Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Sylica thrives.

You stand on a balcony in Liberton, hair loose and free as it flows in the breeze. You can see your realm prosper in the city and what lies beyond it. Mercia bustles with your faithful and visitors alike. Mortal and immortal rub shoulders as boats sail in the river, the metallic gleam of celestial dolphins that swim along side them glimpsed. Your name is called a thousand times in these moments, from those who seek blessings, to those who curse their foes, to those who call on you in times of need, to even those who simply unite with another soul.

You feel it. A spark of war. Armies on a hundred Primes clash, each known to you in a grand display of warfare. At times it is merely matters of war, and yet other times it is crusades. Crusades to push back the night, the cruel, the monsters that lurk in bodies both twisted and far too human. This is in contrast to the moments of creation you feel. Less, for so many have to gather and yet you have them. Weapons and arms forged for war come to m ind the easiest, or those dedicated to magic, liberation, righteousness or the other aspects that are you, that define you. Yet you feel these on so many Prime worlds and beyond as well, your senses lost in each and every one. Your domains and your portfolio resonate within you even as your physical eyes take in your divine realm.

Here you see and hear many call your name in loyalty, in satisfaction, in contentment. Beyond this place they call on you with the urgency of mortality and danger, strands woven together as heroes do war in your name. You feel every triumph as you mourn every loss. As champions stride victorious, others pass into Uatu's realm of gentle, cool crystal steps and ethereal mists, the ultimate price paid. Death and life eternally dance together in your gaze now, as the fruits of holy war blossom, as Creation is surely fertile ground for these to grow.

Yet you are aware of other things. You see the opal-gleaming temple erected there in Antenora's honor. The radiant Solara Tower for Latha shines as the early afternoon sun glows with all of its warmth. You see where the cooling shadows gather, a visible and yet shrouded church to your sister there as well. Perhaps her only open one, but there is no reason to hide here, not in the seat of your own power. There is no temple for Syala - but every grove beyond the city is hers, and a few in the city no less.

The softest thud of footsteps behind you, there when a moment ago none approached. The faint metallic rustle and firm steps of Antenora are heard, along with the wooden thunk of the butt of her spear, as if allowed to graze the ground with each step.

"Queen sends her regards," Antenora speaks without preamble, as a paladin-sorcerer dedicated to you quenches hellfire, only to sacrifice the last fleeting droplets of life left in his broken form to do it, to purify the land of his Prime of this unholy taint. A war between two nations, Gesfarn and Ambrook, rages as thousands of soldiers, knights, mages and even peasant levees do savage war, all over a few scraps of land now stained and cursed by blood. Again and again and again the Primes rage - and yet a shadow to the eternal war below, the Blood War ablaze like a hellish star of eternal warfare, from the darkest hatred to the (perhaps foolish) crusaders who join it to purge the fiends.

"I understand that since her debut, she's had several deities make contact with her. She's made her splash, and it's only a matter of time until events move forward around her." Here Antenora slowly drums her fingers against her spear shaft, a steady and constant rhythm without interruption, without flaw, perfectly coordinated and regular. "I fear that like the Cauldron and the Astral, many will have a vested interest in the status quo of the Infinite Stair and its continuation. Mystra informed me that unnamed others have already made discreet inquires to her about her position on these matters."

A pause for a moment, as you hear one faithful you have an eye on. Ayane makes her morning prayers, simple and routine things for another hard day of rebellion ahead.

"Also, Shar sends her regards as only she can," Antenora continues on, a slight frown marring her features, as you can hear the laughter of those who race down the rivers of Mercia. "A minor Competition already, albeit around a soul darkened by her touch, but one not beyond redemption. A mere lay worshiper, but still no less worthy to be saved." Then, with the faintest twist of her lips into a tight smile, "I would say to pray, but we've outgrown that option."

Details about Marie were not included. If you'd like to add something here for a building for her or whatever else, feel free. Wasn't my place to do it. This is also the warmup post, so I kept most things a bit vague for the sake of setting the table. More named things in future posts.

Marie's made sure to get a cathedral put up for herself here in the seat of their power. The confusing named Stone Vault actually having very little stone involved in its construction and being made primarily of stained glass making up its colourful multi-faceted spires and catching the light from Sylica's numerous sources of such.

As Alicia absorbs what knowledge she garners of Creation through her portfolio and handles the answering of prayers and granting of spells, she half turns towards Antenora's arrival. "She's fortunate to have such a solid power-base to start with," she says on the subject of Queen, turning her head to look out over Sylica once more. "Though allies help, and if need be her personal strength is worthy of note. We'll keep an eye on things and support her as we're able."

Listening more, she smiles slightly herself. "It amuses me how fundamentally traditional Shar is, given her purpose. Mystra once said she's always receptive to joining in godly collaborative projects when they occur and she's given an invitation. I think if she ever did succeed she'd miss the Competition, and all that goes with it. Needless to say: beat her."

"I hope that Queen's rise is seen as a done deed, part of the Godsrush," Antenora agrees. "I've received many diplomatic overtures, even from those I have no desire to treat with. That there are so many new powers to deal with at once is to Queen's benefit, though not to her ultimate salvation. Yet the time this grants her may yet be enough, if she forms proper alliances and powers that object are kept busy. Each day she stands there and reigns, the stronger her position becomes."

A moment's pause here as you feel it. Ayane tenses as she quickly thinks a prayer to you, for the servant who brings her breakfast drops the tray, a moment of surprise as she begins to react, a dagger already coming right for her throat. Yet she begins to move, her own speed considerable as a moment of desperate combat begins.

At the same time Antenora smiles herself, a moment's pleasure. "Shar is one of the old deities, and for all she is, she is rather stuck in her ways. Not even she can resist the touch of the ages - nor my own voice and will, which will show her how foolish she is. Speaking of, Emmaline's taken to her new position well. The more she works, the more dedicated she's become. She once told me that as the days pass, each one reminds her of how blessed she was to escape Shar." A soft hm, "Not yet, but in time, she will be a powerful servant and friend. Perhaps a proxy one day in the future, should she stay her course."

While Alicia worries for Ayane, it's more that her ingrained prejudices will create rifts with potential allies rather than her chances in a straight fight with an assassin. Still she's not yet disappointed Alicia and so she supports her with her divine blessing in this battle as she has in ones before.

"Anyone particularly interesting in those overtures?" she asks Antenora. "I still remember when we hosted Beezelbub here, that was a stressful day. Though I'd be interested to know his feelings on what happened to Eblis." She nods afterwards and says, "I've been trying to avoid going too fast with Emmaline, give her a chance to appreciate life and find herself again, but I think she's getting restless. I've been thinking about recalling Ebony and sending Emmaline out in her place, Aurora should offer plenty of action, although I worry about drawing Shar's attention to them with such a move."

Antenora steps forward to be at your side before she says, "Lixer sent a polite greeting. Less of any appreciation and more out of a sense of..." Here Antenora hesitates a moment, "Comradeship, as we are both new powers. He used the Dark Speech and Infernal, but in a way I found all too familiar. An insult and a threat all at once, and to admit it gives him an opening to comment on my own mistakes of the past." A shake of Antenora's head there, her hand tight around her spear.

"Bane sent a message about divine politics, that we support each other should a planar lord usurp against one of the divine, and that we push back together. A message I also received from a few others, far less objectionable ones. Malcanthet sent an overdue one, albeit one part sweet and the other part required as she has made a move to secure Violet. Auril sent one - formal, but without any barbs, but merely cold as she is. Umberlee signed it as well, though she did not add anything else to it. Chourst...also...sent a greetings of sorts, and Renbuu sent me a lovely painting of Aurora and a note of congratulations for our 'shared' art there. Cyric and Loviatar both send simple notes of acknowledgement."

