[Game Thread] Chapter Five: Everything Changes

[Makenshi]

After waiting to see if any more questions were asked of the Children Vulcar speaks up. "We shall have to speak amongst ourselves on this, as must you with the other Children. Until then I am happy to continue to welcome a number of representatives here in Halvanna as well as a reasonable number of visitors." He glances towards Breaker and Rising. "I assume the other Keepers in particular will be interested in coming, given the circumstances?"

Rising nods, though it is Cypher who speaks. "Yes. If you have an issue with any of our more...unusual Keepers (or other Children for that matter) then we will understand if you would rather they wait for a more permanent agreement between our people. While we have full trust in them we can understand if you would be particularly wary of Mercy and Ruin for example."

Vulcar drums his fingers on the table in thought for a moment before smiling. "Any visiting officials from another country would be expected to be given an escort so, in the case of any of the more 'unusual' Children I would be happy to provide an 'unusual' escort in order to provide peace of mind for my people."

Cypher inclines her head politely. "I am sure they will be pleased at your accommodation Your Highness. That brings me to a related issue though." She glances around the Halvan representatives before glancing back. "Are there enough here to suffice?" Vulcar nods and Cypher inclines her head again to him again before turning to address the Halvan representatives. "Then let it be known that I, Sanna Cypher Halva, eldest surviving daughter of Coiya Halva, hereby renounce any and all claims to the Halvan throne."

"Let it be known-" Bane stands up, speaking before any of the bemused and shocked faces can speak up. "-that I, Kevian Balor-Bane Halva, only surviving son of Coiya Halva, hereby renounce any and all claims to the Halvan throne."

"Let it be known that I, Zilira-" Min makes a slight face at her name as she steps forward, obviously not pleased about having to use it. "-Min Halva, youngest surviving daughter of Coiya Halva, hereby renounce any and all claims to the Halvan throne."

Cypher gives the Halvans a level look. "Though known to most by a host of names, the Sword in the Dark - the leader and God of the Children - was born Coiya Halva. Although circumstances meant he could not be here, he asked me to ensure that you understand that he has no interest in returning in any official capacity. We are his responsibility now, just as you are King Vulcar's. We also give our word that when any children of ours come of age if they choose to take up the sword and become a Child in the Dark that they too will be expected to renounce their claims." That comment above all others raised more than a few eyebrows. Although technically bastards (since even if Coiya had married their mother it would not have been a marriage recognised in Halva), with the assassination of the Royal Family the three children of Coiya had been next in line to the throne after Zephyra. More importantly, by renouncing their claims to the throne they had managed to lessen fears they might want to take over while, intentionally or not, making them persons of great interest to the Halvan nobles because although they could not take the throne any children of theirs would become potential Royals. If they were officially recognised by the King as being family it would be an even more attractive option. Whether they knew it or not, Bane, Min and, to a lesser extent (because she already had twins) Cypher, had likely just become the most eligible bachelor/bachelorette(s) in Halva, if not Aheka. That they were the children of a God was icing on the cake.

If they were aware of this then the three of them showed no outward sign, with Min appearing more than happy to step back down from in front of everyone and Bane plopping back down in his seat with his floppy hat while Cypher looks on with polite indifference. Vulcar, for his part, does not appear surprised or bothered by what they said.

"Oh, so that's what he's been up to all these years?" Mirik grins. "It certainly seems as if the past is coming back with increasing frequency of late."

"Infuriatingly so." It isn't until he notices the odd look Mirik gives him that Anhil seems to realise he said that out loud. "And it will not be the last piece of history to make an...unwelcome return today. While we are divulging state and personal secrets in the interest of averting disaster there is something that I must share with those of you gathered here." He stands up, pausing for a moment before speaking again. "Nine hundred and seventy one years ago, when Aheka was free but at war with itself I found a young boy who's family were killed by one faction or another. I had a nice little area under my control at the time. Large enough to be comfortable but not large enough for the rising and falling nations to take notice of. There was nothing remarkable about the boy. At this point in history everyone was killing each other without the Fiends to unite them, with many people getting caught in the middle. I killed the bandits threatening him. They had ventured into my territory and I had a reputation to maintain. The boy saw what I did and demanded I teach him how to use magic." Anhil smiles fondly. "'Why should I?' I asked him, and he said: 'Because I need to become more powerful'. 'To what purpose?' I ask, and he tells me with fire in his eyes that he intends to be the King and when I ask him which nation he tells me: 'All of them'." There is a pregnant pause as a nostalgic look crosses Anhil's face while the others clearly don't know how to take the story. "Not quite the glorious beginning most imagine for the One King, but you have to admire a man who follows through on a childhood promise to rule the world."

