Towertop

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods.

"I'm working on a list of people who had storage in the bank. So far we've got some pretty unpleasant people. Once I finish it, I want you and Bastian to see if you have contacts that might want a piece or two as bait or leverage."

[Anastasia]

"Of course," Emily says, "Also, Jarem mentioned he wants to talk to you about that. He says some people may want their treasures back and may be willing to fight us for them or worse."

A pause, a glance at your hand, a frown. "Which ring is that, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods to the Jarem part and then glances at the finger the rests invisibly on.

"It's the one we acquired from Shar's assassin. I'm surprised you haven't mentioned it before."

[Anastasia]

Peering at it, "It's easy to miss. Which one was that, Alyssa?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"The one you captured in the force cage. It gives some stealth effects... And defenses against celestial spells and abilities."

[Anastasia]

A deeper frown at that, "I think I forgot about that in all that's happened. May I see it?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa considers for a moment before taking it off and placing it on the desk.

[Anastasia]

Emily takes some time studying this, before looking up, "Alyssa," she says calmly, "Get rid of this ring. It's tainted by evil, and relying on evil power can and will taint you in return."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa takes a breath, "You're not wrong. That said, for now, it's a good fit. I'm only using it because I have you and Jarem to keep an eye on me. And... To be honest... I think having some defense against celestials is called for, and those that fight them are going to have the best defenses."

[Anastasia]

"Alyssa!" A gasp, a hand to her mouth. Emily stares before, "Why do you think you'll fight angels?!"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa raises an eyebrow.

"Emily. We're fighting against Shar, an absolute master of deception and manipulation, who has been appointed to destroy creation by the one who created it. It's an almost certainty that there will be a conflict of some sort with the divine, be it because of manipulation or conflicting interests. For example:"

Alyssa picks up the list of vault names.

"Alumar Starwarden. Effectively a saint. Shadin Fescion. Seelie Fey courtier and diplomat to Chauntea. Now, they could have just been stolen belongings. But they could have been personal vaults. In a bank run by an Inevitable and backed by fiends. Emily, this is going to get far more convoluted as we go."

[Anastasia]

Hands on her hips now, standing up, "Alyssa. If a celestial gets up to that sort of business, they won't be one for long. Even if you're right, you shouldn't rely on evil power. It never ends well for anyone. It's not an elemental force you can control, it is real and it is malicious."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I agree. Fully. Well, more about the evil power. Emily, it's not like I'm outfitting myself entirely with malicious pieces. It's a single ring, and I'm fully aware of the creeping subversive nature of it. I'm not intending to keep it forever, but it's very useful right now and hard to replace. Once I do replace it, I promise to give it to you to do with what you will. Fair?"

[Anastasia]

"Alyssa." Emily gives you a long look, "Shar is evil. Do you want to give Shar an in to your heart and soul? It's easy to think you're stronger than it, that you can manage that. How many in one of the Hells thought the same, until they die and find themselves in eternal torment? How many of those soul larvae we found once thought that?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa chuckles.

"Emily, I'm agreeing with you. I'm just saying I need to use it until I find a replacement. It's on my higher priority list, I assure you. The last fight has shown me my equipment is... Lacking. A revamp of a lot of it is coming, it's just a matter of greatest need first."