WotW: Call Forth Darkness IC

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora's expression has gone cold and rigid. "A serious accusation, if true. Tell me, where is this mercenary? The Master will want the information... verified."

[Thattaman]

"Ilvaria was speaking to him last. I don't know of his whereabouts at the moment but I shall make it a priority. Quint, you don't happen to know where Mr. Taskar is at the moment?"

[Snowfire]

"If you'd listened, Kydrak, you would remember that it was not, in fact, Elise who told the Inquisitor how to get to us. It was one among the Knot - one of the brothers I believe - who was the one to tell Harkon about the way past our defences. From what was related to us, it was done on Elise's orders. Proving that, however, will likely be just as difficult - if not more so - as defeating Harkon." Ilvaria shakes her head, a faint smile of almost...respect lightly creasing her lips. "As to possible reasons and ways around? Quite simple really." She chuckles, gesturing around her. "This place is not Asmodean. It was not built to aid the Hells, except indirectly as it does now. So here is the thing. Elise could argue, not entirely wrongly perhaps, that by attempting to stop us from releasing an extremely powerful daemon lord onto the Material Plane, that she was in actuality upholding the First Loyalty."

"She's a clever girl, I must give her that." At Tiadora's question she nods respectfully. "Taskar is proving the validity of his words. If you would be willing to wait - or give me another of those seals if you must return to Cardinal Thorn or your own tasks sooner than several hours, I can ensure that you have all the time you might need."

[Thattaman]

"She could get out of this, but we know that she does not worship Asmodeus. Only one amongst their number does. If they killed us and stopped out work which is benefiting Asmodeus's work then they would be working against the Infernal Prince. She could surely not kill you, Ilvaria because you are a cleric of Asmodeus who has worked for him. But they too have a cleric of Asmodeus. I would like to meet with him, find out his incentives. But what would Thorne think of this?"

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora studies Ilvaria for a few long moments, before smiling, ever-so-faintly. "She could, yes. And since, for matters of security, the Seventh Knot was never told exactly what the nature of your mission was, technically attempting to stop it is not a contravention of the Second Loyalty, especially if she has continued to divert adventurer attention away from the Horn as ordered. The Master will likely issue more specific instructions the moment he learns of this, but for now, she has something resembling a defense."

"In any case, am I to understand that at least two of you have actually signed contracts with Dessiter? Resurrection level contracts as well, by the sounds of it. Oh, my dear ones, that was a very foolish thing indeed..." she continues, sounding positively (if maliciously) delighted.

[Comissar]

Quint grimaced at Ilvaria's comments, "I hadn't considered that technicality. However, we should consider that it is the spirit, not the letter, of the actions that should be examined. In that regard it seems fairly evident that she was not acting out of a sense of loyalty to Asmodeus."

He gives Tiadora a long look, "I know my bargain well, please don't assume I would enter it lightly. It will not influence our existing contract."

[Maugan Ra]

"She could get out of this, but we know that she does not worship Asmodeus. Only one amongst their number does. If they killed us and stopped out work which is benefiting Asmodeus's work then they would be working against the Infernal Prince. She could surely not kill you, Ilvaria because you are a cleric of Asmodeus who has worked for him. But they too have a cleric of Asmodeus. I would like to meet with him, find out his incentives. But what would Thorne think of this?"

Tiadora raises an eyebrow. "There is an important distinction to be made here. The First Loyalty mandates obedience and fealty to the Dark Lord. This does not by any means extend a requirement for obedience or loyalty to those who merely receive the gift of divine magic from Him."

[Maugan Ra]

He gives Tiadora a long look, "I know my bargain well, please don't assume I would enter it lightly. It will not influence our existing contract."

"I'm sure you do, dear one. And I suspect it was even remarkably free of inconvenient strings and other possible downsides, hmm?" Tiadora says, still smiling. "The exact terms are almost irrelevant. You signed a contract with Dessiter, and that gives him a permanent arcane link to your very soul. Among other things, that link means he will always be able to observe you with divination magic, and unless you had the foresight to request a particular exception in your deal, there is absolutely nothing stopping him from making use of that link on behalf of another. "

"More to the point, Dessiter does not possess the arcane might to resurrect an individual. Nor does he work for Adrastus Thorn."

[Snowfire]

Ilvaria nods at Tiadora's replies, then favours Quint with a slightly disappointed look. "Quint, the spirit hardly matters in this case. Hell cares little for that in most things. And the Infernal Hierarchy must conform to the letter of agreements signed under their authority. There are, I suspect, other clauses, but in general invoking them is something that can only be done once. Then again, that's all that's usually needed." At Tiadora's further explanation, she smiles. "Ah, so that can be done. I was unsure. Thank you."

