Hamza turns to address Ito "You are correct, I am a noble merchant, but I am also a noble and a merchant. As I mentioned before, what I propose is an alliance between House Mīnakshi, yourself and your noble charges. Mīnakshi is one of most ancient of all of the houses within Alaka, also known as Che'el de' Barra Velg'larns or the City of Shadow Assassins. Along with a few other noble families, Mīnakshi helped found Alaka and to this day, is considered one of the more preeminent Houses. We are indeed merchants, but our other title is Lil' Su'aco xor Nindyn Vel'uss Venorsh M'elzaren. Which translates into The Wind, or Those Who Silence Defilers in Olathooble or Shadowtongue. We are assassins who specialize in killing mages who dare use the profane arts known as defiling." He calls forth his shadowy kama, which all those present note is dark red in color. "This is Vlossu'aco or Bloodwind, the ancestral weapon of Mīnakshi, and my badge of office. I am the Nizzre' Senger or Lightning Lord, one of four lieutenants of The Wind."
He pauses, letting these revelations sink in. "Here is my offer. I can open a portal to The Black, to Alaka. I will petition Zhennuilharn Arshes or Grandfather Thunder, leader of the Wind, to lend us a contingent of assassins to help us destroy Kchac'Thraa. In return, you grant House Mīnakshi access to the network of portals here, so that we may more swiftly carry our missions of death."
The druid grins,
"Well then, Hamza of the House Mīnakshi, that is quite an offer, is it not. I confess that I have heard marvelous stories of the City of Seven Shadows, which is referred to in the Angkorian language of Yaramuke as Thotsakan."
He then demurs somewhat,
"However the yo yaks, or what the inhabitants of Raam refer to as yakṣas, are also considered to be exceptionally wily and among the most dangerous subjects with which mortals might treat. I cannot but issue my trepidation at entering upon the lintel of your home to conduct these negotiations."
Hamza turns to address Ito "You are correct, I am a noble merchant, but I am also a noble and a merchant. As I mentioned before, what I propose is an alliance between House Mīnakshi, yourself and your noble charges. Mīnakshi is one of most ancient of all of the houses within Alaka, also known as Che'el de' Barra Velg'larns or the City of Shadow Assassins. Along with a few other noble families, Mīnakshi helped found Alaka and to this day, is considered one of the more preeminent Houses. We are indeed merchants, but our other title is Lil' Su'aco xor Nindyn Vel'uss Venorsh M'elzaren. Which translates into The Wind, or Those Who Silence Defilers in Olathooble or Shadowtongue. We are assassins who specialize in killing mages who dare use the profane arts known as defiling." He calls forth his shadowy kama, which all those present note is dark red in color. "This is Vlossu'aco or Bloodwind, the ancestral weapon of Mīnakshi, and my badge of office. I am the Nizzre' Senger or Lightning Lord, one of four lieutenants of The Wind."
He pauses, letting these revelations sink in. "Here is my offer. I can open a portal to The Black, to Alaka. I will petition Zhennuilharn Arshes or Grandfather Thunder, leader of the Wind, to lend us a contingent of assassins to help us destroy Kchac'Thraa. In return, you grant House Mīnakshi access to the network of portals here, so that we may more swiftly carry our missions of death."
Slavathras of the Thought Makers sniffs contemptuously,
"And what exactly makes you sure either that this request will be granted, or that it will prove decisive in our impending melee with Kchac'Thraa the Inimitable? I, for one, share the druid's concern in opening a portal to the City of Seven Shadows."
Tyren watched in bafflement as they debated an entirely fictitious story designed for the sole purpose of giving the ritual contract they bound one-another to power. "And what exactly makes you think making up fictional events about a group of people who technically did exist, but never did half the things anyone here mentioned, was a particularly good idea?" He looked to Slavathras, "We don't need your help. You've already given us our best tool for overcoming the Wraith. You can go hide in shadow and wait for us to defeat the Defiler."
He then looks to Hamza, "--But I agree with the Druid as well. I'd be hesitant to open a portal directly to the City of Seven Shadows. It seems, in my opinion, a steep enough price all its' own. I'm of the opinion we likely have enough manpower among ourselves to fight these creatures."
