Darthirâe Zhalberen - Selected Conversations, Letters, and Plots

[SteveMaurer]

OOC Note: This thread will be used to log various in-game conversations, PMs, and (if it happens) email that are in-character, related to Darthirâe, and interesting.

The logs have been heavily edited, removing game status messages, and other things.  Some simultaneous responses were rearranged to make them a bit clearer.  But they are largely verbatim.

The PMs are also verbatim.  And I do not go back and excessively check with the senders for permission to reproduce them here.  But I assume that anything sent in-character (or sent by a GM) is reasonable to reproduce in a private development journal, only readable by the GMs.

[SteveMaurer]

Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *stands* hello Darthirae.. and Omer too *smiles to both*
Omer: *nods slowly*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods*  We should have a chat, you and I Darthirae.  At your convenience.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am presently in the service of Omer...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So unless you think it is extremely private...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It is a bit .. sensitive, so perhaps it should wait.
Omer: If I am not needed, I should go to the Guild hall.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: All right.
Omer: *waves turning the horse away*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I thought it might be news of the Dragon cult.  Omer knows.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Send word when you are .. unoccupied
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am unoccupied now.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Walk with Seccea and I to the other side of the lake then
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Lead the horse using a 5 foot rope.]
Darthirâe Zhalberen:  *eyes narrow*  Very well.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Tie the horse down so it will stay here.]
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Here is fine. Take a seat, please.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Very well
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *gestures in front of him*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *sits*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *sits down after she does*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I heard of something.. disturbing and was concerned for you
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Really?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It seems that someone has passed a note to the guards in Vehl and Dapplegreen...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Describing an encounter with someone ... matching your description.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: If you are in fact the target of this.. calumny, I am deeply worried for you and would offer to help in any way that I can
Darthirâe Zhalberen: What do you mean "describing an encounter" ?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Apparently, or evidently I should say, a woman matching your description was said to be extolling the virtues of the darker variety of elf.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *laughs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I didn't believe it but I was still concerned for your safety.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I recall you mentioning that you had thoughts of alerting the authorities and wondered if this was an attempt to discredit you, before the fact.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So... an anonymous note has been passed that someone who resembles me may have stated that not all dark elves are bad, you say?   My, what would Az'atta say?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: More than 'not all bad' as I understand it.  I know one or two dark elves I'd trust with my life myself as it happens.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Ah.  So perhaps you will be accused next.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It wouldn't surprise me in the least.  I have had ..indirect dealings with some of these ... folks.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I have a score to settle someday as it happens
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I speak with you now, not out of concern for myself however, but for you.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *narrows eyes*  Yes.  Well, of the few things that scare me, that is the least scary I have heard of in quite a while.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* Just so you know. and know that you can call on me in this at need or want
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: As I said, this note stinks of an attempt to discredit you should you take any action against these .. folks
Darthirâe Zhalberen: **nods her head formally**  Thank you.  I shall.  It may come sooner, rather than later.  Depending on circumstance.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: In a campground outside of Hlint, I met three elves all dressed in black.  Covered head to toe.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: This was not three weeks ago.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmmm, they didn't give names I would guess.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I mentioned, somewhat in jest, that if they were going to try to go disguised as dark elves, they shouldn't be so obvious.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Talk] *chuckles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Talk] I thought it funny too.   Except one ran off.  One hid.  And the third, a woman...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Talk] pulled out an enchanted whip, glowing of evil.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Talk] *eyebrows raise* Can you describe her?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: By voice, certainly.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Keep me apprised, please
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And height.   Curiously, her eyes were not red.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *makes a mental note of that*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But I think she would ambush me if she could.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* You saw no one with a horned cape or headdress?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That was the one that ran off.   Not scared, I think.   More like he realized he had something important to do.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A bulky sort of fellow?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: He was wearing a claw suit.   All black.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: A wizard or sorcerer I'd say.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmm. I had thought it might be a priest of Caduz of whom I have some knowledge and very little love.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *sighs*  If they are bound to the bindstones, I am afraid you will never be able to deal with them.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I came to that conclusion some many years ago, but hope srings eternal that I might be able to do him a 'favor' some day
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *a strange dark flicker crosses her expression*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I can only hope that you yourself have not run afoul of him.. he preys on women
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I only said YOU could not deal with them.  I can.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Alright **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I have no love for the dark elf gods.  Their current ones anyway.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I never thought that you did. *flatly*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Ah... but there is a "but" here...   one can admire dark elves for their strength.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I know of several women who have been in this one's thrall and while some have escaped his .. influence, others may never be truly free of him
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Do you know his name?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I do, but I shall keep that to myself for the moment
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Really?   Afraid it might get back to him?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'm sure that I'm on his list already.. I was betrayed many years ago
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So why do you not yell his name to the heavens?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I have tried, but few will listen, thinking it better to let him have his way
