Go ahead and let me know how you're doing this and setting it up, be it contacting Mystra directly or through more formal channels.
Can I have a few moments of your time? Seira asks Mystra.
Speak, Seira.
Events move rapidly, and I have no doubt you are aware of them.
I've been trying to figure out how Shar is physically merging with her demiplanes, and it seems like you might have a good idea how she accomplished that. Would you be willing to show me? I'm interested in finding out just what range of ability it gives Shar, plus there's always a chance it'd be useful on its own.
I will not.
I fear the escalation this will bring, Seira. I have considered this greatly, and I cannot countenance this except under the most dire threat. For as it spreads, more will seek it, more will demand it - and the planes themselves will become our arms and armaments. Do not welcome such a day, but fear that such a day may come to pass.
I loathe that Shar has this, but I fear more what will come to pass. It is an image of disaster, where our battles sunder reality itself.
Do not ask this of me, save in the greatest peril to the planes.
Can you please explain in detail just what the benefits to her from this are? As we already extend our power over our divine realms, it's difficult for me to understand why she would do this. Surely, there is a reason beyond taunting her enemies that she's beyond easy reach.
I understand some of what she has done, but not all.
Of our powers, there are few that can rival us and fewer that exceed us. The planes are one of those rare few. I believe Shar's logic is simple - the demiplanes are a mere bonus. To merge with Shadow and draw on its power fully. Shar is mighty before this, how is she when she has an entire plane to empower her?
I suppose so. Thank you for indulging my questions, Mystra.
We seek to move against Shar's latest schemes. Be careful.
Whenever you make your move, call on me. I'll be there, Seira promises.
As you finish, Amaryl is there.
"Seira," she murmurs softly, a hand on your arm.
"Sometimes things don't work out for the weakest of reasons," Seira muses. "Ah, well. Would you like to have a quiet lunch in the clouds together, darling?"
To this Amaryl offers you her hand. AS she does, "What went wrong, Seira?"
"Eh. Mystra is wrong, but convincing her would take too much good will to be worth it. I get her points, which are very good, and yet none of them quite matches 'so Shar will keep the initiative and the edge in power' which kind of wins against almost anything." Seira shakes her head. "Nevermind that. Did you see the nice crystals we brought back? Want anything from there?"
Holding Amaryl's hand, Seira shifts them up into a secluded cloud in the skies where two of her avatars dressed as maids busy themselves setting up a picnic.
Amaryl hugs you tightly, "I don't think so, besides a few of the healing crystals for my spells. That could make the difference between life and death in a hard battle. I've never heard of anything that turns a normal spell into a healing spell of that magnitude."
"I'm pretty sure I read of an artifact that did that, so it's certainly possible," Seira muses, relaxing in the hug even as the avatar maids arrange the basket with sandwiches and dessert and curtsy, fading away afterwards. "Using your divine power when you grow in strength should also be doable, actually. Instead of archmages or Mystra's chosen you'd be channeling your magic into positive energy!
Amaryl sits once it's done and rests, right besides you. "I had a nightmare," Amaryl admits. "I chose to rest a time, and I dreamed that the shadows were everywhere. No matter where I turned, Shar was ready for me. She...when I found you, she was in your eyes, Seira. I couldn't even escape her when I was with you."
"The next time we face her will go differently," Seira promises, pouring tea for her wife and then for herself. "I'm almost there. One more ace up the sleeve and our avatars will have actual parity, and in that sort of situation our triumph is not in doubt!"
Amaryl smiles at that and has tea, before...
Be not afraid. Shar triumphs in fear.
Greetings, Seira.
"Oh!" Amaryl murmurs, then smiles.
Lord Zaphkiel. Thank you for your kind words.
Thanks, Seira echoes Amaryl. I'm filled with confidence, especially since we've made gains recently.
You have done well, but I come today with a warning.
Great events stir on Fire. Be aware, and know that it is a matter my counterpart and I are both invested in and cannot come to an agreement on, so I can speak little more of it.
Please tell us all you can, as well as what are Kossuth's wishes and how you would like us to help.
Unfortunately I can say little, but it a matter both my counterpart and I have a stake in. It is not fundamentally a question of good and evil.
"Seems like it's even more important for Moore to help clear things out with Kossuth, but at least I talked to him about it just now." Seira shrugs. "In the end, we'll just have to act the way we think is right. Nothing new there, right, Amaryl?"
A smile back, "But..." After her will ensures even more privacy, "Something big is happening in Fire. What could it be?"
Seira takes a glance through her link to Fire. If it's strong enough, she might figure out what's going on, especially when boosted by Knowledge and War.
Refresh me on how strong it is at DvR6?
DvR 6 means lesser deity, so....