"So," Tiaan begins hesitantly. "Seneca Sol was a Lich after all."

Anhil smiles sadly. "If only. Oh, I'm Seneca Sol, The Lord of Morning. Vulcar always enjoyed the irony of giving me that title."

"So you weren't the Lord of Morning because your family killed vampires then?"

"Oh, I killed vampires. Even before I helped Vulcar. I hunted them down and if I couldn't help them, then I ended their suffering. But that's not the reason Vulcar called me the Lord of Morning. He called me that because I'm the only vampire that is actually empowered by sunlight."

"A vamp-" Before Tiaan can even finish Lalian hisses, his form a blur as he leaps across the table at Anhil at inhuman speed and grabbing him by the throat, much to the shock and surprise of everyone. Except Anhil at least, who doesn't even attempt to extract himself from the Demi-God of Vampires' grip.

"You." Lalian's voice was pure loathing. "We all thought you were dead and you've been here this whole time? Hiding?"

Anhil gives a forced, toothy smile. "Hardly the actions of a 'civilised' vampire Lalian. And after the Oracle put her trust in you to lead Ikra. If I were anyone else then you would have broken the unwritten rules that basically mean that harming a host or guest during an event such as this means no one will trust youHospitality already, so why don't you calm down before one of us does something we'll regret?"

Lalian hisses again. "Don't mock me. You're the reason for all our suffering."

Anhil snarls, much to the Elf's surprise. "You think you know suffering Lalian? You spent barely any time serving your sire, while I was leashed by our creator. Cehrencha and Ashtarte are the reasons we suffer, not me. The former for creating me and the latter for imprisoning him." He lets out a harsh laugh. "Cehrencha himself could barely keep me under control, so what did she would expect would happen when she took away the rabid dog's only leash?"

Lalian seemed a bit more hesitant, though there was still loathing in his eyes and he still gripped the shorter man.

OOC Chance for actions/reactions.

~MTWC

[SpatulaOdoom]

Originally Posted by Mirik

"Oh, so that's what he's been up to all these years?" Mirik grins. "It certainly seems as if the past is coming back with increasing frequency of late."

Morgan gives Mirik a wry look.
"Oh we're not done yet."

-------------------------------------

Into the tense silence between Senecia and Lalian Morgan snaps his fingers sharply.
"That's it!"
The mage sounds as if he's just had a revelation, he turns to regard Vulcar.
"I've finally figured out why Anhil turning out to be a vampire was so difficult for me to accept.
When you get right down to it, every other vampire I've ever met or studied has been a total drama queen."
Morgan sighs and turns his gaze back to Lalian.
"Frankly I don't much care if you do try to destroy one another, but it's blatantly obvious to everyone you're not going to make the attempt here and now or you would be doing more than standing there gently gripping his neck. And if you did you'd be making yourself the biggest hypocrite in the known universe. So let's take a deep breath, for appearances sake in your case I supose, and skip past the requisite posturing and mutual threats, and sit down and get back to productive discussion, hmm? If you want to have a go at each other try and wait until we've dealt with the whole Elder/Zera/Fisali's Caveat situation."
Morgan stands to address everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Senecia Sol is quite literally the first vampire ever created. It has been his chosen duty since the founding of the Halvan empire to guard the royal family from internal threats, since the other secret weapon of Halva is not able to be used in such a way. Sadly Zera slipped his sight and is thus something that needs to be 'rectified'. He has been every Head of House for the Sol family since it's inception, so if you wish to know how he acts these days, regardless of how he may have been in the distant past, ask around and look to the Sol's reputation."
He turns his head to regard Ignoring Lalian if he's still doing the throat grab thingSenecia.
"By the way, I wanted to ask. If Cehrencha were to be turned into a hybrid, what do you think is the likelihood that he, she, or it, would have control over you or other vampires?"