Hamza turns to address Ito "You are correct, I am a noble merchant, but I am also a noble and a merchant. As I mentioned before, what I propose is an alliance between House Mīnakshi, yourself and your noble charges. Mīnakshi is one of most ancient of all of the houses within Alaka, also known as Che'el de' Barra Velg'larns or the City of Shadow Assassins. Along with a few other noble families, Mīnakshi helped found Alaka and to this day, is considered one of the more preeminent Houses. We are indeed merchants, but our other title is Lil' Su'aco xor Nindyn Vel'uss Venorsh M'elzaren. Which translates into The Wind, or Those Who Silence Defilers in Olathooble or Shadowtongue. We are assassins who specialize in killing mages who dare use the profane arts known as defiling." He calls forth his shadowy kama, which all those present note is dark red in color. "This is Vlossu'aco or Bloodwind, the ancestral weapon of Mīnakshi, and my badge of office. I am the Nizzre' Senger or Lightning Lord, one of four lieutenants of The Wind."
He pauses, letting these revelations sink in. "Here is my offer. I can open a portal to The Black, to Alaka. I will petition Zhennuilharn Arshes or Grandfather Thunder, leader of the Wind, to lend us a contingent of assassins to help us destroy Kchac'Thraa. In return, you grant House Mīnakshi access to the network of portals here, so that we may more swiftly carry our missions of death."
The diminutive druid frowns somewhat as he replies,
"Well, well, well, this new revelation certainly does clear up several persistent queries I had nurtured since your sudden arrival on the scene. Though not all here are natives of Raam or familiar with its history, I certainly am, and will now reveal some pertinent information to the assembled Company of the Broken Tablet so that they might decide whether to accept Hamza's offer."
"The hooded one's revelation of his origins identifies him as an entity known as a rākṣasa, one of several tribes of progenitors species known as yakṣas, which also included ogres and other monsters, that used to rule Raam before the coming of the sorcerer-queen Abalach-Re and her minions, the unconquerable horse archers known as the Temüjin."
"Though the long reign of the Grand Vizier Abalach-Re has been far from peaceful, neither should we have any illusions regarding the harsh rule of the yakṣas which preceded the city's current age."
"In the wake of Abalach-Re's conquest, the various yakṣa tribes retreated, and none more successfully than the various houses of the rākṣasas, who founded a new city in the dimension known as the Black, and which represents a twisted copy of the city-state of Raam. Fabled Alaka, the City of Seven Shadows, is the dread origin of our companion Hamza."
"These creature have their own agendas and wage a hidden war with their servants among the assassin and thief guilds of the city against the servants of Abalach-Re."
"My own order does not trust them, and I must, for all our sakes, question whether we should now do so, though we find ourselves in unquestionably perilous circumstances."
Tyren watched in bafflement as they debated an entirely fictitious story designed for the sole purpose of giving the ritual contract they bound one-another to power. "And what exactly makes you think making up fictional events about a group of people who technically did exist, but never did half the things anyone here mentioned, was a particularly good idea?" He looked to Slavathras, "We don't need your help. You've already given us our best tool for overcoming the Wraith. You can go hide in shadow and wait for us to defeat the Defiler."
He then looks to Hamza, "--But I agree with the Druid as well. I'd be hesitant to open a portal directly to the City of Seven Shadows. It seems, in my opinion, a steep enough price all its' own. I'm of the opinion we likely have enough manpower among ourselves to fight these creatures."
The elf effects of look of shock and outrage,
"What do you mean 'fictional events'? Do you not behold the shadows of the very heroes to which I have referred? Surely, you go too far in your suspicions, Tyren of the Free-City of Tyr."
Hamza smirks at the reactions to his revelations. "I understand your trepidation in my opening a portal to Alaka, but I can not hold it open for long. It is most certainly not even close to permanent. I also get not trusting myself or my House, however, this situation is dire. I believe Amunet is correct in that Kchac'Thraa could very likely attempt to awaken it's master. I also agree with her point that the fight with Kchac'Thraa is a good test of our abilities. After all, should we fall to the wraith, we are obviously not capable of dealing with the Sorcerer-Kings."
"To put your fears to rest, I will enter into a N'corda de'Vlos or a Blood Contract, with Itko. This is my people's most scared accord, and to violate one is to bring ruin upon the oath breaker, his family, and his House. As long as the terms are fair, for both sides, I will let the druid write the contract, and I will sign it."
"I, too, would hear what especial advantage the chosen assassins of the 'City of the Seven Shadows' Lil' Che'el d'lil Blyn Veldrin might offer us in our strivings with the wraith."
