You are all contacted through usual means by Gaslight and asked to meet him at his office around midday. His office is relatively small, a two room affair with a "waiting room" outside of his main office. The entire thing is designed to look menacing and speak to his affiliation with the baatezu and while the furniture is comfortable, dark colors, menacing spikes, and flame motifs abound.
On this day you are all left in the waiting area until you have all arrived. This isn't unusual for Gaslight, he is the kind of guy that always makes sure he's the last person to arrive for a meeting. Given his usual behavior, you all assume you have about ten or fifteen minutes to wait together before he calls you into his office.
It's a dismal morning in Sigil when the mephit sent by Gaslight knocks on Tithonius' garret window. Sitting cross-legged on a mat, Tithonius' helm prevents anybody from telling if he sleeps; as is, he turns to the window and regards the mephit with his inscrutable and cold stare.
"The master, he summons, he beckons," says the smoke mephit hesitantly. "Come!" And with that, it pushes away from the grimy window, and is gone.
Rising to his feet, Tithonius performs no ablutions, but simply strides out his door. Down the narrow, crooked stairs and out onto the cobbled streets of Sigil.
As always, Tithonius takes a moment to look up the rising curve of the avenue before him, and then further up to the blinking lights of the city overhead, a narrow band whose lanterns could possibly be mistaken for stars through the early morning fog.
Then he makes his way through the narrow streets, stepping over errant strands of razorvine, not making eyecontact with work teams of dabus, and soon he reaches Gaslight's door. He forgoes the bell, doesn't knock, but simply lets himself into the waiting chamber. Seeing that he's the first to arrive, moves to one side, crosses his arms, and prepares to wait.
Kayla awakens in the morning to find that a letter had been slid under the door to her room. Taking the time to read it, she sees that her presence is requested around miday. Knowing she has plenty of time, Kayla gets dressed, offers up her morning prayers and then heads down to the first floor of the inn to get some breakfast before she begins the trek to Gaslight's office.
Once she gets to the office, Kayla gives the bell a ring and heads right on it. Giving the person in the large helmet the "side-eye", she picks out a place to sit and does so cautiously, trying to avoid sitting on anything sharp.
Nipper got the orders at morning role call. They had been expected, but they still left a bitter taste in his mouth. Now entering the devil-spawn's office, he couldn't help his impulsiveness in volunteering for this commission.
Giving the other two bashers already waiting an appraising once over, he gives them a nod and fades into a corner to wait.
Knock, Knock
Mr. Qalendar. Sir?
Hrm? Yes, Mrs. Beazle?
A message has arrived for you sir.
Qalendar rose from his studies and walked to the door, opening it with a smile. Hello, Mrs. Beazle, did you say something about a message?
The tiny old halfling standing in the doorway was the owner of this establishment. She and her husband had owned the place as long as anyone could remember. No one was ever cross with Mrs. Beazle. How could you be?
Yes, young man. A gentlemen just arrived with a message. You're to meet a Master Gaslight at his office at...oh, what was the time? She pauses for a moment, crinkling her old nose. Noon. Tapping the side of that nose and nodding her head she continues, Yes, noon. That was it.
Qalendar's smiles grows wider, Thank you Mrs. Beazle, it appears I'll be out for lunch today.
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A few moments later Qalendar had put away his things and was out the door. He took the long way to the office, since he had the time, arriving only a little early.
He looks around at the others with a smile before finding a seat. Good...morning, Gentlemen and Lady. With that he sits and waits patiently, absently looking about the room.
To say Tithonius is a disconcerting presence depends, of course, on the degree one has traveled the planes. His only acknowledgment of the others as they enter is to turn his head to stare at them through the narrow vertical slit of his helm, his arms crossed over his bare chest, his posture such that it seems he could stand there for eternity while awaiting Gaslight's summons.
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Katrin finds herself in Factol Mallin's office, having been called to have a final briefing before being sent on assignment with the representatives of Baator.
Mallin says, "The final agreements have been made Katrin Helgunner. The Devils have agreed to aid us in finding the criminal, the Glabrezu Inmarak in exchange for you providing a service to the Devils in the Blood War. Are you ready to proceed to this assignment?"
Katrin bows and says, "By my word I will uphold Justice before all else, purging the multiverse of those who break the law. My duty as always lies with the Mercykillers."
Mallin nods and replies, "Then proceed to meet with Gaslight at Midday. May you serve well Katrin Helgunner."