[Blue]

Nevh didn't speak. She doubted he would appreciate the notion but odds were that with the success the Blue Lady had been collecting trolls and what she had learned from the Shaper, she'd guess the likelihood was rather high. Maybe not complete control over Seneca himself, but enough to captivate them and alter them.

Otherwise, she wasn't sure she was fine with them speaking so freely of the hybrids. The no-secrets policy was one she found commendable but so very disconnected from her. At least not while so many daggers were still around with an Elder inside.

[Makenshi]

There is a near-softness to Seneca's voice as he speaks to Lalian, or at least an understanding. "Think of the damage you do to your cause with your actions Lalian. And for what? Was this a test to see if what you were told was true? Judging by your expression you'd be doing more than 'massaging my neck' if you could, so you must know I speak the truth. Even if you wanted to kill me your cursed blood will not let you, just as I could not raise a hand to my own creator." Whether it was the words of Seneca or Morgan that got through to him is unclear, but Lalian lets go, albeit with seeming reluctance, before walking back towards his seat.

Seneca, meanwhile, turns to address Morgan, although there is unfamiliar reluctance to his voice as he speaks of the Elder Demons. "No one can know for sure, but from what little we know of the Blue Lady it would make sense that Cehrencha had some sort of affinity for Vampires."

"And what about the others?" Vulcar asks. "If you had to have a guess?"

There is still an edge of reluctance to Seneca's words and he spoke in a more detached manner than normal, as if trying to distance himself from his own words or, perhaps more likely, the memories they might trigger. "If the pattern holds true then Khehkanon would be likely to have an affinity for Fiends and, to a lesser extend, fiend-blooded creatures; Xarax an affinity for Lycanthropes which, though Cehrencha made them (like the Trolls), were mostly used and propagated by him; and Ihnolkar would likely have some sort of affinity for humans. He was the one responsible for splicing Fiendish souls into mortals for example, though that's just one of many ways he altered humans." There is a slight pause. "Make no mistake. These Hybrids are incredibly dangerous. Even if they only possess a fraction of a fraction of the originals' powers. If their affinities hold true then if the wrong people become Hybrids, like with the Blue Woman, then you could be facing even greater danger. Khehkanon could re-create Fiends that Ashtarte herself killed out of fear of their power and loyalty to the Elders. Cehrencha could command the Vampires to wage war or, worse yet, alter their curse to make them less of a liability (he made them flawed so they could not threaten Fiendish rule). Xarax could cause a plague of first generation Lycans to spread across the land again, causing untold bloodshed. And Ihnolkar...Ihnolkar could take away your past, present and future all in one." He looks around the room slowly. "Think long and hard on what you decide to do with the knowledge you gain today. This world is balanced on a knife-edge with so many potential disasters at our doors."

~MTWC

[SpatulaOdoom]

"I would echo Seneca's statement. Today, here and now, we need to come to some sort of decision on what to do regarding the Elder Demons. For most, if not all, of us this will be the most important decision we come to in our lifetime, because the consequences will continue on into the foreseeable future and affect not only our lifetimes but those of our children, and their children, and on and on."
It was time to re-tread some ground he'd gone over earlier, hopefully putting it in a way that will help the others understand the sheer weight of what sat before them.

"To the best of our knowledge these Elder Demons, even their shades, cannot be destroyed without removing them from the reality they created, so strongly are they tied to it.

The question that raises is if we were to somehow figure out how it might be done, and manage to go through with it, what effect this would have on the cosmos we reside in. Does the sun disappear from the sky, gravity disappear, and the seas boil away to nothing? Does the whole thing unravel, or do we simply continue on as is? It will take wiser heads than mine to figure that sort of thing out, at least with enough certainty to actually roll the dice on the fate of reality itself. And I expect it is something that will take time to investigate.

On the other hand leaving the imbalance, with some of the elder fiend energy free while the rest is constrained, will have terrible consequences. Fisali's ability to hold things together is limited, and the longer the imbalance remains the more likely we are to face catastrophe in the form of a sea of fiends swamping the planes.

