Ulthran does give a small smile, until you mention both Azash and Slaanesh. He listens intently as you describe your tale to that point, of the Zemochs returning and the growing threat.
"All of this, while to journey northward so you can speak to the Trolls and to their Gods? Then the rumors we have been hearing are confirmed, for we have heard similar tales of old foes returning to their haunts on the borders, raiders coming into the Kingdoms." He looks over to Sparhawk. "What of the Church Knights?"
Sparhawk nods. "We have been spread thin, chasing multiple reports and multiple sightings. Then there has been some cults being found in our cities and districts, as shown in our last encounters. The two dark deities have been busy recruiting new followers as I have been reported, and our knights have been spread thin chasing them."
"Almost on purpose it seems," Ulthran adds, and Sparhawk nods. "We suspect it is done on purpose to keep us off balance and preventing us from forming into a cohesive force."
Ulthran sat back in his chair, stroking his chin, deep in thought. He then looked directly at Sparhawk, "While I avoid any entanglements in your politics, I must ask, are their signs of instability?"
Sparhawk paused for a moment, looked at Brother Maynard before answering. "It was just brought to our attention our information network is picking up concerns there are movements afoot to undermine local governments and rulers. Similar what we just saw with the duke, promises of power and prestige, to remove the current ruler of some of the Kingdoms. We fear if one goes, then another. We are trying to find out more."
Ulthran nods, then shakes his head as well. "It is what we feared, for we heard the same. It was what happened back during the last conflict, a thousand years ago." He turns and motions for a runner, says something to him before he quickly leaves. "I have sent for someone who may shed some light on this for us, for he was there when it happened. Until then, enjoy some refreshments and I am at your liberty for any questions you may have while we wait for his arrival."
Serving people great pitchers of refreshing drinks, finger food and fruits for snacking upon.
When Sparhawk tells Prince Yriel and King Ulthran about the situation of the Church Knights in general, Clarac confirms that the same is true for the Cyrinic Order (assuming that in it is, in her experience).
About the information about undermining governments, she feels Sir Sparhawk is being a little too delicate with his words, maybe for political reasons. She asks King Ulthan directly, "Your majesty, have you heard any reports of such cults, demon sightings, or subversive activities within your own borders?"
Khessa follows the conversation attentively, grateful that people less direct and more versed in etiquette than her are getting information without risking offending anyone's sensibilities.
The blonde arcane warrior delights in tasting some elven cabbage specialties ('Hmmm! I really must ask for the recipe for this! Jasper could learn to cook it... it is an elven dish, after all... even if it's from an elves on another continent!').
The tall adventuress, however, does not distract her attention from the important meeting, anxiously awaiting the appearance of this 'someone who may shed some light'!
When Sparhawk tells Prince Yriel and King Ulthran about the situation of the Church Knights in general, Clarac confirms that the same is true for the Cyrinic Order (assuming that in it is, in her experience).
About the information about undermining governments, she feels Sir Sparhawk is being a little too delicate with his words, maybe for political reasons. She asks King Ulthan directly, "Your majesty, have you heard any reports of such cults, demon sightings, or subversive activities within your own borders?"
He shakes his head no, with a slight smile. "The energy of our land, of our great trees prevent such dark energies from penetrating. It is like a ward against these forces that has been keeping them at bay for over thousands of years."
He shakes his head no, with a slight smile. "The energy of our land, of our great trees prevent such dark energies from penetrating. It is like a ward against these forces that has been keeping them at bay for over thousands of years."
Vrox abstains from eating for now. He listens to the conversation and says, "I think that Clarac meant to ask not only about attacks from these demons and their cults but also about your people. The strongest castle often falls not because the enemy's siege breaks through its walls but because of treachery from within. Even if the 'forces' of the Nefarious Duo cannot penetrate your forests, their ideas might take root among some of the Asuryani. Even if the elves are not inclined toward the fury of the Blood God, perhaps some may be tempted by She Who Thirsts."