[Maugan Ra]

"The Master, however, is bound by the pact merely to reward the Bound as their actions deserve. Treachery has historically brought certain types of rewards with it." Tiadora notes. "Hence why I wish to bring this... Taskar back to the Master with me, that we might know the truth of the matter. You said he was presently 'proving the validity of his words'?"

[Comissar]

Quints eyes narrowed, "Then it is fortunate that I did not sign a contract with the individual who restored Il'Tara to life. As to being scried upon?" He tapped the iron circlet upon his head, "If that were a problem for me, would I still be wearing this?"

He cast Ilvaria a side long glance, "Intent is still important, otherwise I could claim that it was in the interests of upholding the first loyalty for practically any action. I will not be the one judging her though, her actions have come to light and that is all that can be asked right now."

[Snowfire]

"True that." Ilvaria bows her head briefly in response to Tadiora. "Quite knowledgable of these things, aren't you. Then again, I would expect such considering.

"As to Taskar, yes. That would be a reasonable term. I should have him available for you in," She peers out at the sun, "two or three hours at most. If you are willing to wait, then I would offer our hospitality, such as it is. Or, if you have other...things to attend to, I could simply call you via another of your seals when I have him ready for you.

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Subtext that Tiadora should get:

"Handmaiden?"

Taken from the reaction of the Erinyes and certain other things that Ilvaria has put together in the course of conversation.

[Maugan Ra]

"My... vocation requires a certain knowledge of such things, yes. Not as much as a specialist like Dessiter, of course, but a reasonable amount all the same. You seem quite astute yourself." Tiadora replies to Ilvaria.

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Subtext: Yup. Tiadora's a Handmaiden Devil.

"I do believe I will accept that offer of hospitality for a few hours. It's always nice to see such courtesy upheld."

[Snowfire]

"One tries." Ilvaria smiles meaningfully. "Indeed, one has to where certain...things are concerned." The drow shrugs accommodatingly. "Regardless, could I ask for a few moments of your time. Alone? In as much as we ever are, at least."

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Subtext: why I said Dessiter's name earlier. I think I've made it clear enough for her to work out - if she didn't know already.

[Maugan Ra]

"By all means." Tiadora says, accompanying Ilvaria out of the chamber. She says nothing until she is quite sure they are alone.

"So, dearest, what is on your mind?"

[Snowfire]

Ilvaria pauses for a few moments, then reaches into the satchel at her hip. Her hand moves about a little inside, then withdraws an unmarked journal - one obviously well read from the state of its corners. She flips it open to a particular page, and holds it out.

"This." She says simply. "I assume you know of Hell's Gift - as it was called by my people."

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora frowns and studies the journal. You can easily tell the moment she comprehends what it means - her eyes widen, and she actually takes half a step back in instinctive surprise before looking back up at Ilvaria.

"Well now." she says very softly. "That's quite an ambitious goal, though certainly a worthy one. I take it you're after my assistance in some fashion? If not, you've just revealed quite a potent secret without cause..."

[Snowfire]

"Your assistance? Perhaps. I will admit, I am more seeking your advice. Which, of course, likely counts." Ilvaria chuckles. "I have been offered a possibility at gaining a patron for the final stages of the Gift, from Dessiter in fact. You have said yourself that he does not work for Thorn. You - in your own way - do. You do not owe me any answer, but my question is this:

Dessiter has offered me the ability - through means of my own - to gain an audience with Duke Naberus. Can you - and, more to the point, would you be willing to aid me in my petition?"

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Yep, this is risky. But so is what Ilvaria is going for. Might cost her something now - and won't that be a fun thing for you to decide - but having a Greater Devil on-side has to count for at least something. If she can pull it off, mind.

Oh, risks, how I have missed thee

As a note, Ilvaria is also through subtext basically going:

"Is there another option you could offer?"

[Maugan Ra]

"An audience with Naberus? That would be... quite an accomplishment. The Duke does not grant audiences lightly, but when he does, everyone in the Hierarchy knows to watch the recipient closely. It was the Duke who granted Adrastus Thorn his present rank... as well as a few other things."

Tiadora looks thoughtful, studying Ilvaria intently as she weighs up the possibility in her mind. "I could support your petition, yes. I have the requisite rank and influence, and enough experience in such matters to properly advise you. As for the would..."

