"Nope," Enizver replied as he narrowed his eyes. "If you would like to try and get something else, however, you won't get that either." Enizver fired again.
S. A. M. is leaking an oily amber fluid and his machinery is showing. Every once in a while, a spark is visible. There are small chunks of metal all over the ground where he has been standing.
Ignoring the barbs of the demons, Olivia uses the last of her healing reserves for the day. Hopefully the creatures would fall soon enough.
Enizver shoots the demon right between the eyes but its unnatural resistance to attacks keeps it from dying. Olivia finishes it off with a blast of pure force!
S. A. M., invigorated and glad to see the demon threatening him fall, turns his attention to the last demon standing:
Horat simply replies, as he drives home a pair of brutal blows:
"No. You shall not."
Enizver whoops in celebration at the shot, and whooped again as Liv's energetic magic knocked it down completely. He took aim at the final creature standing.
Horat finishes off one of the demons with two mighty blows!
The final, remaining demon shrieks and howls in rage and tears at Horat with its claws in horrible, senseless anger. But Alain steps up and raises his sword, bringing it crashing down on the fiend just as Enizver's shot passes through its temple. In a burst of shadows, the demon is defeated and sent back to the Abyss.
Alain turns to you and states "Come speak with my in private." He turns to his men and commands "Tend to the wounded and get the guardhouse back in order." Then he walks to a small nearby room.
Alain was not speaking in his normal voice but in the female voice of your visions attempting to sound like the voice of Alain.
Before following Alain to the nearby room, Olivia quickly makes sure to stabilize any guards who fell in the fight. She then quickly looks to her allies to see if any of them want healing before they move to have a chat with Alain.
Horat looks at Alain, and has his doubts, but he does follow the Champion.
Enizver raised his eyebrow at the other voice within Alain. "As you wish, ma'am," he replied, murmuring the last word so that the others could get a hint as to what was going on.
Seeing that no one asked for healing, Olivia followed behind the rest of the party once the guards were all set.
S. A. M. is suspicious to hear Enziver call Alain ma'am. However, absent of any other context, he attributes it to strange gnome/human dynamics and follows the party to the small nearby room Alain entered. As he walks, the cuff on his left wrist begins to rotate swiftly, like the head of a drill. He holds his axe to it, gently moving the blade upward and downward across it with mechanical precision. Small sparks fly outwards as he sharpens the blade. Still feeling weak from the fight, he longs to enter sentry mode and gently reboot.
You follow Alain Turick into the room and the door closes. There are several chairs around a small table and he gestures for you to sit down. Then he stops moving and a partially-transparent figure seems to step forward out of him.
You see the lady from your visions but this time, her horns are perfectly visible. She speaks while Alain Turick holds perfectly still "Very good. Now this lodestone is safe from the forces of the Abyss. Working with you has proved most fruitful. I believe it is time to discuss further cooperation in the future."
S. A. M. leaves a small trail of metal flakes all over the beautiful floors as he traverses the hall. Out of respect, he stops sharpening his blade when they enter the room. When the translucent figure emerges, he takes a step backwards and does not immediately lower it to its holster on his side. He was distrustful of the first vision he had had, and even more suspicious now. "What is the meaning of this?!"
Olivia felt her stomach drop as all signs pointed towards her worst fear possibly being true. Don't panic. There's probably a perfectly good explanation for this. Just hear her out. Give her a chance to explain. Besides, surely she's gotta be better than the 'abyss' side, right?
"What is it you would wish us to do?"
Horat enters and looks at Alain...and the figure.
"I had my suspicions. It would appear that you have tricked us into allowing you to possess the Champion. What are your intentions and will you release him voluntarily?"
The lady smiles dazzlingly. "Why, the meaning is that you are meeting something of an avatar of your supernatural patron. Really, a religious devotee like yourself should feel quite honored. I've been guiding you this whole time to help protect your world from demons. I even helped grant power to some of you." She eyes Olivia and Sam meaningfully when she says this.
