Sorry for going radio silent, some stuff happened RL, not to me directly (mostly) but it still left me super apathetic
Anyway solid work with this, very neat dialogue!
[x] Organize the sending of missionaries to Tolmar to convert slaves and peasants to worship Shaori.
-[x] Recruit missionaries from Vashiira.
--[x] Ask some of the Deep Ones to sneak the missionaries into Tolmar without being noticed.
Still, I've been wondering if we have some pressing short-term goals for Elys, between my, uh, frequent hiatuses and how a lot of the things we've been planning on trying to do lean towards being long-term goals.
Most of them are represented by the vote options, frankly. A lot of our more pressing concerns are taken care of, leaving us with things we can do in most any order - I would say we want to survey the coalition before this phase of the war ends, but maybe in a turn or two more. I am actively trying to avoid planning for all the rest of the things in one go, but I suppose it's a relevant question to ask - will the war reaching a new stage remove options from the list? Most of them seem relatively evergreen, but some would likely benefit from being done before the cutoff.
Still, I've been wondering if we have some pressing short-term goals for Elys, between my, uh, frequent hiatuses and how a lot of the things we've been planning on trying to do lean towards being long-term goals.
I am actively trying to avoid planning for all the rest of the things in one go, but I suppose it's a relevant question to ask - will the war reaching a new stage remove options from the list? Most of them seem relatively evergreen, but some would likely benefit from being done before the cutoff.
Sending the missionaries is more likely to be effective if you do it early. Also, Elys will be unable to join in the assault on Ismar and Windskil if she doesn't choose that option before the end of the current phase.
[x] Organize the sending of missionaries to Tolmar to convert slaves and peasants to worship Shaori.
-[x] Recruit missionaries from Vashiira.
--[x] Ask some of the Deep Ones to sneak the missionaries into Tolmar without being noticed.
Sending the missionaries is more likely to be effective if you do it early. Also, Elys will be unable to join in the assault on Ismar and Windskil if she doesn't choose that option before the end of the current phase.
Ah, yeah, we'll need to do that for catharsis reasons. What more fitting end to this stage of the war than personally retaking the islands whose loss started it all. I am curious to see what kind of state they're in, too...
"So, if we can get the slaves and common folk to start worshipping her, she'll take them into her flock and spirit them away," says Jana, summarizing the entire conversation in just a few words. "Fair enough, I guess."
Recruiting missionaries to spread Shaori's faith and freedom to the slaves and downtrodden people of Aspitolm is surprisingly easy. When you return to Vashiira and visit some of the larger temples, you discover that sending missionaries to Aspitolm has been a cherished dream of several of them for many years. However, they have been prevented from making it a reality by the likelihood that whoever they send will be killed or enslaved without accomplishing very much. But now seems like an excellent time to take advantage of the fact that the Aspitis are demoralized and distracted by a string of recent defeats and the looming threat of invasion. While they are preoccupied, you may be able to sneak a few people in unnoticed. Especially since Mishrak's Deep Ones have offered to transport them safely under the sea, provide them with in-mission support and extract them if necessary.
Of course, the Aspitis will be on the lookout for spies, so the missionaries will need to attract as little attention as possible. That means they should probably stay away from the city of Aspitolm itself – and any other locations where there will be a surfeit of well-armed and paranoid defenders – and instead try to insinuate themselves into areas that are beneath the Aspitis' notice, among slaves or poor villagers. But if they do that, other dangers will be waiting for them: some of the locals might turn them in to the authorities in the hope of being rewarded, for example. There's no escaping the fact that their mission will be exceedingly dangerous. You can't keep them safe from every risk they might possibly encounter, no matter how much you want to. Sooner or later, they'll have to trust to their luck, courage and ingenuity.
