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| − | == Belal ==
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| − | ...The tiny negotiator's guile seems dropped for the moment... it seems he looks to speak plainly with Zal'Kazzir, yet he presists with questions and thoughts left unanswered....
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| − | '''''"...MASTER... You spoke of dealing with devils, making pacts with angles... It was one of mine-own kin among the Outsiders that dared dance that 'Dance of Ruin' and it is something that I have tried to forget. The vrock did so not long ago to bring ruin to the elf-flesh-friend that your orc companion threw from the Spire. The beast for which the Vile made pact with, danced such a thing and in doing so it devoured its own kind to become one such as that of the misguided and damned elf-kind that the Vile decorated his Spire with to taunt your orc-bread companion and Eranon the elf-kind into swarming the Black Nail. It danced the dance to BECOME the elf called Valendil following the Vile's speaking with him after death. The Vile has ways of learning the deepest secrets and so he did with the kin of your elf-companion. Even the Witch Queen would not be able to resist the un-Arythly abilities of the seer when he put his questions to the corpse. Nor did the Vile walk unaware of you pathwalkers, as he saw daily through visions of clairvoyance and seer sight. I knew not who you were prior, I knew not what the meaning of the questions for which the Vile gave the elf-corpse... But now I see. His mark, the secret language of the elven-trackers... The Vile and his pact-made demon spawn used this, did he not? To draw you here... I see the puzzle laid down now. Insidious. I must beg you MASTER, watch your way when winding near the vrok-beast... Tread lightly and speak softly ma-lord. I should not wish to see you dead and giving up your secrets to the Vile's sight... Yet - if anything or anyone were to hold sway over the Vile it could be that beast or it's master. There is one, another of Elf-flesh, traitor to his people as is Vrolk... The blood they share, both in treachery and in elf-flesh may make them strange allies against the Sarcosan Priest. I know only this. The Master of the Shadowspawn sought to devour the heart of knowledge within the most favored by the Witch-Queen... the ShadowWall. It is this last jealousy that makes him vulnerable to the Vile and open to aid. the vrok-beast descended on the Black Nail to aid the Vile at the behest of the porcelain-skinned master magus and before the Vile falls I would assure you that the jealous elf will come to collect the payment."'''''
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| − | ...seeing the little imp's fear flee from him as if he washed it away when speaking it aloud, Belal, quickly changes it's demeanor and ablely tumbles into another conversation that he had wanted to speak too...
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| − | '''''"My MASTER... you spoke to the mentally-touched Erenlander before, you spoke of lacking the wizardly might. You spoke of subtlety and sly method more akin to court and salon. You spoke of no fire on your finger-tips, nor transmogrification at your calling, nor levitation beneath your feet... I fell in jest within my heart when you taunted lord-Shadaar of your cooking ability, your passable prose - while noting you lacked potion-lore and scroll ensorcering... You speak well my MASTER. You give your companions just enough to whet their conversation pallets, but only hint at your true ability. You tease them with your true mastery of wordsmithing, by calling point to your fallacies. This I see as a powerful ally. I can only hope that you can offer your insight to my tongue and should you be open to advice I shall offer you the same.'''''