With that Katrin departs arriving on time. Currently she is dressed in a breastplate armor bering the markings of the Mercykillers as well as a signature helmet of the order. On her back is a massive polearm sling across it with a solid pike as well as a hammer head. She also bears other weapons including a longsword at her side and a shield on her back. She definitely appears like a well armed warrior.
A sharp poke, wakes Nora from her slumber. She winces as she feels a bruise already forming.
"Well gorgeous, it appears our time together is over. Looks like Gaslight gets to have his fun with you now. I hope you remember our time together fondly" The Bearded devil mocks, it's hairs running sickenly over Nora's body as he leers over her.
Finally! The next one can't be as bad as this.
Nora quickly grabs her scant few belongings and bolts for the door. Stepping out onto the streets of Sigil, Nora gives a self-depreciating laugh. Probably should have asked for directions.
It takes her a couple of hours to finally discern the location of her new master, and she walks into the waiting room of his office with her eyes directed at the floor. She gives a startled cry as she notices others in the room, other people that aren't devils. What is going on here? Usually I meet my new "master" in private...
She quietly goes to a corner of the waiting room, and waits to see what this new devil has in-store for her.
Kayla give the goblin a nod in return as he crosses the room. A goblin? I suppose the Baatezu will take anyone into their employ.
As the person enters and offers a greeting, Kayla will offer up a: "Good morning." in return.
She will nod in greeting at the other two women that enter later.
After a while, Gaslight opens the door to his inner office and steps out to greet you. He is a tiefling of average height with ashen skin and a pair of very small white horns. He's dressed in a blood red set of diplomatic garb. It is almost ridiculous how stereotypical it looks, but he carries himself like he's the most important person in the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please, if you will," he says, motioning for you all to join him inside of his office. "I imagine you've had time to make introductions, so I'll just cut out the pleasantries. My name is Gaslight for those that don't know. Servant of Baator, face of someone whose name you are either lucky or unlucky enough not to know. You are all here to undertake a task not important enough for the devils themselves."
He takes a seat behind his large onyx desk before continuing.
"I don't really understand primes. They are a stupid people on the whole. I actually would rather if we never had to deal with them...but sadly souls are souls. Story goes that there is some barmy king with a nation Tempus called Sarendon. Some kind of faithful, village based kind of culture with a central king. Now normally we don't go about just turning over every pincher nation dedicated to a bad power."
He leans back in his chair, crossing his fingers behind his head and kicking his feet up on the desk. "But here's the dark of it. A body got himself some friends. And those friends got to studying some arcane magic. Some dazzler raises the flag that he and his are studying instead of making war. Good old king doesn't like that too much. Also finds out that the dazzlers don't like Tempus too much. Well one of them gets in touch with a fiend who gets in touch with a fiend and here you are."
He swings his feet back onto the ground and reaches into his desk drawer, pulling out a paper bundle wrapped with twine before sliding it across the desk and leaning forward. "Now we can't have you just wandering from prime to prime causing havoc and leaving nations in shambles. That's kind of counterproductive. But we'd like to see a victory for the dazzlers on this one. I don't care how you get it done, just don't leave a country in shambles." He motions to the package and continues, "the portal key and some badge or something those barmy mephits use for identification or something. The portal is down in the lower ward. Some dump bin for a foundry."
Should you open the package, you'll find a petrified feather, a small coin with a rune you don't recognize, and a rather crude map of the lower ward with what looks to be a mark for the portal location.
Qalendar doesn't seem to be paying any attention to Gaslight as he speaks, letting his gaze wander around the room. At the mention of Primes and their stupidity, his shoulders shrug with an almost imperceptible sigh of a chuckle. As Gaslight continues, the young Baklunish man has a wry smile on his face.
When the package is placed upon the desk it draws Qalendar's gaze for only a moment. He looks around the room and waits for the others, seemingly having no questions or anything to say.
Kayla will move to pick up the package. "Whose territory does the portal dump us out into?"
a tiefling? Who is his master? CLeraly it's summon important for my old one to give me up so quickly, not that I'm not thankful.
Nora listens to the tiefling describe their new mission, hope in her eyes as she listens. We're going to help mages who want peace! I'm might actually be able to do something good for once.
"How long do we have to complete this mission?" Nora asks curiously. Those damned devils do so enjoy to make impossible deadlines.
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Katrin listens to Gaslight's speech, a showing a bit of dislike about the insults the Devil is throwing out but expects such things to be said by a creature such as him. As for the task she is not that opposed to helping the Dazzlers. The king is the legitimate government in the land and such rebellions by the mages will only breed chaos. A civil war could break out if nothing is done to elivate the situation.
