An Expensive Signature

[Volgathras]

Story: Karawan had approached Chakii with regards to a contract - wishing to

pay for Chakii to take Volgathras' finger or talon. Chakii spotted opportunity

to manipulate Karawan here, and as such made him believe he would at the least,

consider it. In this time, Chakii has saught out Volgathras himself, and explains

what Karawan has asked of Chakii to him, in a bid to deceive Karawan and perhaps

find a way to profit from the situation, knowing he definitely wouldn't profit by

trying to fight the Demon Lord. Volgathras hatches a plan, inwhich he gives a 'false'

finger to Chakii to use as the 'real thing'. The two then discuss how Chakii will

pretend to summon Volgathras, pretend to banish him and steal his 'finger' and profit

from it with a legal, binding contract. I didn't catch the beginning, this is where

I started logging:

> inv

You are carrying:

(Humming) a digit finger ending in a claw, previously attached to Kulk

other rubbish

Chakii nods once.

[Volgathras] 'Through some means, you tear free that finger from my ear, and banish me to the depths of the rift.'

[Volgathras] 'Thus, you can ask whatever price you like from the foolish creature - and either he pays, or you've earned yourself a slave.'

'Bwahahaha!' Chakii grins widely.

Volgathras gives you 50000 gold.

[Volgathras] 'Consider me your current client.'

Chakii licks his lips, and nods firmly.

[Volgathras] 'There will be more of that when the job is done.'

You tell Karawan 'Your offer has been considered and accepted.'

You say 'Karawan is being told that I am accepting his offer as we speak.'

Karawan tells you 'Which offer?'

Volgathras nods.

[Volgathras] 'Find your employer, and make some show of summoning me from the depths of the rift. Make it look convincing.'

You tell Karawan 'To bring you the Finger or Talon of the Demon Lord.'

[Volgathras] 'Off with you.'

Karawan tells you 'Excellent, what is the price, Hand of Syndicate?'

You tell Karawan 'We can arrange that after the ordeal.'

Volgathras shoves you violently toward the surrounding flames, sending you tumbling through the expansive chaos!

Chakii nods again, deep in thought.

Volgathras has transferred you.

Karawan tells you 'As you wish. Is this between you and or, or something amidst death itself?'

You tell Karawan 'Perhaps we should arrange to meet up. Somewhere, secure.'

Karawan tells you 'Yes, then... name your place.'

You tell Karawan 'Come just south of my Headquarters.'

Karawan tells you 'As you wish.'

*** I run to Syndicate Headquarters, to find Karawan already there ***

'Good morning, albeit an early one.' Chakii says, flashing his trademark warm smile.

Karawan tells you 'I have arrived as requested. My carriage is hidden some steps off.'

Karawan turns suddenly.

Chakii appears from behind a small alcove.

Karawan jumps, quickly with a start, saying 'My... '

You say 'It is good you hid your carriage. It is paramount we are not disturbed.'

A stained liquid drips from the sickly vein upon Karawan's arm, hissing as it touches the ground before him.

Karawan nods.

Karawan says 'Yes, the driver himself may be dispatched should you need. '

Chakii leans forward, looking at the arm. 'Mmm.' he murmurs, with interest.

Karawan blows lightly on his nails, growing impatient.

Karawan instintively protects his missing hand.

Karawan says 'Yes, the work of the Demon.'

Chakii glances southwards, almost as if ensuring the two of you are in utmost secrecy.

You say 'I have had recent opportunity to find audience with my Dark Lady.'

Chakii smiles wryly at you.

Karawan sits down and thinks deeply.

Karawan says 'You then, have approached her yourself as you said you would not?'

Karawan grins darkly, the cleft of his upper lip splitting further for a moment.

Trembling and throbbing, a black ichor permeates the black vein upon Karawan's left arm.

tell self Well I have, but not about this. He doesn't need know that. Bwahaha!

tell Chakii 'Well I have, but not about this. He doesn't need know that. Bwahaha!'

'You might say that.' Chakii says, and adds 'There were several other issues that needed discussing.'