The inescapable chain of logic dictates that our course of action, for the time being, is to find the remaining daggers, and free the energy into a host, creating more of these Hybrids. Once done, for better or worse we will have created grossly powerful ageless beings that cannot be killed via any means at our disposal. Our main ability to influence what comes after their creation is to pick the right vessel."
Morgan winces.
"And even that is a terrible choice. The merging of the two beings consumes the vessel's soul as wood feeds a fire. For the chosen there is no just deserts. No afterlife. Just oblivion. But those sacrificed on the alter of necessity will also hold the majority influence on the hybrid's new mind and attitude, on who and what they are."

Vulcar might not thank him for the next part, but it's too important a subject to let lie.

"As of now I've accounted for four of the daggers. Two, including the Blue Lady's and Khehkanon have already been emptied, one is currently filled with Cehrencha whom I spoke to briefly, and the fourth I do not know whether it is occupied or emptied as of yet."
Morgan raises his hand for quiet.
"What I want you to do is take a moment and consider your own immediate gut reaction to that information. I want you to consider what will happen if we can't come to some sort of consensus on what to do and how to go about it. If things become a free for all, a race for the power these hybrids represent, or a race to keep that power from those we see as irresponsible, things will get ugly. I think we can all agree on that. War, both in the shadows and in the streets, new enemies and blood spilled. Inevitably hasty decisions will be made by those under pressure. Hasty irreversible decisions made in the heat of the moment, with terrible long-term consequences. And the whole horrible mess would be a veritable playground to the Fiends and Zera. How much worse do you think they would make things?
In the end we will have to trust one another or we will destroy one another."
Morgan quiets for a moment, giving them time to contemplate and run through the ramifications in their heads. This right here is the reason he hadn't wanted the archgate to leave early and why he'd been concerned by Nualae's absence.

[Blue]

It felt that, one, he was trying to get the collected wisdom of everyone present on the matter and, two, relieve himself from the burden and blame of sending two souls to the altar by turning the subject a collective sin.
There was no need for a consensus. There was no real choice on the matter of whether to go through with it or not, only on who'd get to burn and, now, that was going to be turned into some kind of election. Anyone could pick a puppet off their kingdom or society and praise it as the most logical choice.
Had he kept his mouth shut on the matter, there would have been no worry for a competition of that sort.
But at least there would be some general wisdom on the path to take, considering those here. There was only the hope that there were no fiendish agent amongst them and that what had been said here would not make its way to the ears of Ciin or Ashtarte somehow.
Least they needed right now was having either of them try and send everything they've got here to kill us all and force Morgan to reveal the location of those two daggers. Or just send a special deceiver to pay Morgan a private visit and accomplish a similar purpose.

She didn't want to speak and risk getting more attention than necessary.
While not shy by nature, the last thing she wanted was to make a public speech. Especially to a public that included her sister after trying so hard not let her family have any cause to worry for her person.

[Makenshi]

As the assembled representatives begin to argue among themselves about the news (with more than a few accusations thrown Halva's way about keeping this to themselves for so long and for 'controlling' these daggers) Morgan finds himself facing flat looks from the Bane and the other Children. "The other hybrid's secrets were not yours to share Morgan. We told you about him only on the understanding that he remain secret, but you have broken that. Zera is not the only one who has eyes."

Before Morgan has a chance to respond Vulcar beats him to it. "It's ok Bane." The sharp look from the Child clearly says that it is not, but Vulcar continues, this time raising his voice to quiet the numerous discussions going on. "Please! Quiet for a moment!" After waiting for the quiet to spread he continues. "We only recently came to the knowledge we have shared with you on this. It was because of the scale of danger presented by these hybrids in particular that we realised we had to truly show our hands. Things are becoming too dangerous for us to fracture and fight amongst each other for now. The other Hybrid has nothing to do with us. He is not even active in Aheka and has kept his mere existence in the strictest secrecy for a decade and a half. As for the two daggers we know of, only one has come into our possession - through accident much more than design."

"And why should we trust you?" Brigadier Wade Varius, the other Elernan representative, was obviously not quite as pro-Halvan as Marcel was (or at least, less keen to work together or trust them).

