Welcome to the DotZone. Gameplay to commence in a matter of months.
In recent years, the Blackfire Adepts have been stepping up operations. While they're normally a somewhat fringe organization, there have been several recent and rather devastating attacks using Blackfire in quantities previously unheard of. After your own latest experiences tangling with the Adepts, word has come down the Riftwarden grapevine that there is a cell in the City of Brass, on the Plane of Fire. There have been multiple busts by the efreeti authorities of small-time dealers smuggling the substances, although the authorities have been unable to locate the source. Using their contacts in the city, the Riftwardens have heard about the efreeti struggles and have summoned whomever is able to come deal with the problem.
The City of Brass is a massive interplanar metropolis situated on the Plane of Fire. While the Plane is normally inimical to non-fire-based-life, a shield surrounds the city that protects it from the Plane's native scalding heat. Despite this shield, it is still uncomfortably hot for most people not used to the environment, because that is what is most comfortable for the people who are actually from there. Because of this, many buildings inside the city are inured with an additional level of protection that conditions the air to further cooler levels. The city's population is over five hundred thousand, mostly fire-based intelligent creatures such as azers, salamanders, efreeti, ifrits, and some immigrants from other planes that happen to be resistant to fire, mainly devils. However, there is an entire district of the city given over to "Foreigners". In that district, creatures from the Material Plane are the most common but there are also axiomites, archons, demons, fey, and some other strange creatures, notably mercanes and witchwyrds.
The Riftwarden library in the City of Brass is a tall, thin alabaster building crammed in between other residences in the Foreign Quarter of the City of Brass. It's staffed only by a single inhabitant, an elderly ifrit wizard named Emij who has been a part of the Riftwardens for many decades. There are several guest rooms in the house, and as you gather he gracefully sets you up in one of the nice, spacious rooms. The library is much larger on the inside than it is on the outside, and it contains a significant collection of books on all manner of interplanar and arcane subjects.
Spiraling flares of fire erupted into the surrounding ether, creating beautiful intangible waves which rippled passed the window. Yet, Amarélys stared not at the window, but at the piece of parchment in front of her which she was quickly filling with words. And, with one last flourish, she signed her name. Taking one last look at her worked, she folded the paper and placed it in a envelop which was quickly sealed. This should be enough to definitely settle the dispute and let the Kellid orphanage teach the children about the customs of their forefathers. she thinks. Then, with a single parting look to the spectacle taking place outside, she crossed her bedroom, opened the door and entered the main chamber of her contractor’s abode.
”I am ready to leave now. I have settled much of my affairs for the next few months in these letters.” she hands dozen of them to her contractor ”If you could please bring them to Nerosyan next time you travel there, I would greatly appreciate it.” with that said, the nymph gracefully yet with great assurance makes her way to the center of the room where se stands straight. Eyes staring deeply into her contractor’s she waits as they weave their spell. One last task. And then I shall recover my realm. One. Last. Task. she repeats in her mind, her glare so intense that any doubt her contractor might have had were completely gone.
With the echoing sound of the spell’s incantation still in her ears, Amarélys appears in the middle a library. She relaxes, her gaze looses in intensity. So, this was the elemental plane of fire. Strange sensation, like water does not really have a place here. Reflexively reaching for crystalline white rod on her hip, she twirls it once or twice in her fingers before slowly walking in a large circle, taking in the layout of the room, getting used to the sight… and wondering where the other riftwardens would be. As usual, her contractor must have sent her well ahead of time. Perfect, she could start gathering information immediately after settling in.
After having toured the main hall, Amarélys finds a seat in which to wait for Emij. In the meanwhile, she slowly adjusts the design of her clothes, her hood taking the color of ashen clouds, while her shoulders and torso are filled with minimalistic depictions of volcanoes and lava and her legs with a desolate landscape down which flow grey rivers. On her mask, stylized spirals of grey smoke slowly appear to cover the right side of her face.