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Few among the stonebound?   Yes... I have noticed such.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: We are like our own little nation, our own tribe, species...   those who have braved the stone and lived.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *leans over to whisper quietly*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *listens intently*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] He often goes by the title 'Magus'
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks to her eyes for any flicker of recognition*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *there is none*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] A master wizard.   How original.  *sardonically*  Does he use spells to enchant his females?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] No he uses the lure of power!
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] and extortion
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *a slight sneer crosses her face*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: He can cast spells, I'm sure.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Continuing and perpetual indebtedness, would be a way to express it.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But many can do that already.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] It's always 'just one more little task' *sighs*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] *shrugs*  If they agree to it.   How different is that than the Angels?  *laughs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Well the guilds eventually let you pay up.. he does not
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] There's a murder of self that puts those in his thrall ever deeper under his thumb
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Some never recover *flatly* though they think themselves free because he hasn't tasked them in a long time
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] And what does he do to compel them?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Threats, coercion, making them feel alone and dependant on him.. the classic model of turning an enemy agent, in intelligence parlance
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] So how do you "threaten" someone who is stone-bound?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Unless he has an "in" with the Soul Mother, I'm not too scared.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Ahh you threaten the ones they care about, you threaten to expose them for they 'work' they have done for you.. the list goes on
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Just be wary Darthirae **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] I always am.   I need to be.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] It is believed that some have had to surrender .. bodily fluids or parts to him, which he keeps as a means of threatened control.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *blinks*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] You asked how to threaten ones who are stone bound? Now perhaps you can see.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] This is deadly serious business
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Absolutely.   Tell me, do you know someone who has "broken free" who has surrendered such a body part?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] I do but I am bound to keep that secret.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Well, if you are bound, then I shall not press.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Much of 'breaking free' has to do with the will to deny him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Some have it still, despite his ministrations and others.. *shrugs*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] I am, frankly, trying to assess here how much of this is truly unwilling.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] You have described a powerful charismatic leader...  and womanizer...   who gives great rewards to his favored, and demands even more.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] I have similar thoughts **nods* but in fairness, what one thinks they are buying into at the beginning ... *trails off*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Until he actually demands that they keep their word?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] **nods* Imagine for a moment that you are one of .. fragile will
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] **nods**   It is not so hard to imagine.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] After months and years of ever increasing ..demands coupled with constant denigration to the point where you value yourself little if at all
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] How much strength would you (or nayone) have to 'break free'
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] It's seduction of the first water
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] A little physical abuse, some threats, some deprivation *shrugs*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] And yet, if I am superior, I will eventually see through it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] **nods* And some have.   And others have not
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] If this .. person is connected to the ones you met, that is why I speak to you now.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Ah.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] As I said, be wary.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Well, I have no worry about this.   He preys on those who have little self confidence.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Exactly so.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] *smirks*  While my arrogance knows no bounds!
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Good for you *smiles* Keep it that way!
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] But I do know one who might fit the bill.   I will speak to her.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Oh? can you share the name?  I have a suspicion of who one of his recent victims might be.. a flamboyant elven woman.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] Flamboyant?  *laughs*   No.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] As meek as a mouse.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] No.  Let me handle this.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Know too that his victims are sworn by him to secrecy and they will lie through their teeth to keep themselves and those they care for 'safe'.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] *muses*  That will make it a little more difficult.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] I am so very well aware **nods again*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] And further, I am not certain how this benefits me, to make yet another enemy unnecessarily.  I have too many as it is.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] Forewarned is forearmed and that's all I wanted to do for you
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] There is no need to stick you head in others .. problems
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Whisper] *sighs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *stands and formally offers her a hand up*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *stands*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I will leave you and go on about my business of the day
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Call on me at need if you wish
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Normally, out of curiosity, and my amusement at seeing the mighty fall, I might offer to be a double agent on this.  To pretend to want to join. Maybe.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You could try but be - extremely careful.. He's been at this for many years and through many victims.. He's quite .. proficient
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But I think I shall pass.  I have too many bugs in my web as it is...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Wise decision in my view
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtesys*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Fair winds to you Darthirae *tilts his head a little*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Thank you for the warning.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Among friends *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: [Talk] I leave you.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *steps up into the saddle*