Enough stories. By this point I would at least hear the merchant's full plan so as to judge against my concern of wasted time of loss of opportunity against the greater threats of the day.
He turns to Hamza.
And upon traversing this portal you could with haste do the convincing and return with this contingent of assassins? How many be they, and of what skill?
Enough stories. By this point I would at least hear the merchant's full plan so as to judge against my concern of wasted time of loss of opportunity against the greater threats of the day.
He turns to Hamza.
And upon traversing this portal you could with haste do the convincing and return with this contingent of assassins? How many be they, and of what skill?
"I, too, would hear what purported advantage these minions of the City of Seven Shadows might offer our impromptu company."
Since this is officialy Serpent Singers territory, you would have to offer something to my tribe in the first place.
Since this is officialy Serpent Singers territory, you would have to offer something to my tribe in the first place.
"Your venerable tribe has long laid claim to the Iridescent Desert and the slopes of the Rainbow Rise to the west of the Kalidnay ruins. However, as we now find ourselves within this curious intra-dimensional demiplane, I am not sure how that stricture applies."
Tyren snorted, "Too far in my suspicions, you say. We live in Athas, friend. There is no such thing." He frowned, "Well, strictly speaking, if it's a temporary portal, I can't complain too terribly much. It's not as though we're allowing permanent access for anyone who should discover the portal's existence."
Cae listens to the back-and-forth, and indicates a willingness to end the defiler, despite wanting to hurry to his beloved.
Since this is officialy Serpent Singers territory, you would have to offer something to my tribe in the first place.
"I find myself in the somewhat surprising situation of concurring with our estimable bardic associate. Maybe it's impolite to notice that even the traditional confines of your tribe's territories are not uncontested -- consider, for example the feral tribes of Sand Trawlers that contest the Serpent Singer's rule of the Iridescent Desert. In any event, this grotto is not clearly within the boundaries of your tribe's territories, and I fail to see its self-evident claim within the context of the present negotiations being conducted vis a vis its present serpentine caretakers and their druidic ward."
Since this is officialy Serpent Singers territory, you would have to offer something to my tribe in the first place."I find myself in the somewhat surprising situation of concurring with our estimable bardic associate. Maybe it's impolite to notice that even the traditional confines of your tribe's territories are not uncontested -- consider, for example the feral tribes of Sand Trawlers that contest the Serpent Singer's rule of the Iridescent Desert. In any event, this grotto is not clearly within the boundaries of your tribe's territories, and I fail to see its self-evident claim within the context of the present negotiations being conducted vis a vis its present serpentine caretakers and their druidic ward."
"Aye, and upon my last visitation to your illustrious shrine, I rather vividly recollect a pitched battle which transpired between these very same Sand Trawlers and the arrayed forces of your tribe. As I recollect the event, several of the Dreadseers fell in pitched battle with the besieging army. The great hoofed hyenas, the aendrusɑrkeses, of the Sand Trawler raiders tore several of your noble warriors limb from limb."
Tyren snorted, "Too far in my suspicions, you say. We live in Athas, friend. There is no such thing." He frowned, "Well, strictly speaking, if it's a temporary portal, I can't complain too terribly much. It's not as though we're allowing permanent access for anyone who should discover the portal's existence."
"I must confess, though, that the fabled City of the Seven Shadows is amongst those legendary locales of our tortured planet that I have long yearned, though not been able, to visit personally. Perhaps our desperate circumstances present a unique opportunity for a traveler such as myself."
Tyren snorted, "Too far in my suspicions, you say. We live in Athas, friend. There is no such thing." He frowned, "Well, strictly speaking, if it's a temporary portal, I can't complain too terribly much. It's not as though we're allowing permanent access for anyone who should discover the portal's existence.""I must confess, though, that the fabled City of the Seven Shadows is amongst those legendary locales of our tortured planet that I have long yearned, though not been able, to visit personally. Perhaps our desperate circumstances present a unique opportunity for a traveler such as myself."
"A fitting goal, I'd think, given your magic source of choice. I, personally, could likely find many effective reagents for the coming battle for a variety of deadly poisons here."
Tyren snorted, "Too far in my suspicions, you say. We live in Athas, friend. There is no such thing." He frowned, "Well, strictly speaking, if it's a temporary portal, I can't complain too terribly much. It's not as though we're allowing permanent access for anyone who should discover the portal's existence.""I must confess, though, that the fabled City of the Seven Shadows is amongst those legendary locales of our tortured planet that I have long yearned, though not been able, to visit personally. Perhaps our desperate circumstances present a unique opportunity for a traveler such as myself."