Zadok was expecting the summons when it comes through. After all, he had sent out a few messages looking for contacts to help deal with the Blackfire smuggling ring. A summons to come directly to visit the Riftwardens on a different plane was a bit more of a surprise, but he is nothing if not versatile. Arranging passage through a planar gate to the city wasn't terribly difficult from a metropolis like Shadow Absalom, but he did have to spend a few days waiting for approval and the payment to be approved from his superiors.
The first thing he decided about the Plane of Fire was that it was not terribly supportive of dark clothing. The heat was intolerable and he had to conserve his supplies to avoid running out of scrolls to resist the heat before the others even arrived. The investigator was hardly used to having to wait to continue his investigation, but he spent his time immersing himself in the Riftwarden's library to familiarize himself with the local environment and reading up on the city as much as possible.
As she waits, Amarélys hears the rustling sound of turning pages and soft footsteps coming from the row of bookshelves. So, I am not alone after all. Who might this be?. Uncrossing her legs, she stands up and silently walks toward the sound.
As she leaves the main aisle to enter the dusty row of books, she slows down and stops. For a few seconds she remains there, weight only slightly shifted on her right foot, hand holding her crystalline rod like a scepter and head up straight, and watches the curious person reading in front of her.
"So, it appears that I am not alone after all." starting to walk again, she makes her way towards Zadok.
What the fetchling sees is a woman draped in long colorful flowing robes and scarves which hide her features. The hood from the robe covers her head while a simple mask hides almost the whole of her face, leaving only her lower right jaw and mouth visible. Even her slender hands barely visible, white fingerless gloves hiding most of them.
Few signs of the woman's true nature are visible though. Most notable, and almost mesmerizing are the wide and deep blue irises of her eyes which seem to pierce one’s soul. A smooth if elongated jawline further accentuates her beauty. Paired with the small bumps apparent under her hood and her lithe stature, one would assume that she is either a half-elf or an elf. Yet, if one looks long enough, one notices a single slightly elongated canine as well as surprisingly sharp nails.
The simplicity yet rich quality of Amarélys’ garb is complimented by a beautifully embroidered purse/haversack. Neatly tucked in an elongated pouch dangling from her braided belt is an intricately carved rod, while on the other side of her belt is a sheath from which the ebony pommel of a dagger protrudes.
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Amarélys, la Rosée de Nerosyan, if you want to be poetic. But Amarélysis is fine too." the woman prepares to hold out a hand if Zadok is preparing to take it, otherwise, she does a subtle curtsy. "May I assume that you are a Riftwarden for exploring this sumptuous library?"
Zadok blinks as the woman approaches him. For a moment, she seems to be an elf, but there's something slightly... otherworldly about her. He puts on the small smile he uses to greet newcomers back home and returns her curtsy with a shallow bow. "Zadok Warren, of Shadow Absalom. It is a pleasure to meet you my lady." He slides a bookmark into the book he was reading and flips it closed. "I am afraid I'm not formally a member of this fine organization, but this isn't the first time I've been in contact with them. In truth, I'm an investigator from my homeland who has been tracking the Blackfire smugglers for some time. It's only logical to seek help from a group who has more experience with dealing with them, is it not?" He chuckles. "Not that I don't appreciate the extensive collection they have here."
As she listens, Amarélys pays particular attention to Zadok's body language and expression, trying to figure out whether he is driven by strong emotions to seek out the blackfire adepts.
"Yes, it is a fine library after all." Amarélys tilts her head sideways to look at the rows of book surrounding them. "You have been tracking blackfire adepts by yourself? That is quite impressive. Apart for being know for their destructive nature, they are renown, in their own way, for being hard to find." as she speaks, Amarélys plays with he rod, she she seems to be using, quite strangely, as a fashion prop.
Zadok chuckles softly and shakes his head. "Not entirely on my own. I work for the ruler of Shadow Absalom and often work with the city guard to take care of trouble. A major smuggling ring isn't something we could just let go, so I was assigned the head the investigation. When it became clear that the Adepts were operating across several planes, I got in touch with the Wardens to collaborate." The investigator seems honest and rather forthright with his explanation of his profession.