Portfolio Sense: Demigods have a limited ability to sense events involving their portfolios. They automatically sense any event that involves one thousand or more people. The ability is limited to the present. Lesser deities automatically sense any event that involves their portfolios and affects five hundred or more people
You can sense a short and triumphant war in the City of Brass, soon.
"A short and victorious war in Brass," Seira says with a snort. "I think we should stay out of it directly and just rely on our contacts until things with Kossuth are sorted out to any sort of degree."
"A short..." Amaryl begins, "So, I suppose the question is: Who overthrows the Grand Sultan?"
"Do you intend to intervene?" Seira asks her curiously. "Our allies didn't ask for our help, and Zaphkiel himself said it wasn't a question of good or evil. Our situation with the various powers on Fire except for Zaaman Rul is shaky, and I don't want to appear as someone who constantly meddles in their affairs. Finally, there's our peace agreement to consider. I just don't think it's good for us to throw our hat into the ring due to all these factors, but maybe you could look into the details and convince me to?"
"No, but a new Sultan may decide previous treaties aren't worth the paper they're written on," Amaryl speaks up, "But you're also right and more, there's too many people we don't know about. However, the other leaf is that Lord Zaphkiel went out of his way to tell us about it. That means it's important."
Seira takes a moment to consider this. Their treaty had three key points. Freedom of all slaves, which was delivered upon. Outlawing slavery, which remains important if highly unpopular, so enforcement would be suspect. And a cessation of hostilities which, frankly, favored the efreet a great deal more than her. The new Sultan breaking the pact would allow her to intervene in strength to enforce the second point herself, and this time there wouldn't be millions of slaves needing a rescue and serving as hostages.
"Still think it would favor us if he did it," she muses, "but that's fine. Can you tell Zaaman Rul we would like to stop by after lunch? We can pool our knowledge, meager though it is."
"I'll tell him right away," Amaryl says, going silent. After perhaps half a minute, "He cordially invites us."
Seira snorts. "I can tell your heart's not in this, so let's table the picnic for another time." She rises to her feet, offering her hand to Amaryl. "Shall I take us over to Zaaman Rul's realm?"
"I love the picnic," Amaryl says as she takes your hand. "But in these heavy days, words from Lord Zaphkiel can't be ignored."
Any prep real quick?
No. Just taking us into the entrance of his realm after a quick knock.
You are taken in with great honor and warm greetings. You meet Zaaman Rul before his tower, fire elementals in an honor guard that follows him. "Seira!" he calls, wearing a uniform of red hot steel, an orange tabard over it. On his tabard are metals that glow hot and bright, like little stars.
Seira is dressed in her adventuring clothing, same as always! "It's been a while, my friend," she greets him.
Your shoulder is clasped as he smiles, "It's good to see you. You too, Amaryl."
Amaryl curtsies, "It is. You look dashing."
With a warm smile, "Well, come on, we can talk somewhere better."
"Certainly!" Seira agrees.
It is atop the tower. The view lets you see for many miles from here as you feel the hot winds blows. Crackles of flame are everywhere, bonfires as far as the eye can see. An endless inferno as Zaaman Rul stands at your side. "You are concerned about the efreet?"
"Full disclosure, I'm not. I've yet to actually hear something that changed my mind, but Amaryl wishes to make sure the coup I'm sensing won't have things take a turn for the worse. Do you know more?"
Zaaman Rul shakes his head. "The efreet are growingly restless and there's quiet resistance against Akil bin Faheem," he begins, looking out over the firescape. "Many quarters feel he's nothing more than a Baatorian dog. There's been whispers of rebellion, of a restoration of efreet society from this disgrace. It's come up virtually everywhere at once."
"That's not normal," Amaryl points out, "Things grow, spread, these things take time."
"It doesn't seem to be Celestia's doing, and clearly isn't originating from Baator," Seira voices. "So who, then? Shar? I can't imagine many deities daring to meddle on an elemental plane."
"I doubt it," Zaaman Rul says, "This feels like something from a native. Someone who understands the efreet and Fire. Meddlers in Fire almost always betray their hand." He's quiet after, "Perhaps Kossuth under a servant? I don't know. But...whomever it is, the few who seem to know anything speak with unshakable zeal and confidence."
"Kossuth's judgement is the other reason I didn't want to intervene," Seira admits. "I want to overcome the recent bad blood there rather than add to it. That said, I do have a few agents I could activate to get better intelligence on Brass. Before that, however, I don't believe you've said what you yourself would like to do here, Zaaman Rul."
Without hesitation, "I want to get to the truth of this. If someone's going to overthrow Akil, who that person is becomes paramount to know." Zaaman Rul says, "There are many directions they could go from this, and..."
