Invasion of Demacia

Kiersta gave an almost imperceptible nod as Vessaria made her exit, taking the burden of authority seamlessly. With all those of notable gimmicks and skill assembled, now was the time to pull together the pieces. Though the seat was still open beside her, she remained standing, only her eyes flickering over those in attendance.

At Tybresa’s comment, she finally seemed to relax slightly, her eyebrows raising at the request for orders. “You each have come here to offer your aid to break the siege of Demacia. It is those with the initiative to show themselves here that should lead the forces we have. We will start with a straightforward plan, and elaborate from there.”

Her gaze fell squarely on Nulla Draconis, the key to her plans. How fortunate that he had managed to actually arrive at a meeting. “High Artificer Draconis,” she purposely emphasized the capacity in which he was needed, “Your contributions will be critical to the success of this mission. No doubt you are familiar with the works of Durand. While sentient life may have been his ultimate goal, minor gargoyles of his creation yet stand in eternal vigil throughout the city, their sentience long lost to the ravages of time. With the expertise of your artificers, our summoners could link to and guide those stone giants to force the undead back without risking themselves.” Her eyes drifted to the golem’s impassive face. “Whether you should seek out your workshop is your choice, but I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of the responsibilities of awakening new life.”

She turned to the champions, her expression grim. “Unfortunately, the rituals involved in controlling the golems will leave many of our summoners immobile and defenseless. As soon as the Ruined King sees our defiance, he would be a fool not to send his forces in mass upon our position. We will need defenders. Each of you agreed to join the League for a different set of reasons: to uphold justice, gain influence, and to protect the land in which you live. With the Fields of Justice closed and the League at a state of war, we ask that you continue to work with us for the peace of Valoran. With your permission, I will show the summoners rituals that will allow them to join you mind and spirit, augmenting your power and awareness with their own rather than repressing it. Through that joint awareness, I will guide the evolving battlefield.”

Finally, her gaze fell upon the five copies of of a single man. An obviously accomplished mage of his own right outside of his summoning practices. The name jumped to her mind as she made eye contact with the one copy that would return her gaze. “Summoner Hamamoto, you will lead the remainder of the summoner forces in sweeps through the city. The gargoyles will be able to turn the tide of the battle, but there is no way they can secure the city on their own. Your squads will be the most at risk, so I would suggest you chose them from the most battle capable of our ranks.”

She paused for a moment, watching each member present for signs of confusion or distrust as they digested the information she had thrown at them. She expected questions, suggestions and dissent, but it was best to have a cohesive plan in mind before the discussions rather than fragments. This was a challenge unlike any the summoners had undertaken since the last rune war ended. It would take all of their skills to overcome it. Her arms folded behind her back once more. “Additional suggestions are always welcome.”

As the summoner mentioned wards, the advanced warding capabilities that he had been developing instantly came to mind, though his name remained elusive. Kiersta rarely interacted with the lower level summoners, yet the patchwork of the cloak of the rising artificer drew her attention. Ah, yes, “No doubt your skills will be an asset, Summoner Ravencroft. Knowing the movements of both ally and enemy alike is an enormous advantage in any battlefield.”

She glanced at the golem once more, her eyebrows knit with concern. “The production of constructs, however, may be too great a drain on the power of the nexus we have available, no matter how useful they might be. If I recall, your research is yet theoretical, and I cannot justify expending vast resources on an untested product.”

She stopped to ponder her options. The summoner clearly had issues with a stutter, and would not be leading on his own. His wards would no doubt save lives, but their deployment would occur once they reached Demacia. “If you believe your skills are put to their greatest use on these improved constructs, you have leave to begin what preparations you can to bring them with you as a field test.”

As Daichi acknowledged his place in this plan, Kiersta began a quiet nod, yet he continued, her face fell into a frown. To know as much as possible about the situation was commendable, but to expect full knowledge of the force itself... Perhaps the years of defined rules and regulated warfare had softened even the most battle trained of the institute’s summoners. “I can afford to send a force of 400 summoners to sweep through Demacia’s depths for traces of the undead that remain, but unless those clones of yours can communicate and lead separate forces without overwhelming you, I don’t expect you to lead all of them.”

With a wave of her robed arm, she indicated a copy of Vessaria’s reports that remained on the council table. “As you have seen, the reports we have thus far are grim. The last reports we have received indicated that the The Ruined King’s forces had massed upon Demacia’s walls before they were forced to isolate the citizens from the undead’s influence -- and our communication. It is possible that the walls have yet to fall, but we can only assume the worst: the citizens of Demacia are trained for war, but for each that falls, the Shadow Islands may gain a new servant. I intend for Durand’s works to share the greatest burden of facing any monstrosities we encounter, but your force must be flexible in dealing with what we encounter once there.”

With slight flick of her eyes, Kiersta notes that other sidebar conversations had begun. This meeting had been dragging on far before she joined. Perhaps it would be best to keep things short and allow as much time for the summoners to prepare as possible. “Perhaps you would show me your plan in private once your draft is complete. No doubt the young artificer’s mobile wards will be instrumental in maintaining the safety of the League’s personnel.”

As the gravely voice of Skarner echoed forth from the opposite end of the meeting hall, Kiersta’s attention fell upon him instantly. Having the champions’ overwhelming power and skill present at in Demacia could make all the difference between success and catastrophe. With a frown, she realized that the Crystal Vanguard had yet to enter. She listened to his complaint with an air of half-veiled impatience, waving a hand effortlessly in his direction as he began to tap the doorway. Despite his relative care, the first tap left a heavy dent in the delicately engraved patterns on the great double-doors. The second tap passed through the door completely its image shimmering incorporeally. Kiersta met Xerath’s glowing blue gaze with a ghost of a smile on her lips “I believe you will find the problem quite resolved.” In an instant, the expression is gone, replaced with one of candid curiosity. “By all means, please continue. Many lives hang in the balance of this mission.”

As she watched Skarner make his way through the room, Kiersta frowned, making a mental note to herself that any future meetings with the Brackern should accommodate their unique form. Her brow furrowed deeper in thought as he presented his strategy. A sneak attack into the sewers of Demacia could easily catch an enemy force unprepared. Yet their goal was to aid a defending force, not break a siege. She shuddered to think that Demacia had fallen so far already that the undead would entrench themselves within the city. “The Demacians are a martial people. I should not expect them to lose the entire city so quickly. But I am sure you could as easily break through the demacian gates as burrow under the wall. I also understand that Nulla’s golems lie underground. No doubt your aid would be a great benefit to their activation.”

Inwardly she recognized the unspoken consent he had given. The Crystal Vanguard was no tool to be ordered around to the aid of the races who’s abuse of magical power had both created and spelled disaster for his kind. But then, he must also know that the Shadow isles spell as much a threat to his people’s revival as it does to the humans. She would have to think of a reward for his aid when the time comes. “We would be honored to have you join the strong arm of our force to rout the enemy from the city. I cannot promise what you may find, but but will do everything in my power to keep you informed as the mission progresses.”