Just then, Emij enters the room. He is tall and willowy, and favors a loose robe colored white. His hair is orange, and must have dulled from a fiery red as he aged. He wears a thin-framed pair of eyeglasses, and his face is yellow and wrinkled. It has lines from pleasant smiles, but now he is all business. He seems to give off a palpable heat, but it is a soft and pleasant warmth instead of stifling or sweaty. He nods to each of you and sits down at the table across from Zadok. "Ah, I see you two have arrived. I received word that we would be receiving collaboration."
He carries a messenger bag, and pulls a folder out from it and lays it on the table. "I'm supposed to brief you, but first, to avoid any redundancy of information: What do you already know about the Adepts and the situation here? And what are your capabilities?"
He adjusts his eyeglasses. "It wouldn't do to send allies into a deathtrap, after all."
I see... Amarélys is cut by Emij as she's about to comment on Zadok's answer.
"Librarian Emij I presume." once more, Amarélys brings her left hand slightly forward, the one not handling the rod, and does a subtle curtsy if Emij fails to take the hint. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Thank you." Amarélys answers without sarcasm. "Should we expect anyone else to join us?" she continues as she draws back a chair and gracefully sits on it after putting away her rod.
She gives a nod to Zadok and Emij, for them to sit, if it ever crossed their mind they should politely wait for her.
"I am usually called upon for my mastery of nature's powers. I can control the elements and similar things. Or, for my ability to remain unnoticed and gather information. I tend to be quite successful in making contacts. And you sir Zadok?"
"Blackfire Adepts," Zadok responds as if reciting something he's read from memory. "An interplanar cult with a distinctly nihilistic attitude. Mostly interested in destruction and often allied with various fiends. They're recently been smuggling one of their more potent tools, their Blackfire, to different planes and causing trouble. The City of Brass has been particularly hard hit, but other planes have had similar issues. That's how I got involved."
The fetchling absently pushes back a strand of hair from his eyes. "But as for my skill set, I have extensive knowledge in magic and planar lore, as well as thorough training in investigation and interrogation. I'm quite good at ferreting out the truth from individuals and in gaining access to... sensitive areas to find evidence and important information. Oh, I also speak more than a dozen languages, including almost anything you might encounter traveling the planes. In more physical terms, I'm skills in swordsmanship to a degree and I have decent skill in illusion and mental manipulation magic."
Emij shrugs when Amarelys asks if others might come. "The Riftwardens is a loose organization. I will provide any aid I can, but I do not know if others will answer the call. I thought it important to brief you now, since you are both here, so that you can begin your investigations."
"It's good that you know the basics. That will save us some time."
He pulls sheets out of the folder and hands them to Zadok and Amarelys. They have pictures and descriptions, but as he begins to explain its clear that he is saying essentially the same thing that's on the paper.
"The Adepts came to the city a couple of months ago, as far as we can tell. There is a fight between the efreeti rulers of the city and some djinni... terrorists. The djinni and the efreeti hate each other, and armies of each plane have been at war for as long as people can remember. Djinni loyalists infiltrated the city some time ago, and they conduct... well, mostly sabotage. It seems that the Adepts have gotten in touch with them, because attacks which the djinni resistance have claimed credit for were certainly done with Blackfire. In fact, there was one attack two weeks ago that destroyed a bank owned by an efreeti, but the volume of Blackfire used was so great that it destroyed the very fabric of the Plane. It ripped a hole straight to the Maelstrom, and proteans came through and wreaked havoc. It took days for the efreeti police to get everything under control, and though the hole has since healed, the investigators came here to ask for Riftwarden aid, seeing as how they're having trouble finding the Blackfire center of operations in the city."
"Any questions so far?"
Amarélys smiles at Zadok, and with her back to her chair, and her hands crossed on her legs she responds:
"Finding information and what is going on should not be much of a problem then."
Amarélys follows Emij's speech intently, nodding every so often to encourage him to go on.
"I am not used to the plane of fire, could you give us a brief description of djinni society and why these terrorists are acting?"