A pause, "If they can easily overthrow a devil supported Grand Sultan, and it comes to war again, this time they may not lose." He looks down at his fist, "Fire will be purified. I will not let them sully it further."
"If it's an internal conflict, you realize the likeliest answer is the first Grand Sultan?"
"The Crimson Firebrand?" A sharp look at Seira, but silence follows. As if a flame crackling as it devours fuel before, "He would fit. If his legends are true, I have no doubt he could revitalize the Efreet Empire."
Seira nods. "I'm pretty sure he's still around, and given the Baatorian encroaching, he might have made a move. And if my guess is right, then I can well see why Celestia isn't quite sure how to handle this."
She leans on the battlements, peering out into the distance. "I do disagree with one thing you said, my friend. This time we might not be able to stop their army? Without needing to walk a fine line to avoid an all-out war between Celestia and Baator, we can bring our full strength to bear. Without needing to safeguard all the hostages of Brass, we won't need to hold back while striking against it. Should the efreet decide to return to their old ways, we won't accept that as the new status quo."
Zaaman Rul smiles, "Yes, we won't. We won't accept it. Not this time." he vows, "This time if they resist, we will be triumphant. Let Imix come if he dares."
"I suppose the next question to ask is what our timeframe to act is," she muses, thinking it over.
Would my domain sense answer that? I got a sense of speed, but is it quantifiable?
Also, I'd like to use Palum (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104208.msg1126002.html#msg1126002) as my agent to find things out. We never really went into it IC, but it was an intent OOC. How would you like me to handle it, set it up from the start or proceed on the assumption he's on retainer?
Palum's fine, easily enough done offscreen.
Within a week you think.
"Not long," Zaaman Rul decides as he ponders, "Events move with haste, more than I would anticipate for this sort of rebellion."
"A matter of days, as I figure," Seira agrees. "How about we pursue the legends of the Crimson Firebrand? We can explore them privately and see whether divine insight allows us a fresh outlook in these times, or do so overtly to draw attention and let him come to us, if I'm right about him."
"If he's listening," Zaaman Rul agrees, "You'd have to be remarkably overt, and that may get the efreet's attention in whole."
This is Seira Aryn, wishing for an audience with the Crimson Firebrand, Seira decides to reach out to said legendary figure.
As you might expect, there's no reply at all.
"I don't care if the efreet catch wind of this," Seira tells Zaaman Rul. "Could you take us on a tour of the sites of his greatest battles?"
"The greatest is where the City of Brass lies, or so the stories say," Zaaman Rul says, "The rest are shrines, but we can go to them." He looks out, "I grew up on the legends of his martial skill. Even my father has spoken of him with as close to respect as he can."
"Which means if this is him, we had best not make any mistakes," Amaryl concurs.
"Let's save Brass for last?"
> roll 1d20+9 int
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=16]
"It's the riskiest," Amaryl agrees, "So much could go wrong there. Especially if Akil is on edge about what's coming and he knows. He's a devil lo..."
A beat.
"Seira, I haven't read the histories in some time, but I had an idea that I'm sure Antenora would approve of." Amaryl admits. "Didn't Akil bin Faheem serve the Crimson Firebrand when they unified the efreet?"
Did he? Ridiculous knowledges and Int and taking 10.
"Where are you going with this?" Seira asks curiously.
Yes. The deepest lore suggests it went something like this: Akil wanted to subjugate the Crimson Firebrand so went to parley with him. The Firebrand took control of the meeting and so dominated and impressed Akil that Akil gave him his entire clan and vowed to serve him, which he did loyally until the Crimson Firebrand died.
"It's...the entire thing's just a rigged game. How else do devils and fiends like that play? He's still loyal to the Sultan and he's keeping his seat warm. It's political theater. The Grand Sultan returns, overthrows Akil who is in on it and already have an arrangement. The devils are gone, the Sultan's back and Akil's given some great reward for his service and sacrifice." Amaryl says, "It's...it's something Antenora would come up with, and that means it's the sort of thing devils and a devil ally would too. Think about it. The Crimson Firebrand comes back a legend and a hero, Akil still serves his master and is rewarded and Baator gets rebuked for going a step too far."
Zaaman Rul listens to that, "It does sound like the overly convoluted scheme a desperate devil might unleash. I also can't imagine an efreet who would give up the Throne once obtained. He played the game for millions of years and finally won. Why would he give it all up?"
"We don't know why, but by the same token you could say someone that powerful and impressive wouldn't have been dethroned by someone clearly less fitting to rule the efreet," Seira says with a shrug. "Let's go and be prominent and see what happens?"
Okay, any prep to that and any particular plan?