Most Vashiiri are of Chamdarese descent, with epicanthic folds and a slightly different skin tone to the native peoples of Ardenor, visually distinctive enough that they might find it difficult to go unnoticed among Aspitolm's population. However, for the past few centuries since they arrived on Ardenor's east coast, the Vashiiri have enthusiastically interbred with the local Wranni, Queli and Sini tribes, so there are plenty of potential missionaries who look like they could be native Aspitis, or slaves taken from Quellonia, or from anywhere else around the Sea of Squalls, so they shouldn't attract too much attention just because of the way they look. At least, you hope not. Of course, with his mastery of life magic, Mishrak could completely change their appearance, making them look like whatever they want to. But he's very busy at the moment, so you don't want to bother him with this, especially since it isn't necessary. It's not as if there's any shortage of suitable volunteers.
No matter how many thrilling adventures you've had, you're only thirteen years old, so it's probably silly and hypocritical of you to think that most of the would-be missionaries look awfully young. Fresh-faced, gangling, coltish, callow, wet behind the ears… There are many ways you could describe them. Except for a few who look older than your parents would if Mishrak hadn't miraculously rejuvenated them, the majority of them look like they should be in school. If you'd bumped into them in the corridors of the Engelram Academy, you wouldn't have thought them out of place. And now you're sending them off to Aspitolm, where it's likely that some of them – perhaps all of them – will die horribly.
"I don't understand why it's a problem," says Jana, with a bemused frown, when you explain your thoughts to her. "Many of the sailors and soldiers we've been sending off to fight are no older than they are. And plenty of them have been killed already."
"Yes, but they died in battle or by accident – and maybe they died in pain, terror and despair – but they must have accepted that there'd be a chance they'd die like that, considering the profession they chose. On the other hand, I doubt anyone goes into the priesthood expecting that they might be captured by slavers or tortured to death for spying."
She shrugs. "They've chosen to be missionaries. They're devout worshippers of Shaori and no doubt they've accepted the possibility that they might be martyred."
"I suppose so," you murmur. "Maybe I'm just worrying about nothing." Or maybe it's because almost all of the sailors and soldiers you've ever met seemed experienced and self-assured, no matter how young they were, so you had no fear for them. Whereas these would-be missionaries have an air of innocence, immaturity and inexperience about them, which activates every protective instinct you have.
Later that day, when you're speaking to one of Shaori's high priests, in one of the largest temples in Vashiira, you give voice to some of your concerns. You don't mean to. It just slips out.
He listens patiently until you've finished speaking. He is a tall, almost cadaverously thin man with a bald head and a large nose, dressed in finely-made robes that nevertheless have a look of simplicity about them. Overall, his appearance reminds you of a plucked chicken. "Many of them would have gone to be missionaries in Aspitolm years ago if we'd let them," he replies. "As young and idealistic as they are, they cannot bear the fact that such a bastion of slavery and injustice continues to exist. Over the years, there have been many like them – and some of them disregarded all the warnings and advice and went to be missionaries in Aspitolm despite the fact that they had no hope of success – and, like you said, they died horrible deaths." He takes a deep breath. "But now, there is hope. In a few years, it is likely that the Aspitis will be defeated. Their empire will be cast down, their slaves will be freed, and their evil will be wiped clean. Even before that, it seems likely that they'll be too busy to notice a few missionaries. So why not rescue as many innocent people as we can before the flames of vengeance descend upon Tolmar? That is what they think."
"And do you agree with them?" you ask, with a raised eyebrow.
"There was a time when I thought just like them. I wish them good luck," he says. "And I hope they'll do better than I did."
You're still thinking about that by the time you return to the Undersea Palace. There, you visit Thorgil, Kevron and some of the other Deep Ones you're acquainted with. They promise that they'll keep the missionaries safe until they've landed on Tolmar. And after that, they'll be ready to help them make a quick getaway, if needs be.
That's the end of the chapter.
The Aspiti Empire has a total of 32 Warscore. Their Warscore increases at a rate of 2 per month (and can be increased by various special events).
The Coalition (of forces leagued against the Aspiti Empire) has a total of 50 Warscore. From now on, their Warscore will increase at a rate of 2 per month (which be partly because of those missionaries doing good work). Also, it can also be increased by Elys's actions.
