All supernaturals can be rules lawyers. Including wizards.I´m a bit suprised how many here are arguing about guest rights and the look of things and supposed loss of trustworthiness of the White Court. All supernaturals in Dresden Files, including the White Council, are rule lawyers extraordinaire. If you have a 100% safe binding agreement than you are safe. If not, if the tiniest loophole exists, they will (ab)use it to screw you over. This is nothing particulary suprising or new. That is how the game has been played for millenia. Remember the ridiculous Casus Belli the Red Court used to declare war agaisnt the White Council?
Some people/factions have a reputation for treachery, like the Red Court and the Fomor. Others, like the svartalfar and Odin's people, dont, and indeed have a reputation for being vindictive towards anyone who try to exploit them in that way.
1)Spirit of the law absolutely exists.Yeah, the biggest sets of international law in the supernatural world have "there is no spirit of the law, only the letter" as one of its laws. Customs like guest rights matter, but note that power matters far more; even when the Formor tried to bomb the signing of a non-aggression pact between the Fomor and Svartaelves, Etri only killed the guy doing it rather than declared war (probably because he knew by themselves the Svartaelves would've been roflstomped. Probably why he even agreed to the pact in the first place, so they wouldn't get shitstomped by the strongest supernatural faction in the world)
In the end if you have the power to deal with the consequences, you can do anything. And given Lara has both political power from her machinations and martial power in the implied control over two Exalts to kill her enemies, I think this night will only strengthen her hold over the White Court.
Its not enforceable, but it does exist, and people do pay attention to who does, and doesnt follow it. We only see that saying used as an excuse when someone is trying to justify screwing you, and its always the most egregious offenders who do so.
Similarly, custom exists with almost the force of law.
2) Point of order:
They didnt declare war because it was that particular sorcerer's bright idea, and there was no indication it was part of a greater Fomor plot. They just broke off the treaty instead. For all we know the Fomor paid restitution offscreen to keep the svartalfar neutral.
And given that the Fomor were explicitly already fighting a war(that they started) with the White Council, the White Court and Marcone at this time, they couldnt exactly afford to add another faction of hostiles to that bill at the time.
Especially with the Fae Courts historically hostile.
Its not particularly complex IMO.Okay, can we stop with the long detail of whether the NPC's actions are a good move from their perspective or not, especially since the QM seems thoroughly convinced not to change it, and instead focus on how we are going to respond? Mainly, the vote? Combat strategies?
We are within 2 updates of open combat with results determined partially by the current vote. Arguing about the political implications of that combat is something that can wait until after we have decided on strategy.
DONT activate the active form of Windborn Stride.
Molly is fighting with a slower, less tanky partner, which limits her ability to zip around the hall at speed. Besides, Molly's base speed at the moment is 32 yards/second, which means she can move 48 yards and return to her starting position inside the same combat turn. There's no need to spend 1m to make it 110 yards/second.
DO activate Mind Hand Manipulation
If we cant go to them, we can bring them to us. Grapple and yank them closer to be stabbed. Or pick them up and Puny God them.
Or just use it as a direct strike weapon to pop heads; its line of sight. Plus, if we need to move, it allows us to carry Lydia while doing so.
DONT activate Shintai
Im still expecting an interrupt by the skinwalkers, or whoever/whatever external backers that the Skavis Heir put together.
So keeping something in reserve might be worth the trouble
CONSIDER reactivating Hellscry Chakra
Thats a lesson from our encounter with the skinwalker: It can see Creatures of Darkness using magic to hide their presence.
If there's anyone who activates veils or some similar vampire Discipline, it should guarantee picking them up.
So basically
During speech: ATB(1m) + Occult Excellency(?1m) + Hellscry(1m)
Turn 0 Combat: Steelskin(1m) + IPM(1wp) + MHM(1m) + Melee Excellency(1m). Pop shield and sword.
Turn 1 Combat: VLE(1m) + murder
Total: 7m, 1wp
If we use Hellscry on Lord Raith before focusing on Madrigal, we probably regen 2m from uncovering a supernatural secret.
Which will bring net expenditure to 5m,1wp
Lydia just pops Hunters Eye + Dex Excellency (total 1m) and starts shooting.
She could activate Chariots of the Earth for mobility, but she already spent 1-3m so far, and her entire pool is 7/7m.
Cant afford it.
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