Khessa examines the delicious dishes with a critical eye... then comments, unimpressed: "There is no cabbage-based dish... These cultists of Slaanesh and Azash never cease to disappoint me".
The blonde arcane warrior leaves the Angry Giant to her tasting work and approaches the double doors to the south, thinking: 'The kitchens appear abandoned... But we faced fighters, not cooks. At least, I remember enemies attacking us with weapons and spells... not with spoons and ladles. Perhaps the survivors realized the carnage that had been committed and fled. Not that I would blame them for that'.
The tall adventurer opens, ready to continue exploration in that direction.
You open the doors into a spacious living quarter, decorated differently from what you have seen in the previous Zemoch rooms. There is a figure, sitting in a great chair with what appears to be a black cloak over their shoulder, before a fireplace set in the stone wall of the room, crackling. You can only see the slope of the shoulders and the head, which appears female with long radiant black, silky hair. A stylized horned helmet sits upon a helmet stand off to the side.
With a radiant voice, she says "I have been expecting you, you sure took your sweet time getting here."
Tyekanik looks into the room past his companions towards the figure in the chain. Mouth and hand still full, he says, "showwy, got uh bih dishchrached."Then swallowing and wiping his hands off on a nearby tapestry he says, "Nice helmet,"and looks to his companions to figure out who this person actually is.
"Who better than me should know that it is not polite to keep a lady waiting?" Khessa replies, in a joking tone "But, you know, evidently, we have become popular here... So many were trying to hold us back..."
"Anyway, here we are now!" the blonde arcane warrior smiles "Just a few more moments..." she utters some arcane formulas, drawing glyphs in the air with a rod"Great! Ready!" she enters the room, slowly walking towards a position that allows her to see the other's face "I'm all yours! It's nice, among other things, to have a meeting that doesn't start with hostile acts, for a change... Shall we introduce ourselves? I'm Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield. And you?"
The figure in the chair stands, to reveal it is a set of black wings, not a cloak that covered the shoulders. The female figure is in black plate armor and has a silver chalice in her hand. She uses it to point to a wine cabinet where a large carafe of wine stands, with several goblets. She has a longsword in a scabbard on her left hip, and a rolled-up rope on the opposite hip. She waves her hand, and chairs appear near the fire.
"Come, take refreshment. From what I have sensed, you have been rather busy down here. Sit, and let's talk."
"As alluring as the offer of refreshment is, I'm afraid I can no longer partake in food and drink," he says with a hint of regret in his voice. "But I appreciate the hospitality. Please, if you are so inclined, tell us your name."
Arcana check to figure out what exactly this woman is: 20 (if I had to roll at disadvantage, the result doesn't change as the second roll was 22)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
"Your offer is polite and welcome," Khessa sits down on the offered chair, while Alfred remains standing solemnly at her side "but we've just been 'refreshed', so I think I'll decline the wine... Let's get to the chatter! You" she raises an eyebrow inquiringly - "have not introduced yourself yet, by the way..."
Hearing the conversation, Mal will move over to get a clear line of sight to the new enemy, who knows in this place, but more than likely another creature to be put down. She will raise her crossbow and get ready to fire on Khessa's action.
She nods, "You are quite right, rather rude of me. I am Morreren, of the Black Legion. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She refills her chalice and returns to her seat. "You have drawn the Legion's interest, not many mortals face off against one of the Old Gods, let alone two. We are very curious about this. Seeing my services are no longer needed here, I have been asked to convey an offer to you."
Khessa's blue eyes light up with interest: "Forgive me, Morreren, I have never heard of this 'Black Legion'... But considering your wings, your horns, and the fact that you talk about 'services'... is it a legion of devil mercenaries?"
"Anyway, I believe that good deals are generally preferable to good battles" the blonde arcane warrior points out. "Why seek violence, when there is the possibility of collaboration? We will gladly listen to your offer".
Morreren smiles wickedly. "While we are a legion of devils, we are not mercenaries. We thought we could bring these Zemochs to our fold, to serve us, but my mistress was surprised how stalwart and even powerful these two old gods are." She shrugs and raises an eyebrow while sipping from her cup. "Now, my mistress is concerned about what may happen here."
She pauses and puts on a serious face. "There is only room for our Hell. My mistress has commanded that we collaborate, as it seems we are on the same goal, but different paths. Grudgingly I must admit, ours has failed for the moment, but you seem to be succeeding. I have been tasked to see if we may come to an accord, and ask what would you like in return for stopping this venture by these old gods? What contract shall we negotiate?"