We'll use our traveling spells except for Celestial Valor and Glorious Rally. No trickery, just the three of us traveling.
"The first is known as Hufrat Alsf, where the Crimson Firebrand created a flame chasm with a single strike of his sword," Zaaman Rul states. "It is a place of pilgrimage for those loyal to the City of Brass, and those who study the legend of the Crimson Firebrand." His lip curls, "Those who adore conquest and strength will flock there. Tyrants."
"Let's go see if there's increased pilgrimage or any religious signs!"
It is flame. Fire burns around you as the three of you appear. Before you is a vast open plane where only light flames sizzle. Here great and tall towers rise, yet they are dwarfed by what lies in the center. A great chasm of fire, in the shape of a gigantic rectangle far larger than even Aurora itself. A chasm where pure crimson flames rise as high into the sky as you can see and farther yet, a fire that burns with a heat you feel even from here.
Amid these buildings you can glimpse primarily efreet, at least on a glance. Wealthy by and large, well dressed and with various bits of expensive jewelry worn, as well as scimitars on their belts.
"Welcome to Hufrat Alsf," Zaaman Rul declares.
"I could match it with magic, but that's pretty impressive," Seira notes. "Has anyone replicated the feat after him, even in a diminished form?"
"No efreet dares, not even a Grand Sultan," Is the answer from Zaaman Rul. "Those fires will burn no efreet, but they will burn any enemy of the efreet empire."
Amaryl looks up and up and up, lost in her view of that pyre. "That must be a divine work," she agrees at last, "Was the Crimson Firebrand a wizard or a creator of great magical works?"
"He was a warrior of sword and strength," Zaaman Rul notes, "He did this as he was. It is said that Fire obeyed him, that Fire even feared him. Rubbish." A burning scoff, "But it is undeniable that he was the greatest of the efreet."
Dominion over Fire and Strength could accomplish this just as well as divine magic, Seira muses. "Have you been here before, in person?" she asks Zaaman Rul.
"As a child," Zaaman Rul states, "Unknown and unrecognized. Not this time."
"Does it look the same? Or is there a different feel in the air?" Seira asks curiously, studying the scar and the fire.
It's been ages, but if there's still any sort of constant magic or anything supernatural applied here, I'm curious about it!
How far can you detect magic?
I imagine that with an application of divine power to temporarily boost it, up to my perception range of 6 miles?
There's much minor magic about on the buildings, but nothing related to the chasm. The flames of the chasm radiate strong magic, a fire changed to harm the enemies of the efreet while it never burns them.
Your advanced spell lore and ability lets you note it also burns efreet who are in rebellion against the Crimson Firebrand, as it doesn't consider them true efreet.
Seira tries to see whether any efreet are actually in the fire, perhaps to show their loyalty.
What about nonefreet like me who don't particularly feel like enemies of the efreet?
You're pretty sure it uses its own criteria, not your own.
You strongly suspect that you won't like touching that fire.
Seira takes some notes, in case she wishes to make a similar enemy repellant fire back home.
"Let's go to the next place?" she suggests to Zaaman Rul. It'll probably take two or three visits before any pattern emerges, so if someone will end up approaching them over their travels, she doesn't count on it being immediate.
"Already?" Amaryl asks, "I thought we were going to go and be seen?"
"After looking at that fire I don't want to actually step into it, but if you want to mingle a bit first, we can do that instead. Lead the way!"
Give me a raw Charisma check, all of you.
We have Good Hope, so that's +2 to the check for everyone.
21:02 <Corwin> roll 1d20+15+2+6
21:02 <Penuche> Corwin invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=5]
<Corwin> roll 1d20+15+2+6
<Penuche> Corwin invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+12 Amaryl
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+17 Zaaman
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=8]
You walk about. On a glance most efreet flee, often with fear and your names on their lips. The streets empty as you go in and are seen, the efreet and those that serve them fleeing from your visages.
Is there a reason for it? Seira hasn't exactly made a habit out of attacking random efreet. Then again, maybe they're guilty of enough to fear her presence.
"Maybe there is merit in visiting publicly more often," she voices to Zaaman Rul. "Showing the flag, as it were."
"Until the reprisals," Zaaman Rul says, and in a lower voice, "This won't be ignored."
"That's the point," Amaryl notes with a faint smile, "We may even provoke Akil into a stupid mistake."
"And we're not actually doing anything illegal by their laws, or going against our treaty," Seira points out.
Give me a d100.
18:50 <Corwin> roll 1d100
18:50 <Penuche> Corwin invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d100=18]
None come forth to oppose you - until you hear a door open well behind you. The barest glance tells you a single efreet emerges, a rather muscular one with a double handed scimitar in hand, and wearing hastily thrown on chain mail. He charges as the three of you, trying to close the distance fast.
