to rule the world as Chosen beings served by those beneath us who don't have magic, it might be wise to start offering that deal to the non-mages. We've already amply demonstrated our ability to kill at will. Suppose we start offering cities, or leaders, or nations, or even spies, the choice between death and service to the Sempa. If we can get them to turn against these new mages, or at least let us know where they are, we might be able to nip this potential enemy in the bud.

We'll need more information from the captive, but we should think about this and be ready to move quickly. It takes time to recruit mages and build an organization; we can't give them that time.

#364: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:35 pm
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Good chapter, some nice gruesome details! Excellent!

As for the elders. Well, if they were wise, they should have planned a contingency already for just such an event. They know there are other mages and as their attacks increased they may be forced into the conflict.

The first course of action would be to try and find out how coordinated the 'good' mages are. Were these incidents co-incidents, or part of a more organized force?
They must have other attacks going on, and so far (as far as I know) there have only been two cases of enemy mage activity.

Now they are aware of this, they can adjust their attacks accordingly. Bigger groups is one way to go, they would seem to outnumber the good guys, and hence wizard for wizard they have superiority in numbers.

Also, some proactive attacks maybe. Seek out the wizards and attack them at source. Eliminate the threat.

That's all I have... for now. Very Happy

#365: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:38 pm
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Damn, Key just beat me to the button there!

#366: Author: D-Lotus, Location: Hollywood, USA

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:17 pm
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Key said to start offering cities a deal, death or submission. But I don't think we have enough numbers yet to do this, or to keep a hold of it for long.

I think a valid option is to train non-mages if they submit to the sempa. They need to recruit people if their purpose is dominating the world, like Key said.

#367: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:06 pm
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Wonderful chapter, I am sad that I missed it when it was first posted.

Anyways, I am all for the idea of interrogating the captured mage. A lot of information could come out of him if he speaks. Norral could also inquire about the caravan attack Darak had failed to complete. And by comparing the two missions, some sort of information could be gleaned.

As for what to tell the Elders. Norral should just tell them straight up the basic facts. Nothing assumed should yet be revealed until solid proof can support such assumptions.

#368: Author: D-Lotus, Location: Hollywood, USA

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:26 pm
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I think Norral should also stress the fact that he wasn't given much information to make a plan for his mission...although this might make the elders angry.

#369: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:26 pm
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You're right, D. The elders probably wouldn't like Norral knowing too much. He may be a squad leader, but he is still a subordinate and has to answer to them. I think Norral should make his own inquries without having to get information from the Elders.

Besides what the Elders may tell him, may be skewed or bias opinions. Norral needs to keep an open mind here if he wants to find a solution to the problems he is facing now.

#370: Author: D-Lotus, Location: Hollywood, USA

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 7:07 pm
—
So...are we gonna have a poll..or something?

#371: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 4:09 pm
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The clock is ticking, tick tock....Smee we await the poll, so we argue our choices to our hearts' content. Cool

#372: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 2:21 am
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OK guys.

Apology time... Very Happy

You're missing a chapter, and you seem to be wanting a poll. I thought opinion was fairly agreed, but reading through the comments again I think you're right.

OK Poll is up.

So a couple of quick fire polls for you guys, starting with Trengin...

- He stops messing around and confirms full membership to the Circle.

- He is still unsure - particularly after the mind-seek incidents

- He'll join but ask that Srune doesn't let him know about anything they are up to so that he can't jepordise the Circle if he is compromised.

#373: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:14 pm
—

Trengin should just "stop messing around" as you put it. This whole mind-seeking stuff should have told him something more than can perhaps help the mages if they do unite against the Sempa. Going all undecided all just shows too much insecurity, and I think that is selfish for Trengin. Should he join, Trengin should understand that the circle is made up of people who are his friends. He shouldn't worry about any of repurcussions against him would hurt his friends. If they were worried about such a thing happening they aren't his friends. They also probably wouldn't let him join the circle in the first place. By accepting Trengin into the group, there is an unsaid agreement that whatever happens to one member may affect the group as all.