Rubbing a knifelike bone protrustion on his stump, Karawan says, 'I see. How disappointing that I was not the highlight.'

Chakii chuckles deeply.

Karawan at his touch, the bone seemingly stirs.

You say 'I will not bore you with the details, you seem eager to press on.'

You say 'Suffice to say, I have come to learn that there is a weakness that can be exploited amongst your chosen target.'

tell self He'll think I mean I learned this from Mistress Anume... he should pay attention to my words.

tell Chakii 'He'll think I mean I learned this from Mistress Anume... he should pay attention to my words.'

Karawan bares some teeth in what must be a grin. "You've my full attention."

Karawan nods, interested.

'It will be difficult. It will likely result in catastrophe. However, it is not oft one is given such an opportunity to pursue a very important mark.' Chakii adds.

Karawan tosses a small purse your way, as if encouraging you to continue.

Karawan gives you 20000 gold.

You say 'As such, should I survive - I will require a very large package of compensation for my effort.'

Chakii deftly slips the purse into his belt, not blinking an eye.

Karawan says 'Naturally.'

'What can you offer me?' Chakii asks, folding his arms.

Karawan says 'As...'

Seemingly withdrawn of bored, Karawan says, 'I had said. Your interests are your own.'

Karawan says 'Name your price, and you shall have it.'

Karawan drops some gold.

Karawan drops some gold.

Karawan sacrifices 5 gold coins in the name of Death.

Karawan says 'Gold is worthless in such a...'

You say 'Then let me tell you that I have no interest in power. I have it. I have no interest in titles, estate, fame, notoriety.'

Karawan says 'Delicate situation.'

'I have it.' Chakii adds.

Karawan says 'So, Power... Gold...'

Karawan raises the fingers on his good hand one by one.

Karawan says 'Title, Fame...'

Karawan says 'And Women I guess...'

Karawan raises his last finger.

Karawan closes them in to a fist.

'You are dismissing that which I truly desire.' Chakii states bluntly.

Karawan says 'Is of no interest.'

Chakii tosses your pouch of gold into the air, and catches it with one hand.

You say 'I am a simple being, with simple interests.'

Karawan says 'You had mentioned previously...'

Karawan speaks with mock earnest, 'Gold was of no interest.'

Veins pulsing black on his cheeks, Karawan grins malevolently.

Chakii dismisses the notion with a wave of his hand. 'I have also told Heralds I am a professional tailor. I write newspapers that accuse Knights of being followers of Death's idealogy, and Watchers of interfering with their creatures.' he states.

You say 'Tribunal believe I am in the process of becoming 'a model citizen'.'

You say 'Warmasters believe I value their pathetic culture.'

You say 'Need I go on? Don't believe everything you hear in the newspapers - and that from the people who write them.'

Chakii smiles at you - a curt smile.

Karawan says 'I know little of your...'

Karawan smirks.

Karawan says 'Intentions... much less... your intentions with me.'

Karawan waves his hand casually.

Karawan buffs his nails on his cloak, looking indifferently about himself.

Karawan says 'But...'

Karawan says 'If it is gold, silver, and jewels you require...'

You say 'I will be blunt. I desire gold for my efforts. I will be making a large investment shortly.'

Chakii quietens, listening to you intently.

Karawan nods approvingly.

Karawan says 'Well... we are obviously speaking in the millions, then?'

[an Immortal] 'A vast sum would suffice a think, and a contract perhaps. His servitude, should he not pay promptly?'

Chakii's smile says it all.

Karawan looks at you, intently.

You tell an Immortal 'That is being drawn up as we speak.'

Karawan says 'Then... let us...'

Karawan seems to smirk at a joke only he understands.

You say 'I will require five-million gold coins for such a task. Not payable immediately, but you will be bound by contract.'

Karawan says 'Five million.'

Karawan thinks to himself.

You say 'There will be a clause within that outlines punishment for failure.'

Karawan says 'Simply... five million?'

Karawan seems apalled at the low figure.

'I am a simple being, you know.' Chakii says.