"The recent incident in Shadow Absalom wasn't nearly as bad, but I fear we'll see something devastating sooner or later if something isn't done. Have the police offered any information as part of your collaboration so far?"
To Zadok, Emij replies, "Yes, I was told that they have a djinni prisoner but that he isn't giving up any information. I suspect that they're using relatively... barbaric means to extract that information. Perhaps one or both of you could visit the efreeti jail to try and question this prisoner?"
To Amarelys, he says, "The djinni and efreeti societies have been at war for as long as anyone can remember, although it hasn't been a constant conflict. Both sides maintain colonies in each others' respective planes of existence. The fact that all genies innately possess the ability to plane shift to any elemental plane does not help end such a conflict, and each time one side makes an attack against the other, the other cries foul play and initiates a revenge plot."
"The original historical reason for this conflict I believe has to do with now-dead Elemental Lords who ruled over the races in time immemorial, and used them as armies in wars against each other. It has been so long, however, that the original reasons hardly matter anymore. Each race wishes to exterminate the other, or at least crush them so thoroughly that the other will never attempt another incursion."
"The local djinni terrorist cells are just that: terrorists. They came here solo or in small groups, and their main purpose is to simply inflict as much damage upon the city's efreeti citizens as they can, because this is one of the most important efreeti strongholds of power. I believe this particular group is known as மக்கள் விடுதலை இராணுவம், or 'peoples liberation army'."
He pulls a page from the file with a map. "Using divinations and local contacts, I've tracked their base of operations to this neighborhood," he says, pointing out a region on the city's map that's been outlined with red ink - a merchant district, from the looks of it. "Perhaps you could go there and ask around, if you wish to make contact with them."
"There are also the sites of the previous attacks. Two weeks ago, the attack on the bank. The week before that, an attack on Onos' Embassy, and the previous week was a thwarted attempt on the life of the City's Crown Prince. Maybe you could find clues that the efreeti missed."
"I'm generally quite good at interrogation, so I would be happy to see if I can get him to talk with less... violent methods of persuasion." Not that torture always proved useless, but he had always preferred a gentler touch. Letting the crueler agents handle that sort of thing also made it easier to play good cop when the situation demanded it. "I wonder who exactly they claim to be liberating," he adds dryly as the ifrit continues his explanation. "Three good starting points though... I believe we can make do quite nicely. Will the others be joining us soon, or should we begin our investigation and meet up with them as they arrive?"
Emij shakes his head. "I'll prepare an additional sending and ask again, and I believe we can call in people more easily if we have something actionable to go on. Go out there now, and let me know if you have need of additional muscle."
"Where will you go first?"
Amarélys leans gracefully forward to look at the place Emij is pointing on the map before returning to a comfortable sitting position.
"You say you can get information from the prisoner, then let us do that first. Once we are done with that, we can start subtly gathering information from the streets. I doubt we will need the others to carry these missions, we are most likely to two most adept at doing so. And, too many people inquiring about this Liberation Army would simply look suspicious. As soon as we have enough information, we will contact you to know whether others have arrived, and if not, then for some more martially inclined people."
Things having been decided, Amarélys stands up and, by habit reaches for her crytalline wand which she draws.
"Shall we go then?" she asks casting her intense blue gaze on Zadok and motioning toward the door.
"I find myself agreeing with you almost to the word," Zadok says with a nod. "I would like to know a bit more about these terrorists before going poking around their territory. Walking into potential danger uninformed is something I prefer to avoid." He absently straightens his vest. "Indeed. Could you point us to the prison Warden Emji?"
Emij nods. He rolls up the map and puts away the folders of paper. "Give me a moment and we can go together. It would be best if I introduced you anyway."
Emij takes a moment to put away the various papers and then leads the pair out of the Riftwarden sanctuary. He takes them into the streets of the City of Brass and heads for the efreeti palace at the center of the massive city. The city is very, very large, so walking there would be impossible. Luckily there is commuter transportation within the city. One may climb a tower intended for transportation and catch what is essentially a flying bus. These busses are very fast and speed residents of the city who cannot already fly through an airspace already filled with speeding efreeti. The bus drops the pair off at a station closer to the palace, and Emij proceeds to a smaller side-building, the prison. There, the group is met by a tall, serious-looking efreeti with darker skin than usual. Like most efreeti, he doesn't wear much clothing, and unlike most efreeti he carries a large club rather than the curved blades popular here. He inclines his head at Emij's appearance. "Riftwarden," he says. "Are you here to speak to the terrorist?"