Katrin says to Gaslight, "I am oblidged by my contract to perform this task Mr. Gaslight. I would request however further information on the place we are going to as well as the forces that will oppose us on this endevor."
Katrin sees Kayla take the package and lets her take it without any opposition. She gives a look to her and then looks back to Gaslight.
Tithonius stands at the back of the room, arms crossed still, listening intently. When he speaks, his voice is a rich baritone, pleasant to the ear and surprisingly cultured.
"What is the name of the mage that contacted the fiends? Where is he located?"
Gaslight leans back again, kicking his feet back up onto his desk.
"The other side of the portal is some copse of trees the dazzlers use as a summoning circle or something. Funny thing is, the berks can't even summon anything that matters. They just think they are responsible for any planar that comes out of that place. The first fiend they met was just an accident."
"Don't ask me what the name of the berk that contacted a fiend was. Didn't really pay attention to the little details like that. And as for the forces against you, well you, my friends, are the scouts. I think the dazzlers have a setup in the forest somewhere, maybe a cave. They watch the other side of that portal like a hawk. I'm sure they'll get in touch with you as soon as you step through." He laughs a bit, "Now these aren't some wish making spellcasters. Don't expect much. Just get them in power if you can. Oh, and take your time. One of the beauties of being so low on the totem pole that my masters don't even care you exist is that you aren't exactly on the emergency missions."
He raises a finger as if he just realized he forgot something. "You can use holy water, right? If you aren't carrying it around now, you should. No telling when those coward demons might attack."
"Ah, interesting. So if they are present when we pop out they will just assume that they summoned us and that we are there to serve them. That would certainly be the easiest way to begin working with them."
Kayla is ready to go and will head towards her temple first to purchase some holy water.
Tithonius nods, his helm glinting in the study light. "I am ready to leave immediately."
"Me as well." Nora adds, excitement building at the thought of some freedom, and for an undisclosed amount of time no less!
Nipper scratches at an overlarge ear.
"Seems pretty straightforward. If these dazzlers aren't too incompetent, that is."
Seeing that the meeting is about done, he makes ready to leave.
Qalendar stands and lifts his pack over his shoulder. He looks around at the others and waits to follow.
It's only now as they group begins to walk toward the door that Tithonius takes a moment to really study the others. As they exit into the waiting room, he pauses and calls out to them, his voice starting off pleasant, that rich baritone he had used in the office.
"Before we head for this portal. We are to work together. A band. A fellowship. Are we all contracted in similar manner to the Baatezu? I assume so."
His helmed head turns from one member of the group to the other. "It would be wise for us to know each other's strengths. So that we may better accomplish this mission. Effectively. Efficiently."
A thick bead of syrupy rust-colored liquid beads under the edge of his helm, and then begins to run slowly down his neck toward his clavicle.
"I am Tithonius, of the Fated."
Now his voice begins to slide into an unnatural and disturbing rasp.
"I am adept with some magics, can heal if pressed. I can wield this with moderate skill." Here he indicates his morning star. "But foremost, I can be skilled at the art of persuasion. Both convivial. And more... forced."
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She gives a respectful nod to Gaslight and says, "I appreciate the further indulgance of information Mr. Gaslight. If there is nothing else that is to be covered I am ready to take my leave and proceed to the task at hand."
She waits to be dismissed by the handler and then heads out with the other and looks them over.
As for Tithanious, she says, "Well met Mr.Tithonious. I am Katrin Helgunnr, Justice in the service of the Mercykillers. My association with the Baatezu is a means to an end. In exchange for a number of services to be performed, the Baatezu have agreed to aid in finding my quarry, Inmarak of the Glabrezu who is wanted for numerous crimes committed in the City of Doors. He is the quarry I must find before my duty can to the order can be complete."
I suppose knowing something about these people is a good thing. At the least it might let me know who I can and can't trust to watch my back on the road...
"Guess I'll take a turn now. My name is Kayla and I serve the Dweller on the Horizon. I am not overly skilled with weapons, but I can certainly provide healing after combat."
The young man is definitely no warrior. Beside a walking staff, which seems only barely suitable for combat, he appears to carry no other weapons. He stands, listening to the others and patiently awaits a moment to speak.
My name is Qalendar. I advise Mr. Gaslight on occasion and am, apparently, to assist you all. He waves his hand over himself. I have no secrets... I a simple traveler who knows a trick or two.