Karawan haughtily condescends, 'As you wish, I suppose, though any counterfeit will be easily spotted.'

You say 'I did say that, didn't I?'

Karawan smirks saying, 'You say many things.'

You say 'You should realise I am in part taking out this contract due to my own personal interest.'

You say 'That in itself takes care of a large amount of payment.'

[an Immortal] 'Ensure your contract stipulates 'a digit'... not MY digit specifically.'

You tell an Immortal 'Oh, it will.'

[an Immortal] 'We don't want semantics to ruin our little game.'

Karawan says 'Yes then, and I shall keep the talon, finger, digit... or whatever of his you acquire?'

Karawan brushes his shoulders off, noticing a bird dropping.

Karawan utters the words, 'gjwwai'.

A dryad arrives suddenly.

You say 'You will be given a severed digit. One cannot say at this time if it is finger or talon, however.'

*** I feed off of the dryad*

Karawan turns away from the slaughter too late, spattered now with blood.

Karawan sighs.

You say 'I have the knowledge required to not only summon the Demon, but also lay it to rest.'

Karawan takes of his overcloak, tossing it aside.

'That should not suggest it will be easy.' Chakii says.

You say 'I simply have, the knowledge.'

Karawan says 'The difficulty...'

'Is of no interest to me.' Karawan says, as if with an impatient sigh.

Chakii smiles at you, and nods.

Karawan says 'When shall this take place?'

You say 'I will begin the process of writing out the contract.'

Karawan kicks at his bloodspattered cloak, looking nervous despite his demeanor.

You say 'It can take place within a couple of days, the moment the contract is signed and agreed upon.'

You say 'Does this suit?'

Karawan says 'Yes... fine then.'

Karawan says 'You will send it by carrier or deliver it yourself... the contract?'

Karawan blows lightly on his nails, growing impatient.

Trembling and throbbing, a black ichor permeates the black vein upon Karawan's left arm.

Karawan winces in agony.

You say 'I will deliver it personally. I will not be long.'

Karawan says 'Shall I wait about?'

You say 'We will meet here when I contact you.'

You nod at Karawan.

You say 'That will be fine. I will write it inside my halls, in peace.'

*** I head inside, write up the contract, and print 2 copies ***

Karawan tells you 'I return.'

> exam contr

This contract hereby details the terms in their entirity for

the retrieval of a single digit or talon from Lord Volgathras.

1. Chakii Showowan will engage with Demon Lord Volgathras, in

a bid to banish the Demon and/or retrieve a digit or talon. This

digit or talon will then be given to Karawan.

2. Chakii Showowan will require compensation for his efforts,

to the tune of 5,000,000 gold coins. This can be made payable

in full, or installments of no less than 50,000 gold coins per

installment. The window of payment begins once the digit or talon

is given to Karawan.

3. Failure to compensate Chakii Showowan for his efforts will

result in a life of permenant slavery to Chakii Showowan. Failure

to adhere will result in termination.

Signed:

Chakii Showowan

SIGNED ELEGANTLY: Chakii

You judge A contract entitled Contract for Karawan to be in perfect condition.

Karawan rides in.

Karawan rides in, again missing his usual carriage.

You say 'I have drafted two identical copies, and signed both. If the terms are suitable, please sign both, but return one.'

You give A contract entitled Contract for Karawan to Karawan.

You give A contract entitled Contract for Karawan to Karawan.

Karawan utters the words, 'gjwwai'.

A dryad arrives suddenly.

*** I feed again ***

Karawan quickly signs both contracts, dates them, and hands one back.

Karawan places his signature on the contract.

Karawan gives you A contract entitled Contract for Karawan.

Karawan places his signature on the contract.

> exam contract

This contract hereby details the terms in their entirity for

the retrieval of a single digit or talon from Lord Volgathas.

1. Chakii Showowan will engage with Demon Lord Volgathras, in

a bid to banish the Demon and/or retrieve a digit or talon. This

digit or talon will then be given to Karawan.