Emij shakes his head. "Merely to introduce these two to you. They wish to speak with him on my behalf," he says before gesturing at Zadok and Amarelys. "These are my associates, Zadok and Amarelys."
Almost word for word, thinks Amarélys as Zadok speaks. I wonder what he disagreed with.
The city was truly impressive to Amarélys, even if she had visited many a wonderful places since she had been contracted by the Riftwardens. Despite this her gaze does not wander at the sights, but stays focused on their destination and immediate necessities, and thus gives an impression of assurance.
As they travel through the air in direction of the palace, Amarélys, who is sitting with her back almost unnaturally straight with hands resting on her crossed legs, turns toward Zadok.
"Is this your first time traveling to the City of Brass? Or across the planes?"
Amarélys looks straight into the efreet's eyes as she is introduced by Emij.
"Nice to meet you. Librarian Emij, will you be accompanying us or returning to the library? If you are leaving, are there any other places, such as the bank where the explosion take place, where we will need to be introduced to gain entrance?"
"Anyway, we are ready to follow you." she says once the conversation closes to its end.
As the city sprawls out around them, Zadok finds himself making running comparisons to the dark metropolis he calls his own home. While the heat may be intolerable, he can't deny that the gleaming towers and fiery terrain are more striking than the monochrome land he comes from. "I have traveled to other planes a bit before," Zadok says as he's shaken from his thoughts by Amarelys' questions. "Mostly the Material on business. But this is my first time to both the City of Brass and the Plane of Fire. What about you? You seem well traveled as well."
Zadok bows his head to the efreeti man. Best to be as polite as possible until he knows exactly where they stand with the locals. "Indeed. Zadok Warren, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He pulls his monocle from his pocket and absently rubs it against his sleeve for a moment before setting in on his eye. "Hopefully we can resolve this matter before any more damage is done."
Emij shakes his head. "I have other business, but if you have need of me, you may return to the library. There is a bell at the front desk. While we have not had a receptionist in some time, you may ring the bell and I will know."
The efreeti warden nods to Zadok and Amarelys. "I am Kalem, Warden of the royal prison. Are you ready to enter?"
"So this is quite a different destination for you. The incident that occurred in Shadow Absalom must have been quite important for you to choose to come here? Or maybe you have always wanted to visit such exotic places? As for me, I have traveled to a few places since I have contracted by the Riftwardens. It is always impressive I find."
As the efreeti asked them whether they were ready, Amarélys wondered if the jailer believed them to be so weak as to need preparation before going in.
"I am ready. Although, any information you already have about the prisoner would be helpful. For example, their name where they come from how they have been acting ever since they came here or anything simple that you have been able to gather so far."
"A fair distance. The city maintains trade lanes to Shadow Absalom, so it's not a difficult journey though. But yes, the incident seems to have been preparation for a strike much like they've been experiencing here. I would very much like to stop them before an attack like the rift they dealt with here happens in my homeland. I am impressed by the city though. The efreeti have very different style than Shadow Absalom. It's so bright here."
Zadok nods as the librarian departs. "We'll return if we need anything or finish our investigations, whichever comes first." Then he turns back to the guard. "Indeed, I'm ready to proceed as well."
The efreeti proceeds into the citadel, his footsteps pounding on the hot stone floor. "We gather this one's name is Renarde, but we believe it to be an alias. Obviously he is from the Plane of Air, as he is a djinn, but we haven't been able to get anything out of him. He is very stubborn, despite our... tender mercies."
He turns a corner, goes down some stairs, and ends up in a dungeon. He proceeds down another hallway and comes to a cell guarded by another efreeti warrior. "Here," he says.