#374: Author: LordoftheNight, Location: Hell

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:04 pm
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i think he should join forthwith, and become a full member, especially now he knows what they're up against

#375: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:20 pm
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Could any of those members who voted for the third option, please give their reasoning? I am just curious as in your choice that is all. Cool

#376: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:26 pm
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Well, I think the option speaks for itself really. There is a risk that the mysterious link between whatshisface and the bad guys may be a two way thing, hence limiting information would limit what they found out if that were indeed the case. *takes deep breath*

Perfectly clear. Confused

#377: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:39 pm
—
Makes sense, china. But I don't think such limits would keep Trengin from information. I would think it would give a big advantage. But obviously that is my opinion.

#378: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:15 am
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Well, he could always forge a closer link later on, once he has found out more about this affliction.

#379: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:22 am
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Perhaps. Although I don't see Trengin as weak being just because of his affliction. I think he would continue on with what he is doing like any other normal person.

#380: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:55 pm
—

Quote:

Although I don't see Trengin as weak being just because of his affliction.

No, I agree with this, but I think the point was if he knew all the Circle secrets, and there was some kind of two way link with the enemy, it could leak information.

I think. Damn. Now I am confused.

Anyway, I think it would fit in with his initial reluctance to join the group, though now he has seen the extent of the threat he knows action must be taken, so I chose it as a kind of middle ground as well.

Being a sitting on the fence kinda guy that I am. Wink

#381: Author: Key, Location: The Royal Palace

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 7:26 pm
—
Don't lose confidence, chinaren! That's damn good reasoning, and that's why I voted for the third option, too.

If there is a two-way connection, knowing all that the Circle knows could not only endanger Trengin's friends but also put Trengin's own life at risk, as it could give the Sempa the knowledge they have to win this war. For our own sake as well as for others, we should keep ourselves in the dark about the Circle's plans.

#382: Author: Reiso, Location: Western North America

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:25 am
—
Man this got huge fast. What is the story at, 12 chapters, 13? Something like that.

I must shamefully confess that the last time I read it, I only got as far as chapter three and that was some months ago. I feel this is a horrible way to return all the support and cheering on that you provided, Smee, and I will correct it very soon! I'm just so damn behind on everything - I don't know when I'm sleeping anymore most nights, or how much progress I'm gonna make on what. Life got so unfathomably busy for someone with such a lack of one as myself.

I enjoyed what I've read so far, and hope to have some more constructive feedback soon. I'm glad to see you're storygame is such a hit!

- aaaackk! Dept.

#383: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:23 am
—
Thanks Reiso - and as always, great to see you around. Very Happy

Yes it did get big quickly - I managed 6 or 7 weeks of a Chapter per week, until Christmas ruined that schedule. I haven't really found it again since. Confused

Don't think you owe me anything for supporting Thorns. Thorns itself was more than enough return for that.

I look forward to you catching up as your thoughts are always informative and/or amusing, but don't kill yourself doing it. There's plenty more chapters left in this story yet and more than enough time for you to get involved Smile

Happy Reading Smile

As for the rest of you. Thank you for your discussion of the latest poll. I'll be closing it when I get home (about 5 hours) so any final voters get in quick.

Happy Discussion Smile

#384: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:02 pm
—

chinaren wrote:

Quote:

Although I don't see Trengin as weak being just because of his affliction.

No, I agree with this, but I think the point was if he knew all the Circle secrets, and there was some kind of two way link with the enemy, it could leak information.

Ah. I understand now what you were saying. Although from what has been written, said link does not seem to be well-settled yet. I would still take the dare and join the Circle as a full member.

LIke you said he knows the danger. But even if he does not know the Circle information he puts his friends at risk also. I think he should just tell them outright that he may have link to the Sempa, and see how his friends react to that.

#385: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:14 pm
—

Quote:

I think he should just tell them outright that he may have link to the Sempa, and see how his friends react to that.

Yes, I am with you all the way on that one!

#386: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:17 pm
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Good to know that we're on the same wavelength finally. Razz

#387: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:14 am
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Thanks for all the votes - the poll is now closed.

It's a surprisingly divided result, but the slightly more cautious crowd win with 6 votes to 5.