Then with a sigh, "At least Sharess's note was objectionable in an entirely different direction." Slowly Antenora exhales, "Though I'm mostly convinced she did it purely to tease me. Helm and I also had a lovely conversation, nothing important but a fine greeting."

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d100=68]

You see Ayane turn, whirl. Violence in a safehouse bedroom, the assassin grazing Ayane's shoulder as poison burns in her veins a moment later. Yet the blur of the swiftblade sends the assassin onto the bed and through it, lying there in a heap before a quick spell slams raw force into the would be killer's body, snapping his spine and neck like twigs. Her legend will endure, thankfully, as long as the poison doesn't do her in.

Fortunately poison is one of those things which has a hard time taking against the constitution of someone empowered by divine blessings like Ayane is, so Alicia isn't overly concerned. Still such efforts never come alone and there's sure to be backup close at hand to try and finish off a weakened Ayane if her location's been so compromised, so Alicia subtly acts to keep her paladin's tension high so she'll get moving and stay on guard.

"I'm still waiting to hear from Vlaakith about this neutral mediation Malcanthet has requested, it seems she really is set on retrieving Violet after all. I'm surprised by it," Alicia admits candidly. "Of course she'd have to offer something spectacular to make me consider it, or the whole thing might just be a ploy to gather information about our recent successes or pit us against the githyanki. We'll see." She mulls over the rest of it before adding, "Bane's somewhat unfortunate in that an assertive Hell undermines his own authority since there's so much crossover, I can see why he'd be eager to court support in case of disaster even from us. Auril... she's like that. I have an easier time with evils like her. Syala would be annoyed at me but I can accept the cold harshness of nature that she represents better than the evil of thinking beings. Even with her personal wickedness and the cruelties her faithful are capable of, when I compete with her I try not to make it as personal as I would with say Cyric."

Letting those thoughts settle she smiles and adds, "Or Lixer. I gave him my own greeting recently which was fully instructive. But yes, you've supported me enough these past years to see how it goes without me needing to play teacher. We have many enemies but we can't be rivals with all of them."

Annoyance is the fuel of dungeon deathtraps, my love.

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d100=11]

Meanwhile Ayane hurries. Blade on blade, magic on magic. She is a blur now, the followup of hired mercenaries naught but wheat to her, the house alerted before disaster can strike. A battle that surges into triumph, even as the rebels and Ayane prepare to leave and salvage the situation as best they can.

Antenora listens and looks out of Sylica, the boat races in particular. "My hope is that the ritual she underwent has encountered complications and she needs Violet to fix it." It's not a kindly smile on Antenora's face now, but rather a firm one, that of a hunter that spies prey. "Unfortunately, her mere ability may be enough to provoke this alone." Here, after a moment, "I replied neutrally to Bane, more because there have been incidents like that. Between us, I understand the necessity of the point he makes." A moment of divine will, the area shielded. "What if events came so that Morwel felt her dream had to encompass the Seldarine? What if Asmodeus grew tired of Bane? What if the demon lords banded against Fury's Heart? What if the Archangels came to the conclusion that they lead with a better and steadier hand than Lathander?"

A breath out again, slower, "Who can hate winter? I can." It's all Antenora says to your comments about Auril, and after you finish, "There is another matter. When all of this just began, we discussed moving Sylica, at least until you were a lesser power. That time draws nigh."

"It would be nice if such ill-gotten power had a price to be paid by her and not her victims," Alicia appreciates the prospect Antenora raises, though she doesn't get her hopes up. "Still, an ordered Creation supports all of us. And... well, Elysium suits our place better in such an order. Though I do love Ysgard so, it's always been good to us."

"It has." Antenora softens her voice here, "We know now that our realms are alive, Alicia. Have you tried to communicate with Sylica?"

"Not with words, not a conversation," Alicia shakes her head. "But I communicate with it every time I assert my will, you remember when you and Syala and I oversaw its big expansion recently? Did you feel something there?" She turns more fully to Antenora, "If places were inclined to chat I imagine we'd hear a lot more from them, but it's not how I perceive Sylica. What life it has is deep, reflective of those who dwell there, leave their mark, and ultimately merge with it... Sylica is young though. Very few have merged here, their presence spread out and diffuse. But I know it's happy like this, being a living and vital realm rather than a rarely challenged and lonely demiplane."

Antenora merely nods to your question and instead is silent for the rest. After she muses, "I wish..." she begins, "That it was something I could embrace, comfort, mother. Some token of our gratitude and affection for it, something beyond the different ways these planes seem to think. I know well it is a young realm, I see it like a child in need of comfort and motherly affection."

A beat before, "And I feel like a fool if I lean down and gently pat the ground like a head."

"Look down there," Alicia points over the edge of the balcony.

And down below, Marie is seen with her long purple hair flowing in the breeze, her beautiful elfin figure garbed in an extravagant gown of white and gold as she strides out into the gleaming paved courtyard and then squats down to gently pat her hand on the ground in a loving gesture.

"Aren't you so good, Sylica? Thank you for taking care of us."

"There's something to be said for living your life so free of shame," Alicia muses quietly.

Antenora smiles - a big, wide and open smile. "Marie's always been our heart and our love. Though, I'd expect Syala to be the one to comment on living without shame."

In a fine mood, Antenora?

With a growing chuckle as you sense the battles of the Blood War, of savagery in the guise of warfare, as the dead and the spiritual wage war on a broken, ice choked field. Amid all this your senses do not end, but it is a voice beyond them that catches your attention.

'Alicia.' The voice of Vlaakith, projected across the planes and into your mind.

"She's paying attention," Alicia says mildly after Syala's commentary. And then she hears from the lich queen of the githyank - she hopes she didn't do a sending spell for just one word.

'I hear you,' she responds.

Ayane prays to you at the same time, a simple thanks as she flees the compromised safe house. You feel it and hear it as you also hear Vlaakith's voice.

'Malcanthet has informed you of possible mediation. Are you interested and would you accept this?'

At the same time Antenora smiles and appears next to Marie, arms around her. Syala appears next to you as well, as if aware, and merely awaits your word.

Marie having showed Sylica her appreciation, takes Antenora's hand and pulls her down to give it a pat as well.

Meanwhile Alicia nods in greeting to Syala and explains, "Hearing from Vlaakith now about this mediation of Malcanthet's," before she replies to the psychic communication. 'I am willing to talk and will abide you as a neutral mediator. Are you neutral?'

'Yes. I have no interest in this matter,' is Vlaakith's reply. 'Is two day's time sufficient preparation?'

'It is,' she replies, keeping things short and to the point.

'Then come to Shir'kandor at the appointed time. Antenora knows the way,' Vlaakith sends back. 'Contact me with anything else.'

Meanwhile, Antenora pats the ground with a smile, "It understands, but at the same time, do you think Sylica understands this conversation as we do, Marie?" Her fingers slowly caress the ground. "Does its own nature prevent it from forming an avatar, or some other limitation we can only guess at?"

Alicia will ask Antenora about the way soon! But she's busy with Marie at the moment.

"Well, if you could be a whole world would you want to cram yourself down into the form of a single person?" Marie asks after smiling proudly at Antenora's pat.

Antenora turns with a little smile for Marie, "I don't know," she admits, "Marie, are my hugs worth cramming yourself down for?"

Meanwhile Syala watches this, and in your mind, 'What was that about, Alicia? You looked like your attention was taken.'

"Vlaakith," Alicia repeats. "She'll be hosting Malcanthet and I in two days for this mediation the succubus queen wants. We'll see what she has to bargain with soon enough."

Meanwhile Marie smiles at Antenora and says, "Don't you think Sylica gets to feel like its hugging us every moment with the ground under our feet, the air we breath, the sunshine on our skin?"

"Bold wench," Syala concludes, "Shall we send avatars then?"

Antenora reaches out and pokes Marie's nose, "That sounds like someone doesn't value my hugs."