Whichever side gains a total of 54 Warscore first will be the winner of this stage of the war. If the Coalition wins, they will retake the isles of Ismar and Windskil.
What do you want Elys to do next month? (Choose one)
[] Go to Mishrak's undersea palace and spend time meeting various representatives of the different groups that make up the Coalition. (+Warscore?)
-[] Ask Sildar and Jorantul how they're getting on.
-[] Meet some of the Varzi mercenaries.
--[] Observe how they interact with Jorantul.
-[] Meet some of the Wranni.
--[] Be pleasantly surprised to see an old friend.
-[] Talk to some of the Deep Ones.
-[] Meet Red Ruin and the few remaining orcs.
[] Join in the assault on Ismar and Windskil.
-[] Take part in the beach assault.
OR
-[] Sneak in beforehand and start sabotaging the defences.
OR
-[] Serve as air support.
[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Meet with the high council of the Sisterhood of the Iron Orchid.
-[] Attempt to persuade them to that the remainder of their forces should join in the war against Aspitolm.
--[] Suggest that you can get a lot of new recruits for them (by providing armour and weapons for the wannabe lady knights from the orphanage).
-[] Also, arrange a meeting with Epiny's ruling council.
--[] Try to persuade them to make it illegal for their citizens to trade with Aspitolm for the duration of the war.
[] Start building up your own sources of wealth and income so you won't have to keep asking Uncle Mishrak for money all the time.
-[] Write in: how?
[] DIPLOMACY MISSION: Try to make peace between the people of Rivayne and the local nature spirits.
-[] Arrange a meeting with the Riders of Famine and Pestilence, who will be acting as the nature spirits' representatives.
--[] Remind them that in the past they have worked together with Lissa and Nyssa to improve the lives of humans so they don't need to encroach on the lands that already belong to various nature spirits. (Possibly invite Lissa and Nyssa to the meeting?)
---[] Try to convince them to improve the lives of Rivayne's poor.
[] Go with Mishrak to the city of Suantum, in the Dragon Empire.
-[] Meet with some of his priests and find out what they have been learning from him.
[] Devote much of your time and energy to learning water magic at the Engelram Academy.
-[] Study together with Tassin Tayde and any of Jana's other friends who want to learn.
[] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.
[] Do something else (write in)*.
*If there's anything I've forgotten to add to this list, that doesn't mean that you can't do it.
It is always interesting to see a divide between how cultures view dying in battle VS dying by other means, I agree with Jana here, death is death they know the risks.
[X] Meet with the Demon Lord Achamat, who will tell you everything he has learnt about the Mystic Path.
No matter how many thrilling adventures you've had, you're only thirteen years old, so it's probably silly and hypocritical of you to think that most of the would-be missionaries look awfully young.
He listens patiently until you've finished speaking. He is a tall, almost cadaverously thin man with a bald head and a large nose, dressed in finely-made robes that nevertheless have a look of simplicity about them. Overall, his appearance reminds you of a plucked chicken.
The Coalition (of forces leagued against the Aspiti Empire) has a total of 50 Warscore. From now on, their Warscore will increase at a rate of 2 per month (which be partly because of those missionaries doing good work). Also, it can also be increased by Elys's actions.
It is always interesting to see a divide between how cultures view dying in battle VS dying by other means, I agree with Jana here, death is death they know the risks.
Most Vashiiri are of Chamdarese descent, with epicanthic folds and a slightly different skin tone to the native peoples of Ardenor, visually distinctive enough that they might find it difficult to go unnoticed among Aspitolm's population.
If only we had a someone like the famed biomancers Mishrak on our side. Then everyone who wants to go but faces risk due to slightly off skin Tone could have it adjusted If they want.
If only we had a someone like the famed biomancers Mishrak on our side. Then everyone who wants to go but faces risk due to slightly off skin Tone could have it adjusted If they want.