Inside (for the cell has a window) sits a light-blue-skinned genie who has been bloodied by multiple beatings. He also seems to be missing two fingers. He sits cross-legged in the back corner of cell, silently glaring at the cell door.
The cell's walls are lined with glowing runes. Both Amarelys and Zadok have been around long enough to recognize them as anti-magic runes, made to prevent the djinni from using magic to try and get out.
Kalem turns. "Well, you have today to interrogate him. All day, if you need. Find the rest of those terrorists and put him to the sword. Tomorrow, this one is getting executed."
"It looks like he's been worked over quite thoroughly," Zadok says as he observes the djinn in the cell. "Thank you for your assistance Warden. We'll get started immediately." With a nod to the efreeti, he heads into the cell to see the djinn. He says nothing for a moment as he rubs a spot clean from his monocle and observes the silent genie. "Good afternoon," he finally says, trying to sound at least cordial. "My name is Zadok, and I've been told yours is Renarde. I would like to ask you a few questions."
The genie looks balefully up at Zadok. Then he turns his head to stare at the wall.
Zadok sighs and fights the urge to roll his eyes at the petulant stubbornness of the genie. "உங்களுக்கு தெரியும், உங்கள் விமானத்தில் தீ விபத்து இல்லை," he adds switching smoothly into the native tongue of the Plane of Air. "வெளிப்படையாக, நீங்கள் விரும்பும் அனைத்தையும் உங்கள் போராட்டத்தை தொடரலாம். ஆனால் முக்கியமான ஒன்றை நீங்கள் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று நினைத்தேன். இப்போது நீங்கள் வேலை செய்கிறவர்கள், பிளாக் ஃபயை விற்பனை செய்தவர்கள், அவர்கள் உங்கள் பக்கத்தில் இல்லை. நீங்கள் அவர்களுக்காக உங்கள் அழுக்கு வேலையை முடித்துவிட்டால், உங்கள் வீட்டிற்கு பதிலாக இந்த நகரத்திற்கு நீங்கள் என்ன செய்ய முயற்சிக்கிறீர்கள் என்பதைச் சரியாகச் செய்ய அவர்கள் யாரையும் கண்டுபிடிப்பார்கள். உன்னுடைய மக்களைப் பற்றி நீ கவனித்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறாயே. உங்கள் சொந்த மக்கள் அழிக்கப்படுவதைப் பார்க்க நீங்கள் இங்கு போராடுகிறீர்கள் என்று நான் நினைக்கவில்லை. நீங்கள் என்னிடம் பேசினால், அதைப் பற்றி ஏதாவது செய்யலாம்."
"Frankly, you can continue your fighting all you want later. But I thought you should know something important. The people you're working with now, the ones selling you Black Fire, they are not on your side. As soon as you've done your dirty work for them, they are going to find someone to do exactly what you're trying to do to this city to your home instead. I was under the impression that you cared about your people. And I don't think that you're fighting here to see your own people wiped out. If you talk to me, we can do something about that."
The djinni stubbornly stares at the wall during Zadok's speech, but the detective can tell that he's struck a nerve. The djinn is silent for a few more moments, and then he opens his mouth, his voice surprisingly guttural for a creature of elemental air. "நீங்கள் பொய் சொல்லவில்லை, நிழல் பிறந்தவள் என்று எனக்கு எப்படி தெரியும்? நான் உன்னுடன் நடத்தினால் என்ன லாபம்?"
"Those powerful protective runes, do they prevent him from casting spells as well as spells from affecting him?" Amarélys asks the warden, while fiddling with her crystalline rod.
"And I am Amarélys." the druid introduces herself.
There was not much Amarélys could do while the djinn and Zadok spoke in what was most likely Auran. And so, she observes Renarde and Zadok's body language. The first for their quest, the second to try and understand her ally better.
Seeing as though the djinn appears to relax at the sound of his language, Amarélys decides to give him another taste of his homeland. The colors of her clothes slowly change, the black, red, and yellow are slowly replaces by light grey, white and blue as the volcanoes become snow covered peaks surrounded by stylized gusts of white wind upon an azure sky.