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 low is good --> [ 1d100=5 ]{5}

Then Antenora smiles even more, "One of my faithful, Val, just survived an Aurilite attempt to punish her for her heresy from the Aurilite faith. Perhaps she'd appreciate a hug more than you, Marie."

Meanwhile it flickers in Marie's mind. Cecily Morris lets out a momentary mental prayer. She stands in a city square, dozens watching her. "The faith of Marielle! Let me tell you all about it," she declares, as she prays for a nimble tongue, a moment of if not stage fright, at least stage anxiety.

"I was going to go myself, it feels too important to trust to an avatar," Alicia replies to Syala, shaking her head.

Meanwhile Marie just smiles, "I value them fine but you have to understand Sylica's perspective if you want to get anywhere here. Still give Val a hug from me anyway." Meanwhile she gives Cecily a bit of mental backup, encouraging her to be bold and without shame with nothing more than a feeling.

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 low is good --> [ 1d100=27 ]{27}

Just as well that 27 doesn't ribbit, huh?

Cecily clears her throat, and as they all watch in the early afternoon drizzle, "Marielle is light and love! She's creativity! She's inspiration! She's every morning you wake up in a good mood and the sun's out!" On she goes, picking up steam and keeping the people listening. Whew.

"I'll go with you," Antenora looks up from her reverie with Marie, a whisper into your ears that travels the distance like it isn't there. "I've been to one of these negotiations before, during a matter with Aurora."

"Then I'll go too," Syala decides, and with a little teasing look, "Three's always more fun than two."

Marie warps herself and Antenora up onto the balcony with Alicia and Syala, her mood lifted even further by Cecily talking up her virtues. "I'll stay here for the inevitable demon army that comes calling while you're all distracted," she volunteers.

"Well if anything like that happens I'll break things off and come running," Alicia says. "But yes, Vlaakith said you'd know the way," she nods to Antenora.

"This time titles won't matter so much," Antenora notes, with a scowl of disdain. "I vividly recall a discussion with Aurora, in where I emphasized any titles they may lawfully hold and use would matter, and the importance of social hierarchy markers with devils. Strength and resolve will suffice in place of grandeur. However, Vlaakith proved to be a neutral host, even if she did work for her own ends during it. I doubt she would betray us. Perhaps advance her own aims in any way she can here, but a betrayal is unlikely."

Syala puts an arm around Marie and adds, "We'll leave Sylica in good hands with you, Jessica and Latha. Even if Jessica's paying more attention to her children right now."  Then after that, "We know Malcanthet, we can discard all the pomp and circumstance."

"Honestly I'm surprised she's going to this kind of trouble instead of just coming to us directly or through an intermediary to make an offer," Alicia admits. "Vlaakith claims to be neutral but considering how she covets divinity herself, and Malcanthet wants to know our secrets, I expect we'll see some pressure to give things away even if that's not the official purpose of the meeting."

Antenora inclines her head, "In the meantime, are there any preparations to be made for this?"

"I don't believe so, we'll take whatever's presented to us as it comes," Alicia says, not having anything in particular to prepare ahead of time for such a visit. "Unless you all have any ideas?"

"Nothing but the usual," Syala says in agreement.

Just a quick check of if you have anything you'll do in preparation for this. If not we'll move along to the next thing.

move along.

That evening you watch Jessica's children. They're scattered about the large living room, dozed off as the gentle blanket of night passes over Sylica. Jessica and Roald sit opposite you, both looking disheveled and tired.

"Everything and yet rambunctious children still exhaust me," Jessica declares, as if an affront against her.

Roald lets out a soft sigh as he puts an arm around her. "Will was good today," he says, as if hopeful it's an omen.

"Except for the crockery." Jessica adds, almost absently.

"Except for that," Roald agrees, a second sigh.

War. War always rages. Daun. Conflict. A wedge of dwarves in undersea caverns against those of the sea, a darkwater battle that flickers across your awareness. A spark, a sacrifice. A commander manages a partial counterspell, to redirect a powerful iceball swarm spell onto himself rather than his company of clerics of Moradin.

Oh, you brave soul.

Perfume and a gentle sorrow, a warmth that pervades that in spite of the sorry. You feel Sulia's presence as you feel the stony surety of Moradin's silent gaze.

Pain and endurance, unspeakable and unfathomable endurance. Ilmater's presence is next to Sulia's in your mind, and in that moment the sorrow from her dims.

Yet there is the faintest presence of four eyes. The presence of rage, of madness that licks at the back of your mind. Of eyes boring into your own, watching this dreadful battle from afar.

"It's nice that they're so energetic," Alicia says, the privilege of an aunt who just gets to enjoy them at her own pace and then gracefully bow out when the going gets tough.

Meanwhile of course her mind continues to explore other spaces, watching the war on Daun, so many deities swirling their attention around this one battle, sharing in the sorrow but giving her approval to the commander's bravery and selflessness, hoping the other warriors don't lose their cohesion without command.

And Demogorgon watches too? She regards that malice back but makes no move to escalate things. Sulia already warned her that they don't want to escalate to deific intervention here, so all she does is watch and provide her blessings where they will be taken.

"Mother and Father take them for a week tomorrow," Jessica says at last, "I feel as if I'll be able to get so much more done."

"Says the lovely wife with an avatar," Roald retorts with no heat in his voice, giving Jessica a wry look instead.

Meanwhile, as loved ones banter away?

LOOK AT WHAT WEHAVE FOUND!

Four eyes gaze at you. Crimson and green, black and blood-brown. A voice roars in your mind, as if all the fury of a storm has erupted within you.

KILL!

KILL!

YOUR SOULIS OURS!

Madness assails as two voices scream in your mind, two voices that demand endlessly and howl for profane furies that you refuse to accept. You stand against this insanity, a call as clear as a trumpet to succumb, to abandon everything but to be devoured.

OFFER YOURSELF TO US!

"Excuse me, I really should go," Alicia says to Jessica and Roald, standing up, not wanting to be around such wholesome surroundings while a demon harangues her, lest his presence taint her thoughts of this place and her relatives. "Have a good night you two," she says to the pair still awake, quietly slipping out without disturbing the children.

Just who do you think you are talking to?

Her response to Demogorgon is curt and icy cold.

PREY!

WARM MEAT!

WORTHLESS DOLL!

A SACRIFICE!

Images of horror flood your mind. Of your hunt down, of your body devoured scrap by scrap, your screams and the lamentations of your friends in your mind. Of the warmth of your own flesh in your mouth, the coppery tang as you swallow your own blood. 666 torments, each one breaking you down into a mindless doll filled with hooks and barbs, tossed to the scaly horrors who cluster around the befouled mires of Abysm. Of your own sacrifice and murder atop a great tower, like a massive seamount that rises from a churning ocean. You feel your blood pour down, as hundreds and hundreds of sets of eyes open at this, nightmares liberated from the depths below.

As you are now, you withstand this atrocity on your mind, this howling storm of fury and hate - !

Outside of Jessica's home, the night gives way to the gentle light of the dawn. Latha descends from above and as she does, Clarenyre Reborn reborn glows as brightly as she does in her hand. She says not a word, but lays a hand on your shoulder in silent support.

"Hello Latha," she says aloud in greeting as she gets harassed and god-stalked by Demogorgon.

It's the sort of thing she avoids doing to others not only because it's churlish and beneath her but also because it's a needless provocation. Unfortunately despite being so provoked she can't exactly go running off to the Abyss to chastise him at swordpoint.

Enjoy your pathetic imaginings, wretch. They will never become reality.

A scream of fury fills your mind, but it sounds hollow. There is no more after that, the mental assault done.

"That was bracing," she says to Latha, still monitoring that battle on Daun. "I just got to see Demogorgon's hopes for me. All six hundred and sixty six of them."

"I had a moment of intuition that you were under attack," Latha admits, as she holds up Clarenyre Reborn. "Touch this, please?"