"As for what I wish you to do, it is entirely within your own self-interest. You will continue to defend lodestones of your plane against demonic forces. I will direct and aid your efforts. We are both acting in our own self-interest. I do not wish to see your plane sucked into the Abyss. Such an event could tip the scales of the Blood War."
To Horat, she smiles and winks. "Well I couldn't just release him now, could I? If I were to do that, you'd have demons back here before you could shout 'agents of chaos.' And besides, I don't mind having a little more sway in your world anyhow."
She claps her hands together as if to wrap things up and a parchment and quill appear, hovering in the air.. "Now, shall we come to the terms of our alliance?"
Enizver pointed to the horns. "I suppose the first point would be 'how could we possibly trust you after you used us?' Any reward you promise us could simply be a deception, or perhaps even a trap to remove us. After all, we would know the location of the lodestones you ask us to help you. Getting rid of us at the end would seem like a good move if we know too much."
He looked at the lodestone. Somehow he doubted that the devil would allow him to identify it, but ideally, he could work out a way to get Alain out of the thing without killing him. Paying to revive someone would take time.
Enizver can't see any sort of lodestone within Alain to even begin to figure out how to remove it. It does seem, however, that Alain himself, not just part of his body, is the lodestone.
The Horned Lady dazzles Enizver with a friendly smile "Of course, I understand this is all a surprise for you. But I never lied to you. And I never will. You see, that's the key part of this contract." She points out a section of the hovering parchment. She giggles slightly. "As for knowing too much, I'm not concerned about what you may or may not do with your knowledge of the lodestones once they are safe from demonic possession."
S. A. M.'s processor fans whirr loudly as he ponders the figure's words. Something about this situation brought about a feeling of déjà vu in him. Had he not seen this before? He had once been an obedient killing machine, blindly and unquestioningly following orders in a great war of two superpowers.
Kelemvor saved me from that existence, S. A. M. reassures himself. Why would he now bring me back to it? He nervously eyes the translucent woman to see if she has an inkling as to what he is thinking.
He grasps the hilt of his axe firmly and feels the powerful eldritch magic flow reciprocally through it and his mechanical arm. The loyal pact weapon had been at his hip for quite some time, striking true against demons and rightly doling out death. If what she says is true, surely I owe this creature my gratitude for what she had done to empower me. Still, something seemed off- she was clearly doing something extremely unnatural and parasitic to the Champion. Perhaps it was time to dismiss it for a while.
Still in a deep, contemplative state, S. A. M. heightens his senses to perceive the supernatural and uncanny. He had the feeling there was more here than meets the eye.
The presence of strong evil registers on your senses like a noxious odor, and powerful good rings like heavenly music in your ears. As an action, you can open your awareness to detect such forces. Until the end of your next turn, you know the location of any celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet of you that is not behind total cover. You know the type (celestial, fiend, or undead) of any being whose presence you sense, but not its identity (the vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich, for instance). Within the same radius, you also detect the presence of any place or object that has been consecrated or desecrated, as with the hallow spell. You can use this feature a number of times equal to 1 + your Charisma modifier. When you finish a long rest, you regain all expended uses.
Horat looks mightily displeased at these revelations, doubts or no. But he maintains his composure.
"You say the contract prevents you from lying. Then I wish to know the answers to the following questions before we proceed."
"First, what has become of Alain - the true Alain?"
"Second, what are your intentions towards Alain's body and soul?"
"Third, will you release Alain at any point, in any fashion?"
"Fourth, what do you intend to do while we are - presumably - away defending lodestones?"
"And fifth, what is your identity and position in this 'Blood War'?"
Olivia didn't believe all of the woman's claims for an instant. Specifically around the 'demonic possession in the guise of power' claim. Even if she wasn't lying, that still didn't mean she was telling the truth. People were fast to give themselves credit for 'good deeds' they believe they had done as just as fast to blame others when things went wrong. Often neither was entirely accurate, even if they genuinely believed that it was true.