"The runes completely nullify magic within the cell. It is nearly impossible to contain a genie without similar protections - they would just shift away." answers the Warden.
In addition, they are capable of wind walk, invisibility, gaseous form, major creation, persistent image, and create food and wine. Thus, it is very difficult to keep a djinni caged without extensive preparations, and once a djinni has escaped it is nearly impossible to catch them.
"If you wish to use magic to interrogate him, we can transfer to another cell, but it will be your responsibility if he flees," says the Warden.
As if to punctuate his words, Amarelys' wardrobe change fails. In fact, her clothes revert to whatever their normal appearance is.
"That won't be necessary right now," Zadok says at the efreeti's interjection. "If something comes up, we will let you know." He does take a moment to provide a slightly annotated translation of his speech and the djinn's responses to Amarelys. He should have considered that she didn't speak as many languages as he did.
He turns his attention back to the djinn. "நிழல்கள் இருப்பது என்னை நம்புவதற்கு சிறந்த காரணம். உங்களுடைய போரில் எனக்கு பங்கு கிடையாது, எனவே உங்களிடம் பொய் சொல்ல எந்த காரணமும் இல்லை. ஆனால் இன்னும் கூடுதலாக, ஏற்கெனவே ஆட் ஸ்பேட்ஸ் மற்ற விமானங்களுக்குச் செய்யத் திட்டமிட்டுள்ளதை நான் பார்த்திருக்கிறேன். என் வீட்டு நகரத்தில் ஒரு கடத்தல்காரன் ஒரு தவறு செய்துவிட்டார், உங்கள் குழுவானது இங்கு ஏற்பட்ட ஒரு சிறிய பிளேர் பிளேட்டை நிறுத்தியதால் நான் இங்கு இருக்கிறேன். விமானங்களில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு நகரமும் இதே விதியை அனுபவிக்கும் முன்னர் அவற்றை நிறுத்த விரும்புகிறேன்." He falls silent for a moment to let his words sink in and to consider how to phrase his next words. Offering the prisoner anything at all would be... difficult, but he could try. "நீங்கள் என்ன லாபம் சம்பாதிக்கிறீர்கள் ... உங்களுடைய வீட்டிற்கு திரும்ப வேண்டுமா? நீங்கள் கவலைப்படுகிறவர்கள் இங்குள்ள மக்களைப் போல் அவர்கள் அனுபவிக்கும் முன்னர் நாங்கள் ஆட்ஃப்ட்டை நிறுத்த உதவலாம்."
"As for what you gain... Do you have family back home? People who you care about? You can help us stop the Adepts before they suffer just like the people here."
Amarélys casually pulls her hood further to hide her features from Zadok. She usually used her mask to make her features more elvish and without its magic, there was a chance he might notice the slight changes. Yet, despite this, she remains focused on the task, her eyes set on the djinn. And, as she listens to Zadok she catches herself thinking he has used quite a clever approach.
"My partner here is right. We have not come to stop you or your allies, but to make sure that the weapon you used is not turn back on anyone else again. In fact, we are not inhabitants of the city of brass or the plane of fire. I am from the material plane myself. What interest would the two of us have in this war? In fact, to make our intentions transparent, we will keep our questions about the people who provided you with the black fire, no need to give any of your friends away." as she speaks, Amarélys gets closer to the bars separating them from the Renarde, one hand slightly oustretched as if asking for a compromise.
The djinni thinks, a deep frown evidenced on his face."So, what I tell you, you won't tell the efreeti." He clenches his fists. "What do you want?"
Zadok fights the urge to smile. "We have been asked to stop the Adepts ourselves. Your words will be kept between us." He taps one finger against his belt. "We need to know how to find them. If you don't know where they are themselves, a way to get in touch with your allies so we can follow the Blackfire's trail back to the seller before they decide you've served your purpose and turn on you."
"Knowing how you and you fellows entered in contact with the person who provided you with the blackfire, as well as the place where exchanges took place would also be of great use." Amarélys adds, though unlike Zadok, she not seeing this success a something to smile at. The state of the prisoner was quite awful, no reason to be enjoying oneself here.