The battle rages on, but today fortune is with the dwarves. That sacrifice bought them just enough time to hold firm, to press back their foes. It's not a clean win or a rout, but you can sense the battle is essentially decided.

She reaches over and touches the flat of the blade, naturally being careful to keep her fingers from its sharp edges!

You feel a sense of sun-warmth and protection, as if you are curled up in a bed with the sun shining down brightly. You can even feel Syala's body warmth next to you, and the warmth of your adopted cat over your legs.

"Clarenyre grew bright and when I touched it, my intuition demanded that I ensure you were safe," Latha explains, "As if the blade itself is protective as a mother lion."

"It was only a mental attack, and paladins are trained to resist horror," Alicia says, smiling nonetheless as she rests her hand on the sword for a moment. "But I feel better now regardless, thank you."

A little smile from Latha, "Hopefully the rest of the time until the negotiations are peaceful," she concurs. "Good luck there."

"We'll see how they go. Certainly Violet and her abilities are too de-stabilising to be left in circulation so I'd have to be offered something spectacular to even consider it. What I'm expecting is a derisory offer of someone she's currently holding and torturing and then a lot of complaining about how she'll have to torture that person even harder now because I'm so unreasonable and so the real villain is actually me," Alicia predicts glumly.

"That, or she'll try to seduce you," Latha agrees, "It is her primary talent, is it not?"

"With Vlaakith in the room? Hardly romantic is it?" Alicia asks with a little scoff. "I doubt she will anyway, there's too much bad blood at this point."

With a curl of her lips, "A lich watching would make it kinkier for Malcanthet," Latha says, faintly amused. "In all seriousness, be careful and call us if you need us."

"Syala and Antenora are coming as well, it'll be fine," Alicia reassures, bidding Latha good night and flying off.

It is time. The three of you go forth and...

Okay, any spells in place, preparations or the like for this meeting? Basically the routine chance to get it set up before we roll.

Marie will offer CL 36 epic mage armour to everyone who wants it (+22 AC)

Alicia will offer CL 39 extended mind blank and CL 39 extended nondetection to everyone who wants it.

Other than that usual buffs anyone wants or can handle themselves with alter reality.

Sounds good, this is ideally a non combat mission. Ideally.

Shir'kandor is a slab of land that floats in the Astral Plane. It several acres big, forested land surrounding a large country manor. Peaceful enough, as if taken from some countryside in the Prime. Perhaps it even was long ago, but you know not.

"It's pleasant inside, the Gith Queen spares little expense," Antenora observes, as she leads you onwards. "This way."

Syala is right with her as she says, "It reminds me of the house Lyris and Marianne own on the outskirts of Balmuria."

"Hm? You've been there?" Antenora asks curiously as you fly on.

"I looked once or twice," Is Syala's answer, "It's far too big for just the two of them."

A shimmer amid your many duties. Nial Cobb fights on. He calls on your name and others as he powers his arcane blade, facing off against a fellow warrior. Nearby Hanna watches over them, as you can feel Nial's anger, burning with the fury of fiends, mixing with his desire to triumph. Hatred is felt on the outer depths of his mind, like tiny black tendrils that sprout from his anger.

"I'll show them, Queen of the Battlefield," he whispers, "I deserve a place here."

Alicia sends Nial a gentle note of chastisement, a reminder of battles fought and blood shed with the ones he trains with. He has nothing to prove here.

"Well, Marianne does have her tastes. I hope she doesn't make Lyris do all the cleaning," she says aloud to Syala.

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d100=80]

Nial's mind clears - but the moment his foe attacks the rage comes back. It is a quick, bitter battle that ends with a heavy mace blow to his head. Nial collapses, guard down from his anger.

"Break," Hanna calls and flies forth, a gentle touch of healing to Nial's head. "The win's yours, Elmore. Go clean yourself up and go get your lunch at the cafeteria." she says, as she checks on yours.

Nial opens his eyes and growls low a moment, before a firm finger to his lips from Hanna shuts him up. "You let your guard when you're angry," she chastises. "You have the anger but none of the power of a rage warrior. A mercy weapon being used is why you aren't explaining yourself to your Saint Alicia right now, in person."

This gets Nial to let out another growl of anger before, "Yes ma'am."

"Good. Now go practice your forms and control, you'll get another match later today." Hanna agrees, helping him up. "The vampire spawn won't hold back their blows or use mercy weapons if you give them an opening like that."

Meanwhile you proceed in. The doors to this place open as Antenora approaches, and a single warrior opens it. He is in full armor and helmet, but sketches a short bow to the three of you. "Welcome. Queen Malcanthet has not yet arrived. Queen Vlaakith offers you a chance to rest and clean yourselves up, if you wish for one."

Alicia naturally gives the warrior a look over.

Spellcraft take 10 for 69 on any magic.

[19:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+41 CL on arcane sight
[19:31] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=2]

"Very well, show us to our accommodations while we wait," Alicia agrees, a mental thanks to Gwynharwyf for her own follower's good influence on Nial over there.

He has nondetection, death ward and Vlaakith's silent step active, as well as an item that grants a permanent magic circle against chaos. It's his breastplate, you believe.

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d100=8]

Syala smiles in the meantime, but chooses not to comment on what has pleased her so.

Your rooms are nearly a dozen palatial suites linked by a few common rooms. Everything is well carved rustic stone and wood paneling, rich without being overwhelming. What's overwhelming are the gold accents and gemstones used in the curtains to refract the light of the Astral to something more pleasing.

Alicia takes a seat and looks as if she's relaxing.

Of course she can hear everything within 5 miles, and sense everything with tremorsense and she's absolutely monitoring the entire estate for movement and conversation. "I like the curtains," she says aloud, her will making sure her true thoughts are only shared with Antenora and Syala.

Making us wait is such a trite power move. I guarantee if we show impatience and move to leave, Malcanthet will appear immediately.

There are various workers about, but no sign of the Queen. No sense of movement from her, no image. Nothing.

Antenora goes to the curtains and smiles almost brainlessly as she says, "Oh, aren't they sparkly and pretty?"

If she wishes to insult our intelligence, then let us live down to her expectations.

Syala cracks an open smile at that, "They're too showy for my tastes. I prefer gauzy, see through curtains that move in the breeze."

What else does Malcanthet have but pettiness and wounded pride? She can't defeat us, her plans have been crushed and she's botched this entire affair.

Antenora gently brushes her fingers against one of the curtain and giggles, airy. "Now I want curtains like this in Sylica. I might have to ask the Queen of the Gith about these."

She could have another plan - or, impossible as it seems, she could be genuinely delayed.

At least Sylica still has three goddesses in it, not to mention a surprising number of avatars hidden around to watch out for trouble. It would be just like Malcanthet to have something in mind to liberate Violet during these talks just to crow about it at their predictably unsuccessful conclusion.

She's made a lot of enemies lately, and she's down a good chunk of her radiant sister cadre. No doubt she is legitimately busier than usual but this still smacks of petty politicking.[/i]

Of course it does. Malcanthet does what Malcanthet does. Besides everything, she's also good at being petty.

We did wait two hours to see Hell last time, but they beat us here and it as framed as a chance to freshen ourselves.

Was it?

It was at least partly sincere. There was also a level of social jockeying in the preliminaries. We spent some time selecting the right, lawful titles for everyone. A devil won't truly care if someone is a Duke of Celestia, General of Aurora or a Baroness of a fey court, but they will respect the social standing this title represents. Conversely, I doubt any of us have what Malcanthet measures for personal worthiness.

That's why Mystra made Alter Self, is it not?

Meanwhlie Antenora chuckles very softly before she responds.

I was thinking about spiritual depravity, not something so physical.

Fiends do tend to like Alicia and I like to remind them that she's off limits to them. It's such a wonderful reason to smite a fiend.

