Araethil

[Rygothran]

This is the first time Araethil meets Lloth, the immortal leader of Nexus at the time. As you will see, Araethil is not a brave man, but will do what is necessary when it is required. This was a small test/lesson Lloth put to Araethil before becoming Pandemonium.

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A sudden crack nearly deafens you, and fire of purple and black erupts in the air, then fades into the form of an imp.

A minor imp arrives from a puff of smoke.

The day has begun.

Araethil slowly stands and shuffles behind a zombie.

A body of blackened scales and long ribbed wings has powerful arms and
legs, for its size.  The creature is rather small, with barley visible horns
growing from its scaly head.  Small fangs protrude from its disfigured
mouth, slime dripping from them.  Burning eyes of yellow glare from its eye
sockets, filled with hate and rage.  It has no ears, or nose, but its hands
and feet are tipped with razor sharp claws.
A minor imp is in excellent condition.

A minor imp is using:
You sense following auras:

A minor imp examines you.

Araethil clears his throat and says, 'Hello... creature...'

 The sun rises in the east.

A minor imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

Araethil frowns slightly and says, 'Well, that wasn't very nice, pest.'

Araethil moves out from behind a zombie.

Several more cracks and flames, and the imp's pack joins in.

A dark forest imp arrives from a puff of smoke.

A little imp arrives from a puff of smoke.

A dark forest imp arrives from a puff of smoke.

A dark forest imp arrives from a puff of smoke.

Araethil coughs slightly and moves back behind a zombie.

You say 'Of course, it was a true statement. I cannot deny that!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

A little imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

A minor imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! Half-breed, half-breed!'

Araethil looks down, 'Now... now there is no need to keep doing that!'

You say 'I have friends!'

You peer intently at a flesh golem.

The leader of the imps springs about in circles. 'The queen watches youuuu! Laughs and laughs and laughs! Ahahahahaha!'

Araethil peers about nervously.

You say 'Well, the queen knows best I think.'

Araethil rubs the back of his neck, obviously nervous.

A dark forest imp jumps into the air, doing a backflip and making a face at you. 'Half-breeeeed!'

You say 'Don't you keep provoking me.'

You say 'I will... I wi..will take action!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! We are protected by the Queen!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! We are protected by the Queen!'

A little imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! We are protected by the Queen!'

A dark forest imp cackles and dances from foot to foot. 'Hahaha! We are protected by the Queen!'

You say 'We can be friends can't we? I mean, the queen wants you to be my friend, doesn't she?'

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

You say 'Friends accomplish much more together than enemies!'

The night has begun.

Araethil picks at his fingernails.

A brilliant shower of shooting stars streaks across the sky!

Araethil motions to the sky, 'A shooting star... that must be a sign!'

A minor imp flies down.

Araethil smiles weakly, 'That we can be friends.'

All of the imps roar in laughter, then dance and taunt you in unison. 'Queen!' ... 'Has!' ... 'No!' ... 'Need!' ... 'Of!' ...... All together now... 'FRIENDS!'

Araethil backs away and trips over a skeleton, falling to the ground.

It starts to rain.

You say 'Alright! I... I understand!'

Araethil gets up quickly and holds his hand out.

The leader of the imps throws fire at you!

Araethil frowns slightly and dusts off his robes.

You say 'Now... now you've done it!'

Just before impact, it turns into a seal, landing firmly in your hand.

You say 'Kill the leader!'

A zombie's beating LACERATES a dark forest imp!
A dark forest imp is blinded by the dirt in his eyes!
A zombie's kicked dirt scratches a dark forest imp.
A skeleton's cleave devastates a dark forest imp!
A skeleton's cleave devastates a dark forest imp!
A skeleton's cleave MUTILATES a dark forest imp!
A flesh golem's slash devastates a dark forest imp!
A mummy's disease devastates a dark forest imp!
A mummy's disease devastates a dark forest imp!
A mummy's disease maims a dark forest imp!
A mummy's disease devastates a dark forest imp!
A dark forest imp is DEAD!!
You hear a dark forest imp's death cry.
A stone golem's pierce DISMEMBERS a little imp!
A little imp is DEAD!!
A little imp splatters blood on your armor.

A Fluffy White Cloud
  You find yourself standing on a small cloud.  The cloud feels kind of spongy
beneath your feet.  You find it hard to see anything in the distance as wisps
of cloud blow over your face.

[Exits: up down]
A mighty Fortress looms over the area.
     The corpse of a little imp is lying here.
     The corpse of a dark forest imp is lying here.
A dark forest imp flits about here, on small, tattered wings.
(Charmed) A zombie, covered in rotted skin, stands here with its master.
(Charmed) A dirty, old skeleton stands here with its master.
(Charmed) A flesh golem stands here to do his master's bidding.
(Charmed) A mummy shambles around with its master.
(Charmed) A stone golem stands here to do his master's bidding.

