An Arrogant Villain: Sereniel and Emperor Galvatar

[Raargant]

Subtle evil is by far the hardest to attain. Oh, Galvatar. His arrogance defined him, to me, as a hysterical political villain. It was the sheer confidence that drove his charisma and charisma plus an intent to rule always lead to mischief. In addition,

Part of me pities Galvatar. I've heard him compared so often with Martineius that I'm worried people will start to forget the difference between one lawful evil and another. They had different goals - to the best of my ability to observe through playing an overabundance of neutral bards - and where Galvatar drove his charisma through his arrogance, Martinieus drove his through being "over-caring". Both disarmed people and both made them daringly dangerous.

It's much harder to hate someone when they aren't openly stabbing you in the throat.

Sereniel Quis, taking full advantage of her moral neutrality, made it a point to introduce herself to the various leaders of each city, particularly in her role as Herald. Galvatar, particularly, had a craving for protecting his legacy and wanted a song composed in his name by Sereniel. This discussion of his history came out as a result of it. It's long, but at the end, you see him hint at more of his evilness... if you can get through the spin he put on it.

Galvatar says 'HHawVeh yOou fFiIniisSzHhEhD yaouR commPOosSzitiiOon yet?'

Sereniel coughs lightly. After a hesitation, she shakes her head.

You say 'Nay... I've not been able to.'

Galvatar says 'Why not/'

Galvatar raises an eyebrow at you.

Your cheeks are burning.

You say 'Many reasons... in part because I do not understand the subject well enough.'

Galvatar says 'AaH, Oof cjoUhrsseh.'

You say 'Please, forgive me.'

You say 'My delay is inexcusable.'

Galvatar says 'WEll, tHiIZSs iIsSs a prOoblem thEhn.'

Galvatar sits down and thinks deeply.

Galvatar says 'How Can we rEmmmehdy thHiszs ssitUhatiOn?'

Sereniel smiles faintly.

You say 'Where were you born, mi'lord?'

Galvatar raises an eyebrow at you.

Galvatar says 'Haow...DOon't know?'

Galvatar looks a little hurt.

Sereniel shakes her head slowly.

Galvatar sighs.

Galvatar says 'In tHAht CahhZsze..'

You say 'Nay, I cannot presume it to be Miruvhor, though it may in fact be so.'

Galvatar says 'I woUhld sSsugghesSzt the follOwInG.'

You blink innocently at Galvatar.

You hear the distant cries of wheeling seagulls accompanied by the sound of breakers.

Galvatar says 'YoU ZSshOouhHld takE a tRiIP tao RhEyDIin, anD viIZszIit thEh lIivbRary.'

Your cheeks are burning.

Galvatar says 'ThHEReh yaouh will finD mmmy bioghRaPHhy.'

You say 'Of course...'

Galvatar says 'YoouhH shOouhld reaD it.'

You say 'But... that's not really the question I need to know.'

You nod at Galvatar.

Galvatar says 'HrmM...'

You say 'I can do one better. I owned a copy for a short time, before I knew who you were.'

Galvatar says 'I waoss BOrn in Xy'MeRria, in HoonehsSsty.'

Galvatar smiles happily.

Galvatar says 'GoOod, asSz wEll all WEhll read citizehnZSs sSzhoouhhld.'

You tell Kyubi 'Ah, a pity.'

Sereniel smiles faintly, amusement in her eyes.

Galvatar says 'ThehReh I studied foOor Mawny yearszs uhHndeR my tuhhtor.'

Sereniel nods, leaning back comfortably in her chair.

Galvatar says 'I chose to become a priest of the Cycle, as I believe that all of existance has a sort of..'

Galvatar sits down and thinks deeply.

Galvatar says 'Unity, in that all things have their seasons.'

A bright beam from the lighthouse sweeps across the dark city.

Galvatar says 'There is a time to grow, a time to be strong, a time to be weak, and then to die.'

Galvatar says 'This is all of life.'

Galvatar says 'I have the utmost loathing for those who tamper with the natural order of things.'

A bright beam from the lighthouse sweeps across the dark city.

Galvatar mutters something quietly to himself.

You say '... Like healers.'

Galvatar nods at you in agreement.

Galvatar says 'Like Healers.'