"May I know who your mistress is, Morreren?" Khessa asks, intrigued "Anyway, I'm not very good with contracts and quibbles... and I don't even know in detail whether Eosia has had problems with the Devils in the past... Brother Maynard? Sparhawk?" she calls the two to her "Perhaps you know these things better than me... If Eosia had problems with the Devils in the past, perhaps we could make an agreement that would establish a truce... We will stop this venture by these old gods and the Black Legion, with its mistress, in exchange they don't interfere with the affairs of mortals here, on the Prime Material Plane... something like that... What do you think? Is this a good basis for negotiation?" she passes her blue eyes from the ambassador Devil to the two friends from whom she has asked for assistance, to understand if what she has in mind is useful and feasible.
"May I know who your mistress is, Morreren?" Khessa asks, intrigued "Anyway, I'm not very good with contracts and quibbles... and I don't even know in detail whether Eosia has had problems with the Devils in the past... Brother Maynard? Sparhawk?" she calls the two to her "Perhaps you know these things better than me... If Eosia had problems with the Devils in the past, perhaps we could make an agreement that would establish a truce... We will stop this venture by these old gods and the Black Legion, with its mistress, in exchange they don't interfere with the affairs of mortals here, on the Prime Material Plane... something like that... What do you think? Is this a good basis for negotiation?" she passes her blue eyes from the ambassador Devil to the two friends from whom she has asked for assistance, to understand if what she has in mind is useful and feasible.
"My Mistress is Zariel, the Warlord of Avernus. This growing conflict here drew her attention, as this may see an increase of demonic forces for which she is concerned that ity could give her enemies in the Blood War an advantage." She pauses and sips for her chalice. "My mistress had sent me her to persuade these foolish Zemochs to not follow their Azash and this Slaanesh, but that didn't work out very well. They seem to be blindly loyal to their dark gods. It are these gods that my mistress is most concerned about, as this is a new front instead of across the waters."
Brother Maynard approaches, eyeing the devil with distrust. "To answer your question, no. We have had old tales about devils and such, offering everything and anything for souls. But demons, those have been a part of our past, and even as far back with the first war against the Emperor and Azash who summoned demons to fight on their behalf. It took the combined might of the Church Knights and the Church itself to expel these demonic creatures."
Sparhawk nods in agreement. "That's the truth to it. The militant order was created to fight demons, but devils, this is something new. That's why we have some magical ability based on holy energies, along with our skills in arms. To better fight demons."
Sparhawk eyes the devil with concern, and she winks at him and blows him a kiss. "Come and close with me warrior of strength, and I'll show you the true meaning of strength of arms."
"Morreren, please..." Khessa sighs "we are not here to measure who has the strongest arm, but to out our arms to good use against common foes”.
The blonde arcane warrior then presents her proposal: "We will be happy to cut Azash and Slaanesh down to size. We will take care of this 'front across the waters' - so you can continue to engage the Demons in the Blood War. So, many Demons will consequently have something else to do than rush here to serve the Zemochs and their gods. In exchange, you Devils will not concern yourself with what happens here, in the dimension of mortals, in the Prime Material Plane. You will rather focus on gaining the upper hand in the Blood War. And if we need, in the future, some small intervention from you to strike together with us the forces of the Demons or of that pair of Old Gods, we will discuss it together".
"What do you say?" the tall adventuress smiles "Isn't this a good deal for everyone?"
"Strength of arms?"Tyekanik chimes in, flexing and looking to see if anyone wants to arm wrestle. Then, standing and leaning on his axe watches the discussion carefully, not really trusting demons or devils or whatever creature from the hell is in front of them, but knowing that his companion likely knows what's happening. ((insight 21))
"Morreren, please..." Khessa sighs "we are not here to measure who has the strongest arm, but to out our arms to good use against common foes”.
The blonde arcane warrior then presents her proposal: "We will be happy to cut Azash and Slaanesh down to size. We will take care of this 'front across the waters' - so you can continue to engage the Demons in the Blood War. So, many Demons will consequently have something else to do than rush here to serve the Zemochs and their gods. In exchange, you Devils will not concern yourself with what happens here, in the dimension of mortals, in the Prime Material Plane. You will rather focus on gaining the upper hand in the Blood War. And if we need, in the future, some small intervention from you to strike together with us the forces of the Demons or of that pair of Old Gods, we will discuss it together".