You say 'That leaves you, my friend!'

You peer intently at a dark forest imp.

The rest of the imps cackle in laughter, but the cackling stops the moment they realize that they can, in fact, be killed.

A dark forest imp says 'Ayyp!'

You say 'Well now.. some respect!'

The sleet stopped.

A dark forest imp backflips and disappears into black and purple flame.

Araethil sighs in relief.

You say 'Now where was I... Oh yes!'

Harsh whispers force themselves into the deep recesses of your mind. A low, sultry, feminine voice breaches your thoughts. 'Took you long enough.'

Araethil looks around nervously, 'It takes calculation... at times..'

The sun rises in the east.

Harsh whispers force themselves into the deep recesses of your mind. A low, sultry, feminine voice breaches your thoughts. 'Hesitation is folly. Calculation should be quick. Precise.'

Araethil smiles weakly.

Harsh whispers force themselves into the deep recesses of your mind. A low, sultry, feminine voice breaches your thoughts. 'Your human heritage dilutes what you could have been, with fear.'

You say 'Hesitation can be an illusion of weakness, which can lead to the enemy falling unaware...'

You say 'An advantage!'

Harsh whispers force themselves into the deep recesses of your mind. A low, sultry, feminine voice breaches your thoughts. 'That would not be hesitation, rather deliberate inaction.'

You say 'Deliberate inaction can have value, can it not?'

You say 'If you play the long game...'

Harsh whispers force themselves into the deep recesses of your mind. A low, sultry, feminine voice breaches your thoughts. 'Then it would behoove you to learn the difference, wouldn't it?'

An Immortal drops the Throne of Lies.

An Immortal sits down on the Throne of Lies.

Lloth slowly fades into existence.

Lloth is no longer cloaked.

You say 'Yes I admit I haven't mastered the art of deception.'

[Lloth] 'I would have hoped you would have deceived the imps, instead of killing them outright.'

[Lloth] 'Fear would have been an instrumental tool in turning them against one another.'

The snow stopped.

Araethil looks down thoughtfully. 'Indeed it would.'

The sun slowly disappears in the west.
The clouds disappear.

The night has begun.

You say 'Hindsight can be liberating, I won't always have that ability, I must think faster.'

[Lloth] 'Killing enemies without lifting a finger of your own. That is what you will display in the future. If you value life and limb.'

Araethil nods.

[Lloth] 'That you still live is a testament to my patience. A half-breed and a servant of a false mistress. I can't say I have much reason to grant you any power. '

[Lloth] 'You're going to have to prove yourself worthy without lineage.'

Lloth narrows her eyes.

Araethil looks to the ground, 'I admit, had I been given a choice, I would have chosen wiser.'

You say 'It was you I wished to serve.'

You say 'My mother hid you from my eyes, lest I be my father.'

[Lloth] 'Easy words to say when at my mercy. We shall see your determination to please me going forward.'

You say 'You are right, as always.'

[Lloth] 'Prove yourself worthy, and you will receive power. That is the nature of servitude to the Queen.'

Araethil nods in understanding but remains silent.

The night is about to end.

With that, she is gone.

Araethil ponders for several moments.

[Rygothran]

In this fun little log Draug and Araethil finally get to sit down for a chat. By this point we are both somewhat equals.... I say somewhat because well, I'm sure Draug sees himself equal to no one. We are both Elders for now, as it were. How shall Araethil play the game with Draug? He will need to feel out this newest threat to his existence before that can be determined. Red is Araethils thoughts and green is my thoughts as a player.

For reference: The golden guard was a group of neutrals and goods that grouped together to try to stop another catacalysm. There were things happening in Aabahran that were pointing to the event.

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(Translucent) Draug is here.
A stone golem walks in.
A mummy walks in.
A flesh golem walks in.
A zombie walks in.
A skeleton walks in.
A black dragon flies in.

Draug looks at you.

Araethil bows slightly.

Draug gets a potion of stability from a sack of elven skin.

Draug gives you a potion of stability.

Draug says 'DRInNnk thhat'

Draug grins evilly.

You say 'It seems it would be a waste of a beautifully made potion...'

Draug says 'HhahhvE YOUh Ehvehr sSzeehNn iit BehffoREh.'

You say 'I have not.'

Draug says 'thEn dRIinnK it'
 
quaf potion
You quaff a potion of stability.
You create a mental barrier.
You cause your flesh to numb and thicken.
You feel your vitality slipping away!

You say 'Hmm.'

You say 'Well now.'

You say 'So this is your weapon against the mindmage...' <--- Referring to Lelleiala (A psionicist in Knight)

Draug says 'YesSz..'

Draug says 'ahhZSswelL aoZsz this riNnG..'