He shakes his head no, with a slight smile. "The energy of our land, of our great trees prevent such dark energies from penetrating. It is like a ward against these forces that has been keeping them at bay for over thousands of years."
Vrox abstains from eating for now. He listens to the conversation and says, "I think that Clarac meant to ask not only about attacks from these demons and their cults but also about your people. The strongest castle often falls not because the enemy's siege breaks through its walls but because of treachery from within. Even if the 'forces' of the Nefarious Duo cannot penetrate your forests, their ideas might take root among some of the Asuryani. Even if the elves are not inclined toward the fury of the Blood God, perhaps some may be tempted by She Who Thirsts."
Ulthran pauses, thinking for a moment, before continuing. "What I am about to tell you is a great secret we keep amongst ourselves, and there are those within our enclave that would dispute they exist. However, as it seems we are fighting the same foe, then I shall let you know of our dark cousins, the Drukhari. Like in your human world, in our Elvan world, there were those who were seduced by the dark powers and separated themselves from us. Leading up to the great war a thousand years ago, we had our own civil war between us and the Drukhari, we believe it was a means of separating us from consolidating with the humans and Dwarves to fight the Zemochs.
The Drukhari or in translation, the Dark Ones in your language, they were a forsaken and corrupt kindred of ours, that grew into a sadistic, malicious counterparts of us. They relished in torture and dark rituals, we believe they became followers of she who thirsts. Some would follow Azash, at least some of the warrior castes who sought blood and skulls above all others, but the majority followed Slaanesh. It nearly destroyed us for we were spilt between stopping the dark gods on one front, and our own civil war here that we kept quiet. Only the Council of Wizards knew as they sent us aid.
He pauses for a moment then looks at you all. "I tell you all in confidence, perhaps due to good mistress Aphrael's presence, but I do ask that you keep this secret of our troubled past, as we deal with the trouble before us. In that end, then yes, we have seen sign of our old enemies, the Drukhari have been spotted."
After a short time, a figure accompanied by a small retinue enters the hall. You notice for an Elf, he is much older than you have ever seen. His hair is almost stark white but groomed neatly, pulled back into a que and held in place by a gold band around his head. What also strikes you odd, the scars that crisscross his face, and a great gouge where his left eye once was. You can see his frame was that of a warrior from long ago, but now time seems to weigh heavy upon it, as he walks with a large staff. He moves up to the end of the table, and bows.
"You sent for me, my liege?" he asks, and Ulthran nods, then points to the group.
"May I introduce Nyathuren Kith-Menras, our chief counselor and advisor concerning our foes the Zemochs and Druhkari." As Ulthran mentions the Drukhari, Nyathuren shoots him a concerned look, but Ulthran holds up his hand. "I already told them for they have already engaged our arch enemies the Zemochs, and the dark deities have returned." Nyathuren's hand went up to his face where his eye used to be, then he began to recite.
“Brothers will fight and kill each other; sisters' children will defile kinship. It is harsh in the world, whoredom rife —an axe age, a sword age —shields are riven— a wind age, a wolf age— before the world goes headlong. No man will have mercy on another.” He stops and looks to the sky, then back to the King. "Immrama, so the signs are true, and the rumors of our old enemies returning are thus true. What of the great beasts and monsters, have thery returned?"
What of the great beasts and monsters, have thery returned?"
"I do not know all of the foes these heroes have defeated, but we fought many demons in Veldos and in Duke Almos's castle: Bloodthirsters and Bloodletters, mostly," Vrox says, "They fight in service of the Blood God, wielding great Hellblades. Are those the 'monsters' you speak of, counselor?" Vrox looks to the Aphrael, unsure of what they may share of the goddess's part in all of this.
If Aphrael does not give him a sign to stop, he says, "And we saw the God of Rage -- in the flesh -- on this plane. The enemy breaks the rules of the ancient pact. Azash, whom the demons call 'Kharneth,' came through a portal to challenge us. We were only spared battle with him because of intercession of the gods." He nods his horned head toward Aphrael.