Are you sure you want to do that? Seira asks, flaring up her divine aura. She almost never resorts to this, but it would be a good way to get noticed. Plus, if it works, that saves her from active defenses!
Free action. Divine Aura: Daze. Goes out to 600 ft, and targets this violent dude. At Will DC of 10+6+15 (31) it'll probably fail, alas.
> roll 1d20+10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=4]
The efreet stops mid step and stands there, seemingly overwhelmed and out of it, unable to move a step.
"I suppose not!" Seira says cheerfully, rather pleasantly surprised.
"More sightseeing here?" she asks Amaryl. "Or are you ready to move on?"
"I think we've made our point," Amaryl says, "They can teleport, or at least enough can that word will reach them fast enough."
"Onwards!" Seira cheers, nodding at Zaaman Rul to take them to the next stop on their pilgrimage.
Next you appear a ways outside of a humble stone shrine, one of pure sky blue stone untouched by the flames here. "Aldari," Zaaman Rul announces, "The Pure Flame. An ember the Crimson Firebrand created that would never go out, and even in the long siege of Daman, it never went out. It is housed here, where it burns even now."
"Makes me wonder whether I should be setting up these elaborate landmarks and shrines," Seira muses, studying the eternal flame with all her senses and know-how. "All I do is build temples and portal networks, and even that is mostly an old pastime. Ah, but there was that university town! So maybe that could be a new trend? Grand cities of knowledge and progress?"
You can't sense anything in the shrine - it seems you'll have to go inside.
"Monuments last and speak to the soul," Zaaman Rul agrees, "But they are also a luxury. Then again, Mount Celestia could be said to be one giant monument mountain. Then there is Oceanus in the whole, or the palace of the Queen of Stars."
"In that case, we're making a beautiful monument in Bytopia together," Seira muses, heading into the shrine since it seems safe.
While outside it is quiet, inside are kneeling efreet. Hundreds kneel here, the inside hollow and all in circular rows. They kneel towards the center, where a large flame of blue-white burns. Even from here you can feel an overwhelming heat, coming from it like those who would stand next to the sun itself.
"They will not trouble us," Zaaman Rul declares, "300 efreet are bound by oaths to stand in eternal awe of the Crimson Firebrand's Pure Flame at all times. Any who attack or interfere with it are marked as an eternal enemy of the Grand Sultan."
Amaryl very slowly approaches it, "The heat of it is remarkable. It reminds me of the intensity of Seira's own fire."
"Heat is a key component in most fires, especially primal ones," Seira agrees quietly, approaching herself. She might not be an actual pilgrim, but it's a good chance to study the fire properly!
Spellcraftin'. +20 circumstance bonus since you have the Fire domain.
Taking 10 for 155 (divine insight, improvisation)
It looks to be a divine working, nothing less. An eternal flame that will burn anything. A raw expression of power, a flame beyond any mortal creation. Only a deity could create this.
You could do similar things in your own ways, you have goldenfire after all.
If Goldenfire is the Fire of Creation, Seira wonders, what was the First Sultan's flame?
Perhaps a worthy question to ponder. Zaaman Rul regards it as well.
It is a beautiful fire, born from a wretched hand.
I like the blue accents in particular, the sign of a truly hot natural flame.
A color that reminds me of the cold.
'Ah Seira, I see you've chosen to take in culture,' Akil bin Faheem's voice whispers into your mind.
I've asked Zaaman Rul to help me understand the Crimson Firebrand better, Seira responds to Akil.
'Oh really? A worthy endeavor, but you can do so much better than Zaaman Rul,' Is the answer.
I suppose short of the man himself, someone who followed him all along would be the most knowledgeable, Seira agrees. Are you volunteering your time and services?
'I cordially invite you to the City of Brass,' Akil bin Faheem declares.
So Akil just invited us to Brass. Do you want to go?
To boldly walk into Akil's trap?
Or he's desperate enough to court our aid.
With my family and friends supporting me, I'd boldly go anywhere~
To be that courageous is no small thing.
In that case, we'll happily accept that invitation! Seira responds to Akil bin Faheem, and extends her hands to Zaaman Rul and Amaryl.
"I'll take us to the gates and we can enjoy the sights along the way," she says, preparing to teleport them.
Have you ever been to the entrance of the City of Brass before?
I assume so, I visited the previous sultan at dvr0 and so on.
The gates of the City of Brass are as you remember them. As you step forth you find them open, a guard assembled. Without a word they surround you, an escort ahead. Not that it's far, for barely past the gates a jeweled palanquin awaits, curtained interior hidden from your sight.