"You shouldn't. Fortunately you don't have to though." He takes a deep breath before smiling grimly. "Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to Nehrahk, the Shaper of the Void."

The air behind Vulcar twists, as if it were being scrunched up like a sheet of paper, before flattening out again, only when it did it was not just empty air. Standing there now was a young man who appeared to be in his mid to late 20's at most. He had stark black hair, unusually pale skin and grey eyes not unlike Vulcar's. Looking into those eyes was like looking up at the night sky - it was easy to get lost in the vastness that dwelled there. His clothing was distinctly Shalian, but far from the glitz and wealth worn even by the soldiers present his clothing was simple, practical and, above all, plain. The only real decoration was a series of familiar rotated triangles not unlike the symbol of Trinity.

"By the Saviours..." Mirik gasps. "Nero?"

Nehrahk shakes his head sadly. "Nero is dead, though it is because of him that I do what I do. You could call him my father in a manner of speaking." He looks around the room before settling his eyes on Bane. "I appreciate your concern Bane, but the time for secrecy is over. I didn't expect anyone to find a single dagger any time soon, let alone two of them within days of each other. If we are to create more Hybrids like myself and the Blood then they and you will need to speak with me, especially with the Blood under Zera's control."

"And how do we know you are who you say you are?" Wade asks, looking slightly shaken by Nehrahk's appearance.

"I am the Shaper of the Void. As Seneca suggested, that means I have inherited an affinity for Fiends from Khehkanon. You could say I am uniquely capable of moulding, creating and-" His eyes drift across the room again, before settling on Captain Leal Venturo. "-even sensing them." Leal has barely enough time to widen his eyes before the air twists around the soldier and Nehrahk is upon him, effortlessly plucking him up from his seat and lifting him up by his throat. "So you could imagine my surprise at your presence here, Deimos." To say the representatives were shocked would be an understatement, but nothing compared to the horror that crossed Zephyra's usually composed face. Even Vulcar appears surprised.

'Leal' smirks slightly, although it looks slightly forced. "Well, f*ck me sideways. And I thought I'd prepared for everything. How long have you known?"

"A few seconds. I'm glad my guess was correct though." 'Leal' frowns. "As unlikely as it was that you were Acedia, especially given her lack of self-control and interest in mortal affairs, it was still a remote possibility." He glances to the Archgates who didn't appear to know how to react or what to do. "Why are you here? It was a stupid risk, even if you believed your disguise would hold."

"Because Wainraith is right. Zera is a threat to us all, especially if he's fool enough to try leashing Old Ones and breeding Godlings." He glances towards the mage before looking back to Nehrahk, appearing a little more confident. "What are you going to do, kill me? Unless you fancy yet another enemy at your throat I'd recommend against it, especially since I'm uniquely capable of pooling together information you don't have access to." This time he glances at Cypher, his expression almost disappointed. "Things no human - no matter how trusted - were privy too. Did you know, for example, that there is a Drow delegation on its way to the surface with the express purpose of dissuading you from interfering in their affairs? My dear friend Tel'shar will be among them in fact, as well as other members of his family."

Nehrahk is not the only one who appears conflicted in how to deal with the Maidensnatcher, leaving a chance for others to put forward their opinions if they wished.

OOC *tags spat and Blue into the ring*

~MTWC

[Blue]

While Mrith could barely contain her outrage, Nevh remained stoically sit and silent.
The young dragon whispered loudly at her ear.
"The hell is going on?"

Nevh sniffed, trying to conceal her anger.
" Please be quiet and just listen for now. I want not a word from you until we are home. I'll let you read my report later."

Nehrahk appearing put her at ease. It felt good to see him again, although she would have preferred to have this happen in a quieter place.
She had a few questions for him but they would have to wait, unfortunately.

When Deimos got revealed, she couldn't help but admire the guts and trouble He had gone through to get information. Simultaneously, she felt particularly angered that her suspicions had been proved. There were fiendish spies amongst them indeed. At least one now. This one had been unmasked by being a fiend, but one does not need to be a fiend to be one of their agents. Or one of Zera's. If she had to guess who, she'd point the High Priest of Airis.