I think Mishrak has enough on his plate already and Elys probably wouldn't want to bother him with this, especially since there isn't any shortage of volunteers. And when I can get a stable internet connection (rather than having to rely on my limited mobile data) I will add a few words to that effect to the above chapter.
I think Mishrak has enough on his plate already and Elys probably wouldn't want to bother him with this, especially since there isn't any shortage of volunteers. And when I can get a stable internet connection (rather than having to rely on my limited mobile data) I will add a few words to that effect to the above chapter.
While visiting Mishrak's undersea palace, you overhear that the Coalition leaders are planning to retake the islands of Ismar and Windskil in about a month's time. You wonder if it's a coincidence that that's when your birthday is. Maybe your parents are planning it as a special gift to you. They probably think there's no better present than to give you your old home back. You're not sure how you feel about that. Ismar was your home for most of your life, so you feel attached to it, but you know that when you go back it won't ever be the same. Not after the Aspitis ravaged and despoiled it.
Besides, you have a new home now, in your uncle's watery halls. There's no point in chasing nostalgia for a time that's long gone.
At the same time as you're thinking about that, you're surprised to see Simony Beli-Zephalos. Looking as shifty as ever, he approaches you and asks to speak to you in private.
"Does that mean Jana can't come with me?" you ask.
"Well, you'll tell her everything anyway, so she might as well be there." He shrugs. "Let's call it 'relative privacy'. Bring Jana if you want, but no one else."
"What about Catharne?"
He frowns at you for a moment, sighs heavily and says, "You're winding me up, aren't you?"
"Yes," you admit, giggling at his reaction.
"Very funny," he says. "Now, can we get on with the meeting? It's important."
You ask Mishrak for a room where you won't be overheard or disturbed by anyone. He obliges. The undersea palace has many rooms that are out of the way, unused and far away from anyone who might be tempted to listen in. In one such room, you and Jana wait politely to hear what Simony has to say.
The voice that comes out of his mouth is not his. Someone else is wearing his body like a glove. His eyes have turned gold and his posture is one of arrogant confidence rather than his usual slouch. "I must apologize for taking so long to return to you," says the demon lord Achamat. "We originally agreed to speak again in a month, didn't we? Alas, it has been much longer than that, for which I am deeply sorry."
"I presume there was a good reason," you say, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.
"You requested that I gather information for you, which took some time. And there have been various other matters that have occupied my time. It may interest you to know that the Underworld – those parts of it that are ruled over by demons, at least – has been torn apart by civil war. There are many would-be demon lords who seek to elevate themselves by conquering their rivals. I have been forced to defend myself."
"And the original demon lords – Zhordros, Mamnioch, Agravash and so on – have they been involved in this civil war?" you ask.
"Not at all, except to guard their own territory and punish anyone who tries to provoke them."
"Interesting," you say, considering how this information could be useful to you and your allies. You should probably discuss it with Bellona and Mishrak and maybe a few others.
"I don't know if you've ever heard of Jagrath, Sulhifet, or Vorchelain?" he asks. "They're currently my most powerful rivals, with the largest armies, who already claim to be demon lords in their own right. They are the ones against whom I need to defend myself."
"I won't keep you here for very long," you promise. "Of course you should go back and defend your territory as soon as possible. But first…"
"Yes, I'll tell you everything I've discovered about the Mystic Path," he says, taking a deep, somewhat theatrical breath. "There are eight of them at present. They are all archmages, but they have gained much greater power by making deals with powerful demons. In the Underworld, they lurk inside a bleak citadel known as the Fortress of Forever, but they own many great houses, towers and castles all over the surface of Narrath, most of which they don't dare to visit – not at the moment, at least – because they're afraid that Teryn might attack them and take revenge for what they did to his Necropolis." He pauses, folding his arms. "You've already met Agon Hurondus, the so-called 'Master of Portal Magic', who tried to kill or enslave anyone else who knew how to use portal magic, just so he could be the only one. I don't think you've met Volric Sym, the Master Enchanter, who crafts powerful magic weapons and sells them to the highest bidder. Jerrandiun, the Master of Fire, is a violent madman who barely seems aware of what's going on around him. Still, he trusts his colleagues to tell him what to do, so they send him whenever they want something utterly destroyed. Unaryl Ku-Lhariesh claims to be the daughter of the All-Devourer and the 'Mistress of Soul Magic'. Whereas most of her colleagues want to amass enough power that they can rule over all Creation and do whatever they want, she claims that her main motivation is to build a new and better world."