2. Chakii Showowan will require compensation for his efforts,

to the tune of 5,000,000 gold coins. This can be made payable

in full, or installments of no less than 50,000 gold coins per

installment. The window of payment begins once the digit or talon

is given to Karawan.

3. Failure to compensate Chakii Showowan for his efforts will

result in a life of permenant slavery to Chakii Showowan. Failure

to adhere will result in termination.

Signed:

Chakii Showowan

SIGNED ELEGANTLY: Chakii

SIGNED BY: Karawan

You judge A contract entitled Contract for Karawan to be in perfect condition.

You say 'Excellent.'

> inv

You are carrying:

A contract entitled Contract for Karawan

(Humming) a digit finger ending in a claw, previously attached to Kulk

random rubbish

You put A contract entitled Contract for Karawan in assassins's belt.

With a flash of magic a bank servant gates in, takes A contract entitled Contract for Karawan from Karawan and departs.

Karawan says 'Yes, I look forward to seeing this... outcome.'

Chakii presents a small pouch from his belt, and turns it upside down. Powders fall out, into a small pile onto the floor.

You say 'Please, stand back.'

Karawan steps back.

Trembling and throbbing, a black ichor permeates the black vein upon Karawan's left arm.

Karawan drinks water from the barrel.

Karawan drinks water from the barrel.

Karawan drinks water from the barrel.

Chakii nears his monorod's invisible edge towards the powder. As if igniting it, the powder begins to ignite, flaring up at its base!

'This is the beginning of the ritual that will summon the Demon Lord.' Chakii states, concentrating carefully.

Chakii withdraws his monorod, and produces a second pouch. It is a thick, sealed leather, filled with a dark, thick fluid. He pours it over the burning powder.

Karawan looks on passively.

'Xoxither... xoxither.... xoxither....' Chakii intones quietly, his eyes closed.

You pray 'Demon Lord Volgathras, it is time!'

Chakii continues his rapid, heavy breathing, continually intoning his words.

As the last echoes of the magically syllables are uttered, a mighty 'BLAST' of power rips through the area!

From amidst the center of the explosion tands the emaciated demon, his features.... confused.

Volgathras slowly fades into existence.

The smell burning swirls about and invades Karawan's nostrils.

Chakii quickly draws both of his spears, and begins a slow circling movement of the powder.

Karawan backs instinctively away.

'What is the mean-' Volgathras begins, stepping forward. Howevr, he appears to be.... stuck.

'Demon Lord Volgathras, I have been assigned to take from you, a digit.' Chakii says, with confidence in his voice.

Karawan grins darkly, the cleft of his upper lip splitting further for a moment.

A dark, dangerous expression covers the Demon Lord's face. The very air around you seems to throb with his unbridled rage.

Chakii steps forward to the static Demon, and brings his spear down close the Demon's chest.

Volgathras hisses vehemently at you, a feral sound.

'Invoking the power of the Nameless, I banish you to the nether, and will take your digit!' Chakii screams, quickly sheathing his spears as if he was attempting to only deceive the Demon.

[Volgathras] 'You seal your own doom, slime.'

Chakii reaches out and clasps a hand around the Demon Lord's wrist, and yells 'NOWWWW!'

Chakii's hand begins to redden, blistering over, but he maintains his grasp. 'I banish you!'

Volgathras LEAPS forward towards you, though whatever power he poseeses blasts the demon violently back, but not before lacerating the side of his face!

Karawan utters, 'Eye for an eye...' grinning.

[Volgathras] 'GGAAAHH!!!!'

Someone slowly fades into thin air.

Chakii blood drips down Chakii's face, and he collapses onto all fours.

The area lurches again, this time as the demon is consumed in to the blackness of some unknown dimension.

Chakii is visibly shaking, but he manages to look up at you.

Karawan shrugs dismissively, 'That is deserving of a snack.'

A dryad arrives suddenly.

Chakii unclenches a fist. Within, is the prize.

You give a digit finger ending in a claw, previously attached to Kulk to Karawan.

Karawan says 'What is this then?'

A wry smile crosses Chakii's face.

You say 'Why, is that not you asked for?'

Karawan waves his hand dismissively, clearly unperturbed.