If Counselor Nyathuren Kith-Menras was talking about other "beasts" and "monsters," then Vrox asks him for more information about those creatures.
Khessa doesn't have much to add, regarding the monsters: "Before Vrox joined, we mostly faced powerful Zemochs and a few demons, but we also heard that the dwarves at Arafel observed a red dragon flying along the mountains and towards the coastal area and that east of the Shinerian outposts the dead are walking at night, near some old ruins that date back to the War of the Shadow".
Sparhawk adds about their travel north to speak to the Trolls, "We have received word that someone, perhaps one of the dark gods, are offering the trolls that if they break the pact and fight on their side, they will be allowed to range into our lands, and return to their old ways."
Nyathuren nods in understanding, "Our scouts have also reported seeing dragons on the wing, outside of their vale as it was established in the pact following the great war." He chuckles when he heard how Azash came through onto this plane.
"Yes, that sounds like him. During the war, he personally led the dark armies against us, he relishes in blood and battle. That is why his followers thirst for blood, and to take heads in his name. He is also well-known for not following the rules as established by the contest. Our gods as well as Aphrael and her fellow gods had to fight on our side to defeat the others. Azash and Slaanesh are all that remain from the dark gods, the others died that day."
He pauses for a moment; it seems his thoughts are drawn back to that fateful day. "To see and feel the power released when a god dies, even if they are a dark one leaves you scared. On that day, both sides saw gods die, and the power released nearly destroyed this world and tear the fabric of time and space. That is why it was decided that the gods were no longer to directly participate in the contest, rather their chosen would."
"Okay, Nyathuren..." Khessa can no longer contain herself, feeling as if the whole conversation is turning out to be a bit too inconclusive for her liking, and she approaches, placing a hand on the other's shoulder "but we are already doing this. It is we, not the gods, who are foiling the plans of the Nefarious Duo, Azash and Slaanesh. Is there anything else in particular that we should do or know?"
"Considering your vast experience," the blonde arcane warrior insists "do you have any particular advice to give us? And there is need of help of some kind here? Because if not, considering that at least here among you the situation is rather calm, we could as well continue and go foil the plans of the dark gods somewhere else..."
Perhaps Tyekanik is just hangry because it's hard to fill up on the "finger food" they've been served. Or maybe he's just impatient at the long and rambling way that Nyathuren Kith-Menras talks without saying anything actionable. In any case, Tyek slaps the table -- hard -- with an open hand and seconds Khessa's words: "Khessa speaks true. We have fought and defeated these demons' forces, and we will continue this fight. But we need help. Would you provide material assistance? Horses and supplies to carry us to the next battle. Potions and scrolls to fight back against the demons' sorcery. Troops who will stand firm against the armies of cultists and undead that the demons are raising." Even when he's not raging, Tyek's voice booms, and he's at least a full head taller than everyone else seated at the table and twice as wide as most of the Asuryani.
"Or if you will not provide that kind of help," Tyek continues, "then just give us useful information we can use now, and we will move on to the next fight ourselves. We need to know where else to find the enemy so that we can crush them anywhere they have found a foothold in Eosia. And we need any details you can give us about what other beasts and monsters the Chaos Gods have used so that we will be prepared when we face them."
Khessa conceals a slight smiles at Tyekanik's reaction, unable to decide whether she is more happy or more worried, at having finally found someone even less suited to the finery of court than she is!
(Pointing out to the group-he is here to answer your questions, as he can't divine what it is you are seeking information about. Consider him a subject matter expert on the dark forces as someone who was there at the battle a thousand years ago and has personally seen what occurred on that exact day. he knows of the different enemy forces who were at the battle from back then).