As to what to do with Deimos, she kept silent.
But her blood boiled so strongly she had pains to keep the storm quiet.
This meeting had been held in a craddle of trust. Deimos knew things but he could never be trusted.
Another enemy at their throat wasn't such a bad thing when they were already enemies. The thought of having one enemy less was enticing, yes, but in the end He would always be a foe and would not be slow to be one anew when victory would be in sight. And that fiend's definition of 'victory' wasn't the same as theirs.
More importantly, they didn't plan on having His help and could do well without it. Having Him taken out right away would be immensely easier than having to do it later. Sharak's society would take quite a blow from his absence, but it would recover and get better from it.
To her it was clear, Deimos had to die.

[SpatulaOdoom]

Originally Posted by Leal/Deimos

"Well, f*ck me sideways. And I thought I'd prepared for everything. How long have you known?"

"*Humph* Always the unknown unknowns that get you in the end, eh?"

Morgan rubs his chin as he considers Deimos. Ever since Zilira had mentioned that she didn't trust him Morgan had been working under the assumption that Ventura was likely one of Zera's agents, or maybe even Zera himself "hiding out in the open." He'd been a member of the Halvan military before. It was something he'd planned on discussing with Zephyra during the dinner they were to have after Celes's tour of the city.

Now the question was what to do with him.
"I'd assumed the fiends and Zera would find out every word spoken here today one way or another. I just didn't expect it to happen quite so directly."
He turns his attention back to the captured god, sneering.
"Really? That's the best you can do? Mommy dearest will be angry if you hurt me.
I don't know about the others here but I'd consider Asharte my enemy already. The enemy of all other living beings, who wants to rule over all existence with boot heel firmly planted on our necks. If she's angry at me personally that must mean I'm doing something right."
He pauses.
"So then we have to weigh whatever information you might offer, suspect due to the source, against all the harm you've done in the past and seem likely to continue doing if let live, and the faint hope you might somehow see how you've gone wrong and try to make amends and become a better person."
What he'd offered so far, the coming of a drow delegation didn't seem particularly critical. They could deal with the drow when they arrived.
"If this is a voting matter, I say we kill him now. Before he figures out how to wriggle free.

I'm no expert on the laws of other countries but if tried as a normal person here in Halva he'd be put to death or life imprisonment. I don't even think it would be a long trial considering how public some of his crimes are."

[Makenshi]

Deimos sneers at Morgan. "Who said anything about my mother? She'd probably thank you for killing me. We're not on the best of terms. No, I'm talking about my followers."

Vulcar glares at him. "We're already opposed to your followers while Shali is at war with them."

"No, Sharak is at war with Shali we just happen to live there. It was those two fools who pushed for war, I tried to persuade the late King that it was pointless, dangerous and likely to spell his doom if not the doom of the country. Ask 'Dyelin' if you don't believe me, she was my advisor to him after all."

no idea how I ended up spelling it with a 'y', but on reading back it was supposed to be an 'i'Cipher Gives a reluctant nod. "True, but are you really going to try to claim altruistic motives?"

"Of course not. I'm not a fool though. Why would I come here myself if I didn't intend to bargain in some way? I could have just planted a spy of some sort. Had someone else act the part." Nehrahk frowns slightly as he looks at Deimos.

"Just kill him and get it over with." Jester grips one of his swords. "Here and now. Hold him imprisoned and at best you'll give him a chance to mouth off and muddle people and at worst he'll manage to escape."

Shara gives him a sharp look. "If we are to execute him then we should do it properly. It is what separates us from his ilk."

Before Jester can answer Nehrahk, who was still looking at Deimos, spoke up. "Why aren't you fighting?"

Deimos gives him a look that clearly says 'are you kidding me?!'. "Even if by some miracle I beat you I'd have all but two Archgates, a Vampire Demi-God and-" Glancing warily at Seneca. "-the first Vampire, not to mention many mortals to fight to get free."

Nehrahk clearly doesn't believe him. "Then why not influence those here? You are capable of inspiring various emotions in those around you."

Deimos appears more wary in his answers now. "That would be rather obvious wouldn't it? Not to mention I dislike having to resort to brute force to solve an issue. Better to convince people without magic than to rely on it all the time."