Draug slips the Ring of Abyss on to his left finger.

Araethil taps his temple a moment.

Draug says 'ahhnnnD wHeNn i find OoNnE..'

Araethil clicks his tongue and says, 'You are a sly one, aren't you?'

Draug says 'a ReffRaocjted ZSskiIn..'
 
Draug smirks.

Draug says 'sslY, Nnoo.' <----- Read on, he is very sly, just not very subtle about it.
 
Draug says 'RehssoouhHRzjEffUL.'
 
Draug says 'Yehs'

Araethil nods and smiles.

You say 'The drain doesn't concern you?'

Draug shakes his head.

Draug says 'my vbaattLEhss..'

Draug says 'tHhehy aRe quuhicck.'

Draug says 'oNE wAy oR tHhEh oOothHeR.'

You say 'I imagine so.'
 
Draug says 'ThhE LasSzt tiiMmME ii BawttlehD her.'
 
Draug says 'sshhEh wAhZSs awEhfFuhHlLy hHURt ooN sSsEVeRawl ocjzjahsionnnZsz.' <---- As a player I see a ton of this, characters constantly bragging about their exploits.

Draug says 'buhHt I cjoOouhHLD not mmoOoVe foR a kiiLliInG BlOw..'

You say 'Now she will not stand a chance, it seems.' <---- Stoke his ego, he may prove easy to manipulate at some point

Draug says 'ooNnEh pyRaoKehnehtIisj bLaoZszt frOommm hHehR anD Ii wOuhhLd vbe duhZszt.'

Draug snickers softly.

You say 'The positive affects outlast the negative by many hours.'
 
Draug says 'ii sspehnnnt deCAhDeZSs bawttling One off the MmMaosSst POwerfFuhhl MahGehZsz thawt zjasSstle HahhZsz hHad..' <--- More of his exploits... lovely.

You say 'I take the northern gate then move to the Castle walls.'

Draug nods at you in agreement.

You say 'A lone fortress stands.'

Draug says 'Have YOoU HhEard Ooff sylff stahrKhhoOolmmm?'

You say 'I have not.'

Draug says 'Ooncje pRosjlaimMEhd kinG aof VaL mmIraoNn. and vbaroOonn OfF tHeh nnnorthh'

Draug says 'Heh iiss theh rEhAsOoNn for Moszst oofF tHeh ZSszjarZSs thahht RiidDLe MmMY ZszKinNn.'

You say 'It seems you have lived through many battles.'

Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'WHhAt fUnn woUlD It bE IfF Ii diDn't.'

Draug throws back his head and cackles with insane glee!

You say 'Agreed.'

Draug looks at you.
 
Draug says 'hHRmmm.'

Araethil smiles weakly.

Draug says 'whhY do youh uhHssEh thOszsE vbraCehrsSz..'

You say 'A good question...' <---- I use blue bracers because they have -5AC and 5AC across the board for armor, but I sacrifice some HP for them

Draug says 'get tHhe sPInnEZsz frommm elehMentahhl cjaanNnyOnn..'

You say 'You feel they are superior?'

You say 'I must be selective, you see.' <---This came across as OOC knowledge to me, it was not my intent but there it is. That is why I said my next statement (I was moderate so had to be selective of equipment with only so many rares)

Draug says 'i kNOw.'

You say 'I'm a bit particular about what I wear.' <---This was the intent I was trying to get across, just poorly stated before

Draug says 'thHEh ssPiINEZsz wiill nNnOt HiiNndehr YOour limItahtIoNss.'
 
Draug says 'Hawve youhh loookeD aht AhnnY off thHe AhrMoor iin thaat CaonyoN?'

You say 'I have seen a few pieces but I haven't examined them all.'

Draug says 'gao..'

Draug says 'ThEhREh ahhRe sseveraL iitemMZsz thhErE thAht wouhlD Zszuhit yoouh'

You say 'I spend most of my time sowing seeds.' <--- I don't wish to discuss my armor selection, lets change the subject

You say 'I will check the items.'

You say 'Thank you for the advice.'

Draug nods.

Draug says 'you wIill beh sSsUrpriissEd..'

You say 'Speaking of sowing seeds...'

You say 'The golden guard...'

Draug says 'What ofF iIt'

You say 'We have some options on how to approach them...'

You say 'I am curious as to what you think is the best method, understanding of course, I am not about blunt force.'

Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'yOu szshHouhHlDnn't woorRY mmmuhHzjH ofF It.'

Draug says 'i haveh a liisSzt aoF Iitss mmmEhMmMbEhrszs.'

Draug says 'youh wiilL szseE thEMmM sSzLowLy diZSsahhPpEhAhrIiNg..'

Draug grins evilly.

You say 'Oh? I see reason enough to cause discord within its ranks.'
 
