The gift of ash

[Anastasia]

> roll 1d20+33 raw int check first
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=16]

> roll 1d20+163 (+45 Moore, +36 Factotum, +15 divine insight)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 167 > [d20=4]

> roll 1d20+163 (+45 Moore, +36 Factotum, +15 divine insight)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 166 > [d20=3]

"Hmph." Sylvie finally says.

"Which means?" Kaja asks, scowling. "Speak."

"He's good and prepared, too," Sylvie says right away, "I did get an impression that he wasn't interested in me in the least, but in you instead. Whatever it is, you're the one who has his interest."

[Nephrite]

"Hm. Is it because he thinks I'm the lynchpin here?" Moore asks. "But even so..."

A shake of his head. "No, we'll get to the bottom of this. But if he's that prepared then I doubt it'll be easy to get anything out of him fairly."

[Anastasia]

"Which means it's still a bad idea to go meet him," Sylvie points out.

[Nephrite]

"Yes, don't worry." Moore says. "I'm not going to meet him in person, at least not where he's asked us to show up. But I'm curious... if he is interested in me..." A shake of his head. "Ah, I'm not any good at being dishonest, unfortunately... I can't feign disinterest if I really am interested, you know? But perhaps I can get something out of him or at least have him agree to meet us somewhere more neutral rather than Basically The Abyss."

[Anastasia]

"It's a start," Sylvie relents.

[Nephrite]

It is a start.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise to you I've been advised to not only not come see you, but to ignore anything you have to say. You seem to have a bit of a history with this sort of approach.

Yet, here I am, still reaching out to you. I will meet with you, but I would hear what this business is you have with me first, or, if you do not wish to speak of it this way, why you wish to see me in person at all. I can think of a few reasons you'd need me to be there in person.

[Anastasia]

I have need of your talents, and you will find this usage of them profitable.

[Nephrite]

It's good they're not in person, because Moore can't hide his obvious confusion about this.

You know as well as I do that the type of profit you speak of is likely not one I'd be interested in. Times such as they are, I am willing to listen to this - so what details will you share with me like this? It will help me decide if I wish to pursue this or not.

I know there have been "neutral places" to have discussions before that have been set up, is Mechanus known for that sort of thing? Just trying to think of a place we could arrange a truly neutral meeting ground, since The Adversary is likely not willing (or able) to come parley in Celestia.

[Anastasia]

Mechanus could work.

An artifact requires the touch of a bard of your ability. In return, I offer you a great treasure that will greatly aid you. Is that profit enough?

[Nephrite]

How many stories have been written about such an offer that are lessons in greed and avarice, I wonder?

I will arrange for a meeting in Mechanus where this can be discussed in one day.

Moore takes in a breath (that he forgets sometimes he no longer needs to do) and shakes his head.

"He needs me because he needs a bard for an artifact he has. Probably to unlock its full potential." He explains. "He says he'd give us a 'great treasure' in return, which I'm sure is a farce." A sigh after that. "However... I want to look at what this artifact is - 'Better the daemon you know than the daemon you don't' - and... well, if there's something we can get from him for it... I think it's worth trying. Perhaps he can release a pantheon of souls from captivity that we can return them to safety here in Celestia, or... perhaps we can return some other artifact that was lost to him here."

A pause, since he already knows everyone is is glaring at him. "The way I look at this... If we don't do it, he'll find someone else to do it anyway, and we'll know less about this artifact that he has at all. Does that at least make some sense?"

[Anastasia]

"Some, but not a lot," Sylvie points out right away. "One, there's very few bards like you to take your place. Divine bards do not just appear. Two, better no daemons at all than any daemon you know, but needs must at least in Creation. Three, I'm certain he'll get the better end of it if you do what he wants, no matter what you demand, assuming it's something he's willing to grant."

Here Kaja cuts in, "Moore has a point. He approached Moore cold, and that means he has to be an option, or someone he thinks he can trick into it. But trick someone who is a known protege of the Hebdomad? No. Erathaol has an eye on you, and that alone would forestall many daemonic plots. Whatever this is, he wouldn't be able to offer anything minor for it. He'll have his angles, but that part has to be good enough bait to work."

[Nephrite]

Moore nods. "Yes, I expect that this won't be an even exchange from his perspective... but I think we can put him in a more difficult place, especially if we're one of the only options." He says. "I realize this may mar my reputation somewhat... but my goal here isn't to personally profit from this, but to profit Creation. Do you all support that endeavor?"

[Anastasia]

"Is this an honest vote or just your curiosity?" Sylvie asks right back.

[Nephrite]

"I would not ask if I don't want you to be honest." Moore says.

[Anastasia]

"Bad idea, he's trying too hard to tempt you," Sylvie says flatly.

"It is a bad idea," Cresiel agrees.

"The worst," Jetina says, "But it leaves the question of why you, and if this is a deeper plot."