In any case, Tyek slaps the table -- hard -- with an open hand and seconds Khessa's words
Vrox nearly leaps out of his chair when his end of the table suddenly bounces up from the force of Tyek's blow. Vrox hopes that the goliath hasn't offended their hosts. He tries to soothe any ruffled feathers, saying, "Pardon my friends, Lord Ulthran. Humans -- and warriors of all sorts, really -- must seem very hasty and impatient to the Asuryani." He adds some adage in Elvish that refers to the brief flicker of a human's lifespan. "But when something must be done soon, you can count on the humans to act with alacrity!"
Vrox turns back to Nyathuren Kith-Menras and says, "Counselor, could you tell us more about how the forces allied with the Nefarious Duo the last time they were defeated. You spoke of beasts and monsters. What sort of creatures? We will be better prepared if we know what creatures we may face in future battles."
Khessa nods appreciatively at Vrox, who tries to hasten the flow of helpful advice and steps up to him, adding: "Right; that information could be useful. As could that about how the other dark gods died that day".
"I personally," the blonde arcane warrior admits "despite having the blood of countless creatures on my hands, have never killed any gods... Was it enough to destroy their material form? Or what else was needed instead? And whatever was done... how come Azash and Slaanesh managed to save themselves instead? Did the method not work on them, or did they simply escape in time?"
"You see," the tall adventuress shrugs "not that I'm eager to release a power that could risk destroying this world... But considering how often the Nefarious Duo have tried to interfere personally, we could very well risk having to battle them face-to-face one day - and killing them might be our only hope, in that case".
Clarac listens respectfully to King Ulthran and Nyathuren. She worries about Khessa's and Tyekanik's comments, however well-founded, and tries to help Vrox smooth things over. "Counselor Nyathuren, my companions and I do understand that—as you say—the gods act through us, through their chosen." Clarac pauses and smiles at Aphrael. "Indeed, it will be through concerted effort that the forces of Good defeat the evil gods. We would greatly appreciate any amount of support from the Asuryani in our cause, and are thankful for what you have already shared."
Khessa nods appreciatively at Vrox, who tries to hasten the flow of helpful advice and steps up to him, adding: "Right; that information could be useful. As could that about how the other dark gods died that day".
"I personally," the blonde arcane warrior admits "despite having the blood of countless creatures on my hands, have never killed any gods... Was it enough to destroy their material form? Or what else was needed instead? And whatever was done... how come Azash and Slaanesh managed to save themselves instead? Did the method not work on them, or did they simply escape in time?"
"You see," the tall adventuress shrugs "not that I'm eager to release a power that could risk destroying this world... But considering how often the Nefarious Duo have tried to interfere personally, we could very well risk having to battle them face-to-face one day - and killing them might be our only hope, in that case".
During that battle, it was their true forms, the gods of both sides fought side by side with us. When they died, they truly died and their divine energy was released in a horrible way. As for those two, when they saw the tide had changed, and we were pressing them back, they sent their followers in a desperate suicide charge to buy them time to escape. They lost their followers and thus lost their power. After the battle, and I don't hate to admit this, we slaughtered as many of the Zemochs and Drukhari to deny them any more power from their followers.
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Ulthran does give a small smile, until you mention both Azash and Slaanesh. He listens intently as you describe your tale to that point, of the Zemochs returning and the growing threat.
"All of this, while to journey northward so you can speak to the Trolls and to their Gods? Then the rumors we have been hearing are confirmed, for we have heard similar tales of old foes returning to their haunts on the borders, raiders coming into the Kingdoms." He looks over to Sparhawk. "What of the Church Knights?"
Sparhawk nods. "We have been spread thin, chasing multiple reports and multiple sightings. Then there has been some cults being found in our cities and districts, as shown in our last encounters. The two dark deities have been busy recruiting new followers as I have been reported, and our knights have been spread thin chasing them."
"Almost on purpose it seems," Ulthran adds, and Sparhawk nods. "We suspect it is done on purpose to keep us off balance and preventing us from forming into a cohesive force."
Ulthran sat back in his chair, stroking his chin, deep in thought. He then looked directly at Sparhawk, "While I avoid any entanglements in your politics, I must ask, are their signs of instability?"