Draug says 'KaariissHhin, lELleiIahla, aoVOuriiel, tahhRYAh, AnNnD nniiMmMUE oF toOop prIaoriIty'

Draug says 'the rEszst ahre MEREh ffleDGlIingszs..'

You say 'I have spoken with Karishin often of such things.'

Draug snickers softly.

You say 'He calls me friend, at times... ' <---- This took some time on my part... it seems Draug cares little

Araethil smiles weakly.

Draug says 'HEhh..'

Draug says 'WHhenNn Hhe ffiinDss oout tHAt Ii'veh vbEsjOmMe fFiehNnd..'

Draug says 'Hheh wIll nOot Be friEhndLy..'

Draug says 'hhe cknOwZSs iI wIiLl seEK waoR wiithH HhiImmm..'

Draug says 'he aonnD aa mmmiinnnOotawur sjRiiPPLed thhE fFaoRtrEsSsZSs.'

You say 'Oh?'

Draug says 'BehcahuhhZszE thEy wANted to sSzhOow aoBaHhRAn thheir ZsztrehNghtH.'

Draug says 'i wAhZSs tHhE onNnly Onneh Left foR quiiteh sSzoomme tImmme.'

You say 'I must say, Draug, it would have been nice to have some idea of history while you were away.'

You say 'I was the only one for a time as well, after you of course.' <--- The character quit playing for a while, came back and got back into Nexus while I was already in Nexus.

Draug says 'awfter the disSzaopPeaRenncjE ooff thhEh dEhmmmoN PriinnncE.'

Draug says 'thHEREh wass littLeh tOo BEh hhaoD HerE.' <--- Suck it up?

You say 'I can imagine.'

Draug says 'vbuhHt Now.'

Draug says 'Wiith thHe sSzpIiDehr QUheenNn iInnn pOowEhr..'

Draug grins evilly.

Draug says 'THeRE IZSs ZSsoOo mMuhhcjHh mmmoore.'

You say 'All has changed.'

Draug says 'szsheh waZsz not VErY ffonnD of MmMEh whHenNn I sjAhMmMEh bacjk.'

You say 'I am not sure she is fond of anyone, to be honest.'

Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'Truheh..'

You say 'Excuse me a moment, I will return.'

Draug says 'VeRY well..'

[PANDEMONIUM]: 'Forsaken Araethil has left the fray.'

[PANDEMONIUM]: 'Forsaken Araethil has joined the fray.'

You say 'So why do you wish an alliance with the Savant?'

Draug says 'ii wriIte to oUR sSzOldIiEhRss oOoff mMy iiNntent ofF BaottlE foOoCUhZSs.'
 
Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'thHereh iiZSs pOowehr to be HhaD.'

You say 'I find the arrogance of Suldaim and Osyn to be obscene, if I had my way I would see them both destroyed. However, I do see they can be a hammer in our forge, if you will.'

Draug says 'wEll, llotHh hahhs wIitnnnEhZSsssEhD mmmY szstrEhnghth..' <--- Oh has she? Sharing more exploits are we?

Draug says 'AZszwEhLl AZsz ZszuhHlDahhim ahnnD oosSsyNn boothh' <---- MooOoOOOorrreeee exploits!

Draug says 'iif i ssaauhHgHht thEhiR dehsSztRUhctioonnn.'

Draug says 'iIt wOoULD havEh BEhehnNn dooNneh.' <--- Yet here we are, no longer at war eh?

Draug says 'ao mmoOomehnnt'

You nod.

Some time passes.....

Draug grins evilly.

Draug says 'apoLogiIehZSs for thHahht....'

Draug says 'Naow whhehre wahhsSs Ii.'

You say 'It is fine.'

You say 'Talking about your prowess...' <--- Lets see if he gets my intent
 
Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'i'vEh mmAhdE tHhehmM Booth KnehEL.' <--- Nope, right back to his exploits! haha

Draug says 'vbut tHehy arE UhZSsehfUL.'

Draug says 'IiMaaGIinNne thHiszs..'

You say 'Could be useful, yes.'

Draug says 'iImmmAgiInnne Oneh ZSsuCh aosSz yOuhhrsSzeLf wiehLdinNng bOth thEh powehr aoff nnexUss aszswelL asSz thHe tiIMmMesSstReam?'

Araethil grins, but quickly makes a straight face and raises an eyebrow. <---Lets pretend to be interested, but not too much so

You say 'Interesting.'

Draug says 'Your paowEhr wOuhHLd Be nnnEhawrLy liimmmiTLeZszszs.'

You say 'Indeed it would.'

Draug says 'yOoUh sSsEe..'
 
Draug says 'whHahht bettEr wAhY tao ghAhin power thHROUhghh dehCEptIOoN..'
 
Draug says 'iinnnviite theM too beh OouR ahhLLIiesSs.'