"Oh yes, was this the same room as you waited with Aurora in that time, Antenora?" Alicia asks aloud.

I doubt Malcanthet truly believes she can have me as she once aimed for, but she'll still make the attempts if only for her reputation and to get under our skin.

"Oh, and it was so pretty then, too. Sparkly!" Antenora bubbles, caressing the curtains with her hand. "It's decided, we'll get some curtains just like this!"

Syala says, "Whatever you prefer," she says without any great care, "We have enough rooms to decorate in the palace, and I'll be expanding the basements soon. We need more space, we're starting to fill it up."

She's not that foolish, but it doesn't mean she won't try.

You buckled once to G'renna's blandishments, she knows you aren't invincible. She has to try because of that. She's gain so much if she succeeded and she can hardly make us angrier at her.

A knock on the door and a man's voice calls, "Queen Malcanthet has arrived. We will begin in 20 minutes, unless you require more time."

"Twenty minutes is sufficient," Alicia calls back, naturally attentive with her divine senses for the movements of any new arrivals.

You sense her a moment later. Malcanthet approaches the manor alone, nothing to hide her from view. She wears an elegant and sheer black dress, like a body suit that reaches from her neck to below her knees. It's transparent in places, hinting but not giving away the goods. These areas of transparency flicker and drift about the dress, like moving peep holes.

Antenora glances out the window before with a grimace?

Oh Malcanthet, that one's low and ugly, even for you. That's just too desperate.

Syala looks out as well and adds in.

I have a dress like that.

Antenora glances sidelong at her before she replies.

It looks far less desperate on you, Syala.

A quick recovery, or at least the attempt.

Can I tell if it's an avatar or the real deal?

Just accept the bias behind the sentiments and move on.

You're pretty sure it's the real Malcanthet.

It is uglier on her. What do you think, Alicia?

Antenora has the good sense to shut up and instead check herself over, as if preparing to go.

Alicia gives Antenora a little smile as she replies to Syala.

It's too obviously trying hard on her, of course you wear it better my love.

Syala puts an arm around your back at that and with a contented smile she replies to you.

Much better. You have excellent taste, Alicia.

Antenora nods as if she's satisfied with her check over, then steps out of the room as if going ahead. Syala looks her way as the door closes.

We really must do something nice for her. Her heart was in the right place.

Heart in the right place or not, this really isn't a time to be wandering off alone. It's not as if she and Syala are going to have a romantic moment where Malcanthet can see them. "Don't go too far, we're starting soon," she says aloud to Antenora.

The holiday we gave her and Marie recently didn't work out so well so we'll have to do better next time.

Antenora nods and stays in the room as meanwhile?

The two of us really do need to come up with something special for those two.

Yes but not right now, lets keep our minds sharply on the task at hand.

Ready to move along then?

Yes.

Soon enough the three of you are escorted into the meeting hall.

It is a large room with no windows, circular in shape and with a domed roof. The outer wall has a carved pillar every 5ft or so, save for the entrance you come through and one directly opposite it, where a single pillar is skipped. Each pillar is carved with various images of natives of the Astral and with the githyanki being dominant in them all.

There is precisely 30ft of space between those and the center of the room, which is dominated by a raised dais, ten steps leading up to it. On this dais are two long tables opposing each other, 15ft of space between them. Within this space is a black circle with with yellow words ringing it. It reads in Draconic the following: To all, understanding and wisdom.

The table near you is one of rich dark woods with whorls of solid gold and inlays of opal on the sides. In the center of the table mithral is inlaid, with the holy symbols of Alicia, Syala and Antenora next to each other in a circle. Surrounding the circle are the following words in Celestial, wrapping around it: Tomorrow shall not be sacrificed for today.

The table opposite you is made of delicate pink coral with delicate, pearly white plaster used where needed. In the center of the table is a black starburst with the unholy symbol of Malcanthet in the center. Around that circle and written in Abyssal is: All shall celebrate with me.

There is an entrance opposite you. It is there that Malcanthet stands and awaits you. She is as you saw her before, her gaze roaming over each of you openly. You feel unclean in that presence, as if your clothing does nothing to stop her from seeing your bodies beneath. She smiles faintly, red lips bearing her amusement as you enter.

From - you aren't sure where - no. You catch it, an incredibly subtle twisting of space. Beautiful work in the moment you observe it, well worthy of the greatest archmages. A male gith walks out from this and into the room, as if it only natural. He is a gith of middle years, walking with a sure and strong step. He wears light armor and carries a jeweled wand in hand. His voice carries across the chamber with commanding ease. "It is my great honor to present the Lord of all Githyanki, our eternal Queen and the ruler of the Astral Plane, Queen Vlaakith." He kneels after.

Just beyond the left side of the dais and 15ft up a throne appears in the air. A flash of light follows and there sits Queen Vlaakith. She merely raises a hand, "Enough. We have no need for introductions here. Be seated."

She can't fault Vlaakith for the decor, even the text is well represented. Looking back at Malcanthet with her own singularly unimpressed gaze, her eyes flick to the side when the gith queen makes her appearance. Walking over she claims the middle seat for herself at their side, waiting for Malcanthet to do the same. "Well, you invited us here Malcanthet. Lets hear it," she invites.

Syala takes your right side and Antenora your left. You notice the holy symbols match that seating order precisely.

"We're ever so ready to hear it," Syala says, a hint of sweet sarcasm in her voice. "Do tell."

Malcanthet sits and smiles, comfortable in her chair. "Worry not, Vlaakith dear. You need not mediate much here, we can handle this from here."

Vlaakith merely stays where she sits, and in a soft, raspy voice declares, "Then speak," she commands openly, unimpressed by the succubus queen - or the three of you, for that matter.

"First of all, we can both agree the Adversary used both of our sides," Malcanthet offers, an open question to you.

"What of it?" Alicia asks back, leaning forward with an elbow on that ornamented wooden table. "All of us sought to gain something from that whole endeavour, none of us are friends. He just managed to achieve the most for the least effort."

"Isn't that just infuriating?" Malcanthet says, a faint scowl on her face as she leans forward, both elbows on the table. "Again, a devil uses others." A look dead at Antenora at that.

Antenora returns that look without the slightest hesitation. "Isn't that just infuriating? A succubus harlot tries to manipulate others instead of seeking atonement for her sins and her slutty choice of outfit."

Syala smiles tightly at that, "Malcanthet, dear, she is so right. How many times have we seen this now? Frankly, G'renna was better at it than you were. At least she kissed Alicia. We'll deal with the Adversary as we see fit when we see fit." She reclines back on her chair, a catty little smile on her face. "Your revenge is your own business. But I'm sure you're used to taking care of your own business after another in a long line of failures and rejections, hm?"

Did Syala really have to bring that up?

"It was annoying but these things happen. Did you invite us here just to vent and commiserate?" she asks to try and get things on some kind of track.

Really she's far more annoyed at Malcanthet predicting her actions so well to set that whole Violet empowering scheme up, the Adversary's hand in it all was far more expected double dealing.

Malcanthet's expression become stony for a few moments before she nods. "Let's get to the point," she agrees. "I want Violet back and I'm going to give you enough to make that happen."

"Are your stolen monk and sorcerer powers not enough for you, or is it just for want of a good mage?" Alicia asks. "Violet is already far stronger than any of your other radiant sisters - and I'm sure new ones coming in to replace the old are even further behind. Add in just how destabilising her Styx techniques are in general? No, I'm quite happy to keep her out of circulation for the foreseeable future."

"Then I'll just have to...convince you," Malcanthet says, "Tell me, Alicia, how much is the peace of mind knowing I will no longer darken your doorstep worth to you?"

"A promise to leave us alone?" Syala asks back, "There's just so many other poor souls you can go after, though."