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| − | '''''...'tis true, de-throning the old king SHALL be a tricky proposition. Yet forgive, ma-MASTER, but the Night King Jahzir can hardly be thought an old king. Giving him such discredit would undermine any hope of defeat. The current King of Erenland is strong, his rule is iron. His naming of the generals on the Spring will solidify his power for a new age. The failures of his former and current generals will be brought to fire, and the failure that MIGHT be seen as HIS will be pressed on the necks of those that fail to take the Kaldrunes and the Erethor. Three Oaks, Caradul, and the unfound Dwarven forges that plague the Spine of the World are HIS failures but this king will not have them. And perhaps THAT is his undoing... His reluctance to accept responsibility. In a manner of speaking, The Priest of Shadow has given the Vile a plot in which to play that speaks to the King of Erenland's greatest weakness. Should those outside or inside of Shadow find a way to exploit these failings the king will be unhinged... There is also the twisted dealings that the Vile seems to be weaving with his traitor-kin, the Lord of the Shadowspawn, the little spoken of Night King of Sorcery. What they intend I do not know but their is no love between that Elf-kind and the Priest of Shadow. Lord Sunulael surely sees the Sorceror's lack of piety to the Corpse-God. And for the veiled hate that Sunulael seems to be garnering from the King of Erenland, it would be a simple thing to topple any one of the Night Kings if given the right plot. The Sorceror hates the Priest who is now being questioned by the Sword of Shadow who has no favor or feeling for the Sorceror, but it is the Sword who's devout intent would bare hate on the Sorceror were his intentions known truely. It is a web of fickle hate for which each holds. Only the Wrath of Shadow seems unaffected, being nothing more than an automaton... If it is true that the heartlands of the south are indeed ripe for revolution how is it MASTER that these seeds will be sewn, may I beg your guile? And should it become a goal of would-be world rebuilders, where would the construction begin? Surely should this revolution beging in the deep south, the usurpers would be backed into the corners of the continent with the sea to their backside and the more dangerous sea of Shadow-Minion to rain down on such cities like waves on the rock. What place would be legitiment realities for revolution?''''' ... the little advocate looks confused and unsure of himself, as he paces back-hunched over with a fist stumping the ground as a makeshift cane now and again as his kingly cloak drags the wooden floor. He then slows and stops looking up to the humans...
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| − | '''''"...this twisted plot resembles that of you and your companions in ways you have likely not looked at before. Let me offer you thoughts ma-lord. Do not believe me thinking them, this is what my heart and mind has seen. I offer it to you for adocacy... Pay heed my MASTER... through subtle speak and innuendo with a keen observation of their body habits when speaking with yourself and others I believe at least the orc and the necromancer feel the goals and intents we hold are most likely not in line with there own. They may see the only purpose in joining their quest is little more than survival and the desire to use some capable allies.'''''
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| − | '''''Forgive me MASTER but I fear the necromancer has seen your willingness to give in to the tempting power of the Shadow taint... I saw it in his eyes within the tower on the manipulations of enemies, and eagerness to play with one of the Shadow's legates. This will likely only solidifies the silver-tongued necromancer's suspicion that you only hunger for power with virtually no bounds.'''''
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| − | '''''However, I am pleased to suggest that despite this assumed weaknesses, they can only see that you could be of great use to their cause. You did manage to convince the lorekeeper in the tower that not only yourself but also they were friends. '''''
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| − | '''''They know too true that an elf cannot be trusted by minions of Shadow. An orc should be trusted, and it is unacceptably dangerous for lord Durgaz to be called upon to prove loyalty to their side. Shadaar, the tragic once-man found in the tower, is at so much of a risk when close to priests of Shadow that the necromancer has been working on ways to protect him from being used against their causes if that were to happen. '''''
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| − | '''''And have you noticed ma-lord the necromancer (Kyuad) exhibits a pallor, disturbing, and skin cold and blue. The... condition of his birth seems to be getting worse, and this will help none at all were they to be forced to deal with legates.'''''
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| − | '''''Face the glorious facts my friend, my MASTER: YOU Lord Zal'Kazzir are their only means of hoping to ever survive a non-violent encounter with those of the unholy priesthood, or for that matter, any of his ilk of the idle rich.'''''
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| − | '''''And make no mistake - all of their events so far point to a direct conflict with the Priest of Shadow himself. The living denizens of Cambrial, and there are many, will warm to your Sarcosan heart and mind and none of the rest of of them. I can think of no other option open to them but to use your skills at least until such time as they have finished with the Vile and Sunulael.'''''