Sparhawk paused for a moment, looked at Brother Maynard before answering. "It was just brought to our attention our information network is picking up concerns there are movements afoot to undermine local governments and rulers. Similar what we just saw with the duke, promises of power and prestige, to remove the current ruler of some of the Kingdoms. We fear if one goes, then another. We are trying to find out more."
Ulthran nods, then shakes his head as well. "It is what we feared, for we heard the same. It was what happened back during the last conflict, a thousand years ago." He turns and motions for a runner, says something to him before he quickly leaves. "I have sent for someone who may shed some light on this for us, for he was there when it happened. Until then, enjoy some refreshments and I am at your liberty for any questions you may have while we wait for his arrival."
Serving people great pitchers of refreshing drinks, finger food and fruits for snacking upon.
When Sparhawk tells Prince Yriel and King Ulthran about the situation of the Church Knights in general, Clarac confirms that the same is true for the Cyrinic Order (assuming that in it is, in her experience).
About the information about undermining governments, she feels Sir Sparhawk is being a little too delicate with his words, maybe for political reasons. She asks King Ulthan directly, "Your majesty, have you heard any reports of such cults, demon sightings, or subversive activities within your own borders?"
Khessa follows the conversation attentively, grateful that people less direct and more versed in etiquette than her are getting information without risking offending anyone's sensibilities.
The blonde arcane warrior delights in tasting some elven cabbage specialties ('Hmmm! I really must ask for the recipe for this! Jasper could learn to cook it... it is an elven dish, after all... even if it's from an elves on another continent!').
The tall adventuress, however, does not distract her attention from the important meeting, anxiously awaiting the appearance of this 'someone who may shed some light'!
He shakes his head no, with a slight smile. "The energy of our land, of our great trees prevent such dark energies from penetrating. It is like a ward against these forces that has been keeping them at bay for over thousands of years."
'The other nations,' Khessa thinks, after the words of the elf king 'should start seriously considering the idea of planting more trees...'
Vrox abstains from eating for now. He listens to the conversation and says, "I think that Clarac meant to ask not only about attacks from these demons and their cults but also about your people. The strongest castle often falls not because the enemy's siege breaks through its walls but because of treachery from within. Even if the 'forces' of the Nefarious Duo cannot penetrate your forests, their ideas might take root among some of the Asuryani. Even if the elves are not inclined toward the fury of the Blood God, perhaps some may be tempted by She Who Thirsts."
Ulthran pauses, thinking for a moment, before continuing. "What I am about to tell you is a great secret we keep amongst ourselves, and there are those within our enclave that would dispute they exist. However, as it seems we are fighting the same foe, then I shall let you know of our dark cousins, the Drukhari. Like in your human world, in our Elvan world, there were those who were seduced by the dark powers and separated themselves from us. Leading up to the great war a thousand years ago, we had our own civil war between us and the Drukhari, we believe it was a means of separating us from consolidating with the humans and Dwarves to fight the Zemochs.
The Drukhari or in translation, the Dark Ones in your language, they were a forsaken and corrupt kindred of ours, that grew into a sadistic, malicious counterparts of us. They relished in torture and dark rituals, we believe they became followers of she who thirsts. Some would follow Azash, at least some of the warrior castes who sought blood and skulls above all others, but the majority followed Slaanesh. It nearly destroyed us for we were spilt between stopping the dark gods on one front, and our own civil war here that we kept quiet. Only the Council of Wizards knew as they sent us aid.
He pauses for a moment then looks at you all. "I tell you all in confidence, perhaps due to good mistress Aphrael's presence, but I do ask that you keep this secret of our troubled past, as we deal with the trouble before us. In that end, then yes, we have seen sign of our old enemies, the Drukhari have been spotted."