"And so many catspaws you can plague us with whenever the mood strikes," Alicia adds. "Such a promise is worthless, I'm afraid."

Rather than just let Malcanthet keep lobbing offers at them she asks her in turn, "Aren't Violet's simulacra good enough for doing her work anyway? The one I slew seemed to manage fine for empowering that customer I found her with." No one's claimed the bounties she put up on killing them either, yet.

"They are...." Malcanthet pauses, "Indisposed."

"So someone stuck a knife in their back?" Syala asks back, drumming her fingers on the table.

Meanwhile you hear a familiar voice amid your prayers. Clara prays, "Alicia, Alicia, Alicia," rather needily, as you see her sprint across a long chasm, running on a downed, rotted tree. Hot behind her is a dire bear, on its hind legs and following with surprising speed. Clara's bloodied already, a claw-gash on her forearm that spills blood down to her hand. "Don't let me become a bear's lunch," she pleads.

That's when the bear lets out a puff of green acid, which Clara dodges. Mostly. A bit still stings her back, but she's still running.

Wait, Alicia remembers something like that. But wasn't that dragon out in the jungles west of Kelara?

Is there more than one? How awful!

In any case she roots for Clara and acts only subtly, ensuring the tree now further weakened by acid doesn't break until she makes it to the other side. At that point nature can take its course and hopefully it'll collapse and send the bear down with it to the bottom of the chasm.

Anyway, she's pleased to hear that bit of news from Malcanthet. "I can see how they wouldn't be popular, even if by association."

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d100=4]

It works perfectly. Clara just barely hops off and then the tree gives way with a snap of wood, and down the bear plummets. Clara collapses her knees and breaths heavily, hand on her wounded arm. Gentle light mends the wound as she prays, "Thank you thank you thank you thank you," she blurts out. "The next time I'm in Balmuria I'll make the biggest donation I c...Lizard shit!"

Clara has a problem. The bear slowly flies back up, wings extending from its back that weren't there moments ago. On the plus side, it's visibly banged up and has a bleeding wound on its hip now. "I hate dragons," she groans, before leaping up and fleeing, the bear in pursuit. She draws her rapier and glances back as she flees, "Saint Alicia, what is wrong with dragons?!" she wails again.

Meanwhile, on your matter of focus, Malcanthet smiles icily. "It is unfortunate, but needs are what needs are," she says, "I have all sorts of holy weapons and trinkets heroes so graciously give me as presents," she declares. "I even have a wonderful two bladed sword that would be perfect for you. Would you like to see it?"

She has a wider look around Clara's area so she can try nudging her towards anything that might help provide a distraction or hazard for the bear while being theoretically safe for Clara. She really has gotten herself in it, hopefully her party's okay.

"Malcanthet," she interrupts softly, weighing that offer up against the one she was recently given of a sword with no equal promised by the Guardian at Bytopia. "We both know, Violet's the sort of talent that doesn't even come around every millennia. Not only is she a mage with personal power that few can match outside gods and demon lords, her ability to freely copy the power of those once every millennia talents to your other followers makes her an absolute game-changer in any balance of power. I can understand why you'd want to have her back, and so I can't understand why you'd offer 'trinkets' for such a prize."

With a little smile, "Have we beaten you so badly you truly have nothing superior to offer us?" Antenora asks. "You can just say so."

Malcanthet meets your gaze, smile dimming away. "How about....this?" A soft question. Before you Malcanthet places a perfect black sphere on the table, perhaps the size of both of your fists. It floats there, not the slightest reaction to anything.

"Which is?" Antenora says, but her voice has a note of wariness now. "Do you wish to pass us Shar's rejects?"

"It's not Shar's," Is Malcanthet's smile, "It's a piece of some black thing, from the 666th layer of the Abyss. I'll show you how it works. Create me some minor trinket or object."

Clara is meanwhile deep in Pallanth. Her party is over a mile away, enjoying lunch together. There's only one hazard ahead - some assassin vines lurking on the only footpath ahead.

Any discernible magic on the orb?

In any case, Alicia creates a plush doll fashioned to look somewhat like Malcanthet. It's entirely wholesome, wearing a black dress over its rounded body, no meaningful anatomical features but boasting cloth wings and tail and horns to go with its button eyes and stitched on smile. Hefting it up she tosses it across the room to Malcanthet's table.

Meanwhile she watches Clara's progress and if she fails to spot the assassin vines will give her a little prod of danger before she enters their striking range. She should be able to figure out what to do from there.

> roll 1d100 low is good
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d100=1]

The bear stumbles. It falls flat on its face as it chases, and like a spring, Clara pounces before she even reaches the vines. It's one quick strike but a perfect one, the bear's brain given a new hole from Clara's rapier. That finishes the job as Clara sighs in utter relief. It's over.

Malcanthet catches it as they all watch. The doll is put on the table and Malcanthet lays a hand atop the orb. "The doll is not sexy." Instantly, with no magic from the orb or the doll, ti is different. It now wears silken lingerie and is much more filled out, a gorgeous imitation of an actual woman.

"The doll is affected by gravity." Malcanthet says next. A moment later the doll floats and drifts about, as if weightless and free to fly about.

Vlaakith's gaze is on the orb, stone silent, but she regards it herself.

"It is said something on the 666th layer can make all lies true and all truths lies," Malcanthet says, "This fragment of it has that same power." Slowly the doll floats in your general direction, at least until Syala snatches it out of the air and inspects it.

"No magic on it. Alicia?" she asks, passing it to you.

Takes 10 on all Spellcraft checks here.

Well done Clara! Now please don't end up getting killed by the assassin vines after that.

As for Alicia, has she seen any magic on the orb or the doll during any of this?

[20:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+41 CL on arcane sight if needed
[20:07] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=16]

There is - it's very, very sneaky. At least it works through the Weave. It just changes things. It's a magic sublime and terrible, something that seems to simply work in spite of any other logic.

"There is but one limitation. Do not use it on something three times." Malcanthet speaks, then, "The doll is purple." In that instant the doll is gone, as if it was never there. It reminds you of a blackball, but not quite. It comes from the inside out, not from the outside in.

"It uses magic, so it's no tool of the incarnations or their guardians like other things that have come from that layer," Alicia says right off. "An interesting curiosity however."

"It can be yours, too," Malcanthet says, "Away from grasping demonic hands who may do far, far, far worse with it than I ever would." She smiles ever so faintly now as she caresses the sphere with her hand. "Imagine what a clever fiend could do with the ability to transform the truth into a lie and lies into the truth."

There is something to this, Alicia. Something like this came up when Kina-ja finally made her move. To quote:

"6, 6, 6. She cannot defeat her nemesis. Not without aid. She sought what lies there and found it. He is many and none. His appearance and history are the greatest lies of all. He is the terminus. He is where it will end. He is one of hers. Do not speak his name. It is a lie. It is a lie wrapped in a lie, given to a lie told by a liar. Do not speak his realm's name, for it is lies from the liar. The absolute light can dissolve it, but it will fail when you need it most, because it is not your story. Kina-ja is truth, but her lies will become lying truths if not stopped. It is a sign that all lies will become real, and all truths will become lies. The terminus will swallow both."

We can't let Violet out.

I know. You remember what happened when Malcanthet interfered in the Kina-ja battle and what happened to Ithea. Her mind only barely survived.

Do you think Malcanthet used Kina-ja to get this?

I don't know. It's also not what's important - we need to reckon what the limits of this thing is first. Can you tell how far it goes, Alicia?

She wonders how the whole thing interacts with Antenora's ability to discern lies.

"Likely less than what even an unimaginative fiend could do with Violet's skills," Alicia observes. "Can it do anything of consequence or just parlour tricks?"

Since I can see the magic on the thing can I figure out its full capabilties and limitations?