Galvatar says 'But, Religion...and Politics...are not polite topics...'

Galvatar smiles happily.

Galvatar says 'They cause wars.'

The watch bell in the Lighthouse tolls Sunrise.

Galvatar says 'So let's leave them aside for the moment.'

You say 'Do you think I look for... polite topics?'

Sereniel smiles softly.

Galvatar looks at you.

Galvatar says 'Patience. There is a grand story, and we can't be sidetracked.'

Galvatar snickers softly.

Galvatar says 'Where was I?'

You say 'I need to understand you, mi'lord... I have no desire to discuss socialite banter until it is time to depart.'

Sereniel laughs softly and nods.

You say 'Your tutor.'

Galvatar nods.

Galvatar says 'Yes, he was a famed Drow scholar.'

Galvatar says 'Wise and old.'

Galvatar says 'He was my...'

Galvatar sits down and thinks deeply.

Galvatar says 'Mentor...'

Galvatar says 'His name was X'ertea..'

Galvatar says 'Perhaps you've heard of him?'

Your cheeks are burning.

You say 'I'm not so well read as you give me credit for.'

Galvatar says 'Ah.'

You say 'I'd likely have to study in Xymerria or the Herald Library to find word of him.'

Galvatar says 'Well, at any rate, as the Eldest of the House Xebonn, I was the one responsible for representing the House.'

Galvatar says 'We had some small status in the city. As Royalty in Miruvhor during a great cataclysm, they were blamed for the destruction..'

Galvatar says 'And thus we retreated to xy'Merria, for several generations.'

Galvatar says 'This was before my time.'

Sereniel bites the side of her lip and nods.

Galvatar says 'I represented us in the Underdark, and by virtue of the position, became exceeding good at two things.'

Galvatar says 'One was surviving the assassination attempts of my traitorous kin.'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

Galvatar says 'The second, however was longing for more than what I was given.'

Galvatar says 'For as I studied more and more, I saw that there was a whole world out there.'

A chilly fog slinks over the city from the sea bringing with it the smell of brine.

Galvatar says 'And then, one night, the ghost of one of my ancestors appeared before me.'

You blink innocently at Galvatar.

Galvatar says 'And he told me words that I dare not repeat. '

You say ''Tis fine... please, continue.'

Galvatar says 'Execept that I can tell you they were enough for me to begin my plans to leave the Underdark.'

Galvatar says 'I ventured to Miruvhor, having learned of it's location through my studies.'

Galvatar says 'The surface world was very bright, and my eyes ached unbearably.'

Isabeau looks at you.

Isabeau looks at Galvatar.

Sereniel blinks and looks over at Isabeau.

Galvatar says 'But I managed to find this city.'

You say 'My Lady...'

Galvatar smiles happily.

Sereniel stands and curtseys deeply.

Galvatar says 'Salutations, Isabeau.'

Galvatar gallantly tips his hat to Isabeau.

A chilly fog slinks over the city from the sea bringing with it the smell of brine.

You say 'I did not see you enter...'

Isabeau says 'How do you do'

Galvatar says 'I was in the middle of a story..'

Sereniel rises and flashes Isabeau a warm smile.

Isabeau says 'Were you ?'

Galvatar nods.

Galvatar says 'Yes.'

Isabeau says 'What about?'

Galvatar says 'Ask Sereniel.'

Isabeau says 'I am in the mood for cheering up.'

Galvatar smiles at you.

Your cheeks are burning.

You say 'I'm... just scripting a song, mi'lady.'

Galvatar says 'Well, then, pull up a chair.'

Sereniel frowns, concern evident in her eyes.

You say 'What troubles you, mi'lady?'

Galvatar says 'Yes, what is the problem?'

Galvatar looks at Isabeau.

A bright beam from the lighthouse sweeps across the dark city.

Sereniel pulls a seat out for Isabeau, before returning to hers opposite Galvatar.

Isabeau says 'I must go'

You look at Isabeau.

Isabeau steps through a gate and vanishes.

Galvatar says 'Hrm..'

Galvatar shrugs helplessly.

Galvatar says 'I don't believe she likes me very much.'

Sereniel frowns for a long moment, hazel eyes not losing their hint of concern.

Galvatar sighs.