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| − | '''''This is where I fear they will plot against us MASTER... In the meantime they will work out ways to keep us in check and to prevent you from endangering them, whatever that means to them... Surely they see a hunger for power as a primary concern because it has such far-reaching dangers to their short minds. They will never allow you to feel as though you have any power over the rest of them at any time. They will seek to do all they can to hold power over you and your actions, not only to prevent you from turning against them, but also to prevent you from feeling the freedom to act without their pathetic and patronized blessing. You are an exceptionally smart man MASTER, but I fear they see this as an inability to recognize the most obvious dangers to yourself and others marking you fool - they will seek to give you the freedom of a fool.'''''
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| − | '''''They will seek to ensure that you do not know too much of their secrets, because they fear your mind dangerous in the hands of the enemy. They will surely seek your future ignorance as essential. This will be difficult until they establish a power over you. '''''
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| − | '''''Durgaz respects Lord Kyuad's opinion. I understand that the orc and the necromancer (Kyuad) have had only one quarrel, in letting his legate friend go. The orc must believe that a dangerous mistake, but I believe he might have done the same thing in Kyuad's position.'''''
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| − | '''''Lord Kyuad seems to be set on our goals being no more complex than a lust for power. However I have seen that Durgaz has thought your motivations honorable ... but at the same time thinking you might just telling them what you think the orc wanted to hear. But considering their reaction I am sure they believe it makes no difference, as any intentions have now been overshadowed by your actions.'''''
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| − | '''''The orc can surely see it is of best interest to avoid Shadow encounters ... ANY encounters, violent or not ... whenever possible. Certainly not to actively seek them out, as you have shown them. They only think of that as the key to continued survival.'''''
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| − | '''''At the same time, they cannot keep all of their plans from you MASTER or you will have no stake at all in seeing them accomplished. They know all too well that if you would choose to, you could very easily enslave them all with your magics,and there is very little they could do about it. '''''
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| − | '''''I believe they will seek to avoid simple threats to you or myself. Instead, they may seek our greatest fears, to make them a reality and make themselves your only reprive from them. Were it me, I would also seek to keep you and I busy. Occupying our time and mind as much as possible with activities and duties that keep us out of earshot when they discuss 'important matters'.'''''
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| − | '''''They will likely find ways to make it seem that decision come from only one of of them, and the others will then defer as though that person were leading everyone, showing a false respect to the other to decieve you and I. '''''
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| − | '''''One of the obvious means by which they may seek to exert control over you is through Shadaar. Having a capable undead ally with them means that at any time, if necessary, you - ma-lord could be eliminated. Your intent could be to give Shadaar such an overwhelming reason to serve our purposes and not the necromancer, orc or elf's.... So that there will never be any question as to his allegiance. Surely they are doing the same though the purposes behind the coming ritual to 'help' Shadaar for which Lord Kyuad builds.'''''
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| − | '''''Once they are assured that you will not act without permission or guidance from them, they will think it easy to have friendly relations. '''''
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| − | '''''... in fact, something I can offer ma-lord... something that I should ask you for your needs on. I have already learned so much from the words and actions of your compatriates. I feel it only my duty to compel that we, together, should begin to compile informations on those that surround your court-to-be. I should like to offer you this.... the first bit of bobbles for our collection on the internals of those that which we walk...''''' as the imp looks devilishly around in the direction of Durgaz, who seems to be trying on armors and helms of the Vile's collection.
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| − | '''''... I have this ma-lord. The orc. Durgaz, the mirror-killer... He has told me that he cannot be tempted with the flesh of elf. A woodland princess, he said, would not make marry in his bed. While he tried to compell me that he WOULD NOT lie with an elven-lady, his true mind spoke to me. Should we find one that would see the beast for the man that his is... Nay... for the man he hopes to become... Should we find a mate for him of the woodland realm, we could have his heart and soul. He says he wants NONE of it. But his heart screams for the love of a nature-queen. Give him a heart that will walk with him, make him believe her heart is free and you will have his soul... I can feel this true.''''' The imp looks to see how Zal'Kazzir takes this interesting tidbit of a tool, before continuing...