"Considering the company she keeps, I'm not sure I believe her," says Jana, with a wry smile.
"Exactly." Achamat nods. "There's also Lyria Serrat, the Mistress of Illusions, who seems to have beguiled herself so she truly believes that she and her colleagues are a force for truth and justice, unfairly persecuted by the corrupt and evil gods who rule over Creation. Alikada Zinistrari is the Mistress of Life Magic, who uses it to turn living creatures into monstrous abominations. Luth-a-Nyvech is the Master of Water, who calls himself 'lord of all that is dead in the sea'. It seems like he sees himself as a rival to both Teryn and Mishrak."
"Or at least he'd like to believe that," you mutter.
"And finally – last and most certainly least – their newest member is Fyralio Belusk, the Master of Force Magic. He seems like a gullible idiot, to be honest, but he's powerful enough. They got him to replace their 'Master of Time Magic' who did something stupid and got himself erased from history by one of Aea's angels."
You frown at that. "If they erased him from history, how can we still remember him? Why didn't it have any effect on the history of the Mystic Path?"
"Maybe there was only so much of him that could be erased before it started causing too many paradoxes. They must have decided it was more trouble than it was worth." He pauses again and says, "Is there anything more specific you want to ask? I've told you everything I can think of, but maybe I'll remember some more if there's anything in particular you want me to focus on."
Does Elys have any questions? Or anything else she wants to say to him?
... Well, my first thought: "Okay, while it'd be great if one of them erased themselves from history, what I'm concerned about is "that guy is still alive, just managed to find a way to make themselves look Dead by Time Elf."
Hmm, I suppose my first question is "which demons had made pacts with them, and how can those pacts be subverted?"
And there's our full roster. If we wanted to antagonize them, we could start smashing or co-opting their stuff. That might even be a good place to start, for devising tactics against them. I would say - this is only a nascent idea, but maybe we should form a goodly-aligned version of the Mystic Path to oppose them?
Fortress of Forever is a sweet name for a castle, though.
It could let us act against them with a moderate amount of impunity. If you think about it, they've always appeared by proxy or in the company of demon lords, who would naturally draw Teryn's focus were he to appear.
Fyralio is a weak man ruled by his emotions - it is he who sold our dear friend Samaya into slavery, and if we wanted to signal our hostility towards the Mystic Path, I think she'd be all in on revenge.
I think it's unlikely that Achamat would know or be able to find out about all of the properties the various members of the Mystic Path have on the surface. Maybe one or two, but that's all.
Anyway, it's occurred to me that in the next chapter, Achamat might want to ask Elys this question: "Why do you care so much about the Mystic Path?"
How should Elys answer that question? (Depending on your answer, Achamat may have some additional advice or suggestions for you.)
I think it's unlikely that Achamat would know or be able to find out about all of the properties the various members of the Mystic Path have on the surface. Maybe one or two, but that's all.
Well, the simple fact is - they've declared to the world that they intend to live forever and amass as much power as they can get their hands on. If we don't want to end up under their thumb, the only move left is to strike before they become invincible. They already can bargain on equal or better terms with demon lords, so that window is closing fast. Not to mention, they're selfish, petty, cruel, and always, always sloppy. Any Creation they ruled over would fall apart before long, even if they intended to preserve it.
They were involved in the attack on Zora Alishandra.
Risking Creation falling to the anti-Creation demons (as opposed to Achamat, who can be reasoned with, who isn't obsessed with destroying Creation) just to get more power.