Seira looks around with interest, curious whether the magics protecting the City of Brass have changed any. She doesn't quite stop to gawk, however, making way towards her palanquin!
Spellcraft 10 for 120.
Things look as they always do, at least for the times you've been here.
Seira pulls the curtain open for Amaryl to step inside!
Inside is a sea of soft pillows. Reclining amid them is Akil bin Faheem. He is in a robe of spun silk, deeply embedded and decadently comfortable. A beautiful, curvacious paeliryon lies next to him, wearing silken shawls and a veil. A tray of rare and exotic treats lies nearby.
"Welcome," Akil greets, "Welcome to the City of Brass."
"Thank you," Seira responds pleasantly.
To visualize it better, is it actually meant to be large enough for us to board, or just big enough for him and his plus one?
More than large enough to board. Lots and lots of space, certainly magic at work.
Once Amaryl has boarded, Seira climbs in after her. Leaving plenty of space for Zaaman Rul at her side, she smiles at Akil. "I must say again that I did not expect you to be free to give us a tour, but what is life if not a series of interconnected, pleasant surprises?"
Akil smiles warmly as Zaaman Rul stays standing, but Amaryl follows you. "What is life, indeed," he greets. "A fine question to ponder."
"And speaking of life, how has it been treating you since the coup?" Seira inquires.
"There are always intrigues and difficulties," Is the answer, as his hand goes down. To the hilt of a blade, caressing it. The hilt of Razalim, you are certain. "But what is life without challenges?"
"I suppose so," Seira muses, before changing the subject. "Do you still go on a pilgrimage from time to time? It must be easier than in Celestia, with the most important places right here in Brass, but the constraints on your time are doubtlessly great all the same."
A warm, deep chuckle, "Oh, that will resolve itself in the fullness of time," he says, "But really, I have something more important to talk about."
"We're all ears."
"The great, grand peace we forged," Akil bin Faheem declares with a gesture of his hand, "Is on the verge of being destroyed. Ruined, cast down and the days you fought to banish will return."
"That would be unfortunate for my enemies," Seira agrees. "Who plots against this peace accord?"
"The very same who plot against my rule," The Grand Sultan declares, "Fools cannot understand what is happening in Fire."
Zaaman Rul stares Akil down at that, before, "You want us to do your dirty work, efreet?"
"Now, now, there is no need for such a confrontantional tone," Seira says with a smile. Especially when it's more fun to strike at your enemies from behind a pleasant smile. "I thought these were mere challenges that would resolve themselves in the fullness of time?"
With a hand on Razalim's hilt, "Of course, sometimes time needs a certain amount of encouragement."
"And who in particular needs this encouragement?"
"All manner of foolish malcontents," Akil explains, "But mostly those who cling to what they shouldn't. Things you disapprove of."
"That was always going to happen," Seira agrees. "What surprises me is that you would allow them to threaten your authority."
With a slight smile, "It turns out they are remarkably tenacious."
"Remarkably," Amaryl says, "You would think your friends would help." An open look at the devil besides him.
"Ah, but darling, don't you know that they're helping everyone? That way, when one side eventually prevails they can claim it was their long-term plan all along."
Akil doesn't flinch, but instead says, "Politics are a vulgar thing at times," he agrees. "But vulgar or not, the facts remain."
"And what are the facts?" Seira seizes upon that lead. "Do you actually know exactly who and how many diehard slavers plot against you?"
"I do not, but I find more every day," Akil bin Faheem goes on, hand tight on the hilt of Razalim. "They spring up and fester. Take the head of one and nine more emerge."
"Someone dislikes you? What an interesting idea." Zaaman Rul states, arms crossed as he stands behind you.
"So you're interested in a favor," Seira muses. "Specifically, to help you with the investigation. Is that accurate?"
"Yes, and the elimination of them," Akil bin Faheem says easily, "I'm sure we can come to an accord."
How desperate is he, Seira? Does he realize what's coming?
If he has the right divine affinity....
"What are you offering? I've noticed you very subtly reminding me that you still have Razalim, but on its own it wouldn't be enough."
"I can offer you power and influence - and of course, the continuation of your peace and gains here, rather than seeing them swept aside by another Sultan," he declares.
"I have all the power I need, so let's see... how about asking your friends here to part ways amiably and vacate Fire for the duration of our peace treaty?"
A soft chuckle, "Unfortunately, that's not on the table, friend."
Since Amaryl was the one who wanted to look into things, Seira asks her, What do you think Cauldron requires to get involved? Aside from Razalim.
A reason to stay and influence the result, if he does fall. I don't want to defend him, but if whomever comes is that much worse? A wise oak does not remain inflexible, or it withers and dies.
But not so binding that if it is an impossible opponent, that we are obligated to fight to the death.