"Okay."
He leans in and whispers. "Promise that you won't sell my people out, or harm them in your search, and I will tell you."
He describes the djinni hiding place: Underneath a storefront that sells, of all things, Material Plane fruits. "The pickup point for the Blackfire changes every time. I don't know what the next one is."
Zadok nods solemnly. He had meant it when he said that he had no particular stake in the conflict between the two races of genie. The efreeti might not be thrilled if the People's Army remained active, but perhaps they could be convinced to stand down for a time. "You have my oath. If we come to conflict with your people, we will do everything within our power to avoid harm." He listens in further silence as the djinn explains the method to get in contact with the others of his band. "Thank you."
"You do not have to worry. Your people will not be sold to the Efreet or their servants by me, and I will use any means possible to avoid harming them if we ever meet them." says Amarélys, a small shiver passing down her fey spine as she utters a promise. Having spends decades among the proud Kellids, she found this need still for oaths difficult to understand.
The djinni nods sagely. He has nothing more to say if you have nothing more to ask.
"Thank you. Before we leave, is there anything we can do for you? Some food maybe? A balm for your hand?" Amarélys asks, wishing she could heal the poor djinn's fingers at the very least.
Amarélys wonders, as she is walking out with Zadok, whether the man truly meant his promise. She hadn't detected any traces of lie in his voice, but there was always the possibility. While thinking about this, she's also reflecting upon when the best moment would be to bring something for the djinn. Terrorism or not, he deserved some semblance of care.
After bidding farewell to the warden, Amarélys waits a while before engaging in conversation with Zadok again, she didn't want their discussion to fall into prying ears.
"Have you ever heard of a horned demon with elephang legs? I think we should first get information on what type of creature that is. Then, we can head for the bank and investigate. Contracting the djinn terrorist without backup would be too dangerous. "
Zadok lets the fey make offers to the djinn, but he has a feeling the efreeti would be unwilling to allow a prisoner luxuries. Especially if they intended to have him executed shortly. Still, the least he could do would be to keep his promise as best he could. A dying man deserved that at least. And the efreeti were letting them handle the case at this point anyway, so it was at their discretion anyway. He nodded one more time to the djinn before they depart the cell. The fetchling cocked his head at Amarelys' question. "Do I..."
Zadok does know of a kind of demon like that... a kalavakus demon is also known as a horned demon and has elephant-like feet. They are known as slave-driver demons and have a suite of mind-affecting compulsions as spell-like abilities. They can only be harmed by evil weapons, and they have an insidious ability to enslave their opponents' souls to heal themselves when they kill opponents.
As the pair move to leave, they are intercepted in the hallway by the efreeti Warden. He looms over the pair. "So," he says, "Did the prisoner tell you anything?"
The djinni shakes his head at Amarelys' request. He seriously doubts that the efreeti will allow him anything, considering he is about to be executed for terrorism.
Zadok clicks his tongue. "I have heard of them. Kalavakus demons. Foul slavers and heartless mercenaries, every one of them. They have a wide array of powerful mind warping powers as well as the usual demonic abilities to teleport can call for help. Worse, they can enslave souls to weaken their opponents and consume them upon their victim's death to restore their own life energy. They're unfortunately troublesome to kill, possessing a resistance to attacks due to their evil nature. We'll absolutely need to call in reinforcements to confront it." His explanation of their foe trails off as the efreeti warden approaches them again. "Indeed. He provided us with a lead that should help us track the attacks back to their source. We shall continue the investigation, as you asked of us. Hopefully, this incident will be behind us soon enough."
"Oh?" he says. "What is it? He wouldn't tell us anything, but anything that you've learned would be very helpful for our forces to follow up on."
"He revealed information about the creature that sold blackfire to his group. A horned demon with elephant legs called a kalavaku. We will be looking for such a creature, but it would probably be helpful if you relay that information to the authorities. Arresting it should be a priority." Amarélys says, her inherent charisma quelling the commanding nature of her demand.