So there isn't just the things like one of them ressurecting Elys's countries historical sailors to make them fight for the slaving Aspiti empire, or what they did to some of Elys's friends (she knows that Raef and Samaya were captured by them, iirc), the Mystic Paths conspiracies are a threat to Creation as we know it.
(And what Flash Said)
General Observation, not related to above question:
Also, that civil war could have big influence on the fight against the Mystic Path.
MP members making deals for power with Demon Lords (and aspirants) that need some help to stay in/gain power. (Including possibly playing both sides)
It could also lead to Demo Lords being replaced by greater/lesser evils.
And there's our full roster. If we wanted to antagonize them, we could start smashing or co-opting their stuff. That might even be a good place to start, for devising tactics against them. I would say - this is only a nascent idea, but maybe we should form a goodly-aligned version of the Mystic Path to oppose them?
The Mystic Path were originally nine, but one of them (Crastus Aedon, the Master of Weather Magic) revolted against the others when he realised how evil they were. So they killed him.
He pauses again and says, "Is there anything more specific you want to ask? I've told you everything I can think of, but maybe I'll remember some more if there's anything in particular you want me to focus on."
"Which demons did they make pacts with? And can those pacts be broken?" you asked.
"The Demon Lords were most interested in Hurondus's portal magic. They've given him a sizeable portion of divine power in exchange for his ferrying their troops to wherever they need to go. You see, after they lost Daevos at the end of the Second Age, the Demon Lords have been unable to send their armies to Narrath's surface. Most demons are little things, incapable of traveling very far from whatever loose stone or patch of dirt they've claimed as their domain, so they must be summoned in ones and twos by gullible mortals. But stepping through a portal is quick, easy and much to be preferred. That is why they have allied with Hurondus – and why they are willing to tolerate the other members of the Mystic Path." He pauses. "Many other demons have been willing to trade morsels of divine power in exchange for enchanted weapons and various favours. They've learned that the archmages of the Mystic Path can be hired to destroy their rivals and they've been quick to take advantage of that fact. More fool them."
"Witchcraft," Jana muses. "Do you remember the story of Spiteful Hetisch, Elys?"
"I do." You nod. "And, as I recall, the spirits regretted ever having anything to do with her. She stole all their power for herself."
"But she wouldn't have been able to do that if they hadn't already made foolish deals with her and given her far too much power," says Achamat with a nod. It's a surprisingly human gesture.
Jana narrows her eyes at him. "Like when you gave powers to Cinna Beli-Zephalos in exchange for his true name?"
There is a pause. After some hesitation, speaking slowly and with great care, Achamat says, "Such deals can have unintended and unpleasant consequences. I know that now. Which is partly why I want to prevent others from making similar mistakes in future."
"You're worried that the Mystic Path will gain enough power to enslave demons – even the Demon Lords themselves?" you ask, somewhat incredulous.
"Certainly enough to make an even bigger nuisance of themselves than they already have." He grins, baring far too many of Simony's teeth. "I'm curious as to how you heard about the Mystic Path. It seems to me that they're a long way away from you and your life here under the sea. Why do you want to know about them?"
"They are guilty of many terrible crimes. They intend to live forever and become powerful enough to do whatever they want – to become cruel and tyrannical rulers of all Creation – and I have no desire to live in a world ruled over by such as they are. Moreover, in their attempts to gather more power for themselves, they have allied with the Demon Lords who want to destroy all of Creation – and Melphior, who was plotting to kill Zora Alishanda and take over the Dreaming World – as well as the vile slavers of the Aspiti Empire. They must be stopped," you say. "Even if they hadn't tortured and enslaved some of my friends, I would still oppose them."
"We have a common enemy. For that reason, I hope you will consider me an ally in this matter," says Achamat. "First of all, the Mystic Path have one obvious weakness: they rely on Agon Hurondus to transport them over vast distances: all over Narrath, to the Underworld and back. Without him, they will find it difficult to travel wherever they want."