"I think we can find a corresponding goal, here," Seira voices. "Give me all the information you have and Razalim. Once I've done what neither your regime nor your close and dear friends can't and secured your rule and our peace, we'll take a stroll through your treasury and collect three artifacts that catch my eye as payment."
She might as well see how serious Akil is about this, and that cursed sword is the best way to test it.
Are you trying to intimidate? If so roll that, otherwise roll Diplomacy. Need a roll here to help factor things out.
I don't think I'm quite intimidating him, so diplo it is.
Taking 10 for 136 with divine insight and improvisation.
Akil bin Faheem laughs warmly, "What a generous offer! A whole three artifacts, you say?"
"Chalk it down to numerology. And speaking of one's mastery of numbers, all minus three is a great deal more than zero."
"One artifact," Akil offers back, "And a great pile of gold."
"It's not a negotiation," Seira says, shaking her head. "Merely my offer to lend my help with your mess. I won't be hurt if you refuse it, and we'll part as friends. Of sorts."
Silence follows. The efreet considers you as...
He's doing a behind the scenes Sense Motive. Did you lie a tall there?
No, I honestly don't want to do this. Because this mess matters to Amaryl I'm willing to make an effort, but I won't do it for free.
Go ahead and give me a bluff check then.
Taking 10 for 104, though I'm not lying.
I know, I just need a number the way it works.
Akil extends his hand out, as the back of the palanquin opens up, a path out, "It's been lovely to meet you again," Akil says.
"It's been an interesting experience," Seira agrees, getting up and heading for the exit. She pauses at the doorway, saying, "Entirely unrelated, I expect the timeframe to be measured in days, so you know where to find me if you change your mind," before leaving.
Akil's eyes narrow, but he nods ever so slightly to you.
Seira extends her hand to Amaryl!
Amaryl takes it and...
Teleporting or something, or just walking out?
The three of us will walk back out of the gates, and then transport ourselves to Zaaman Rul's realm.
This goes without incident.
Once you return, "He's scared and desperate. His time draws close," Zaaman Rul concludes.
"He really is," Seira says in wonder. "He... actually negotiated over payment, even under the watchful eye of his minder. Do you think he'll capitulate and reach out ot me after stewing a bit more?"
"He might," Amaryl speculates, "If he survives long enough!"
"Alright, so here is my tentative plan. Wait to see if Akil bin Faheem reaches out. If he does, we'll either be able to adjust our power balance in our favor, or deal with him if he tries to renege on the deal. That should give us a decent escape clause for our peace agreement, so long as we focus it on him and his immediate circle." Seira pauses briefly, before continuing. "If he doesn't do the smart thing, and assuming that he really can't hold onto power, we'll make an appearance and see where the leaders of the coup wish to take the efreet. If they're hostile to coexistence, we won't give them the time to consolidate their gains and take them out. At some point, someone sensible in efreet leadership will finally step onto the scene."
Glancing between Zaaman Rul and Amaryl, she asks, "What do you think? I'll also keep Celestia and Aurora in the loop, and hop over for a chat with Alicia, but this time around we're not going to expand the scope of any battles beyond forces on Fire and the Cauldron if we can at all help it."
Zaaman Rul bows his head in thought. It takes him some time to reply, "So be it," he decides, "More extensive action doesn't make sense now. We strike when the iron is hot, not when it is cold."
"Let's try to direct our efforts towards gathering what information we can," Seira suggests. "That way, we'll be better poised to act if we need to."
"Let's," Amaryl agrees, as...
Any particular means you're going to employ there?
I mentioned the guy who I wanted to have hired off-screen. So stuff like that, and guided with my portfolio sense. In fact, Zaaman Rul and the Cauldron can help with that.
If you're going to skip us ahead, I'd like to contact Sylica about this first.
Sure, drop them a line over in that thread.
"Amaryl, could you please let our friends in Celestia know as well?" Seira requests, curiously taking a look at the situation on Earth. She may not have the same link to it that she shares with Fire, but if combat were about to break out, she might catch a hint of it.
You don't feel anything on the same scale on Earth.
"It's in progress," Amaryl agrees as she works.
"Thanks. And Alicia passes on that Shar's churches on several Primes are readying for battle. Then again, it's Shar, so...."
"So many threats," Amaryl murmurs, "Well, there will be no shortage of battles ahead."
Let's skip a bit until either our agents in the efreet give us info, my divine senses tell me things have changed, or someone (Akil?) reaches out to me. If nothing happens within a week, we'll do other things.
Sure, gimme a d100.
21:18 <Corwin> roll 1d100
21:18 <Penuche> Corwin invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d100=79]
The next day?