Nehrahk still doesn't look convinced. After a moment he lets go, much to Deimos and everyone else's surprise. Before he or anyone else can say anything though he drives his hand into Deimos's chest. The air and flesh around his arm warped in the same manner as it did when he appeared and teleported before. Deimos cried out in pain, trying to pull back before Nehrahk grabbed him with his other hand, holding him mostly still.

After a few moments of this Nehrahk pulled his arm out, looking disappointed. "Nothing. This is not Diemos. Not his body at least."

Hunched over and clutching his chest, Deimos begins to chuckle darkly. "Well...nice to know it held up for so long against even your senses." He looks up grinning. "I may be a bit of a gambler at times, but even I wouldn't come here in person." He stands up, not appearing bothered by the bleeding wound in his chest.

Nehrahk regards him curiously. "An advanced simulacrum of some kind. Or a physical clone you have some connection with."

"Something like that." He glances around. "So, kill me if you want, though don't expect it to actually inconvenience me. This body has outlived its usefulness with my discovery anyway."

"And what about the real Captain Venturo?" Vulcar asked. Zephyra seemed to have composed herself, but didn't look like she was going to speak any time soon.

"He never existed."

~MTWC

[Blue]

Typical. And sad.
Maybe it wouldn't be a stretch to say that it would have been too easy and far too sweet.
Still, even though the fake body had 'outlived its usefulness', he still tried to defend its legitimacy to the bitter end, for a purpose.
"I suppose we are now in the best conditions to do business, if really you had one for purpose."
She looked almost bored by the whole scene. She had quickly grown so. She never did business with fiends, but still, pragmatic to the end.
"What do you want. What do you offer."

[SpatulaOdoom]

Morgan shrugs in response to Deimos's words.
"This is the problem with being someone like you. People don't know if they can trust a single word that comes out of your mouth." Beyond idle curiosity, what was the point of listening to anything they say. "So instead lets look at your actions. You chose to personally fight on the front line of the war. You've personally murdered, kidnapped, and performed other unpleasant acts upon others, as well as continuing to encourage your followers to do the same. You are a well known and prolific deceiver quite capable of saying one thing and doing or engineering something else entirely. Sure your story is sad and tragic, but it does not excuse the harm you continue to bring to all those around you."
And without you your followers would be a short term minor problem before they disintegrated as an organization, absorbed into others or dying off. A short term problem brought out by a long term solution was a very satisfactory result.
"I guess you might as well go ahead and pitch your scam."

He takes a moment to look around the room.
"Can anyone confirm the favored son being out of favor with mommy?"

[Makenshi]

Deimos smiles at Nevh's question. "I want the same thing you want: Zera dead. He's a nuisance and threat to us all. As for what I have to offer, that would be information. As I said, the Drow have sent a delegation to the surface which should arrive in a few days, although they probably won't show themselves for another week, so that they can get an idea of what's going on. Tel'shar is, as I said, with them, but as a male he is not leading it. That woud be T'rissafay, the third daughter of House Rilyn'und - the current Royal Family of the Drow if there was such a thing. She's a cleric of Lolth and a Telepath. More importantly, I suspect she has connections with Zera. I know he has done business with the Drow through proxy's but I've been unable to confirm who exactly. It's why I helped Kerberos' group of misfits and even sent a pair of my own followers with them. The reason I suspect T'rissafay is not such because she is a telepath but because of how she came about it. She had the Exchange, a mercenary/criminal group neutral to the various cities and families, kidnap a psion from the surface to teach her, a Seer it turned out. By what I've heard she has shown increasing trust and favour towards him, treating him not like a slave but like a fellow Drow, and one she trusts at that."

"Maybe she's just a nicer person than you are." Is Jester's hostile response.

Deimos gives him a pitying look. "Hardly. She only treats him that way. Not even those Drow with a kink for humans treat them so well - it draws too much attention. Tel'shar doesn't like the Seer either. Granted, he doesn't like Seers in general, let alone those with control over their gifts. I've learnt to trust Tel'shar's gut feelings. He's usually right."