"What do you say?" the tall adventuress smiles "Isn't this a good deal for everyone?"
She gives a smile. "What do you want in return? Are you willing to sign a contract on it?"
"In return?" Khessa approaches, interpreting the she-Devil's question as an approval of the few conditions posed "It is as I said... It is enough for the Devils to leave the mortal dimension, the Prime Material Plane, alone. I don't ask for treasures or favors, if that's what you mean. .."
"As I mentioned," the blonde arcane warrior recalls "I could ask you to plan a joint offensive, if we were to need... military force that we don't have. But that's something we'll deal with if and when the need arises. For now, I have no other conditions to ask..."
"And I usually like to trust the word given by the other party" the tall adventuress explains. "The details of the contracts confuse me... As far as I'm concerned, a handshake between the two of us is enough. But if you prefer to prepare a contract... no problem; if the conditions are the ones we are agreeing on now, I will sign it. Just, of course, don't try to put conditions we did not agree on... or you'll end up with enemies instead of allies - I will not ally with one who tries to deceive me".
While the she-Devil shakes her hand or prepares a contract for her, Khessa investigates: "In the course of your attempts, have you managed to understand what binds the Zemoch so much to those two gods? I mean... Follow them it certainly hasn't helped the Zemochs very much, until now... Each of their crazy plans for global conquest has caused damage, of course, but in the end it has resulted in a defeat - possibly worsening their condition and exacting a heavy tribute of blood from them no less than from Eosia. Have you got an idea why they are so determined to follow them, instead of perhaps abandoning them to turn to a different cult (or at worst live a life without any deity to dominate them)? Is it mere habit? Is it the lack of alternatives? Do they think no other cult would accept them? Did you understand that? I really think that leaving the two gods without followers would be the deciding move... but I still have to figure out a way to accomplish such a feat".
Mal ever so slowly lowers her crossbow as the parties turn to talk of legal contracts and what not. She is extremely wary of whatever "contract" Khessa might sign, but Khessa and Akkrron would know more about these things that she would. All she cares about contracts is who does she need to kill and how much is she going to get paid.
"In return?" Khessa approaches, interpreting the she-Devil's question as an approval of the few conditions posed "It is as I said... It is enough for the Devils to leave the mortal dimension, the Prime Material Plane, alone. I don't ask for treasures or favors, if that's what you mean. .."
"As I mentioned," the blonde arcane warrior recalls "I could ask you to plan a joint offensive, if we were to need... military force that we don't have. But that's something we'll deal with if and when the need arises. For now, I have no other conditions to ask..."
"And I usually like to trust the word given by the other party" the tall adventuress explains. "The details of the contracts confuse me... As far as I'm concerned, a handshake between the two of us is enough. But if you prefer to prepare a contract... no problem; if the conditions are the ones we are agreeing on now, I will sign it. Just, of course, don't try to put conditions we did not agree on... or you'll end up with enemies instead of allies - I will not ally with one who tries to deceive me".
While the she-Devil shakes her hand or prepares a contract for her, Khessa investigates: "In the course of your attempts, have you managed to understand what binds the Zemoch so much to those two gods? I mean... Follow them it certainly hasn't helped the Zemochs very much, until now... Each of their crazy plans for global conquest has caused damage, of course, but in the end it has resulted in a defeat - possibly worsening their condition and exacting a heavy tribute of blood from them no less than from Eosia. Have you got an idea why they are so determined to follow them, instead of perhaps abandoning them to turn to a different cult (or at worst live a life without any deity to dominate them)? Is it mere habit? Is it the lack of alternatives? Do they think no other cult would accept them? Did you understand that? I really think that leaving the two gods without followers would be the deciding move... but I still have to figure out a way to accomplish such a feat".
She ponders for a moment, then stands up. She places her chalice on the table and takes her helmet. "I must consult with my mistress, but don't worry, I will return with an answer in good time."
With that, she disappears in a column of smoke. It is just you now in the room
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You open the doors into a spacious living quarter, decorated differently from what you have seen in the previous Zemoch rooms. There is a figure, sitting in a great chair with what appears to be a black cloak over their shoulder, before a fireplace set in the stone wall of the room, crackling. You can only see the slope of the shoulders and the head, which appears female with long radiant black, silky hair. A stylized horned helmet sits upon a helmet stand off to the side.
