As everyone in the meeting room began leafing through the plans before them, the strategy John had named the "In the Name of the Sage Project" soon lay fully revealed.
As John had said earlier, he had divided the plan into four stages.
The first stage would begin in three months, when Faoken had completed its basic infrastructure.
After three months of trade with the Black Marsh Clan and the Morning Star Clan had established initial trust, Meyer would visit the Morning Star Clan. Escorted in secret by an elite Drow unit and carrying John's letter of introduction, she would present herself as a young fox Beastfolk woman who had traveled widely and possessed a Healing Spell.
During her visit, she would "happen" to heal Grand Elder Gray Hoof, who had retired from the Council of Elders because of an old injury. That would earn her the Morning Star Clan's gratitude and initial trust.
Once she had their trust, she would travel to the Black Marsh Clan and win their goodwill and trust in much the same way.
As Faoken's trade with the two clans deepened, John's side would work behind the scenes to unite both clans in their favorable view of Faoken. After six months, when the two clans were expected to seek Faoken's protection because they could no longer withstand the annexation of their tribes, Meyer's true identity as a Beastfolk sage would be revealed. With the clans' help, word would spread to the surrounding clans.
Barring any surprises, the Froststar Clan and Bull Clan would then temporarily halt their annexations. If they did not, John's side would intervene by force as mercenaries. Either way, the name of the sage would begin to spread.
The second stage would follow close behind.
Once news of the Beastfolk sage had