A neverending field

[Anastasia]

'Possible, but not easy,' Zariel sends, 'Not without orders or knowing someone, but effort can overcome that. I doubt there will be much Blood War recruitment here. It's the wrong sort of location, any mortals here are allowed in already for another reason or captives, and neither fit the recruitment profile. Mercenary work's possible, but we'd have to frame it correctly.'

[Corwin]

'Gimme suggestions? It's best if we alternate, so it's my time now.'

[Anastasia]

'Problems solved, no questions asked, discreet. Don't elaborate, let them fill in the blanks. Most free lance assassins in Hell-' Zariel is cut off at this moment.

'There's free assassins in Hell?' Amaryl speaks up.

'Yes and no. They're still part of an agency or another, excepting a few fringe cases such as unusually focused Xerfilstyx, but they're theoretically unattached. In reality they're part of grander plans and usually put in place to assassinate devils who someone up high wants eliminated, but politics prevent an outright execution in a time frame that suits the devil. The mid ranged peerages use them mostly, along with pit fiends and senior devils without rank. Higher ranked devils have no need for it and have better resources if they do need such services.'

'I never knew that,' Amaryl speaks up here. 'Really?'

'It not spoken of with anyone but devils,' Zariel explains, 'It gives the wrong impression.'

'But then, aren't they all dogai?' Amaryl asks then, looking over at Zariel.

A thin smile at that, 'Dogai are far from the only assassins in Hell, they're merely the ones who specialize in it. Far too many devils rise over the corpses of their rivals as long as they can get away with it. There's more to it - we're being watched, of course.' Zariel goes on, 'And our current behavior screams telepathy. But they can't penetrate it with the precautions we've taken, and they know we have them up, or they may also reason we're using something else to try and trick them.'

'I suddenly wish Antenora was here,' Amaryl muses to no one in particular. 'Devils are so needlessly complicated.'

'That we can communicate without being noted by casual, first level spies improves our reputation. It shows that we're not blundering incompetents, and anyone with power who checks on us to hire us will find that out.'

[Corwin]

'Excellent. We're right where we want to be, then,' Seira muses. 'If you see us act in a way that'll get us noted too much, let us know? We might even be able to adlib in time to avoid undue suspicion.'

[Anastasia]

'Yes,' Zariel agrees. 'Anything else?'

[Corwin]

'I think we're good. Let's rest up for an hour and then go search for suitable jobs and try to figure out whether other cities or landmarks exist here.'

[Anastasia]

Okay, who is going to take front on this?

[Corwin]

My diplo (taking 10) result is 105, and 120 if I discharge divine insight (+2 vs men, +2 x aiding people). Can Zariel top that? If so, she leads. If not, I do. We're all together since this is a scary place and since my amulet needs them to be within 30ft.

[Anastasia]

Sure, Zariel will let you lead and play advisory.

The place you end up is a tavern. It's surprisingly pleasant - metal walls aside there's some greenery within as well as fine art. Almost refined, even if the devils here are cruel and cold. Mostly mid rank devils as...

'We go to the bar, have a drink and wait. We don't fit in and our purpose will stand out to any devil.' Zariel instructs. 'Do not respond to telepathy until you have had a verbal acknowledgement from the person you converse with.'

[Corwin]

'Right. Order us something that won't disable us, please, while being socially-acceptable. I'll sit here looking bored.'

[Anastasia]

"Ale," A clap of a few coins follows as you are all served - saved for Xera, who politely declines it. The four of you sit there and drink - and it's not long until you hear in your mind, 'You. What is your name?' A soft, hissing voice.

[Corwin]

Seira ignores it, of course, sipping her ale.

[Anastasia]

Silence follows a time until a gelugon comes up. It gazes on you with many faceted eyes as it speaks, "What is your name?" it asks, the same hissing voice as before.

It is a typical gelugon, albeit one with no spear visible. Instead it has a sharp gaze and a pair of metal bracers worn.

[Corwin]

"What's yours?" Seira asks back. If there's a power play here, there's no need to give up information for free at the start.

[Anastasia]

"Garlazz," Is the answer, hissed out. "I need something done."