Most High Ceoptra's page

"If you'd like, I could come back at a more inconvenient time," she comments with an obvious humorous tone. "More seriously, though... if you and your group feel that I am too great a risk, I will leave Xin-Shalast at your wish."

Sheila has heard her name before. She was Karzoug's high priestess, his voice in the Material while he was unable to project himself here. She and Khalib essentially managed things while everybody waited for Karzoug to return.

"I apologize for not clarifying," she says. "I would have died for Karzoug if I had the opportunity. But I also understand that there is not reason for me to die now, as it will not bring him back. So I'd like to offer my services to you and your group, if you will have me."

"I was away looking for allies to add to Karzoug's cause," she answers Lady Heidmarch. "He was very close to being reformed, and wanted the largest army possible upon his return. I served him loyally, but I have no reason to avenge his death. I am mainly interested in Xin-Shalast itself."

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"I am called Most High Ceoptra by the residents of this city," she confidently answers. "I was Karzoug's servant and adviser, but not anymore. I am still interested in the city's rebuilding, and I would enjoy working with your group on Xin-Shalast's rebirth."

Some time later, a human Ceoptra encounters Morgrym, Sheila, and Lady Gabrielle elsewhere in the Pinnacle, her three cloud giants a safe distance behind her.

"Greetings," she addresses the party. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the liberators of Xin-Shalast. I am Ceoptra, and who might you be?" she asks, her gaze on Morgrym initially.

Time to bring Ben back into this thread.

"I could introduce myself," Ceoptra says, considering the idea. "In fact, I'd probably enjoy the challenge of calming the dwarf and hiding from Sheila while evading the concern of the woman. I trust you'll give me an unimposing appearance?"

"It looks like you can keep the introduction brief. Give them no reason to investigate, and any story will do," she advises. "I should probably be presented in a smaller form, though."

They wouldn't call me an oracle if I didn't know things.

Ceoptra smiles. "The dwarf will surely pass judgment," she assumes. "And to an extent, that can be good for us. Karzoug's apprentice, Khalib, he is nowhere to be found. He is much more disagreeable than I am, and should likely be eliminated if he shows himself. Perhaps the dwarf can handle that matter?"

"The woman with you, I imagine she will not do anything to oppose us unless she sees a direct benefit for herself. And Sheila, it is probably best to keep her unaware. She has connections."

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"Your giant has not disappeared," she answers calmly. "In fact, he is resting at the moment. Upon my return, he was acting a bit strange, so I removed the enchantment and spoke to him at length about what happened while I was away."

She continues her explanation with her usual confidence. "Quite a bit happened, in fact. We spoke about you and your friends, and your victory over Karzoug. You seemed like reasonable people, so I returned to my chambers and awaited your return. And now, well, here we are."

"I am glad," she says. "It would be shame if Karzoug's superior was vulnerable to such trifles. So, I assume you wish to assume the title? When shall I announce you?"

Ceoptra cracks a smile at Filraen's question. "That depends on how capable the Lord of Xin-Shalast is of forcing his will upon me."

Lamias usually worship Lamashtu.

"I serve the old ways," Ceoptra explains. "The true ways of ancient Thassilon. Though Lissala was held to be their deity, Lissala's dogma was revised at the whims of the Runelords to ensure that the faith of their people agreed with the ruler. I find that practice deceptive."

Ceoptra does not appear to have a holy symbol. Her golden wrist and ankle bands are of a Thassilonian design, and she wears a gold ring with a sihedron engraved into it.

"In yours, if you will have me," she answers. "As for the exact nature of the vision, I would be glad to assist the lord of Xin-Shalast with defining his vision for the city. I had offered Karzoug the same, but his aspirations were decided millennia ago."

"I want Xin-Shalast to flourish again," she explains. "Karzoug was close to achieving his vision. Now, it will be up to his successor. The direction I will give them will be aligned with your goals for the city. I am assuming that you do not wish to simply tear it apart, scattering all those who have gathered here?"

Sense Motive reveals that Ceoptra seems genuine in wanting Xin-Shalast to be great again. The cloud giants appear to be compelled to serve her. The mental tally of Filraen's rune giants reveals that one of them, the one he has stationed just outside the Pinnacle, is not responding.

"It would make me the high priestess of your new domain, the one who tends to the flock that lives on your lands," she answers with smooth confidence. "With their lord overthrown, they will soon be searching for direction and purpose. I can provide that for them. With your tentative permission, of course."

I'll get back to you about the rest.

Filraen eventually investigates a rather large and impeccably-clean room in the southwest portion of the Pinnacle. Its floor is thickly-carpeted, with expensive rugs and exotic furs strewn about. In the center of the room, a canopy of silk veils a reclining lamia, though this one is much larger than a typical lamia. Three cloud giants stand beyond the resting lamia, their gigantic morningstars strapped to their backs and their arms behind them, as if they were servants keeping up an obedient appearance for their mistress.

"I see you have returned at last," the lamia addresses Filraen in Common, her smooth voice one of an experienced diplomat. "I am Ceoptra, former servant of the late Lord of Greed. Shall I address you as the new Lord of Xin-Shalast?" she asks.