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| − | '''''... the mirror-killer also spoke of not needing acclaim, not wanting the tales of his legend to be spread. He spoke of the triviality of songs and poems made in his honor. But I can see with my spying-eye a glimpse of pride that COULD be exploited... Nay, cultivated! Were we to inspire and enhance such tales, without his knowledge - but yet so that it WOULD return to him with kind, I am sure that you would have some sway over his inner mind. His pride is stronger than he thinks it is... and it will lead directly to his hidden love as I noted before... were we to build tales of his prowess and legend he would even further believe that, even an ensorcerored elven-princess, his orc-hide COULD flutter a woodland heart.''''' ....twisting his fingers, arms behind his hunched back...
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| − | '''''... ma-lord, your orc companion's heart is hurt. I should caution you that if you like, you might attempt to have him council with you - but do not make use directly of these words. For if you were to do that, my own dipomatic insurtion into his heart will be blocked. I suggest that you use my findings to ask questions of your own, while I continue my delving into the newly brightened heart of the Shadow-minion turned traitor to his kind... Consider this tale of horror he poured from his heart to my ear... Consider it and consider how he is begging for a confidant to share his hate and hellish deeds with. I believe he is giving that to me, I offer it to you, to ensure his loyalty ma-MASTER... Durgaz Mirror-Breaker spoke of a story of the time that he and five orc under his command captured two elfish scouts, a husband and wife, seven miles outside of Zorgetch. Of how he kept them, sending the elf-kind one at a time into each town they passed, instructing them to enter the town and beg for shelter, then come back and tell the orcen-hoard who had obliged, or they would kill the other elf. They then descended upon the town, dragged those whom the elves had named from their homes, and lashed them to death in the town square. Durgaz did this for nearly a half year, until one day while the male had been sent scouting, Naarghash, the orc who was charged with watching the woman, instead raped and killed her; and the male, upon his return, went mad with grief and rage and had to be killed in turn.'''''
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| − | '''''He then spoke the name Valendil, the one of elven-make that died today, after being captured, held and tortured into unlife by my previous master, the Vile. He spoke of Velendil as a close friend, that Valendil had led a band of brave elves with a hand that was wise and true, and that he did many great things, among them extending that hand to Durgaz when he was still struggling free of the darkness, and how he felt Valendial died in a manner horribly unbefitting to one of his stature. Durgaz spoke of how it was Velendil, not he that deserved honor and memory. Forgive me, ma-lord but this ... pathetic heart-string, while seeming sincere, is only acknowledgement of my previous ascertation that the orc seeks redemption both through the love and acceptance of elf-kind and his admonishment of his former friend, whom he HIMSELF killed - did he not??. His speak of the elf, smacks of a misplaced pride. Oh, no... he seeks the love of elf-kind and the songs and poems of his own deeds, no matter how much he says he does not. This I know true. How then ma-lord, shall I continue weaving the ways of diplomacy with the others my MASTER?...''''' ...Belal looks to you and for a moment Zal'Kazzir can see the fact that THIS is a demon for which he is dealing with. But then soon that devious tingle moves from the bulbous eyes of the little aid and he seeks guidence from his new MASTER.
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| − | '''Kevin:'''<br>OOC: some thoughts to continue out conversations at the end of last session... Last game in controlling the Legate you (Adam) went to great lengths to use the abilities that you have worked very hard to get. It's exactly the same as Kyuad constantly requiring huge amounts of time for things like study and making stuff. I think those are equivalent abilities in the minds of you and Bill as players (Zal'Kazzir using diplomacy with legates = Kyuad learning and creating). But I think it's the putting everything else at risk just to ''do'' the Big Cool Thing you can do is what is making things really difficult and really detrimental to the rest of the player characters. Consider all the talk (from Belal) above and see how you (Zal) wants to handle it all. I don't think you have to worry too much about the other players not wanting you to play Zal anymore. But I do think that you can alter the way you're playing the "political game" to best suit your favor. Cutting off some of their attempts to control YOU by "giving" them that same control BEFORE they ask or try to take it... Thereby - YOU will control the situation.
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