[14:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+74 spellcraft, divine insight
[14:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=1]

Malcanthet snaps her fingers. With a soft clatter a silvered dagger drops onto the table. It is a holy dagger, enchanted with the power of the Heavens. With a hand on the orb, "This is a holy dagger." the succubus queen says. In that instant the dagger becomes darker. A shadowy shine to it, as it is now an unholy dagger.

"All truths will become lies," Malcanthet states, "Do you think it's limited to just parlor tricks?" Malcanthet then crooks a finger forward, "Come and try it."

You examine it. You believe it can affect objects of all kinds, but not living creatures. It seems like just a fragment of something larger, key pieces missing from it. The magic, dreadful as it is, is not complete.

"Antenora, hold this," Alicia creates a simple mace, a wooden haft and a sphere of iron for its head with a starburst of spikes protruding before holding it towards her friend. "Guard it as you would any prized possession."

Attended objects resisting magical effects as well as their owner does is a well understood phenomenon after all. Rising up, she walks around their table and crosses the room to Malcanthet's side, leaning forward to place her hand on the orb and seeing if she feels anything in particular from it before she says, "Antenora's mace is spiky."

Malcanthet watches you rather amusedly as Antenora holds the mace.

Nothing happens. The sphere itself feels like touching cold metal, but the mace doesn't change. "I felt something," Antenora agrees, "It tried, but being attended is sufficient to offer it protection."

"Mmm, yes," Malcanthet agrees. "A deific paladin would be able to resist such a thing. Hardly a surprise, it would take incredible power to affect you with anything."

She returns Malcanthet's amused look with an ambivalent one of her own, lifting her hand from the sphere and walking back to her seat between Antenora and Syala. "An interesting item for certain. You're not wrong that it could be useful even with its limitations. But ultimately it's not so dangerous as Violet is."

"It might not be," Malcanthet doesn't argue the point, "But that's only one thing I have to offer."

"But in the end can you offer anything that compares to what Violet represents? A number of legendary combatants limited only by how many warm bodies you can throw at her?" Alicia asks. "As a transcendent mage she's dangerous enough to make this negotiation unlikely, but it's her ability to multiply the power of any force she's aligned with so heavily that's the real sticking point here."

"I could offer you her services," Malcanthet suggests, "Imagine what you could gain from it."

"She already offered that herself, I'm aware of the downsides," Alicia makes a dismissive gesture with her hand. "It's fine if you don't care about the health of your servants... or your own," she looks dead on at Malcanthet there.

Malcanthet meets that gaze, and with a coy smile, "Is that a threat?"

"Of course not," Alicia smiles back. "Your soul's already been wounded, the deed is done. Of course with Shendilvari's support I'm sure yours at least will heal. Eventually."

"Oh Alicia," Malcanthet tosses her hair back with an airy laugh, "I've long since healed entirely. Do you think I didn't prepare to mitigate these risks before I underwent this procedure?"

> roll 1d20+2 Antenora rank check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=8]
Back: Away for 1hr 29mins 17secs
Away Deactivated: Auto Away reactivated
> roll 1d20+10 Malcanthet +4 strata bonus
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=2]

> roll 1d20+68 (+15 divine insight)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=3]

I can't read her. I still suspect it is a lie.

Antenora doesn't sound happy about it, but she doesn't betray any sign of it visually. She just sits there, posture straight and rigid.

Alicia is certain it's a lie, but it's not as if she can call the bluff here. "How fortunate for you," she says mildly. "In any case, I think it's about time we wrapped this up don't you?"

Malcanthet regards you for a few moments, "Really, there's another matter I wish to discuss as well." she says, relaxed in her seat.

"Oh? Well since you have us here talking civilly do go on," Alicia invites, gesturing a hand towards Malcanthet for her to raise any additional concerns.

She has an idea of where this is going and why Vlaakith was chosen as intermediary.

"We've had our differences," Malcanthet goes on, a little smile on her face. "You loathe me. Antenora would have my head decorate the Felic Gate and Syala would love to see Sharess sharpen her claws all over me. You know well that I've played and predicted you before, and that has to burn deep inside of you."

Antenora regards her coldly before, "Is there a point to this, demon?"

"We both have bigger enemies in Creation and better concerns than a petty catfight between all of us." Malcanthet waves a hand. "We could keep quarreling and keep bickering amid each other, but what's the point in the end? Both of us have greater enemies and greater problems than each other. Rather than another eon of strife, how about we agree to focus on other enemies and leave one another alone?"

"The point is each soul we save," Antenora cuts her off the moment she finishes. "The point is each demon we send howling back to the Abyss, or to oblivion. The point," Antenora slams her hand down on the table, "Is each soul that realizes that no, they made a mistake and they can do better. Everything you do is poison to the rest of Creation, to every soul you touch. Every pretty word out of your mouth, every flash of your body and your allure is merely camouflage for that poison."

"The point is," Malcanthet cuts right in, "Is that you can't tolerate someone who hurt her." She smiles sweetly despite that. "So loyal. You really should have been born a hound archon."

Not where she expected this to go. Maybe Alicia should stop trying to predict Malcanthet since she's clearly so bad at it.

"Ladies," she says mildly as everyone gets all excited. "Anyway, the problem with such an arrangement is the same one with your initial offer for Violet, it's all too easy for you to stir up some random demons and send them rampaging our way. Don't get me wrong, it's nice practice, but I don't see any value in tying my hands behind my back should I care to make reprisal."

Antenora glares absolute death at Malcanthet, and slowly says, "And if you hurt her again, I will end you." Antenora's voice is tight and angry, as she half rises from her seat, as if to lunge at the succubus queen. Vlaakith merely glances at her, ready to react.

Meanwhile Syala puts an hand on Antenora's arm, no words but a gentle, calming presence. At this Antenora breaths out and sits back down.

"I do. We've both proven we can hurt the other and make our lives miserable," Malcanthet counters, "I'm not discussing some empty promise where both sides work around the letter of it and ignore the intent, I want a real agreement that we both abide by."

Alicia feels rather bad for Antenora getting all excited on her behalf when she's personally rather unruffled by all of this. It's somewhat refreshing to just sit and talk things out with an enemy, even if she's left feeling like she's the unreasonable one because she keeps refusing every offer. But Malcanthet is an enemy for good reason after all.

"Lets say we did have such an agreement, completely left each other alone from top to bottom," Alicia speculates. "We'd get a perhaps one third reduction in demonic armies trying to besiege Sylica," the word 'try' doing a lot of heavy lifting there, "Perhaps my more homely paladins won't have to worry that every pretty face that flirts with them is a disguised succubus. But how would it work in practice? Unless you tell me everything you're involved with, some of mine go about uprooting a murderously carnal cult somewhere - could be Shar's, could be Glasya's, could be Graz'zt's... but then some demon shouts 'Oh no, we're with Malcanthet!' and so we just have to lower our swords, shrug, and let them carry on undermining civil society and killing people? And honestly, if I did know about every one of your operations, sitting on that knowledge and doing nothing with it is a particularly inventive form of torture even for a demon."

She shakes her head in conclusion. "It's impractical. We have what must be called irreconcilable differences - even if we're not at each other's throats every moment of every day, there's always going to be something beyond the pale that we'll end up fighting over."

To this the succubus queen is silent long moments before, "It may be so," she concludes at last. "Then we've exhausted the limits of this conversation." Her voice is rather business like now, no sign of anger or scorn.

Antenora's eyes narrow buts he doesn't comment.

"If that is all?" Syala concurs, a glance to you.

"I'm afraid so," Alicia stands up. "Should you ease up on the murder and torture then of course we'd have far less reason to try and make your life miserable. That's as much as I can offer."

"And if you three want entertainment..." Malcanthet smiles lazily, "Assuming you don't seek it all amid yourselves." She turns and walks out then, gone.