Is a poll required for Norral, or are you all agreed that he'll answer the Elders questions honestly and not try to hold anything back.

If one person disagrees then I'll put a poll up.

Happy Discussion Smile

#388: Author: Chinaren, Location: https://www.NeilHartleyBooks.com

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:55 am
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I think he will spill the beans. I don't really see a good reason not to.

#389: Author: ethereal_fauna, Location: USA

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:40 am
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He'll answer their questions...I don't think he'd risk the wrath of discovery should he try deception.

Although I do think he'll deliver the bad news first, before moving on to the capture of the enemy mage.

#390: Author: LordoftheNight, Location: Hell

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:31 pm
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yes, F5 both of those two

#391: Author: Suneila,

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:21 am
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I don't think anyone is disagreeing, Smee.

~sunny

#392: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 12:07 pm
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Thanks Sunny,

There is still hope of a chapter tomorrow - but an impending fine spent my writing time today on a Battle to the End chapter.

You'll get them soon.

Happy Reading Smile

#393: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:15 am
—
Hey Everybody

Chapter 13a has just been posted here. Smile

The proper Chapter will follow as soon as I can.

Thanks for your comments and...

Happy discussion Smile

#394: Author: LordoftheNight, Location: Hell

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:34 pm
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like it, and are you saying that there's no descion point for this one?

#395: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:37 pm
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It is an interlude chapter that originally Ingro was going to write, but unfortunately he didn't have the time.

The Trengin chapter will follow soon with the decision point that will include whether to accept the mission from the General or to do something else.

Discussion is free to start now on this.

A poll will go up when you have the full information from the next part of the chapter.

Happy Reading Smile

#396: Author: ethereal_fauna, Location: USA

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 1:10 pm
—
Then the Circle already receives recognition. Wonderful. Once the caravan is assured safe delivery to its destination, then checking out the bridge seems like a logical choice for the Circle, although developments between now and then might change their mind.

News travels fast and they might learn of the actual attack on the bridge. If they know Wallis (the mage captured from the bridge), or simply hear of another mage willing to oppose the Sempa that has been captured, then they might attempt a rescue. Of course even in that event, checking out the bridge first might be wiser than immediate pursuit. Great interlude...thanks for the TTB fix Smile

#397: Author: Shady Stoat, Location: England

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:20 am
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It's great to get another perspective on the conflict. Certainly food for thought in there.

Smee wrote:

The General had remained quiet throughout the rest of the report, his own eyes hiding any emotion.

"So, more have joined our cause," he whispered to himself.

Presumably he is referring to Mages already on the side of good. That begs the question as to what was more important to defend than the caravan. We know of one mage at the Bridge, but are there others? How many? Where are they?

More importantly, can the Circle allow itself to be sent blindly in a new direction, without at least some of these questions being answered. Trengin and his cohorts are volunteers, not soldiers. They need to be kept informed of what is going on, so they can choose where best to distribute their talents. With the best will in the world, Officers of war are not going to be able to say where Magic-users can be best used. Magic-users themselves are the best candidates for that job.

Trengin already suspects that other good mages are out there. Once that suspicion is confirmed, I think he (or at least his group) will want to know a lot more about what is going on around them...

#398: Author: D-Lotus, Location: Hollywood, USA

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:29 pm
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Great plot so far. Keep it up and don't let it drag! Wink

#399: Author: Ravenwing, Location: Virginia

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:11 pm
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Finally I read this interlude. Like others have said, it is nice to see another perspective on what has happened so far.

I think going to explore the bridge is the next logical step for the Circle. Compared to the General or any of his other officers, Trengin and Co seem to be the best choice to investigate anything considering magic and mages. But of course like Shady has pointed out, Trengin will want to know any other details about the situation.

Finding out the information may be hard though since they are not fully trustworthy in the General's eyes. First that trust needs to be established.

#400: Author: Smee, Location: UK

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 9:01 am
—
Hey Everybody

Chapter 13b has just been posted here. Smile

Thanks for your comments and...

Happy discussion Smile

Last edited by Smee on Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:03 am; edited 1 time in total

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