His accent is faintly Balkunish, though his mannerism and speech are clearly accustomed to Sigil and it's mix of cultures. The smile on his face is natural and comes easily.
I have everything I need here, with me. A shrug of his shoulder indicates his packed backpack and stowed gear. Though a short stop for some holy water might be in order. He looks around at the others. I shall follow your lead. Where to?
Sigil is a bustling city as it always is. Shopkeepers are eager to sell their wares and, given Sigil's citizenry, no one thinks twice about your arrangement of a party.
The map leads to the rear of one of the foundries in the lower ward and it seems to be a fairly low traffic area. The foundry is clearly still functioning, but doesn't seem terribly occupied and clearly has seen better days. Searching around there is a dump site for scrap metal, a rather wide but shallow metal oval that seems like it fits the description of the portal.
Tithonius doesn't shiver as the cold tendrils of acrid yellow fog curl about the party, but rather keeps turning his head warily this way and that as if expecting trouble to materialize out of the gloom at any moment. When they troop around the back of the foundry, he goes so far as to place his hand on the plain handle of his morning star.
"The more organized and confident we appear to be when we materialize on the Prime Material plane, the more respectful the Primes will be. Can any of you arrange it so that our appearance is more... demonic? Clouds of sulphur. The smell of brimstone. Flames?"
He looks at Qalendar primarily, but also takes in the others with his glance. "I suggest I speak first so as to instill a little fear in their number. They expect to summon the forces of the Baatezu. Let us not be pleasant and ruin their expectations."
"Sorry, but I do not have any spells of fire or sulfur prepared for the day."
Kayla take out the key to the portal and will use it when the group is ready. She will go ahead and let Tithonius go through first.
Nora sighs aloud at Tithonius suggestion, but none the less see the merit in that. "I can help with some of that. Though still haven't quite figured out how to make smells and heat."
"I'm Nora, of the Fraternity of Order. Here out of necessity. My skills lie in distraction, and the bolstering of my allies. Devils do so love to feel better about themselves." Nora adds to the introductions with a chuckle.
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Katrin checks her coin purse only to find that she does not have enough money to get holy water. She shrugs, knowing that devils can be killed with conventional weapons. One just have to hit them hard enough pierce their natural resistances. She looks to the others and says,
"I shall accompany our group if indeed you need to gather supplies but there is nothing else I need to purchase."
She looks to Nora and says, "Well met Guvner Nora. It is good to see that a Tiefling such as yourself has embraced the cause of Law and Order. You will be a valuable addition to this group."
The young man looks distracted as they walk, barely seeming to pay attention to what is said. When they stop to buy supplies, he only gives the flask a passing glance, takes out his purse of gold, and pays the priest quickly. As he turns away he stops abruptly and tilts his head.
My apologies, where are we? He looks around at the small temple and reaches again for his purse. I believe a donation is in order. He takes out a few pieces of gold and tosses them into the tithe box.
Now, where to, he says with a smile.
As the others discuss the plan Qalendar seems more interested in the surroundings. When he speaks, it doesn't seem to be directed at anyone,
We don't know how foolish or intelligent these mages are. They might react to hostility...unwisely. Perhaps it would be best if we let...Nora, was it? Or Kayla, do the talking. Tithonius strikes quite the imposing figure. As does Mrs. Helgunnr. He looks up briefly at the polearm strapped to Katrin's back and smiles slightly. It may be best if you both use that to our advantage by implying the ability to fight, rather than making any overt threats.
As to tricks to make us look more foreboding, unless they are non-magical in nature, I suggest we stay away from minor effects. These are mages, after all. They won't be fooled by parlor tricks. He idly creates a what appears to be a flower, somewhat resembling a rose. It slowly drifts away into the fog. They may even be insulted, or worse, demand that we prove ourselves. The flower is completely gone and he dusts off his hand. Best to keep things simple.
He looks around at the others, Don't you think?
Nipper snorts, "If they were any dazzlers of real power they would be calling in their own reinforcements and we wouldn't need to be paying them a little visit. I would get prepared to be unimpressed. Regardless, until we get in the know, all this talk is just a waste of breath."
Qalendar's smile broadens as the goblin speaks,
In my experience with travels, one plans their route. Some things you can predict, some you cannot, but there is no shame in being wrong about the future. The only danger is not accepting that you can be.
The young man chuckles, I suggest we not be blinded by Mr. Gaslight's prejudices, of which he has many. We do not know the power of these mages, nor of this King. Keep an open mind and you will not be surprised, or disappointed, by anything.