"I think they've already set up permanent portals that'll take them to most of the places they usually go, even if we manage to kill or capture Hurondus," you point out.
"A limited number. And they'll need to be maintained. If any of them stop working, for whatever reason, the Mystic Path may be unable to replace them. Besides, it doesn't matter if it doesn't completely prevent them from travelling wherever they need to go: what matters is that it will slow them down and severely limit their ability to react to unexpected problems. Also, if Hurondus is gone and therefore unable to provide an easy method of transportation for their armies, the Demon Lords may decide that they have no need for the other members of the Mystic Path. That would be convenient for us, wouldn't it?"
"Very convenient, if it came to a bloody conflict between the Demon Lords and the Mystic Path," you say.
"Shame they can't both lose," says Jana.
"It should be easy for you to lead Hurondus into a trap," Achamat continues. "He is determined to be the only portal mage in all of Creation, so when he finds out that you and some of your friends are portal mages, he will attempt to kill you. But if you can lure him into attacking you at a time and place of your choosing… Well, you have plenty of powerful friends to help you deal with him once and for all."
"How do you know I'm a portal mage," you ask, narrowing your eyes at him.
"Considering how quickly you've been able to travel from here to Tyrepheum, to the moon and back again – and transport an entire army with you – it was fairly obvious. I'm surprised Hurondus hasn't worked it out already. Maybe he assumes that the entire goblin army and their various allies flew to the moon aboard the space gonne bullet. It's not impossible that the space inside it could have been magically expanded so it could carry more people. And then Zora Alishanda could have transported them back home via the Dreaming World. But I don't suppose he's spent much time thinking about exactly how it was done. He knows he's the only portal mage in all of Creation and it will come as a tremendous surprise to find out how wrong he is."
You look uneasily at him. "I hope you're not going to tell him."
"Not unless you want me to. When your trap is ready, maybe I could pay him a visit and point him in your direction. But it's not time for that yet. It's entirely possible that you'll think of a better way to lure him to his doom, so maybe you won't need me at all. Nevertheless, if there is some way you want to involve me in your plans, I am at your service."
"Can we trust you?" asks Jana, suspiciously.
"You don't have to trust me. Trust that I don't want to be ruled over by the Mystic Path any more than you do."
"Any other information you can provide would be useful," you say, smoothly redirecting the subject back onto its original course. "For instance, do you know which members of the Mystic Path are most likely to interfere in the war against Aspitolm."
He considers, for a few moments. "Alikada Zinistrari, possibly. She has a palace somewhere on the isle of Tolmar. And I'm sure she'd be glad of the opportunity to test some of her mutated monstrosities in combat. Luth-a-Nyvech has a few devotees among the necromancers in Aspitolm – I think he taught some of them personally – but I don't know if he'd risk himself on their behalf. Volric Sym has probably sold the Aspitis a few magic weapons, but he prefers not to fight unless he absolutely has to. Fyralio is an Aspiti and may still have a few shreds of loyalty to the land of his birth. I can't see why Unaryl or Lyria would care about Aspitolm. Jerrandiun would join in if one of the others persuaded him to, but otherwise I can't see him taking an interest.
"So, they're not all going to rush to defend Aspitolm?" you surmise.
"If you topple the current regime, ban slavery and so on, they might think it's an irritating inconvenience, but I doubt they'll bother to fight over it. If Zinistrari's palace is destroyed or otherwise rendered unusable, I'm sure she'll be angry, but I don't know if she'll actually do anything about it. She has other palaces, after all."
"Hmm. Thank you," you say. "You've been very helpful. I have just one last question: what do you intend to do with Simony Beli-Zephalos?"
"Do?" He looks momentarily puzzled. "I've made a deal with him. He is under my protection, if he needs it. He serves me as a messenger, if I need one. Otherwise, I leave him alone."
"Sounds fair enough to me," says Jana, with a small shrug.
Do you want Elys to say anything else or ask any more questions? Or shall we move on to the next chapter?
