Saviours, the game!

[Carthrat]

"A little," replies Daggedal, shrugging. "I saw nothing untoward.."

[Corwin]

"The people were all very pretty and happy, right?" Miaka smiles. "I explored it quite a bit, because it was all so new and interesting!"

[Carthrat]

Daggedal shrugs. "I didn't really notice, though they were a tad cheerful," he replies.

[Corwin]

"And young, right?" Miaka continues, her smile disappearing. "Did you see anyone over fourty? Anyone of the 'normal' townsfolk?"

[Carthrat]

Daggedal blinks. "Now that you mention it, no.

But then again, how many people live beyond forty anyway? At least where I come from, not many."

[Corwin]

"Arkanel, and the rest of those blessed with the gift of magic don't seem to have this problem on this world," Miaka replies. "And on the past two worlds I've been to, people lived for many more years. Zaphiel told us that the same thing used to happen on this world as well, until a group of people enslaved the rest of humanity to use them as cattle. Even of those who can cast magic, most are brainwashed by that elite. Only in Zaphiel's case, they made a mistake...."

[Carthrat]

Daggedal pauses.

"So the world is ruled by a hidden magocracy, which controls the majority of wizards, sorcerers, warlocks, and magicians throughout the area. These spellslingers live much longer than the normal populance. However, Zaphiel has somehow escaped their influence, and is building a rebel army to strike down the magi and free the people?

So what happens to these 'normal people' when they reach the age of forty? They can't all just die, if what you say is true. What happens?"

[Corwin]

"It's hidden, but in plain sight. Everyone can use magic, if trained... but the ability to cast magic has been blocked by ancient devices that elite controls. Blocked for anyone who doesn't have the right genes. That, in turn, makes them cattle and they are taken to the capital to have horrible things done to them." Miaka scowls, upset. "I'm sure Zaphiel could explain this in much better detail, if you'll be willing to listen to him."

[Carthrat]

"Certainly," replies Daggedal. "Run along and tell him to come out here, alone."

[thepanda]

“Somehow, I don’t see that happening,” Arael says openly. “Would you if you were in his shoes?”

[Dracos]

O'karn grunts, "You speak much.  I don't hear much jingling.  I care not if he build army to 'save' people.  I paid to kill him.  Unless...he pays more.  Then maybe I consider."

Dracos

[Corwin]

"Oh, he can do that too," Miaka says in a dismissive tone. "But helping everyone is enough for me! That, and food. Lots of tasty food." She smiles at the thought.

[thepanda]

“He is offering substantial pay, and frankly speaking he seems more competent than our former employer.”

[Carthrat]

Daggedal pauses for a moment.

"Five Hundred spellcasters, you say. The fact that he hasn't killed us yet lends credence to your argument.

It occurs to me that whichever side we choose the serve will inevitably win, if he is trying to win us over. Arknael would not have summoned us unless he required help, and Zaphiel would not attempt to coerce us unless he either required help, or was a man of more moral character than I have yet to come across.

The latter being unlikely.. combined with the fact that we are still alive commits me to investigating for myself.

However. Understand that it cannot be discounted that this is a trap. Therefore... we will take a hostage," he continues, gesturing to the unconcious kid. "As a precaution."

[Corwin]

"Oh, is he hurt?" Miaka asks. "Because I'm sure it won't be trouble at all to heal him at the castle!"