Draug says 'Let themM DO sSzoOo..'

Draug says 'lEt thHem Get cjomMfoOoRtahhvble..'

You say 'Of course, I only need to listen to their simple minded libel to do so..'

Draug snickers softly.

Draug says 'TheY wIll ehvEnNntUaally szshHawreh sSsMmMAll tHINGszs oof thHE tiimMeZSstrEham itsSsEhlf..'

You say 'Well, now you're speaking my language, Draug.' <---- But really I still don't see the benefit, I'll pretend that your idea is great

Draug says 'AhnD whehnNn we HAVE wHhat wEh nEhEd froOoMmM thhemm.'

Draug says 'wE wIilL tAKe it..' <--- Now this here... Read on folks. Later he cautions against getting the Golden Guard to trust us, that we might ultimately turn on them. He believes they will know what our ploy is and basically turn it against us which would leave us vulnerable. I suppose he believes Savant isn't cunning enough to do this as well...

Draug says 'awnnnd ii aamM ssUhREh Lloth wOouhhLd Not MIind OovEhRtaKIinnng tehmMPiiRiIoonn'sSz sSseawt AszswelL....' <--- Now this has its merits!

You say 'A Reaver with a little bit of Pandemonium in their veins, I admit, I am more impressed with you as we speak.' <---- Stroke the ego!

Draug throws back his head and cackles with insane glee!

You say 'More so then our friend, Iznazti at least. Oh, I will still have to deal with his insult.' <--- Araethil has started a campaign to get Iznazti out of Pandy and into Reaver. It suits him much more and Araethil does not like competition at any rate.

Draug snickers softly.

Draug spreads open a tactical map of The Great Chasm.
 
Draug says 'He will cAVEh.'

Araethil smiles weakly, 'Indeed.'

You say 'Perhaps you should invite him to join the Reavers..'

Draug snickers softly.

Araethil chuckles quietly.

Draug says 'PeRhaops..'

You say 'He seems more a blunt instrument than a fine harp.'

You say 'Once your Demons engage, I will send mine out.'

You say 'It seems we will soon have two powerful allies.'

Draug says 'EhvEhNntUhaolly, yEZSs.'

Draug says 'the sSzyNDIsjahtE..'

Draug says 'they aoRE fEhw..'

You say 'More Merchants than headhunters it seems.'
 
Draug nods.
 
Draug says 'THeiir awbiiliIty to ZSsuhHPplY wIilL vbEh iimpOortant.'

You say 'I admit, I am new to this warefare game.'

Draug says 'thEh Druid, shhwaRsZzehnnasEh..'

Draug says 'szshE sjAhNn oOouhHtfiit oOouhr dEmoOoNszs noOow..'

You say 'That is well.'

You say 'It appears I must take my leave for now. Before I go, let me ask you this bluntly...'

You say 'Blunt force or intrigue against the Golden Guard? I feel planting ourselves in a favorable light will make it easy to bring them down when the time comes.'

You say 'Of course, that means playing nice with our most hated enemy.' <--- As a Pandy, this suits my wants much more, as a Reaver, he will never go for it. This is my dilemma.

Draug snickers softly.

You say 'Not too nice..'

You say 'But nice none the less.'

Draug says 'now ii wiLl Aszsk yoou..'
 
Draug says 'why woOouhhld we PUt OouRssehLVEhss iin favoOoRahBle 'liIght' wiithH tHhoOosseh thhAht waouhhld aotHehrwIisse wiiZszH tOo kiLL uhHsSz.' <---Savant??? Haven't they BEEN killing us!

Draug says 'mmmy thHOuhHghHtsSs arEh ZSsIimmPLE..'

You say 'It allows us to get closer to them, gain trust, and if this Cataclysm comes as they say it will... it will give us door to wipe them from existence.'

You say 'Once and for all.'

Draug says 'anD IfF nnnoOot?'

You say 'If we fail to gain trust? Well, we go back to the methods we have always done. Blunt force.'

Draug says 'Yoouhh aRe ssure Of thhat to hahhPpenNn?'

Draug says 'wHhAht iifF thehY Plawy thaot gaammme Off diizjEh.'

You say 'I am sure of nothing. I am not even sure you won't take my head off standing five feet from you.'

Draug snickers softly.

You say 'Yet here I am.'

Draug says 'hhehrEh iisSz my iiszssSsuEh wiithH thhAht..'

You say 'You will find I have an open mind.'

Draug says 'WhHo Iszs tOo szsay tHawt, aaFteR we Gaiinnn thheiiR tRUhZSst aND weh all aaREh toogethHEr.. ReahhDy awnD wahhitiinnng fOoR thHiZsz evenNnt tOo hhaoPpennn.'