[SteveMaurer]

Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hello Darthirae
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Hello!  *brightly*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You seem ... chipper *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *happy, smug, smile*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Can you relate the details?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes, I am.  Luck was with me at Steel's get together
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Good for you.. I wanted to attend but could not. What did you win?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I paid hardly anything, yet came away with a prize of moderate value.  Bracers of Sigil - I feel my mind clearer all the time.  The effect is...   addicting.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A valuable tool those
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes, for one such as I.   And I have news for you.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oh? on the subject of our last talk?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes!  At Steel's party Magus Del'Mar attended.  So I got to meet him!
Darthirâe Zhalberen: For a second time.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ahh right, a second time. And I'm guessing the roadway here is not the place to discuss .. details
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Oh pish tosh.    Do you remember when I told you of those three dark elves practically waving target on their backs?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Very clearly **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: He was the most obvious of them.  The one who had urgent business elsewhere.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Not surprising when the steel starts to be swung
Darthirâe Zhalberen: This time he was in a big clawsuit, in the colors of Baeron Ca'Duz - green and black - with spiders running up and down it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* I've met him .. once
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *laughs*  What a fool.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: While I share your view, he's not without ... effect *sighs*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I think he feels safe because there seems to be a cease-fire of sorts between the stone-bound.  We don't bother each other.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That's news to me. How so?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Haven't you noticed how those of us who have survived the ritual of the stone have a certain.... connection?   Shared experience?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* Yes, but I fail to see what that has to do with .. this. *listens*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So we do our best to look past the obvious.

[[ Timulty Keel enters, and exchanges some brief pleasantries, and moves on ]]