After a short time, a figure accompanied by a small retinue enters the hall. You notice for an Elf, he is much older than you have ever seen. His hair is almost stark white but groomed neatly, pulled back into a que and held in place by a gold band around his head. What also strikes you odd, the scars that crisscross his face, and a great gouge where his left eye once was. You can see his frame was that of a warrior from long ago, but now time seems to weigh heavy upon it, as he walks with a large staff. He moves up to the end of the table, and bows.
"You sent for me, my liege?" he asks, and Ulthran nods, then points to the group.
"May I introduce Nyathuren Kith-Menras, our chief counselor and advisor concerning our foes the Zemochs and Druhkari." As Ulthran mentions the Drukhari, Nyathuren shoots him a concerned look, but Ulthran holds up his hand. "I already told them for they have already engaged our arch enemies the Zemochs, and the dark deities have returned." Nyathuren's hand went up to his face where his eye used to be, then he began to recite.
“Brothers will fight and kill each other; sisters' children will defile kinship. It is harsh in the world, whoredom rife —an axe age, a sword age —shields are riven— a wind age, a wolf age— before the world goes headlong. No man will have mercy on another.” He stops and looks to the sky, then back to the King. "Immrama, so the signs are true, and the rumors of our old enemies returning are thus true. What of the great beasts and monsters, have thery returned?"
"I do not know all of the foes these heroes have defeated, but we fought many demons in Veldos and in Duke Almos's castle: Bloodthirsters and Bloodletters, mostly," Vrox says, "They fight in service of the Blood God, wielding great Hellblades. Are those the 'monsters' you speak of, counselor?" Vrox looks to the Aphrael, unsure of what they may share of the goddess's part in all of this.
If Aphrael does not give him a sign to stop, he says, "And we saw the God of Rage -- in the flesh -- on this plane. The enemy breaks the rules of the ancient pact. Azash, whom the demons call 'Kharneth,' came through a portal to challenge us. We were only spared battle with him because of intercession of the gods." He nods his horned head toward Aphrael.
If Counselor Nyathuren Kith-Menras was talking about other "beasts" and "monsters," then Vrox asks him for more information about those creatures.
Khessa doesn't have much to add, regarding the monsters: "Before Vrox joined, we mostly faced powerful Zemochs and a few demons, but we also heard that the dwarves at Arafel observed a red dragon flying along the mountains and towards the coastal area and that east of the Shinerian outposts the dead are walking at night, near some old ruins that date back to the War of the Shadow".
Sparhawk adds about their travel north to speak to the Trolls, "We have received word that someone, perhaps one of the dark gods, are offering the trolls that if they break the pact and fight on their side, they will be allowed to range into our lands, and return to their old ways."
Nyathuren nods in understanding, "Our scouts have also reported seeing dragons on the wing, outside of their vale as it was established in the pact following the great war." He chuckles when he heard how Azash came through onto this plane.
"Yes, that sounds like him. During the war, he personally led the dark armies against us, he relishes in blood and battle. That is why his followers thirst for blood, and to take heads in his name. He is also well-known for not following the rules as established by the contest. Our gods as well as Aphrael and her fellow gods had to fight on our side to defeat the others. Azash and Slaanesh are all that remain from the dark gods, the others died that day."
He pauses for a moment; it seems his thoughts are drawn back to that fateful day. "To see and feel the power released when a god dies, even if they are a dark one leaves you scared. On that day, both sides saw gods die, and the power released nearly destroyed this world and tear the fabric of time and space. That is why it was decided that the gods were no longer to directly participate in the contest, rather their chosen would."
"Okay, Nyathuren..." Khessa can no longer contain herself, feeling as if the whole conversation is turning out to be a bit too inconclusive for her liking, and she approaches, placing a hand on the other's shoulder "but we are already doing this. It is we, not the gods, who are foiling the plans of the Nefarious Duo, Azash and Slaanesh. Is there anything else in particular that we should do or know?"
"Considering your vast experience," the blonde arcane warrior insists "do you have any particular advice to give us? And there is need of help of some kind here? Because if not, considering that at least here among you the situation is rather calm, we could as well continue and go foil the plans of the dark gods somewhere else..."