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

You say 'Then why would she come here?'

Galvatar boggles at the concept.

You hear the distant cries of wheeling seagulls accompanied by the sound of breakers.

You say 'And you've already expressed your distaste of healers... is it possible you have added to that impression?'

Galvatar says 'I was nothing but cordial to the representative of Val Miran.'

Galvatar holds his hand up, swearing on the bartable.

Sereniel smiles faintly, a hint of suspicion not gone from her eyes.

You look at Galvatar.

Galvatar says 'So..'

Galvatar says 'As I recall..I'd just arrived in Miruvhor.'

You say 'Aye, that's correct. Please, continue.'

Galvatar says 'Such a big city, and me with nothing but the supplies I'd managed to secure, a few thousand in Galva, and the clothes on my back.'

Galvatar boggles at the concept.

Galvatar says 'So, I walked up to the Palace, and proclaimed myself as the Official Xy'Merrian Ambassador to Miruvhor.'

Galvatar chuckles politely.

Galvatar falls down laughing.

Sereniel laughs softly.

Galvatar says 'A position...which does not exist.'

Isabeau has arrived through a gate.

Isabeau nods.

You look at Isabeau.

Galvatar says 'However, it was enough to get me into the Palace.'

Sereniel nods, gesturing to the chair.

Isabeau says 'Now this song story.'

You say 'Please, mi'lady... you should rest.'

Isabeau pulls up a chair and sinks into it grcefully.

Isabeau nods.

Galvatar sits down and rests.

You say 'What is the matter?'

Isabeau says 'Who?'

Galvatar stands up.

You say '... With you.'

Your cheeks are burning.

Isabeau says 'Well nothing really '

Galvatar raises an eyebrow.

You tell Kyubi 'That should put you in the right part of the world, if nothing else.'

You raise an eyebrow at the notion.

You say 'Oh... of course.'

Galvatar says 'But...you mentioned earlier...'

Sereniel bites the side of her lip.

Isabeau raises an eyebrow at Galvatar's weird actions.

Galvatar looks at you.

Isabeau says 'You hold something I want Galvatar '

Isabeau says 'You wish to speak of it in company i dont care.'

Galvatar raises an eyebrow at Isabeau's weird actions.

Galvatar says 'What do you mean?'

Galvatar looks at you.  Why does he keep looking at me?!

Isabeau says 'You know very well'

Your cheeks are burning.

Galvatar says 'I'm not sure that I do.'

Sereniel holds Galvatar's gaze with a curious light in her eyes.

Isabeau says 'Xavier had it.'

You tell Galvatar 'Do... you need me to leave?'

Galvatar says 'Xavier? I haven't seen him in weeks.'

Galvatar says 'Is he okay?'

Galvatar raises an eyebrow at Isabeau's weird actions.

Isabeau sighs.

Galvatar tells you 'No, stay..'

Isabeau says 'Very well think of something you want in trade .'

Isabeau says 'And let me know.'

Galvatar raises an eyebrow at Isabeau's weird actions.

Isabeau curtseys gracefully.

Galvatar gallantly tips his hat.

Isabeau says 'I will leave before my temper gets the better of me.'

Sereniel smiles faintly at Isabeau.

Isabeau steps through a gate and vanishes.

Galvatar boggles at the concept.

Galvatar says 'She seems a little..'

Galvatar says 'Ermm..'

Sereniel clears her throat awkwardly.

You say 'It... truly is none of my business.'

Your cheeks are burning.

Galvatar nods.

Galvatar says 'Well..'

Galvatar says 'Hrm..'

Sereniel shifts slightly in her seat.

Galvatar says 'Where was I?'

You look at Galvatar.

You say 'Oh... the imagined title you made for yourself.'

Galvatar nods.

Galvatar says 'Ah, yes.'

Galvatar says 'I managed to talk my way into the Palace, and while there, gossip told me there was...well..no real power structure.'

Galvatar says 'Miruvhor had not seen a Leader in ages.'

Galvatar says 'So...'

Isabeau tells you 'Damm disregard that'

Galvatar says 'I politely left the Palace before anyone asked for my credentials..'

Galvatar says 'And came up with a plan.'

Sereniel laughs softly, shaking her head slightly in open disbelief.