Draug says 'tHeY peRHhahhpZSs LooOok szstraiighht thrOoUGHh thiszs PLahhNn.' <--- This is calling back to what I said before. He wishes to do to Savant what I wish to do to the golden guard. Manipulate them but ultimately betray them and get what we want.

Draug says 'pRehpaarEh fFoOor iit..'

Draug says 'ahnNnD wHennn 'thEhY' Hhaoveh theh aoppoOortuhhnity'

Draug says 'thhEy ooVehrruhhn uZsz annd deZSstrOY UhZSs..'

Draug says 'woOoUhlD You vbEh wIlLiNgh tao rOoll thHE diicEh?'

Draug says 'i would nnaot..'

You say 'Well, that could certainly be an outcome. Should we not plan for such an event as well?'

Draug says 'YoOoUh cAN PlahhnNn ffOor MuLtIiple caonNntIinNnGehNsjiIEsSz.'

Draug says 'ahnnd cOontiinuhhousSzlY sSsPrehawd aoUht yoOoUr rEhsSsouhRzjEhsSz..'

Draug says 'UhNtIl yOouhH have nothiinng..'

Araethil nods in agreement. <--- Supposed submission...

Draug says 'anNnd thHen yoouh AhRe tHe onne wEhAhk awnnd vuhlNeRaBleh.'

Draug says 'ah pOosiitionnn I wiill Nnaot tawke.'

You say 'Perhaps I can find a method that suits us both.'

Draug says 'Ii plaoN too ProOovaokEh thehmM..'

Draug says 'sLawUghhHtEhr thEhiR fledGIinNngss..'

Draug says 'dO YOoUh knNnow whHehNn mmaoZSst mMahkEh dire mmIszstakeszs iinNn liiFeh?'

You say 'Hrm?'

Draug says 'angehr.'
 
Draug says 'fuhrY.'

Draug says 'vblinndehd Fraom CoonsSsciousSz tHoUhghHt.'
 
Draug says 'kiiLL thHEhiir ffoolLowERsSs.'

Draug says 'get tHhehm EhNnRaoghed..'

Draug says 'ThEy wIll mMahhKEh Diire mmmiZSstawKeZsz.'

You say 'Perhaps you play the enemy, I play the friend. Lure them in and turn them over to you. Surely that would enrage them.'

Draug snickers softly.

Draug shrugs helplessly.
 
Draug says 'if thhat isSs thhE sjaZSseh.' <--- This tells me all I need to know. It matters little what I do to Draug, he will continue to play the Reaver game. This is fine, I will just have to be more cunning and most likely in the end more of my own people will hate me. Oh well! (SIDE NOTE: I've already spoke with Goruk and told him to watch his back, that something was coming for him. I wouldn't clarify beyond that. Trying to keep my ties to the Golden Guard open that I might make it seem Nexus is divided.) Draug and Araethil want the same thing, just not the same way.
 
Draug nods.

Draug says 'ElsSzeh ii wiILl jjuhhZSst fFinnD annd szslawUghter thheM.'

Araethil chuckles quietly.

You say 'I have no doubt.'

You say 'In the interim, I will continue to cast the Knight of the Crown in an unfavorable light.'

You say 'At any rate, I must take my leave.'

Draug says 'hEEd mMy ssUhghGEhszstiONn, awrahhEhthiil..'

Draug says 'gO toOo thhe zjahnnnyaon'

You nod at Draug.

You say 'I will, I assure you.'

Draug nods.

Araethil bows slightly.

You mount upon the back of a black dragon.

[PANDEMONIUM]: 'Forsaken Araethil has left the fray.'

[Tantangel]

Araethil: Passions of Good and Evil

[11:44:20] Araethil told you 'Hello there, my friend.'

[11:44:36] You told Araethil 'Hello. You move quickly compared to most.'

[11:45:16] Araethil told you 'A treacherous dragon carries me along, swift, but do not doubt he would eat me if given the chance.'

[11:45:23] Araethil told you 'How are you this fine morning?'

[11:46:06] You told Araethil 'The world appears to be troubled, fears arise all around. I am fine mostly, but I doubt many are in these days.'

[11:46:53] Araethil told you 'Troubling times indeed. The siege upon Val Miran has been a bloody battle, it seems.'

[11:47:33] You told Araethil 'It has indeed. It was interesting when the Dragon arose too.'

[11:48:45] Araethil told you 'I have seen the destruction such a dragon caused. It seems the ratmen woke it... how unfortunate.'

[11:49:30] You told Araethil 'The Ancient one now slumbers behind a wall in Ofcol. The destruction merely adds into how much gold I must raise in order to restore it in time.'

[11:50:28] Araethil told you 'Restore what, my friend?'

[11:50:48] You told Araethil 'The City of Val Miran.'

[11:51:29] You told Araethil 'It is too late to protect them all, but in some semblance, it would be nice to know that eventually they'll have something to look forward to returning to.'