"You are proactive, both in seeking out the Cardinal initially and in pursuing this goal on your own initiative. You have displayed a certain degree of competency, and if Dessiter is willing to bring your petition to the Court, then you must have impressed him in some fashion. And Hell needs such individuals if it's intentions for Talingarde are to be properly realised. So, I think, the answer to that one is also 'yes'."

"There is a price, of course, and a test all in one. There is, I believe, an orphanage in town, full of disgusting little brats. If you will agree to see that place burned to the ground, with the occupants still inside, then I will aid you." she tilts her head and watches Ilvaria for a reaction.

[Snowfire]

Ilvaria listens intently as Tiadora speaks, the only reaction to both praise and test an eloquent quirk of an eyebrow. She remains silent for several long moments however, obviously thinking things through. Then, slowly, a vicious smile spreads across her face.

"Done." She says quietly.

[Maugan Ra]

Tiadora smiles happily. "Excellent. First question - how many others do you wish to bring? It is accepted practice for a retinue to meet with the lesser members of the Court, either to accomplish your goals or their own, and arriving with a decent number of allies will magnify your own standing. "

"That said, the consequences of any misbehavior they might perform reflect badly on me, and if they are sworn to your service their sins are your own in the eyes of the Court. So caution in selecting companions is advised... unless you want them to suffer unfortunate, yet entirely legal, fates."

[Maugan Ra]

(I'll edit in some other details here later)

Twenty-Four hours later, each member of the Ninth Knot is approached in turn, either by Tiadora or Dessiter, as are all of your cohorts. They politely ask you all to gather in the War Room for a 'special announcement'.

Once the last person arrives, Dessiter makes a flourishing gesture with one hand, and produces for each of you a small gilt-edged card marked with a strange infernal rune.

"You are all, worthy members of the Nessian Knot, hereby invited to attend an exceptionally privileged gathering." the Contract Devil says warmly, an amused smile just tugging at the corner of his lips. "At the Court of his Infernal Majesty, the Duke Naberus, where he shall receive petitions and render judgement upon contested matters."

Tiadora, standing at the door, looks you all over in turn. "Of course, as with any invitation, you are free to refuse. Before we begin, would anyone here wish to?"

[Angstrom]

Oh great. This clown again.

Buddy's alert over the telepathic link is completely unnecessary; perhaps a side-effect of the boon that he could smell the stench of this creature so clearly. He had come to he outpost to be alone, but the Asmodeans would not have peace, even for a moment. The arrival of a contract devil, twice in as many days, would normally have worried Hal. Now it just made him angry.


"I do not accept your invitation." he states calmly once they have gathered in the War Room, "I will stay and ensure the Horn is guarded."

A tea-party in the belly of the beast? No thank you.

[Thattaman]

A look of disbelief spreads across Kydrak's face. He is finally going to Hell."It would be the greatest honour. I can't thank you enough. I shall go to Hell to speak with Duke Naberus. I must get ready for the occasion. Thank you Tiodora and Dessiter once more for giving me this oppurtunity."

[Maugan Ra]

"Oh, it is not at our instigation that this is occurring." Dessiter says to Kydrak, before nodding at Ilvaria. "It is at hers. Your companion there negotiated the invitations... as her reward for retrieving the blade of Skathyl from within that Mitran convent."

He seems to take an inordinate amount of pleasure in announcing that last part.

[Thattaman]

"She took the blade of Skathyl? But I was going to take that today. Me and Caldrel had prepared and VIctor was coming with us. How am I meant to take it if she has already done so? Dessiter, you are the contract devil. How am I meant to fulfill my contract if she has alrady done it?"

[Maugan Ra]

"You cannot. Well, not without first taking the weapon back, returning it to the Mitrans, and then stealing it, one supposes." Dessiter says calmly. "Your end of the contract shall therefore likely to unfulfilled, and thus invoke the penalty clauses. A tragedy."

[Thattaman]

"If I disguised myself as a Mitran priest entered the temple and said I found it on a dead corpse. Gave it back to them, then secretly took it back, I could then avoid this tragedy, could I not?"

[Maugan Ra]

"In theory? That should work, yes."

Tiadora chuckles quietly. "Of course, you would first need to obtain the weapon from Skathyl to do so. I might ask what incentive you would offer the Gelugon to even temporarily surrender his blade once more."

[Thattaman]

Kydrak's eyes start to bulge at this. "You've already given it to him? I could have quickly done it now, but what can I do?