She doesn't doubt trouble is going to be in the offing soon if only so Malcanthet can make a point about how much easier life would be had they accepted her offer. In any case she nods to Vlaakith and moves to leave herself, intending to gate back to Sylica once they're outside and off this astral island.

Your departure is unopposed.

Once you're flying away?

I'm sorry, Alicia. I lost my composure.

It's alright. I'm sorry you had to be put in that situation. Just please don't worry on my behalf, things like that are like water off a duck's back to me.

She gives Antenora a smile before she opens a gate back to Sylica.

Antenora returns it and flies over, and pulls you into a hug, "You always worry about those that you care about." she answers.

Syala glances over and smiles a little bit as the portal opens. "She was right - you'd make an amazing hound archon, Antenora. Woof, woof, woof."

"It's a shame I've always been more of a cat person," Alicia returns the hug with a clink of armour on armour before she lets go and floats through the gate out into the sky high above Sylica. They can teleport around from there and she doesn't like making a gate from anywhere else that goes to anywhere sensitive or important.

"I think she ultimately wanted Violet back for her power to copy skills rather than for any personal need. She never offered up the artifact that keeps Violet's powers from being a zero sum game," she says once they're back in Sylica and the gate closed.

"We'd be a fool to assume she truly loved Violet," Syala concurs, as you sense an ally has just entered Sylica. Ranbar's knocked, Latha just let her in.

Antenora's quiet a few moments, "A moment," she says, gone on the wings of teleportation.

Letting Antenora go do what she has to do, Alicia and Syala head down to Liberton. She has a look in on what Latha and Ranbar are up to as well while talking to Syala, "I was hoping she needed sorcerous expertise for unfortunate side-effects from the procedure though."

Syala takes your hand as you fly. "If only," Syala agrees.

Amid your prayers you hear Ebony's voice, 'My Lady, I wish to speak to you of the secrets of the Far Realm.'

Ranbar meanwhile is walking with Latha and says, "...and I'd like to talk to Alicia as well. I could use her opinion most of all, she began mortal."

Amid all of this, Antenora pops back in. Her expression is wholly serious as she holds two golden puppies in her arms. Syala glances at her and blinks slowly, before starting to laugh. "Are you taking it that literally?"

"I think Marie would like a puppy," Antenora concurs, "As well as a trusted servant to oversee pets, but I'll see to that later. Alicia," Antenora says, quite seriously, "Would you like a puppy?"

"Where did you get those?" she asks Antenora before pausing, then frowning. "I'm sorry. Seira just told Ebony all about the One ritual, I'm going to have to talk to her about that now. It needs to be me I can't delegate this after that."

Come to Liberton Ebony. We must speak on what you've learned.

'I will obey.' Is Ebony's reply.

"Seira?" A hm at that from Antenora, "But why?" As the puppies pant and look adorable, "Of course."

"I don't know, she hasn't mentioned planning this I just became aware as it happened, she told several of Aurora's leadership at once," Alicia admits, giving both puppies a brief pat on the head before she vanishes, teleporting to one of her palace's sitting rooms and awaiting Ebony's transit which she'll redirect here to join her. Ranbar will have to wait as well.

Ebony soon comes and seats herself. She's without her normal cloak and hood, in favor of a light dress and sturdy leather traveling boots. "Alicia," she greets once she's inside, "I explained the situation to you to your satisfaction?"

"I caught what Seira told you, and I know it must make the deflections you heard in light of other recent apotheoses here seem all the more unsatisfactory," Alicia says, sat facing her on comfortable chairs, her own armour and sword absent and hair down. "I'd like you to understand that keeping things quiet was not meant as a slight, and give you the full story now even if it's late."

"I'm no fool, Alicia." Ebony says at last, face composed. "I'm amazed Seira gave us this. The sheer opportunity this is boggles my mind. Tell me what's going on, but I don't blame you for not telling me all of it."

"First of all, it's just one piece," Alicia says. "It can make one a deity, but that's it. The lowest rung, it doesn't empower an existing deity. We've used other things for that, limited use tools left behind by the Incarnation of Balance. Seeds of divinity. Of all the deities recently ascended, the only ones to have used the ritual you were given are Gathgorian, Antenora, Moore, and Sylvie. Knowledge of the seeds isn't so dangerous, since unless one can find what the Incarnation of Balance hid and set guardians upon then nothing can come of it, and the seeds themselves work perfectly every time. The ritual though...

"It's deceptively simple. I know Seira gave you all sorts of lore but at it's core it's nothing more than a simple affirmation of one's self outside of Creation. Eblis was the first that we know of to achieve it."

"A affirmation into infinity is no small, simple thing," Ebony rebukes you, "As I'm sure you know. I see then. A more frank and honest question, Alicia: is it worth it to be a deity? Is every responsibility worth the power?"

"I said deceptively simple," Alicia chides. "I know Seira gave you a lot of additional material going into depth on the mechanics, but Antenora achieved it with no additional guidance beyond Eblis simply telling me it could be done. Antenora herself had a hand in writing what you were shown earlier after her experiences."

She leans forward in her seat towards Ebony then. "Do you seek divinity for yourself? I don't believe any deity would tell you it's not worth it, but it's a self-selecting criteria. I don't see it as a trade of power for responsibility, because taking responsibility is itself a prize for someone like me."

To this Ebony bows her head at the rebuke before, "Antenora and Eblis." A long, dry look. "Two souls that so often redefine what is possible. Deceptively simple indeed." After that and a breath taken, "No, I do not. Perhaps one day now that I know how, but an army cannot be only leaders. You need proxies and favored servants, Alicia."

"Even if you don't, others will," Alicia says. "Seira told a lot of people just now, and those people have connections. Tyr through Morniel, Gwynharwyf through Hanna, Tempus through the Master. They have allies of their own, and perhaps proteges they wish to push forward. Not all will succeed... there's almost no point now but still I'll ask you to be as careful as you can with this knowledge, it is dangerous."

"I understand." Ebony says, "Seira really did this without consulting anyone else? Goodness."

"I'm sure she consulted the other Cauldron deities, but considering all the material she shared came from her allies outside of the Cauldron it does bother me. As much as I support Aurora, that's not a bridge I wanted to cross," Alicia says, leaning back. "Is there anything else you want to ask me while we're here?"

"Yes. Will the politics of this spill over to Aurora at all?" Ebony asks, "Between you, the others and the Cauldron."

"Probably not, we're a long-standing supporter of Aurora. Sylvie added to it and of course she's a supporter. The other party is reclusive and this I can't name them, but I don't believe they'll involve themselves," Alicia answers, keeping Io's specific role secret. "Of course if specific figures from Aurora ascend they'll have to be reckoned with as individual powers rather than just part of Aurora and that will tip things, but it really depends on the parties involved."

"She mentioned Afina in particular, though all of Aurora's generals came up," Ebony goes on, "Afina's hunt for Gathgorian in particular, I believe Seira phrased it as to help her impossible quest." More quietly, "I fear Afina's worst tendencies would emerge again. Valiant and determined as it is, I fear she may again forget how to live in favor of being a weapon of vengeance. That with this she would continue her war without rest, without hesitation, for she would see a chance to stop the root source of Lifasa's ordeal. More, I fear all too much that her driven nature would suit divinity."

"Gathgorian has managed to find some divine seeds as well, he's already a full demigod, potentially he may have risen higher than I have by now," Alicia says. "I ran into him when he was only a quasi-power, hiding in Eblis's shadow. Unfortunately the situation meant I couldn't strike him down myself as he deserved."

A quiet nod before, "A pity." Here Ebony rises, "Thank you, Alicia."

"Thank you for your faith, Ebony," Alicia stands up. "I need to go talk to Seira about this and other matters so I'll accompany you back to Bytopia." Her armour and weapon appear as she girds herself to travel outside of Sylica again.

Ebony nods and away you go.

I'll go ahead and move you into Seira's thread since you're visiting Bytopia. Locking this thread.