Darthirâe Zhalberen: So this is why a dark elf worshiper of Baeron can do what he does so openly.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I suppose it makes sense too.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'm puzzled by your "look past the obvious' phrase So.. he can do what he does and we all have to just .. take it?!?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: There were paladins in that room.   And clerics.   Of gods who hate Baeron Ca'Duz.  None lifted a finger.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That makes little sense to me *sighs*  I believe you, but it still makes little sense
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It does to me... a little.   My father told me about the stone bound.  The "Dragon called" he called them.  He said to beware of them.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Specifically he said this:
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *listens*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Do _not_ kill them!
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You will only make them angry.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well then, there are so few of us, driven to risk our souls at the stone for various extreme reasons....
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Some with better reasons than others but yes
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Believe me, I'm well aware of that.  It seems Daralith and his ilk, have a built in upper hand then
Darthirâe Zhalberen: "Daralith?" No one by that name was introduced to me.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That would be the 'magus' you met
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Ah...   of course.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He prefers his 'title'.  I refuse to accede.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *raises an eyebrow, then smirks*  Title, eh?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Self given I believe.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Strange title that...    *musing* most interesting.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well you've spoken with him. Does it seem out of .. character?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well, it is only this: that is not the title a dark elf wizard typically aspires to.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I take it he did not offer to remove anyone's tongue for them at the party
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  He did offer to kill my familiar for me before.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* That would be .. Silence, in the Common language.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Let me impart some information to you.   By that title, he clearly denotes himself an outcast.  From dark elven society.
[[ Jaelle Thornwood enters ]]
Jaelle Thornwood: Oh, Caerwyn ..
Jaelle Thornwood: Didn't mean to startle the horse
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Jaelle *nods and smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I...  *suddenly stops*
Jaelle Thornwood: Darthirae. *nods slightly*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtesys*   Mistress Thornwood
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks from one to the other and back again*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: We will speak of those things some other time....   dreary topic, really
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Of course and I tend to agree
Jaelle Thornwood: It's not actually "Mistress Thornwood".
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Another husband? *chuckles lightly*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Perhaps I still do not translate language and titles correctly...
Jaelle Thornwood: No. *she gives Caerwyn a very small smile* I'm just no one's "Mistress".
Jaelle Thornwood: Good day to you both
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Fair winds Jaelle
[[ Jaelle Thornwood leaves ]]
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She commands no one?  *dubiously*   I doubt it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well I know a little abut her and her skill is more on the lines of .. influence
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Anyway, you were saying... one who accepts his status as an outcast
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well... I used to translate the titles I remember as a child into "Lord" and "Lady", in the Common.   Now I use Master and Mistress...  strange... the men have no issue with this.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That depends on the man.. I myself get quite irked at 'Mister'
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But yes... as I was saying, no dark elf worth anything gives himself a title like "Magus"
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* I doubt he has plans to return.. home anytime soon
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The title every dark elven wizard aspires to is "Archmage".
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll make a note of that.. if only to tweak his nose with it someday
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I suppose he could be mistranslating...  but I doubt it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: As you said, he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: though he can still draw blood
Darthirâe Zhalberen: An Archmage has more than magical power... he has political position... respect, even from his enemies.   And rivals.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Clearly **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: He rules, along with the High Priestess, the city.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'd be very surprised if Darlith's desires run to the ... political
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He's much like a cruel child pulling wings off insects
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *shrugs*  It only means power.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Have you had a chance to sound out your ... 'mouse'?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes... she does not know him, nor cares to.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That's to the good then *nods*  as long as she isn't lying
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I do know who made that accusation though.  Another one of the three... the one that hid.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The woman with the red eyes?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  The male.    He is timid, that one...   yet I must respect him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmm. respect you say?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: For of all of them, he is the only one who does not have quite so obviously a target on his back.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **chuckles* so he's shrewder than the others
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I mean, all three of them cover themselves from head to toe in black, but he at least doesn't go wearing spiders or the colors of the dark gods
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Talk] I was being facetious *smirks*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You would at least have to challenge him.   It isn't obvious from a mile away.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I understand your point
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I put him to a test...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That sounds intriguing
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It is quite simple...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *listens intently*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: At one time Baeron Ca'Duz strictly prohibited his worshippers from ever harming a spider, except to harvest their poison.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* I'm aware of that
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *smirks*    So I have these.  *produces a small vial with a tiny spider in it*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If I see a male elf running around covered head to toe, I ask them to crush it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Interesting approach
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes...  but Baeron Ca'Duz may be easing up on that restriction.   I am not really sure.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It's just as well I didn't attend the party then *smirks*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'd have crushed it in front of himself and seen how well this 'truce' help up
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No... his test took place at the Crossroads.  And I did not test Magus.  Absurd!  I mean the clever one.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Interesting. And yet he takes orders from Daralith?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I... do not know.  The man, the girl, and.. Daralith were all in the company of each other when I met them.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I wasn't thinking of a test, but yes.. Daralith wears his religion like a mantle.. hard to miss
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I tested the weak one.   I told him I didn't really care if he was a dark elf, I only cared if he worshiped the Ca'Duz.  He crushed the vial.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But then must have gone off and passed those notes, like 25 year old trying to tattle on his big sister.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ohhh. It was he that set tongues wagging in Vehl?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.  Of course.  He practically admitted it when I confronted him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You didn't get a name, did you? of this one you tested?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I got two different ones.  Which means they're both false.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You've suffered no repercussions from these note, I trust?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *laughs*  None whatsoever!  Clearly, if people in Vehl were concerned about anything but their own affairs, a dark elf dripping spiders might be slightly more worrisome.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **laughs* Not very subtle, as you said
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *pauses to consider* And I'm not actually certain whether the half-orc can read.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Half-orc?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oh.. at the gates *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.   Mayhap I should reassess my respect.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Tattling children are difficult to respect.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: See it from the half-orc's point of view:  some effete cloaked elf hands you a piece of paper.  It isn't even wrapping for candy.   What do you do?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* Pass it up the chain of command.  Which ensures anonimity of the one delivering it
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Really?  I think... use it the next time I need to go to the latrine... but you have more faith in the common soldier than I.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: They do as they are trained, without thought. Or they should.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I think the training is more of the chop-chop variety.   Perhaps I err.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It could vary, but I doubt it, having served myself as a youth.  That would be my take anyway.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well then...   maybe I should respect the half-orc more.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well, I'm glad to hear that your mouse appears to be un.. influenced. One less thing to worry about
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She is a mouse...  *stares intently past him*  But she may be deadly one day, that Az'attan.  She was there too as I made that test.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmm I'm unfamiliar with the person you mean, perhaps it's just as well.. for now.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oh? at the crossroads?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.   And while she is not a priestess... that Az'attan is.... well of the classic Az'attan race.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *nods* If you give me her name, I'll keep a weather eye out for her .. safety, just in case she was lying as many of Daralith's charges have been forced to do
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.   She is not his.   Not even close.   She would remind him too much of her father.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I never said that any became 'his' willingly.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: But, as you wish *nods*