[11:51:54] Araethil told you 'You would take it upon yourself to restore the city besieged by many, the Knights even, yet still ruled by undead?'

[11:52:44] You told Araethil 'In time they will no longer be there. The Knights may hold a presence, but the Guards who don't belong should heed a warning to return to Miruvhor.'

[11:53:11] You told Araethil 'A wall perhaps should be built to keep them out in the end.'

[11:53:13] Araethil told you 'If only they could... the Emperorer has gained control of that city. I doubt it would be safe for them.'

[11:53:32] You told Araethil 'Perhaps then they should seek out a new profession.'

[11:53:48] Araethil told you 'Perhaps you are correct.'

[11:55:37] You told Araethil 'It is unfortunate to see any city besieged. The architecture within crumbles and thusly creates a ripple felt by all in some way.'

[11:57:40] Araethil told you 'One day the siege will be over, the fingers of blame pointed, and all will be right.'

[11:59:05] You told Araethil 'Ah, but who to blame? Rather than point, the focus at this point should shift to who will step up and bring it back to glory.'

[11:59:45] You told Araethil 'All are to blame for it to fall into such a state as it is now. '

[12:01:24] Araethil told you 'Perhaps in time someone will rise.'

[12:02:24] Araethil told you 'However, I already see myself as the blamed. I suppose I do not blame anyone for such... I am not a perfect person.'

[12:02:51] You told someone 'Perfection is what we strive for, but will never achieve.'

[12:03:41] Araethil told you 'I am unfamiliar with your school of magic, might you share some insight?'

[12:03:55] You told Araethil 'Which insight?'

[12:04:40] Araethil told you 'I know much of the dead, it is a lifelong passion to give life to the dead. I am curious, what is your passion, what led you to such a school?'

[12:05:50] You told Araethil 'Knowledge. Though it is readily available, there are many others that are riddled in secrecy. To perfect the body is to perfect the soul.'

[12:07:09] You told Araethil 'But that falls back into no one being perfect. So how do you get there? Quite simply, you don't. You understand and comprehend things. But there are still questions even then.'

[12:07:33] Araethil told you 'There was a time, my friend, that I had a noble cause. However, I have been blinded by darkness as I sought refuge, I wonder, do you think there can be redemption for deeds darker than the blackest of nights?'

[12:08:30] You told Araethil 'Redemption is a blessing granted to very few. Is it possible? I believe so. Can you be cured of it completely? Only in death.'

[12:09:07] Araethil told you 'Only in death... a bleak ending awaits me, it seems.'

[12:09:24] You told Araethil 'It is therefore left to your own God as to what they wish to do to you from there. Set your soul free? Or to cage it for eternity?'

[12:09:50] Araethil told you 'I fear the worst. '

[12:10:47] You told Araethil 'If it is eternity, then that is your own fate. How you get there between now and then though, that would be how such is determined to be.'

[12:11:36] Araethil told you 'Truth be told, I wish to be free of this prison I find myself in. It seems only death is the answer.'

[12:11:59] You told Araethil 'Death greets us all in the end. It is not a matter of how or why, but rather when. '

[12:12:22] Araethil told you 'I understand much of death, my friend. I merely wish to redeem myself before I go.'

[12:12:44] You told Araethil 'And how do you believe you shall redeem yourself?'

[12:12:57] Araethil told you 'I am no longer young, my time draws near. I do not know... that is why I ask you now. What can I do?'

[12:14:06] You told Araethil 'A fitting death would be one in which you so choose it to be. I cannot decide that for you. As for repenting, Erelei could be a good start.'

[12:14:31] Araethil told you 'Where might I seek Erelei out?'

[12:15:09] You told Araethil 'We are all slaves here in some way. It is how we choose to view the world  that may change the outcome.'

[12:15:18] You told Araethil 'Have you found His Temple?'

[12:15:30] Araethil told you 'His temple? I know not of such.'

[12:16:38] You told Araethil 'He has one in which many dedicate their lives to.'

[12:16:55] Araethil told you 'Where might I find a tome of his teachings?'

[12:18:02] You told Araethil 'The Library holds many, I have no doubt there are many there of Him. If you seek His shrine, within the Elderwood Naila stands guarding it always.'

[12:18:58] Araethil told you 'I thank you for this information. I will study him. Perhaps he will lead to my salvation.'

[12:19:09] Araethil told you 'That I might die, a peaceful man.'

[12:19:36] You told Araethil 'It's rather fitting to be honest. Not so close to the cities, not too far from them. And at the very cusp for the first Portal that opened.'

[12:20:04] You told Araethil 'Peace is something we can only so choose if we want it ourselves. It cannot be forced either way.'

[12:20:14] Araethil told you 'You mean the portal at the crossroads between Val Miran and Maelbrim?'