With a radiant voice, she says "I have been expecting you, you sure took your sweet time getting here."
You hear nothing coming from the room.
Tyekanik looks into the room past his companions towards the figure in the chain. Mouth and hand still full, he says, "showwy, got uh bih dishchrached." Then swallowing and wiping his hands off on a nearby tapestry he says, "Nice helmet," and looks to his companions to figure out who this person actually is.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Who better than me should know that it is not polite to keep a lady waiting?" Khessa replies, in a joking tone "But, you know, evidently, we have become popular here... So many were trying to hold us back..."
"Anyway, here we are now!" the blonde arcane warrior smiles "Just a few more moments..." she utters some arcane formulas, drawing glyphs in the air with a rod "Great! Ready!" she enters the room, slowly walking towards a position that allows her to see the other's face "I'm all yours! It's nice, among other things, to have a meeting that doesn't start with hostile acts, for a change... Shall we introduce ourselves? I'm Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield. And you?"
The figure in the chair stands, to reveal it is a set of black wings, not a cloak that covered the shoulders. The female figure is in black plate armor and has a silver chalice in her hand. She uses it to point to a wine cabinet where a large carafe of wine stands, with several goblets. She has a longsword in a scabbard on her left hip, and a rolled-up rope on the opposite hip. She waves her hand, and chairs appear near the fire.
"Come, take refreshment. From what I have sensed, you have been rather busy down here. Sit, and let's talk."
Akkron glances down at his empty ribcage.
"As alluring as the offer of refreshment is, I'm afraid I can no longer partake in food and drink," he says with a hint of regret in his voice. "But I appreciate the hospitality. Please, if you are so inclined, tell us your name."
Arcana check to figure out what exactly this woman is: 20 (if I had to roll at disadvantage, the result doesn't change as the second roll was 22)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
"Your offer is polite and welcome," Khessa sits down on the offered chair, while Alfred remains standing solemnly at her side "but we've just been 'refreshed', so I think I'll decline the wine... Let's get to the chatter! You" she raises an eyebrow inquiringly - "have not introduced yourself yet, by the way..."
Hearing the conversation, Mal will move over to get a clear line of sight to the new enemy, who knows in this place, but more than likely another creature to be put down. She will raise her crossbow and get ready to fire on Khessa's action.
She nods, "You are quite right, rather rude of me. I am Morreren, of the Black Legion. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She refills her chalice and returns to her seat. "You have drawn the Legion's interest, not many mortals face off against one of the Old Gods, let alone two. We are very curious about this. Seeing my services are no longer needed here, I have been asked to convey an offer to you."
Khessa's blue eyes light up with interest: "Forgive me, Morreren, I have never heard of this 'Black Legion'... But considering your wings, your horns, and the fact that you talk about 'services'... is it a legion of devil mercenaries?"
"Anyway, I believe that good deals are generally preferable to good battles" the blonde arcane warrior points out. "Why seek violence, when there is the possibility of collaboration? We will gladly listen to your offer".
Morreren smiles wickedly. "While we are a legion of devils, we are not mercenaries. We thought we could bring these Zemochs to our fold, to serve us, but my mistress was surprised how stalwart and even powerful these two old gods are." She shrugs and raises an eyebrow while sipping from her cup. "Now, my mistress is concerned about what may happen here."
She pauses and puts on a serious face. "There is only room for our Hell. My mistress has commanded that we collaborate, as it seems we are on the same goal, but different paths. Grudgingly I must admit, ours has failed for the moment, but you seem to be succeeding. I have been tasked to see if we may come to an accord, and ask what would you like in return for stopping this venture by these old gods? What contract shall we negotiate?"
"May I know who your mistress is, Morreren?" Khessa asks, intrigued "Anyway, I'm not very good with contracts and quibbles... and I don't even know in detail whether Eosia has had problems with the Devils in the past... Brother Maynard? Sparhawk?" she calls the two to her "Perhaps you know these things better than me... If Eosia had problems with the Devils in the past, perhaps we could make an agreement that would establish a truce... We will stop this venture by these old gods and the Black Legion, with its mistress, in exchange they don't interfere with the affairs of mortals here, on the Prime Material Plane... something like that... What do you think? Is this a good basis for negotiation?" she passes her blue eyes from the ambassador Devil to the two friends from whom she has asked for assistance, to understand if what she has in mind is useful and feasible.