Seira, a messenger is here to see you. He refuses to speak to anyone but you. It's a fire elf and he's strong. A sorcerer of no small power.
Let's do this in a more formal setting than usually. Show them to my throne room, please.
Seira transports herself over even as she responds, and the little-used room comes to life with her power. Only one of the pair of thrones - her own - is being used, of course, immediately drawing eyes to it even amidst all the gold and riches, while the wall frescoes tell grand epics of her triumphs in battle.
The elf has hair the orange-red color of flame, a wild mane of it. He's tall and extremely slender, and walks with a sure gait. No hesitation, just fancy clothes of red and orange, along with a staff of what looks to be painted red steel. No decorations otherwise, just a four foot long staff carried along with him.
"Lady Seira, Dragon Princess," the man bows deeply to you.
Seira dips her head in acknowledgement, studying his magical prowess for a moment as she does so.
"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," she says in return, awaiting an introduction.
Greater Arcane Sight should tell me what the strongest spell level he can cast is.
14th.
"A sorcerer of no great importance who speaks for others who wish to remain discreet," he answers after his bow, "You may call me No One. We respect your interests in Fire, but in coming days we would prefer if you avoid it entirely. We are willing to offer you handsome tribute for such a consideration."
"You're not seeking my aid?" Seira muses, observing him.
Is he evil? Since divinations go through and all.
He is not.
"No, only your benevolent disinterest," Is the answer, "To which you will be well rewarded."
"And this benevolent if anonymous friend of mine, what does he intend to do with Fire afterwards?"
"Cleanse away the rot and filth," Is the answer, "A bonfire unlike any others will burn it away."
"I'm amenable to the idea, but I'd like to talk directly to your boss."
With a bow, "My patrons wish to stay...discreet. I'm sure you understand, and will be properly compensated for this."
"I understand the desire, but I'm afraid that's not negotiable. The way I see it, your patrons wish for two things, to remain anonymous and for me to overlook matters on Fire. I'm willing to go for one of the two, but not both."
"Then I will relay your desires to them," The elf bows once more. "By your leave?"
Seira nods, gesturing in clear dismissal.
With that the elf departs, leaving you without further comment.
Anything to do in reaction for this?
Still waiting
Okay, so here's the situation. I'm looking to start winding down people pending level 37. We won't hit the climax of this and that week before then, so this is a chance to knock out anything minor since you're on a natural pause point. Got anything?
I'd like to have a short scene with Kascha and Sylvie, if she can stop by. An avatar is fine too, we'll be in a private spot. Also, Emilia for her input!
Sure.
It's not hard to get the four together, Sylvie even dropping in for this as...
Go ahead, I'm not sure what you want here so feel free to set the tone and establish it.
"Thank you for coming, Sylvie," Seira greets her, after her guest is shown to one of her laboratories. "I forget, have you had a chance to meet Emilia?"
"We've met," Sylvie says, taking it all in, "Are you working on something here?"
"Not right now. I just wanted to talk about the Abyss, and wanted a private setting. In fact, I was hoping to check whether you've had a chance to investigate Layer 666?"
"I know more," Kascha says, "You see..."
Are you up on Alicia's trips or do you need expo bombing?
Expo away!
"The 666th layer is dominated by one creature," Kascha begins, "It appears as a celestial, but that is a lie. It is the spawn of a greater creature, of something horrible and impossibly huge. It speaks in truths that will become lies and lies that will become truth, every word is perilous there. It speaks in our divine tongues, so it must be the lord of the layer. It looks on at any with utter loathing, should you see past its illusions and deceptions.
But it isn't hostile, in a sense that it won't attack you lightly. It is open to parley."
"And what does parley bring us?"
"Well..." Kascha takes a few moments, "It spoke strangely from what I understand. I have a sense it was resigned. It spoke of things such as a fated hour, which is not yet here, but soon. It said that Chaos entrusted it with its purpose, and that ultimately, it seemed to lack deception when it spoke directly to them."
A pause, "I'm not sure what we can gain from it, we agree that we're meddling in something we don't fully understand."
"What plans exist for future interactions with that entity? And are you guys involved in it any, Sylvie?"
"No, not as of now," Sylvie says, "Maybe later, but it's dangerous, whatever it is."
"Seems like there's less to go over than I thought, but it's still nice," Seira muses. "Kascha, do you need my assistance with this? I feel like it's an important goal for you."
"Yes, we should not go alone. It may be wise to talk to Alicia as well," Kascha agrees.
"I'll let you arrange that, but once you do, I'm with you!"
"Let me know if you need my help," Sylvie offers as well, getting up.
"I will, Seira," Kascha promises, as...
Anything else to add here?
We're good.
Then welcome to level 37! Enjoy the ride.