Colchis - 831.M30
The negotiation with Archmagos Zabius Seroniaz unfolded like an intricate dance of minds, each move calculated and deliberate. When the conversation turned to your powers, you revealed your ability to sanctify oaths, a skill that piqued the Archmagos's interest, who made references to such deals being brokered by Sorcerers. After much deliberation, a complex contract was crafted, binding both parties for a short time and compelling honest answers during that period.
With the terms set, the contract was sealed with your power, a tangible manifestation of the agreement. For the agreed-upon duration, truth was the only currency in your words. It was a temporary agreement, a fragile truce forged in the crucible of necessity.
As the agreement settled into place, thoughts of the future loomed large. The path ahead remained shrouded in uncertainty, but for now, you had secured a respite for your tribe and opened a door to potential opportunities.
Your inquiry into Archmagos Zabius Seroniaz's ambitions unraveled a tapestry of grand designs and intricate strategies. His quest for the esteemed position of Fabricator-General of Milhand was intricately linked to the enigmatic Bleed, a phenomenon that transcended mere ambition.
In his pursuit of knowledge, the Archmagos revealed a plan that intertwined personal ambition with the unique properties of the Bleed. His goal was audacious, to harness the Bleed's temporal flux to recreate the ancient root language used by the Standard Template Constructs during the Dark Age of Technology. This language, lost to time, held the key to unlocking the full potential of the STC devices, heralding a new era of technological advancement.
"The temporal fluctuations within the Bleed offer a unique opportunity to study the linguistic underpinnings of the STC devices," the Archmagos explained, his voice resonating with purpose.
His words painted a picture of relentless pursuit, of a man driven not by personal gain but by a thirst for knowledge that transcended time. It was a vision of a future where technology knew no bounds, where the secrets of the past were revealed, and where humanity stood on the cusp of a new enlightenment.
As the Archmagos concluded his explanation, he turned to you, his gaze piercing. "My query is as follows," he declared, his voice a blend of curiosity and authority. "How did you acquire your abilities?"
You explained that your journey began with a moment of desperation and temptation. A being, initially appearing as a Daemon, offered you power beyond mortal limits. Despite your reservations, you accepted, driven by a desire for strength and influence.
Upon acceptance, a surge of energy transformed you, expanding your abilities far beyond what you had known.
"I notice you are accompanied by your retinue. Could you explain their roles and how they support your work?" The question hung in the air, a beacon of curiosity amidst the hum of machinery.
The Archmagos's response was a symphony of mechanical precision.
"The retinue accompanying me primarily comprises individuals from Milhand," he began, his voice resonating with the resonance of a well-tuned cogitator. "They are proficient in diverse Mechanicus disciplines, skilled in machinery maintenance and intricate device construction."
As he gestured towards his retinue, your gaze lingered on the sorcerers among them, their presence a stark contrast to the mechanized efficiency of the rest.
Sensing your intrigue, Archmagos Zabius Seroniaz continued, "The "sorcerers" are recent acquisitions, sourced from disparate tribes. I amalgamated their diverse shamanistic rites into a unified system, customized to suit my objectives."
The Archmagos's explanation unveiled a tapestry of ancient rituals and modern technology, a fusion of tribal beliefs and mechanized efficiency. It was a testament to his ingenuity and adaptability, a blend of the old and the new.
"These "sorcerers" offer invaluable insight into the arcane and empyrean facets of the Bleed," he elaborated. "They have proven useful in navigating its complexities and offering protection from its entropic effects and the entities of the warp."
His gaze then turned to you, a silent challenge in his eyes. "Are your powers based on the warp?" he inquired, his voice a blend of curiosity and scrutiny.
"No," you replied, your voice steady and resolute. "My powers originate from a different source, not the warp."
The Archmagos nodded, his expression unreadable. "Intriguing," he mused, his tone devoid of emotion. It was clear that your answer had piqued his interest, opening up new avenues of inquiry.
You shifted the conversation, probing deeper into the Archmagos's worldview.
"How do you view your relationship with the people of this world, especially those who are not part of the Mechanicum?" Your question was a subtle probe, seeking to unravel the complexities of his perspective.
"My relationship with the people of this world is one of necessity," he began, his voice echoing in the chamber. "The people of this world possess unique insights and perspectives that can be of benefit to my endeavors."
Then came the unexpected question. "What do you know about Enuncia?" The term was unfamiliar to you, and you admitted as much, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at your lack of knowledge.
"I... I'm not sure," you replied, your voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't think I've ever heard of that term before."
The Archmagos nodded, seemingly unfazed by your ignorance. It was a reminder of the vastness of his knowledge, a reminder that there were still mysteries in the universe yet to be unraveled.
As the conversation drew to a close, you posed one final question, a question that cut to the heart of the matter. "How do you see the future of this world and your role in that?"
The words hung in the air, a reflection of your curiosity and your desire to understand the Archmagos's grand design for the future.
The Archmagos's response was as enigmatic as the Bleed itself.
"I have not given this world much thought beyond what I can gain from it," he began, his voice carrying the weight of ancient knowledge. "As for my role in that future, I have none."
His words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the bustling enclave around you, where the mechanisms of the Mechanicum hummed with purpose.
"My work here is but a small part of a grander vision," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the array of tech-priests and Skitarii. "I seek to unlock the mysteries of the past, to reclaim the lost technologies of the Dark Age and usher in a new era. I have no future in this world, but rather a future as the Fabricator-General of Milhand."
As the Archmagos concluded his answer, his gaze shifted towards Lorgar. "What is your relation to the Raptor Imperialis?" he inquired, his tone measured and analytical.
Before you could formulate a response, Lorgar spoke up, his voice resonating with a deep sense of conviction. "The Emperor is my father," he declared, his words carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the chamber.
The Archmagos regarded Lorgar with a mixture of surprise and shock, despite his mechanical features. "Interesting," he remarked, his voice a symphony of gears and servos. "Your claim is....unexpected."
There was a moment of silence as the significance of Lorgar's revelation settled in. Then, the Archmagos spoke again, his tone businesslike.
"Ritual Parley concluded. Will the Scion be a part of Negotiations?" He asked, his gaze returning to Lorgar, a question that hung in the air like a promise of things to come.
CHOICE
It has been a while since the negotiations started. Perhaps you should send out Lorgar to check on the tribe? Their current status has been rolled.
[] Do not send Lorgar out (Enhances Negotiations)
[] Send Lorgar out (Puts you in the back foot)
The Roll has been made. If it is high, then you are just wasting time sending out Lorgar. If it is low, then Lorgar can save lives.