"I find myself compelled, once again, surprisingly agree with the estimable representative of the Thought Maker Tribe. Indeed, many residents of Raam with any knowledge of the great city's history its present-day undercurrents could help but nurture a perhaps unhealthy curiosity concerning the hidden city of the rākṣasas."
"I find myself compelled, once again, surprisingly agree with the estimable representative of the Thought Maker Tribe. Indeed, many residents of Raam with any knowledge of the great city's history its present-day undercurrents could help but nurture a perhaps unhealthy curiosity concerning the hidden city of the rākṣasas."Tyren snorted, "Too far in my suspicions, you say. We live in Athas, friend. There is no such thing." He frowned, "Well, strictly speaking, if it's a temporary portal, I can't complain too terribly much. It's not as though we're allowing permanent access for anyone who should discover the portal's existence.""I must confess, though, that the fabled City of the Seven Shadows is amongst those legendary locales of our tortured planet that I have long yearned, though not been able, to visit personally. Perhaps our desperate circumstances present a unique opportunity for a traveler such as myself."
"--And most certainly, even the swiftest of visits would enable me access to their vast markets, so long as we have the coin to acquire their wares. We'd be free to walk the masses, and find those ancient sites where such lore was made."
Amunet-Ra plants her feet firmly on the ground in a broad stand, cradling her crystalline tooth like sword like a baby in her arms, her eyes sparkling with displeasure.
Interesting news you have there, cowardly crouching in the shadows,a name better suited to you. Maybe someone whispered to many #
Stolen secrets into the hyenas ears? But just because some great warriors died in battle my tribe won't falter. We're still under the same hill, which is our territory, so you will trade with us and pay customs. As it is rightful tradition. You city dwellers always think only those perched inside some walls have rights.
Amunet-Ra plants her feet firmly on the ground in a broad stand, cradling her crystalline tooth like sword like a baby in her arms, her eyes sparkling with displeasure.
Interesting news you have there, cowardly crouching in the shadows,a name better suited to you. Maybe someone whispered to many #
Stolen secrets into the hyenas ears? But just because some great warriors died in battle my tribe won't falter. We're still under the same hill, which is our territory, so you will trade with us and pay customs. As it is rightful tradition. You city dwellers always think only those perched inside some walls have rights.
Slavathras frowns at Amunet-Ra,
"Well, my tribe do not dwell within city-walls, and I agree with the estimation of the druid as to your people's claims in regards to this remarkable interplanetary cynosure."
The great cavern begins to hum with the intense vibrations of some otherworldly species of sound. In its clear auditory architecture and regular tempo, the sound is almost like music, but if the notes were transmitted by tectonic resonance.
"Hmmm... it is speaking again, I see."
The two large reptilian creatures also look up, striking a pose of unmistakable recognition and attention as the sound begins.
Jimbli - who'd been silent.. slowly nibbling, and floating on the periphery of the group - speaks...
"I'd back your plan, Rokan, if it mattered... but it's looking like you'd be outvoted regardless. Let's end this thing."
He then raises an eyebrow as the hum begins, and turns to Itko...
"Yeah? What's it saying?"
Jimbli - who'd been silent.. slowly nibbling, and floating on the periphery of the group - speaks...
"I'd back your plan, Rokan, if it mattered... but it's looking like you'd be outvoted regardless. Let's end this thing."He then raises an eyebrow as the hum begins, and turns to Itko...
"Yeah? What's it saying?"
The enigmatic, tattoo-covered druid muses thoughtfully before responding,
"Saying, well isn't that a peculiar way of putting it, though I suppose not technically incorrect... it is singing to the mind and soul of Athas, so far as I have been able to determine. It's portals are like... kisses, gentle pats? It is... wooing her?"
Very well. Going alone is most foolish of all. I can only hope the number of future diversions remains low so that we can proceed to the source of this regions problems.
Ehawee turns to Rokan and says kindly to him " Perhaps. Look at it this way, we are preventing something from becoming bigger after we fight the larger threat. Now we no longer worry this spirit will cause us issues."
Tyren, fascinated by the suggestion that the grotto was both alive and maintained its intercontinental network via romance, at once stepped toward Itko. "When you say it is wooing the world...Do you suggest, then, that this world has full agency over the space around it? Is it as though the air which we breath is like an appendage, with which it can move things about as it wills?"