She took a brief moment to study the woman before turning her attention to the 'contract' offered and carefully studying it.
Sam is nearly overwhelmed and staggers back as he opens his senses and is flooded by an incredibly noxious aroma. He can tell this... presence... is that of a very powerful fiend...
Olivia is quite certain that this female figure is a devil, a lover of contracts and order, though not necessarily for good purposes. She can tell little else besides that, however. Examining the contract, she sees that it is quite short
"I, Lady Fierna (herafter referred to as 'patron'), do agree to this contract with these four mortals, Horat the Bulwark, Olivia Moore,, Enizver, and S.A.M. 3.0 (hereafter collectively referred to as 'the mortal undersigned'). None of the stipulations of this contract shall be broken by Lady Fierna or the mortal undersigned (hereafter together referred to as 'the undersigned') nor shall any of the undersigned knowingly lie, misconstrue, or communicate falsehood to any others of the undersigned.
The purpose of this contract shall be collaboration in efforts to deny Lodestones of the material plane to the unnameable forces of the Abyss. The patron shall provide information and material aids to the mortal undersigned. The mortal undersigned shall undertake their best efforts to secure the lodestones from Abyssal influence in cooperation with the patron.
Upon initial signature of this contract, the patron will provide each of the mortal undersigned with a powerful artifact, negotiated before signature."
To Horat, Lady Fierna turns and addresses his questions "First, Alain remains within his body. He simply is not able to choose what said body is doing.
Second, I will retain control of Alain's body, though he has done nothing to surrender his soul to me. This will keep him immune to the demonic forces.
Third, I will never release Alain while he is threatened by the demonic forces.
Fourth, I have a great deal that I will need to do. For one thing, I have a kingdom to administer. For another, I will obtain information and resources useful for the defense of the lodestones. And further, I will maintain active involvement in your missions to defend the lodestones.
Fifth, I am Lady Fierna, daughter of Belial and princess of Phlegethos, the fourth layer of Hell. As such, I aid in the defense of Hell against constant demonic incursions in the blood war. If the Nine Hells ceased to absorb most of the attention of the Abyss, the rest of the multiverse would be overrun by the endless hordes of demons, I assure you. The Celestial Spheres themselves would fall in the short lifespan of a mortal."
She gestures back to the parchment. "As to our contract, shall we decide on reasonable material incentives and aids for each of you? I have several items in mind."
She snaps her fingers and six items appear, hovering in the air. First, she directs your attention to a set of silver, finely-made gloves. "These are gloves of the warrior mage."
Then she motions to golden bottle. "Pouring this over a weapon will enhance its power and agility."
The third item is a silver ring inset with sapphires and tiny pearls carved into the shape of winged feet. "This will help you maintain freedom to move and strike your foes."
The fourth item is a wand inset with rubies. She chuckles slightly at this. "A useful wand but less so against the demonic forces."
The fifth is a finely-made cloak of silver silk. "This will greatly reduce the ability of enemies to affect to you with spells."
The sixth is a ring with wands inscribed in it. "It is always useful to have more magical options."
Having read over the contract, Olivia spoke up, voice polite but firm. "As you have pointed out, Lady Fierna, stopping the lodestones from falling to the Abyss is in our best interest. If you say it is it your best interest as well, then I believe you. As such, I intend to continue to do my utmost to prevent such an occurrence just as it would benefit you to help me in such an endeavor. For this reason, I feel no need to sign this contract of yours as it serves no purpose so long as we are both acting in our best interest. The only reason I can think of for such a thing would be if you believe it will force us to do something to which we would otherwise not agree. If such a situation were to arise, then I wish to be free to act as my conscious dictates rather than being bound by something I signed in ignorance."
"As such, I must respectfully decline your offer, though I hope we can continue to work amicably together in our efforts to prevent the fall of the lodestones." Olivia bowed formally, if a little awkwardly, to Fierna before turning to her companions. "Your decisions are, of course, your own. You must do as you believe best, and you will receive no judgement from me for doing so."