Perhaps Tyekanik is just hangry because it's hard to fill up on the "finger food" they've been served. Or maybe he's just impatient at the long and rambling way that Nyathuren Kith-Menras talks without saying anything actionable. In any case, Tyek slaps the table -- hard -- with an open hand and seconds Khessa's words: "Khessa speaks true. We have fought and defeated these demons' forces, and we will continue this fight. But we need help. Would you provide material assistance? Horses and supplies to carry us to the next battle. Potions and scrolls to fight back against the demons' sorcery. Troops who will stand firm against the armies of cultists and undead that the demons are raising." Even when he's not raging, Tyek's voice booms, and he's at least a full head taller than everyone else seated at the table and twice as wide as most of the Asuryani.
"Or if you will not provide that kind of help," Tyek continues, "then just give us useful information we can use now, and we will move on to the next fight ourselves. We need to know where else to find the enemy so that we can crush them anywhere they have found a foothold in Eosia. And we need any details you can give us about what other beasts and monsters the Chaos Gods have used so that we will be prepared when we face them."
Khessa conceals a slight smiles at Tyekanik's reaction, unable to decide whether she is more happy or more worried, at having finally found someone even less suited to the finery of court than she is!
(Pointing out to the group-he is here to answer your questions, as he can't divine what it is you are seeking information about. Consider him a subject matter expert on the dark forces as someone who was there at the battle a thousand years ago and has personally seen what occurred on that exact day. he knows of the different enemy forces who were at the battle from back then).
Vrox nearly leaps out of his chair when his end of the table suddenly bounces up from the force of Tyek's blow. Vrox hopes that the goliath hasn't offended their hosts. He tries to soothe any ruffled feathers, saying, "Pardon my friends, Lord Ulthran. Humans -- and warriors of all sorts, really -- must seem very hasty and impatient to the Asuryani." He adds some adage in Elvish that refers to the brief flicker of a human's lifespan. "But when something must be done soon, you can count on the humans to act with alacrity!"
Vrox turns back to Nyathuren Kith-Menras and says, "Counselor, could you tell us more about how the forces allied with the Nefarious Duo the last time they were defeated. You spoke of beasts and monsters. What sort of creatures? We will be better prepared if we know what creatures we may face in future battles."
Khessa nods appreciatively at Vrox, who tries to hasten the flow of helpful advice and steps up to him, adding: "Right; that information could be useful. As could that about how the other dark gods died that day".
"I personally," the blonde arcane warrior admits "despite having the blood of countless creatures on my hands, have never killed any gods... Was it enough to destroy their material form? Or what else was needed instead? And whatever was done... how come Azash and Slaanesh managed to save themselves instead? Did the method not work on them, or did they simply escape in time?"
"You see," the tall adventuress shrugs "not that I'm eager to release a power that could risk destroying this world... But considering how often the Nefarious Duo have tried to interfere personally, we could very well risk having to battle them face-to-face one day - and killing them might be our only hope, in that case".
Clarac listens respectfully to King Ulthran and Nyathuren. She worries about Khessa's and Tyekanik's comments, however well-founded, and tries to help Vrox smooth things over. "Counselor Nyathuren, my companions and I do understand that—as you say—the gods act through us, through their chosen." Clarac pauses and smiles at Aphrael. "Indeed, it will be through concerted effort that the forces of Good defeat the evil gods. We would greatly appreciate any amount of support from the Asuryani in our cause, and are thankful for what you have already shared."
During that battle, it was their true forms, the gods of both sides fought side by side with us. When they died, they truly died and their divine energy was released in a horrible way. As for those two, when they saw the tide had changed, and we were pressing them back, they sent their followers in a desperate suicide charge to buy them time to escape. They lost their followers and thus lost their power. After the battle, and I don't hate to admit this, we slaughtered as many of the Zemochs and Drukhari to deny them any more power from their followers.