Kayla sighs. "We could just tell them that the devils they've already met are sympathetic to their plight and wish us to assist them in not being persecuted by their King. The mages are like any men I"m sure. Just play up their egos and make them feel all self-important."
Tithonius listens to Qalendar, and slowly shakes his head.
"These mages believe they are summoning the forces of the Baatezu to aid them in toppling a king. Instead, they are getting us, and we are not even being summoned. They cannot be that wise or powerful."
But then he shrugs. "You are the mage. They are your kind. If you think it best that we keep a low profile and not make an impact upon appearing, then I am willing to listen to your counsel."
"Sounds like a plan." Nora chuckles, stopping her spellcasting. "Guess let's go and see just how nice these "dazzlers" are."
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Katrin says to Tithonious, "It will be difficult to disguise myself considering I cannot afford to replace my armor and equipment with my current funds. Still in my home world of Krynn, the factions of Sigil are unknown to the populace and it may well be the same in this prime world as well. What concerns me more is the range of acceptance the Tieflings among us may have in this world. We do not know how tolerant the average population is for those of infernal bloodlines."
Tithonius nods to Katrin, but makes no comment. Her words, it seems, suffices to address his concerns on that matter. That, and neither of them can do anything at this point to disguise their natures.
Moving forward, he steps behind Katrin, with Nora behind him in turn. He rolls his shoulders once, cracking his neck violently as he does so, and then nods. He's ready to go through.
When you all step through the portal, you find yourself in a clearing inside what appears to be a forest. The ground of the clearing is scorched and the ash was left in place, though the forest seems otherwise healthy and vibrant. It is currently just after dusk and the light is low, but certainly not blindingly dark.
Once you have all stepped through, there is a rustling in the trees. Two men, both human, step from the trees and hold their hands out, waist high, with their palms facing upward. They are dressed in simple blue linen cloth outfits which match with furred cloaks unique to each individual.
"We should know you," one of the men says as they approach your group.
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Katrin carrying her polearm when she goes through the portal. She looks around and gives a cautious look to these cloaked individuals. She says to the man that approaches and addresses them, "Perhaps you should know us. But we have not met before so caution is in order. Are you the ones that have called for aid in their endeavors from the realms beyond?"
Kayla remains silent for a moment as she awaits their response.
Tithonius glances around the clearing, examining the shadows between the trees for other strangers.
He then turns his attention to the two dazzlers, and tries to discern their intent.
Once you start to speak the men look to each other and start to creep backward to the trees. Their hands move to their waists and while they do not draw weapons at the moment, they are clearly backing away in a cautious manner.
Damn, they sure are skittish. This may be harder than I thought.
Kayla advances a couple steps.
"Hold a moment please. Obviously we are a bit new here, but we were expecting to contact the mages who use this area for their summoning."
When you speak they look at each other confused for a moment and then continue to back up. They are clearly still very wary, but still don't move to actually attack.
Tithonius steps forward, spreading his arms wide as he does so, in a gesture that is meant to encompass the retreating mages. His voice drops down to a cruel rasp.
"You have asked the unholy aid of the demons, of the Baatezu, and it is come. Why do you flee like timid mice? Did you think such matters were predictable? We are the force come from hell to aid you in your struggle against the king."
His voice lowers even further in register, becoming menacing. "Do not waste our time. The Baatezu do not take kindly to cowards. Step forward, declare your names, and what you would have of us."
Nora steps through the portal, trying to adjust to the new landscape. She gives a death glare to Tithonius as he tries to bully his way into getting information. We have to work with these people. Scaring them away right off the bat going to make this difficult.
"Ignore that man, we are here as friends, and there is nothing to be afraid of. He's been around the denziens of hell too long, and it's made him a little nasty. Just tell us who you are and what you meant." Nora asks magically, her words carrying the hint of singing on them.
Oh, maybe that coin thingy will help? They might recognize it.
Kayla pulls out the token that was in the package with the key and map.
"Do you fellows happen to recognize this?"
Qalendar steps through the portal and lazily looks around. He seems more interested in their surroundings than the men.
Then Tithonius speaks and Qalendar appears visibly shocked. He blinks once and tilts his head as if hearing something far off. Slowly the young man turns his attention to the Tiefling, staring at him blankly, as if not sure what he's looking at.
It is not until Nora speaks that he turns away. After blinking a few times, and a slight shake of his head, the corner of Qalendar's mouth turns up, and looks towards the men before them.