LETTER TO ALL - Diamonds may not be forever

[not_most_days]

To my fellow Heroes of Light,

I am sure that I am not the only one who is taking this current lull as a moment of waiting for the next boot to drop. Given our experiences in this world it always seems like it is one thing after the next with little reprieve. There is however a matter I believe that deserves addressing before it turns to become a new peril due to our inaction.

I have mentioned this to a few of our number in the past and again more publicly more recently. If this is the first time you are hearing this and you are not one of our new compatriots from the other group of Heroes you have my apologies. My intent was not to hide information but rather to make sure that a decision wasn't made rashly. Given the vision that a good many of us shared thanks to the Sage I feel that this decision was well founded.

However I cannot sit idly either.

Sometime back myself and a few others intercepted information that alludes to the discovery of the Diamond WEAPON in the northern reaches of the Lost Continent. That the information came from Artemicion and Palitutu was so quick to show up when we faced him makes this information suspect, but it cannot be disregarded wholly either. Furthermore, the Calamity is readily encroaching on that location.

The time has come for us to make a decision of what to do and more importantly to act. The sooner the better. Personally I believe we'd be better off without it but leaving it to the Calamity or our foes would be foolhardy. If we can find it and destroy it ourselves that may be for the best. To that end I would like to propose an expedition to seek it out and make a judgement where we find it. We may well need the same jobs we needed to tame the Ultima Weapon before Palitutu's betrayal.

I hoped to gather more information and I will continue to do so but this is all I have to offer at this time. I understand that there is the concern that our action will hand over another WEAPON to our enemy's hands but we cannot let that fear prevent us from acting either.

I would have all opinions on this matter, as well as any who would volunteer for this journey. Please reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours,
James Kidd



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[Tucked within the first letter is a smaller enveloped sealed with wax and bears the telltale symbol of the Assassin Brotherhood. Any letters with this letter included are delivered personally by Bonnie albeit with a bit too much sneaky flair.]

To my Brothers and those who would be,

I believe it long since time that we gathered to discuss matters pertaining to our guild. Furthermore, we are now blessed with the presence of one of the founding members of the Brotherhood, and I would like to properly introduce you to him and discuss how we should proceed as a group from this point. I have done my best to do my Mentor and our Creed the honor they deserve but I am glad now to not have to do it alone.

While our Guild Headquarters remains in Aerilon I understand it is not an easy road to travel for all. The meeting can be convened in Aqures Ixen if need be. Regardless, I think it something we ought to do. Further details will be forthcoming but expect a call to gather within the week.

Yours,
Mary Read

Comments

[not_most_days]

[The fact is that the choices that Ellie made during the vision, even if she doesn't remember them, are the key factor in Mary's choice to trust the woman. Her recent association with Malik doesn't hurt either. But when it comes down to defending a city of innocents against ancient weapons, well that's part of what an Assassindoes.]

Miss Ellie,

I'd be satisfied with that as well if I didn't have the creeping feeling that letting the Calamity consume it would just lead us to further troubles. At the time we engaged the Ultima WEAPON, Palitutu presented us with the Engineer, Programmer and Hacker jobs with the goal of subduing and reprogramming the beast, as she explained it. At that point Mister Strife took control of it as a Magitek Knight and used it against the invading Imperial forces.

The WEAPON's attack coincided with but was separate from that invasion. Plus there was the questionable but effective choice of using the crystalized Heroes as bait.

We managed to end the engagement with minimal loss to the city, but shortly thereafter we found ourselves thrust back in time. In the time we were absent from the present, Palitutu showed her true colors and escaped to the Empire with the Ultima WEAPON in tow.

Apparently the newcomers from Mysidia kept watch over us while we were in crystal stasis during our slow trip back to the present. A number of their own, as well as Kalki, were lost to Palitutu's attack.

Myself, I will believe Kalki is dead when I see the body.

Yours,
Mary Read

[vonspielburg]

Mary,

Feelings are not to be confused with reality. If we must focus on any weapon, it would be the one she already has. She's already used it to force us into submission, threatening to destroy an entire town. It seemed a bluff to me, but either way, it was not a bluff we could afford to call.

How large is the Ultima Weapon? Something like that cannot be easy to hide. Personally I believe her possession of this weapon is far more troubling than the one that remains buried.

~Ellie

[not_most_days]

Miss Ellie,

I do not disagree with you on your assessment. My intent is more to act in order to prevent her from acquiring a second one. And as much as I'd hate to see it put to use it may be the only weapon we have against the one she has.

It is a rather large construct, much like the Behemoths on the far western continent. The last known location of the Ultima Weapon was the Imperial Capital, which is now consumed by the Calamity. If she did move it I have no information in that regard yet. I will see if I can uncover anything though just so we can be thorough.

Yours,
Mary Read