A chilly fog slinks over the city from the sea bringing with it the smell of brine.

Galvatar says 'I would reclaim my Houses rightful place in Miruvhor, or die in the attempt.'

Galvatar says 'I spent several months adventuring with whomever I could find, gaining in skill and wealth.'

Sereniel's hazel eyes seem to unfocus for a moment before she returns her gaze to Galvatar.

You nod.

Galvatar says 'And when the time was right, with absolute confidence, I approched Lord Vaeros, in this very spot, at this vry table, and asked for his blessing in joining the Royalrt.'

Galvatar says 'Err...Royalty, that is.'

Galvatar says 'My voice...'

You smile at him.

Galvatar drinks water from a magical spring.

Galvatar nods.

Galvatar says 'Much better.'

Galvatar looks more relaxed.

You say 'Please, I mean not to exhaust you, but...'

Galvatar says 'He agreed, as many do, to my...persuasive...personality.'

Sereniel smiles, laughter apparent in her eyes.

Galvatar says 'And thus I sent my scroll to the masses. I was elected into office, after the voting process, my a margin which to this day has not been beaten.'

Galvatar smiles happily.

Galvatar says 'Though, if I ever find the six citizens who did not support me..'

Galvatar glares around him.

Sereniel coughs lightly.

You say '... I'm from Rheydin.'

You say 'Just for the record.'

Galvatar says 'At any rate, I quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Lord, and then Advisor.'

Galvatar nods at you in agreement.

Galvatar says 'I know.'

You wink suggestively at Galvatar.

Galvatar says 'Each time unanimously being supported by my Royals.'

Galvatar says 'And then, secure in my position, I scribed a scroll asking them to elevate me to the position of Prince.'

Sereniel arches a thin eyebrow.

Galvatar says 'This was around the time Zivarious, a traitor to Miruvhor, approched me wishing to be of the Royalty.'

Galvatar mutters something quietly to himself.

Galvatar says 'The moment I met him, I knew he would be trouble.'

Galvatar says 'He spoke of what WE would do, and how WE were going to make OUR wars. '

Galvatar says 'And his tone suggested he would not take no for an answer.'

Galvatar says 'So...as Prince of Miruvhor...'

Galvatar says 'I exiled him, and had the Syndicate hunt him down.'

Sereniel sits up, interest evident in her eyes.

Galvatar says 'However, some time later, he managed to get himself elected into our Royalty.'

You boggle at the concept.

Galvatar says 'I had not had time to warn my citizens of his treason.'

You say 'An exile joined the Royalty?'

Galvatar nods.

You say 'How... terribly ironic.'

You say 'I'm sorry. Please, continue.'

Galvatar says 'I knew that Zivarious wanted my place, and that I was in danger of losing my postion.'

Galvatar says 'So, I consulted with my Royals.'

Galvatar says 'And I asked them to do something that had not been done in years.'

Galvatar says 'To elect a Regent, to lead Miruvhor into a new Golden Age. To make me, in essence, The Emperor in waiting.'

Galvatar says 'Zivarious was disgracing our ranks.'

Galvatar says 'And only with absolute authority, as Regent, could I be rid of him.'

Galvatar says 'And, thankfully, I was given that authority.'

You smile at him.

Galvatar says 'As Regent, I cast Zivarious from our ranks, and again exiled him. An exile that has lasted to this day.'

Galvatar says 'Some time later, he tried to join the Syndicate, to depose me, and they marked him for death.'

You say 'You play the game well, mi'lord...'

Galvatar gallantly tips his hat to you.

Galvatar says 'Why thank you.'

Sereniel lets out a short laugh.

Galvatar says 'I also, of course, demanded that my allies kill him on sight.'

You say 'My pleasure.'

Galvatar says 'And that is the story of how I became Regent.'

Galvatar says 'And why.'

Galvatar says 'Were it not for me, Miruvhor would be ruled by an uncharasmatic buffoon.'

Galvatar says 'I could not allow that to occur.'

Sereniel swallows a deep laugh as she bites down hard on her lip.

Galvatar relaxes a bit.

Galvatar says 'Well...I think that covers a great portion of my life.'

Sereniel releases her lip slowly before smiling her thanks.

You say 'Thank you... it was very enlightening.'