Once that subject was dealt with he would move on. "I can also offer some insight into why he might have been helping Kerberos and his group. I'm well aware he has spies among my own followers, someone very high up in fact. The matter has been dealt with, but as a result he's aware that one of those I sent to Kerberos' meeting was my daughter. I suspect he wanted to send them to the Underdark in order to take her potential for the Godforge, although he must have some sort of other agenda otherwise he would have simply attacked her along the way." Deimos look more than a little annoyed as he relays this news, more at the targeting of his daughter than not knowing his agenda.

Mirik raises an eyebrow. "Dea."

Deimos gives him a silent look for a moment before giving a slight nod. "Yes." He glances towards Celes. "Another example of your country's many failures. I wish you luck in changing it." There was a great bitterness behind the first comment - either he was genuinely angry about his daughter's treatment in Shali or he was doing a good job acting it. The second comment is polite, but somewhat forced, like the usual diplomatic platitudes exchanged between nations not on the friendliest terms.

It was also at this time that he looked to Morgan. "I've never kidnapped nor condoned the kidnap of anyone who didn't deserve it. You of all people, through your work with Miss Eloise Watson, should know how often the law fails people. Or rather, the powerful people who bend the law to suite their own needs. Can you honestly tell me that 'Lord Bann' didn't deserve to be punished for grooming, raping and beating a teenage girl to the point that it killed the child he had put in her? Yet it was the man who saved her who faced the might of Shalian 'justice'. A man who had served his people, his country and his king loyally and with honur. I would have done it even if Dea wasn't my daughter." There is a strength to his words. A belief. Either he was genuine in his belief that he was doing something right or he was good at seeming it. "Whatever stories Isabella told you about the Maidensnatcher as a boy are just that, stories. You'll find I'm a lot more honest and reasonable than others would have you believe. It's not like they have an agenda of their own, is it?"

OOC Return of the God-Yeller Part 2, in 3...2...1...

~MTWC

[Blue]

Maybe she just wasn't in the best state of mind for that kind of business but that 'new' information didn't seem that appealing.
The Drows would have to be dealt with in time but right now it was all Zera. Whatever he would seek by having Kerberos' group going down there was a concern but some solid guesses could be made. What did the Drow have that he could be interested in, besides two more Paragons. The great concealment effect was nice too but probably not so hot when you already have Sanctuary.
...Though, since he probably knew of that delegation, odds were that the agent he would have planted within it would act as some kind of catalyst to ignite yet another diversion or to further spread confusion and weakness, such as what happened to the Dragonblazes. Perhaps that one would be the last batch before he sends his forces to war.
"It seems that Zera will likely make his move soon. Perhaps the reason he didn't yet send in his troll army is that he is waiting for something to trigger. Maybe that agent within the delegation."

She remembered Morgan had seen glimpses of some of Zera's people in a recent vision. Perhaps it was one of them.
"If you just suspected that one of Zera's is amongst them, you could have handled it yourself. You do not lack the resources for it. They get up here, you have them all killed, problem solved and it would send the right message to the Drow - or maybe take the opportunity to snatch T'rissafay and do whatever you do with your prizes. You want Zera dead, sure, but why would you rely so much on us to deal with it? I trust you had something in mind in sharing this."

[Makenshi]

Out of Favour OOC Sorry, realised I forgot to answer this question. On the matter of Deimos being out of favour Jester's answer is reluctant. "Deimos and his mother have never really been close. He's been aligned with Ciin more than her but even then he prefers to do his own thing."

Deimos seems almost impressed by Nevh's question this time. "True. I could kill or capture them if I wanted. But who said I didn't want the delegation to come? It'll keep the Drow occupied and for all I know there's no spy there. Besides, I've other matters to concern myself with. Not just trying to keep things stable in Sharak. A lot more goes on between the Fiends than what you see here. We fight each other more than we do you and after the Troubles that has only intensified. If you've investigated Kerberos' group then you should already know that the Troubles didn't just open a way in for them, it pulled them in. We don't like anything with that amount of control over us." He gives Nehrahk a significant look, though whether because he suspected he was involved or because he had 'control' over them was unclear. "Hard as it may be to believe, we have more important things to think about than you at the moment and I for one have no desire for the others to get footholds here. They'll turn it into a wasteland again with their constant bickering and petty squabbles."

~MTWC