"My Mistress is Zariel, the Warlord of Avernus. This growing conflict here drew her attention, as this may see an increase of demonic forces for which she is concerned that ity could give her enemies in the Blood War an advantage." She pauses and sips for her chalice. "My mistress had sent me her to persuade these foolish Zemochs to not follow their Azash and this Slaanesh, but that didn't work out very well. They seem to be blindly loyal to their dark gods. It are these gods that my mistress is most concerned about, as this is a new front instead of across the waters."
Brother Maynard approaches, eyeing the devil with distrust. "To answer your question, no. We have had old tales about devils and such, offering everything and anything for souls. But demons, those have been a part of our past, and even as far back with the first war against the Emperor and Azash who summoned demons to fight on their behalf. It took the combined might of the Church Knights and the Church itself to expel these demonic creatures."
Sparhawk nods in agreement. "That's the truth to it. The militant order was created to fight demons, but devils, this is something new. That's why we have some magical ability based on holy energies, along with our skills in arms. To better fight demons."
Sparhawk eyes the devil with concern, and she winks at him and blows him a kiss. "Come and close with me warrior of strength, and I'll show you the true meaning of strength of arms."
"Morreren, please..." Khessa sighs "we are not here to measure who has the strongest arm, but to out our arms to good use against common foes”.
The blonde arcane warrior then presents her proposal: "We will be happy to cut Azash and Slaanesh down to size. We will take care of this 'front across the waters' - so you can continue to engage the Demons in the Blood War. So, many Demons will consequently have something else to do than rush here to serve the Zemochs and their gods. In exchange, you Devils will not concern yourself with what happens here, in the dimension of mortals, in the Prime Material Plane. You will rather focus on gaining the upper hand in the Blood War. And if we need, in the future, some small intervention from you to strike together with us the forces of the Demons or of that pair of Old Gods, we will discuss it together".
"What do you say?" the tall adventuress smiles "Isn't this a good deal for everyone?"
"Strength of arms?" Tyekanik chimes in, flexing and looking to see if anyone wants to arm wrestle. Then, standing and leaning on his axe watches the discussion carefully, not really trusting demons or devils or whatever creature from the hell is in front of them, but knowing that his companion likely knows what's happening. ((insight 21))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
She gives a smile. "What do you want in return? Are you willing to sign a contract on it?"
"In return?" Khessa approaches, interpreting the she-Devil's question as an approval of the few conditions posed "It is as I said... It is enough for the Devils to leave the mortal dimension, the Prime Material Plane, alone. I don't ask for treasures or favors, if that's what you mean. .."
"As I mentioned," the blonde arcane warrior recalls "I could ask you to plan a joint offensive, if we were to need... military force that we don't have. But that's something we'll deal with if and when the need arises. For now, I have no other conditions to ask..."
"And I usually like to trust the word given by the other party" the tall adventuress explains. "The details of the contracts confuse me... As far as I'm concerned, a handshake between the two of us is enough. But if you prefer to prepare a contract... no problem; if the conditions are the ones we are agreeing on now, I will sign it. Just, of course, don't try to put conditions we did not agree on... or you'll end up with enemies instead of allies - I will not ally with one who tries to deceive me".
While the she-Devil shakes her hand or prepares a contract for her, Khessa investigates: "In the course of your attempts, have you managed to understand what binds the Zemoch so much to those two gods? I mean... Follow them it certainly hasn't helped the Zemochs very much, until now... Each of their crazy plans for global conquest has caused damage, of course, but in the end it has resulted in a defeat - possibly worsening their condition and exacting a heavy tribute of blood from them no less than from Eosia. Have you got an idea why they are so determined to follow them, instead of perhaps abandoning them to turn to a different cult (or at worst live a life without any deity to dominate them)? Is it mere habit? Is it the lack of alternatives? Do they think no other cult would accept them? Did you understand that? I really think that leaving the two gods without followers would be the deciding move... but I still have to figure out a way to accomplish such a feat".
Mal ever so slowly lowers her crossbow as the parties turn to talk of legal contracts and what not. She is extremely wary of whatever "contract" Khessa might sign, but Khessa and Akkrron would know more about these things that she would. All she cares about contracts is who does she need to kill and how much is she going to get paid.
She ponders for a moment, then stands up. She places her chalice on the table and takes her helmet. "I must consult with my mistress, but don't worry, I will return with an answer in good time."
With that, she disappears in a column of smoke. It is just you now in the room