[12:21:22] You told Araethil 'Aye. It's practically a stones throw away if you're a Fire Giant. It is just kept well hidden from the view of many in the hopes He may help with their Salvations and in return a life of servitude.'

[12:22:32] Araethil told you 'Ah, yes. Another blame laid upon my back. Some believe me to be the perpetrator for such a portal. Another mar against me, no doubt.'

[12:23:16] You told Araethil 'That is possible. Being the Archfiend I suppose brings you more enemies than many others over time.'

[12:23:39] Araethil told you 'I did not want this.'

[12:24:22] You told Araethil 'Then perhaps it is time to retire from the life of corruption, and to seek out the redemption you wish?'

[12:25:06] Araethil told you 'It seems it is time, indeed. I cannot do such alone though. I have called out to Ivesianna for help, and silence I have been met with.'

[12:26:52] You told Araethil 'Perhaps it is because of the years you've gone on through, the souls you have taken from others, perhaps your soul is too corrupt by now and thus she does not answer your call.'

[12:27:39] Araethil told you 'I would be denied an attempt at redemption? I have never murdered in cold blood. I have only defended myself.'

[12:27:57] someone told you 'I understand this does not make it just, but I am not the monster I am presumed to be.'

[12:29:12] You told Araethil 'That may be so, but perhaps it is a ruse to letting her guard down just to gain the upper hand over her.'

[12:29:49] You told Araethil 'It is hard to believe the words of one who has dedicated their life to the Fortress.'

[12:30:02] Araethil told you 'A ruse? I do not seek an upper hand. It seems she has been blinded by her own hatred of me.'

[12:30:56] Araethil told you 'It seems redemption is lost to me.'

[12:31:09] You told Araethil 'Hatred can be set aside regardless of standings. She may view your salvation as not worthy, and thus not thinking twice about it.'

[12:31:43] You told Araethil 'Leaving the Fortress would be a good indicator that may open her eyes more in your favor than before.'

Araethil tells you 'My salvation is not worthy? Is not the lives and salvation of all a worthy cause in the eyes of her god?'

Araethil tells you 'I cannot just leave the fortress, it is not so easy as you may think. I will be hunted to the ends of Aabrahan. Without protection, it is a fools errand.'

Araethil tells you 'With her protection I might have a chance, at least.'

You tell Araethil 'Lord Erelei sees it as something different I am sure. Purity, to purge all those who walk a shadowed path. Although they are my beliefs, it does not mean I can't talk to them to see who they are and their intentions.'

You tell Araethil 'I suppose they would hunt you down to the ends and back.'

Araethil tells you 'Do you not see my quandary?'

You tell Araethil 'I have already heard word that one within has been biding their time to force you out.'

You tell Araethil 'Protection is hard to come by in these days. Perhaps a Breaker could be a good start.'

Araethil tells you 'I have lived with this title for what seems an eternity. I fear not a usurper, nor the attempt. They can have the throne if they so wish. I wish redemption, I care little for the musings of others.'

You tell Araethil 'That may be true, but perhaps that ursurper may be the one who finally pushes you too far and beyond the ability to be redeemed.'

You tell Araethil 'I would suggest starting with Erelei. With Him, your questions may be answered.'

Araethil tells you 'Salvation is my only goal. It matters little what this usurper wishes. Even if he had the power to usurp me, he will find the throne abandoned.'

The night has begun.

Araethil tells you 'I will seek out this shrine and read the tomes regarding Erelei. Perhaps I can be saved, after all.'

You tell Araethil 'To be given Salvation, would mean to be leaving all that you are and who you are. It would be no small feat.'

Araethil tells you 'I have lived a life with a blade at my back constantly. Those around me wish me dead, those across the field wish me dead, and even I have at times wished to die. There is no feat that I fear.'

You tell Araethil 'That perception at least will help down the road. It may merely be the beginning of how you seek it, but perhaps with the correct steps, you may be redeemed.'

You tell Araethil 'That may be true. It will be a time before I can do much to help, but stepping forward and reaching out for help is always a good first step when genuine.'

Araethil tells you 'Although sadly you take whatever I say with nothing but trepidation, I understand and hope that in the future you might aid me in salvation.'

You tell Araethil 'Fear does not suit me. I have a broadened mind from my years within the Monastary, and thus I try to think of all outcomes.'

You tell Araethil 'Salvation is a path taken by few. And even fewer have come out unscathed.'

Araethil tells you 'I hope what you say is true. At least there is a chance for me.'

You tell Araethil 'Redemption can always be sought, it is the end where we all find out whether we've achieved it or not.'

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

Araethil tells you 'The chance is all I need. My time has come, I bid you fare well, my friend.'

You tell Araethil 'Just remember the scrolls. They may help.'

Araethil tells you 'I shall.'