Karawan says 'I believe the insult to the Demon would always exceed the injury.'

Karawan says 'Your work was fine, and you will be paid.'

[an Immortal] 'Oh, the foolish, foolish child.'

Chakii pushes himself to his feet.

You tell an Immortal 'Foolish indeed.'

Karawan looks on at you, seemingly disinterested in your struggle.

Karawan buffs his nails on his cloak, looking indifferently about himself.

Karawan says 'You seem injured, you should have that looked at.'

'What will use this for?' Chakii asks. Pus oozes from the wound down his cheek.

Karawan says 'The claw?'

You tell an Immortal 'I have no use for slaves, should he fail to pay.'

You tell an Immortal 'I may transfer his ownership to, somebody else. Somebody who may find great pleasure.'

You nod at Karawan.

Karawan says 'I am uncertain, the intention was to wound exact small revenge on the Demon.'

[an Immortal] 'We shall see what comes of it, puppet.'

Karawan says 'You succeeded in that.'

Karawan scratches his neck with his free hand.

'I'd be careful where you promote such a trophy.' Chakii says.

Karawan says 'This Kulk...'

You sheath your weapons.

Karawan says 'What exactly was it, Demon?'

Karawan seems disinterested in your warning.

Karawan utters the words, 'gjwwai'.

A dryad arrives suddenly.

*** I feed again ***

'Answering such a question lies outside the terms of our contract.' Chakii says.

Karawan haughtily condescends, 'Yes, it seems it would. Wouldn't it.'

You say 'I must document the day's events carefully. There is much to mull over, much wonder to what has happened.'

You say 'I look forward to my, renumeration package.'

Karawan says 'Naturally.'

Chakii smiles at you.

Anume looks well upon you and grants you knowledge.

Karawan says 'Excuse me, I must also relinquish a few notes.'

You say 'Of course.'

Karawan says 'Your work was fine.'

Karawan waves his hand.

Karawan says 'You are dismissed.'

'It tends to be.' Chakii replies.

Chakii cackles loudly: 'Bwahaha!'

You say 'Dismissed!'

Karawan cringes lightly as the pulsing black vein on his arm spiders and grows.

Chakii continues to cackle as he wanders off into his headquarters. You hear the manical laughter echoing down the halls.

*** I go into Syndicate HQ. Volgathras is there, waiting. ***

[Volgathras] 'You played your part well, head-hunter.'

Chakii cackles manically.

You get A contract entitled Contract for Karawan from assassins's belt.

Volgathras gives you 500000 gold.

You say 'He was quite hasty in his signing of this contract.'

[Volgathras] 'IS that sufficient?'

You say 'A day's acting? More than certaintly.'

Volgathras nods at you in agreement.

Chakii grins - his trademark, warm smile.

'Well earned,' Volgathras responds. 'As for that moronic slime, he will soon learn the error of his ways.'

[Volgathras] 'Out of curiosity, how long does he have to pay?'

You say 'I will decide upon those terms.'

You say 'I do not actually care if he pays or not. It is the leash I hold upon him, that entertains me.'

Volgathras nods.

Chakii grins.

[Volgathras] 'Enjoy your spoils, puppet.'

You say 'Much obliged, Demon Lord.'

The demon makes as though to depart, but pauses, half-tunring back toward you. 'Oh yes...'

Chakii turns to you quickly.

[Volgathras] 'One day I may come to you for a favor in return.'

Volgathras turns further to fix you with his stare.

Volgathras's chaotic gaze MASSACRES you!

Chakii nods at you, straining to hold the gaze. 'I will be here.'

[Volgathras] 'I expect you'll be happy to do so.'

A grin touches Volgathras' lips, permitting a stream of viscose black fluid to seep from his maw.

You say 'I don't believe I'll be in a position to do otherwise, hmm?'

'Bwahaha!' Chakii cackles.

No answer is forthcoming, as the demon vanishes into the shadows. Only his sibilant chuckle remains.

*** Chakii receives a 50,000 gold installment from Karawan moments after the log ended ***