Lady Fierna raises an eyebrow when Olivia speaks up such but doesn't protest and only smiles slightly. "An interesting statement. How will this contract force you to do something you believe you should not?
Regardlness, I must insist that the group either signs or does not sign as a whole. There is no point for me to be bound to assist three-quarter of your cadre with total truthfulness but not the remaining one-quarter. Indeed, I can only collaborate with you in a more serious, formal capacity if there is a binding agreement."
"Clearly such lodestones need to be outside of demonic control," Enizver said thoughtfully. "I accept that as a necessity, as do you. Would you accept that they do not need to be within your control? There are other beings who would be able to assists with this, correct?" He was playing for time, as he'd prefer not to sign - but if needed then Enizver would do so for now. "You'll forgive me for saying so, but we mortals have a less than sterling relationship with your own kind. We would be much more inclined to aid if control of the lodestones - Alain included - could be handed off. Not to Celestial forces, perhaps, but neutral parties. I am sure such beings exist." He paused. "Can the lodestone be shifted from Alain to a new form? One perhaps more suited to your needs until a permanent caretaker can be arranged?"
Olivia simply shrugged. Just because she didn't know what the trap was didn't mean that there wasn't one. She was no expert in such matters and fully believed Fierna was much more versed in the ways of devilish contracts than her. "In what way will having a contract aid us that could not be done without it?"
Fierna leans forward and down slightly to listen to Enizver then smiles. "Fascinating. If you can contact and make arrangements with such entities, I would be curious to converse with them. As for transferring the lodestone out of Mr. Turick, you fail to apprehend. Mr. Turick IS the lodestone."
To Olivia, she responds "I, for one, wish to establish a clear foundation for a working relationship. If there are no rules by which we interact, our efficiency will be greatly hampered. In addition, we will be completely unable to rely upon each other. I am seeking to maximize the efficiency of our cooperation."
Horat ponders what he has heard.
"I have more questions," he adds brusquely.
"First, is there is a definitive window of time in which these demons can threaten Alain?"
"Second, if so, what is its duration?"
"Third, are all the lodestones people?"
"Fourth, as Alain is mortal, is this lodestone not doomed anyway?"
It may be a case of there needing to be as many lodestones in existence as possible at once but I would know for certain.
"Fifth, if a lodestone is captured or destroyed, what means, if any, exist to replace or restore it?"
"Sixth, how many lodestones are there?"
"Seventh, what is your best estimate of the duration of this contract's duration?"
"Eighth, what reason or reasons have the lodestones become a vulnerability to our world presently?"
Lady Fierna smiles to Horat and nods "Of course. I can answer more questions, in the interests of cooperation.
First and second, yes. That window is over the course of the next two years. Once that time has passed, the Lodestones will be of no use and no more threatened than any other inhabitants of your world.
Third, I do not yet know. Thus far, I only know of this Lodestone and one other.
Fourth, my research indicates that the position of Lodestone will pass to something or someone else upon his death.
Fifth, a Lodestone generally cannot be destroyed. It may perhaps change vessel, however, if a mortal vessel dies.
Sixth, I do not know.
Seventh and eighth, your plane has drawn closer to the Abyss and Nine Hells, making the Lodestones relevant for planar magic for two years. Think of it as something like the planetary movements in your world, though more complex and on a far vaster scale."
Horat thinks about this for some moments giving his companions time to interject.
When none interject, the Untherite continues:
"The picture you present is becoming more clear. A few more questions on my part then my companions will surely wish to add their own."
"First, what do you know of this one other lodestone?"
"Second, if the forces of the Abyss seize a lodestone, do they have to keep it, destroy it, or some other act?"
"Third, would our term of service through this contract cease with the end of the window of alignment?"
"Fourth, why did you select us for this proposal and not beings more closely aligned with your own nature?"
