The gift of ash

[Anastasia]

A sense of good fortune from that, but no more words.

[Nephrite]

Any other hits with the list?

[Anastasia]

No.

[Nephrite]

"Hm, it may be one of Oghma's - the Lyre of Dandrens." Moore says. "But we can't be certain."

[Anastasia]

As you all ponder this?

I'm ready. Explain the situation.

[Nephrite]

The Adversary originally contacted and basically said he had need of my services. It turns out he has an artifact that we think needs a bardic talent to unlock or use. I spoke to Oghma about it just now and it may be one of his.

I was hoping you might be willing to come to the meeting I have in Mechanus with him... I want to try and get as much information out of him as I can over this, even if we don't end up helping him at all - which we likely won't - and I thought your talent with the truth might help us see through his deception.

If you'd like to come to Hope's Landing to further discuss this you're welcome to do so.

[Anastasia]

I will be there presently.

[Nephrite]

Moore will go wait by the gates for her!

[Anastasia]

Antenora soon arrives, "Moore," she greets.

[Nephrite]

Moore offers her a smile and a nod as he returns her to where the others are.

"So, let me explain first what happened - out of nowhere The Adversary reached out to me." He explains. "He initially wanted to meet me on Nadir... and, admittedly, I was willing to go there -" He holds a hand up at that. "You don't need to chastise me about that, I've already been through it with Lord Barachiel and the others." He clears his throat.

"I was able to get more information out of him - he says he has an artifact that requires a bardic talent... and he'd be willing to offer some sort of 'great reward' for assistance with it." He says. "We all know there's more to this situation than meets the eye - but I'm determined to collect more information rather than just ignore him entirely. I think it best to have the meeting to see this artifact - if even just to know what he may have at his disposal now."

A gesture to the others. "We've been trying to think of what the artifact might be, as generally speaking you can't just 'activate' something once that requires a special talent and it continue to work forever. The closest thing we have is the Lyre of Dandrens which is apparently like a Lyre of Building, except with ideas and knowledge - but even something like that can't just be used forever without activating it again. ...Ah, I guess it doesn't matter in the end -what- the artifact is, but that's the situation as it stands."

[Anastasia]

Antenora takes that all in. She's quiet until you finish. "Are you aware that Sylica recently clashed with one of the schemes of the Adversary, and that despite all our ability and wisdom, he still profited greatly from it? He is no fool."

[Nephrite]

"I was not aware, no." Moore says. "Regardless, I do not believe it to be in our best interests to simply ignore him. Perhaps that's his entire plan - to entice us, to see what we can do for him, even if it's just a matter of gathering information as well on his end." He says.

A shake of his head follows that. "But we cannot simply give up and not try to think ahead, to think around of his scheming. Perhaps this is exactly playing into his hands - perhaps he wants us to do all of this... but I refuse to be held hostage by 'maybes' and 'perhaps' - if we have an opportunity to do good in Creation, then we should take that opportunity. I'm sure Seira would say the same about the Abolition War." He says.

[Anastasia]

"Nothing good comes of him," Antenora notes as she follows you inside. "To deal with him may be necessary, it may be unavoidable. That does not mean good will come of it, no matter how high your hopes are. Our only victory in dealing with him was one that would have been dealt with by the Adversary regardless, for he doubtless had no more need for Violet being free than we did."

Going further, and in your mind?

His name is Sammael, a long forgotten archdevil who has defected to the daemons entirely over the course of countless millenia. He is hate, he is poison. Do not forget it at any moment or you may yet drown in his plans.

I will save or destroy him one day, but that day is not today.

[Nephrite]

Moore raises his eyebrows at that, but merely nods to Antenora as they settle in with the other members.

"I understand your concerns, and I am well aware that, even should we offer him this aid, there may be nothing in Creation that he could offer that would be worth it." Moore says. "Even knowing that... I think it worth it to take the opportunity, but any suggestions you have as to approach it are welcome. I was going to meet him in Mechanus with Sylvie there - if you would also attend it may give us an opportunity he isn't expecting. Or... well, maybe he is expecting you to show up... I cannot say." He says. "But we haven't agreed to help him at all, merely to listen to what he has to say and his offer."

[Anastasia]

"If you're set on going?" Antenora asks.

"He is," Sylvie says, "Against advice, but here we are."

"Then I'll go with you to safeguard you," Antenora agrees, "As well as to send a message. You do not stand alone."