"Fifth, are you attempting to seize the lodestones to bring this world into the Nine Hells?"
Horat considers this and cannot confirm any of the magical aspects. But he does know that the Abyss and the Nine Hells are close to each other, in an astrological sense. He also knows of the endless Blood War between the Abyss and the Nine Hells.
Lady Fierna smiles then states "I would like to formalize our arrangement before granting too much more free information. As of yet, our relationship is completely vague. I will answer select questions
Second: Once they possess all of the Lodestones, they will perform a demonic ritual to completely drag your plane into the Abyss.
Third: Yes the contract would end after the alignment. I will add a clause to that effect.
Fourth: You are uniquely talented individuals, more flexible, adaptable, and determined than most.
Fifth: No."
"I see. I have no further questions at this time."
He turns to the others:
"I aimed to be comprehensive in my queries. Do any of you have other concerns besides those stated already? If not, then we should discuss this and come to a resolution."
Given that Fierna was currently under no obligation to speak the truth to them, Olivia shook her head. "I have no further questions."
Lady Fierna uses the quill to amend the contract in scarlet letters. It now reads ()
"I, Lady Fierna (herafter referred to as 'patron'), do agree to this contract with these four mortals, Horat the Bulwark, Olivia Moore,, Enizver, and S.A.M. 3.0 (hereafter collectively referred to as 'the mortal undersigned'). None of the stipulations of this contract shall be broken by Lady Fierna or the mortal undersigned (hereafter together referred to as 'the undersigned') nor shall any of the undersigned knowingly lie, misconstrue, or communicate falsehood to any others of the undersigned.
The purpose of this contract shall be collaboration in efforts to deny Lodestones of the material plane to the unnameable forces of the Abyss. The patron shall provide information and material aids to the mortal undersigned. The mortal undersigned shall undertake their best efforts to secure the lodestones from Abyssal influence in cooperation with the patron.
The duration of this contract shall be two years, starting from Kythorn the 18th of the year 1031 by Northreckoning, which is day 341 of year 9013 of the red segment of Asmodeus, until the Feast of the Moon on Uktar 30th of the year 1033 by Northreckoning, which is day 352 of year 9013 of the red segment of Asmodeus. After the duration of this contract has expired, neither side shall by bound in any respect by its terms."
"I believe that the risks of signing are less weighty than the risks of not signing, given what we understand. I believe that for the sake of the stakes involved, should sign."
Still weak from the fight, S. A. M. almost falls backwards at the horrible smell of the fiend. He could tell she was quite evil, but perhaps necessarily so? Who else but the devils could keep the demons at bay for so long, he asks himself. He listens intently as she exchanges words with the others. She seemed so forthwith, but perhaps she was lying through her teeth. He shared Olivia's suspicions about Lady Fierna's (dis)honesty and wondered if it were possible that Lady Fierna might have been his patron all along.
"This pact, were we to agree to be contractually bound, would be a significant risk on our end. While we are intrigued by the offer and impressed by the items you have produced, constructs and humanoids alike must be able to enjoy the finer things in this plane. Perhaps an accompanying sum of platinum to offset the costs of our adventures might be to your liking as well?"
In response to Sam's request, Lady Fierna smiles graciously. "But of course, but of course! I would be happy to provide each of you with 50 platinum to offset your expenses. In return, I would expect an additional clause of my own such that your communication with me will, in addition to being honest, volunteering of important information."
"I, Lady Fierna (herafter referred to as 'patron'), do agree to this contract with these four mortals, Horat the Bulwark, Olivia Moore,, Enizver, and S.A.M. 3.0 (hereafter collectively referred to as 'the mortal undersigned'). None of the stipulations of this contract shall be broken by Lady Fierna or the mortal undersigned (hereafter together referred to as 'the undersigned') nor shall any of the undersigned knowingly lie, misconstrue, or communicate falsehood to any others of the undersigned.
The purpose of this contract shall be collaboration in efforts to deny Lodestones of the material plane to the unnameable forces of the Abyss. The patron shall provide information and material aids to the mortal undersigned. The mortal undersigned shall undertake their best efforts to secure the lodestones from Abyssal influence in cooperation with the patron.
The duration of this contract shall be two years, starting from Kythorn the 18th of the year 1031 by Northreckoning, which is day 341 of year 9013 of the red segment of Asmodeus, until the Feast of the Moon on Uktar 30th of the year 1033 by Northreckoning, which is day 352 of year 9013 of the red segment of Asmodeus. After the duration of this contract has expired, neither side shall by bound in any respect by its terms.
The mortal undersigned shall provide the patron with all information they gather regarding demonic incursions or the lodestones. The patron will provide each of the mortal undersigned with fifty platinum pieces upon signature of this contract."
The party took a short sidebar to discuss the matter at hand. It was clear that the party was somewhat split on the matter, with various points backwards and forwards on whether this was a good idea or a terrible trap for the soul.
After a few moments, Enizver pulled out a coin and flicked it into the air.
He shooks his head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid we can't bind ourselves to you. It is regretful, but your use of our ally as a skinsuit - someone we were trying to save - means I, personally, cannot trust you."
A cold bead of sweat trickles down Olivia's spine as their newest companion bargains away yet more of their autonomy for mere money. Perhaps as a constructed being he had no sense of morality? Or maybe he lacked a soul to be concerned about? She vaguely recalled him mentioning that he used to be someone's servant, so perhaps he was simply used to blindly obey the instructions of others, regardless of what they were.
She couldn't help but breathe a small sigh of relief as Enizver stood with her. It was possible that they had just angered someone much more powerful than themselves. But, well, at least if they were to die today it would be because they had refused to be the pawns of evil.
Somewhere in the back of her head, Liv stirred. For once, I think I might agree with you. Only a fool would trade their freedom for mere trinkets. And unlike a mortal contract, I doubt we'd be able to wiggle out of an infernal one.
Olivia tried to take comfort in the affirmation. Instead, it simply filled her with even more doubt. What if now they were simply manipulated into doing even worse deeds? You did the right thing. This might make things harder, but that is how evil seduces you: with shortcuts and sweet words that mean little in the grand scheme of things.
Horat raises an eyebrow at S.A.M's negotiation position.
Magic is considerably more difficult to acquire than coin. But I doubt interruption would better matters.
When Enziver makes his stance clear, Horat nods, shaking off a hint of initial reluctance as cold logic comes into play.
"As we must sign or not as a group, that would appear to be the end of the matter of the contract. Regardless, I would ask you, Lady Fiera, in our remaining joint interest of protecting the lodestones, that you provide us the information that we need to prosecute that task."
Lady Fierna raises an eyebrow as the mortals decide to trust to a coin then looks displeased when it comes up negative. "Fine then. Good luck, mortals. Remember your decision this day." She turns to Horat and says sweetly. "You can rest assured I will act in my own self interests without constraint. Therefore, I would be happy to tell you the location of the next Lodestone." Then she snaps her fingers and the floating magical talismans disappear and she leaves your sight. Alain Turick strides out of the room and begins shouting orders for the clean up of the guard station.
You find yourself left alone in the guardhouse as you hear a bustle of activity outside. You look at your companions, collecting yourselves, and deciding what to do next until you receive more information.
Horat is quiet for a time.
"We should leave, find a room, and speak between ourselves. This has been a trying day."
"Should we warn the guard there captain is, you know, mildly possessed?" It seemed to Enizver that it might be a wise move, rather than leaving the city under a devil's control.
Olivia nodded and followed the group to whatever room they picked. She felt a slight pang of uncertainty but did her best to push the feeling down. "I think we should try to see what extra research we can do on the matter of lodestones. Maybe even that artifact we just got as well as protections against possession. Perhaps we could enlist Wrinil since he likes that sort of thing?"