[[ Tegan Tempest, and exchanges some brief pleasantries, and moves on ]]

Caerwyn Ahrail'lan uses Gnomish Lens
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: We can continue this .. discussion another time perhaps?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Hmmm....
Darthirâe Zhalberen: One last question before I leave you...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ask away
Darthirâe Zhalberen: ...does this elf use charm magic to ensorcel his victims?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I believe it's part of his .. toolkit, yes
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Very well.  I shall remember that.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Generally not much needed after the first few .. sessions as I understand it
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Sessions?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: We'll talk agan I'm sure Darthirae
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If he bothers me, I may have to arrange to end this truce between the stone-bound.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'd like to hear more of this 'truce' sometime and who has engineered it
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *laughs* I have no idea.  I just notice behavior, that is all.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: But it will have to be another time *nods and smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtsys*  Thank you for your time.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Always a pleasure *waves*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I leave you.

[SteveMaurer]

Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ahh Darthirae.
Fenthon Quill: The minotaur shall be the next test subjects.  Hopefully they have coin as well as meaty flanks.
Fenthon Quill: hm hm hm.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Actually I can speak with you now, if you like
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Ah... well then.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Let us go somewhere quiet
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Exactly
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *leads him to the Hempstead towers*  The guard hardly ever go here.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *quietly* .. and there's line-of- sight on the approahes
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I speak to you about your little problem with your dark little spider.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ahh.. the Magus?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Precisely.  I have a plot.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'm all ears *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You said he preys on young women... those who are unsure of themselves...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That's his history as I know it, yes.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I have found someone who would work precisely as such.  My mouse.  I am prepared to reveal her to you now.  She made a bargain with me, for a favor.  A large one.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Would I know her?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *muses* I am not sure.  Her name is Tyillian.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I've seen her, and you're quite correct, she is very unsure of herself, to my eyes at least.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *nods* So it seems.... but things are not always as they seem.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I've not spoken to her at any length *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Few do.  I am one.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She is Az'attan.  
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: And your take on her? or more specifically what is it you would ask of me in this?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Your aid in her rescue, should it become necessary.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Your aid in sacking and destroying all the safe houses she uncovers, if it is not.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That's possible *nods* I take it you mean something .. combative?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *looks carefully for any who might overhear*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That latter is much more than merely possible *smiles darkly*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I merely ask her to do this - pose as an Az'attan who is having a crisis of faith.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She has access to the deepest reaches of the Audiran temple.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If such a one could be flipped by the Magus, it would give him an enormous victory.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Tempting, tempting, bait.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oh? her access?   In truth or is that part of the .. posing?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I do not know.  I have not asked.   But in truth, I suspect it to be true.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But true or not, it will be true for the posing.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Is there any value in my speaking to her, not mentioning any of this plot of course. Just to get my own read on her
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Certainly.  It takes a while to realize the strength of her character.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Her stutter makes her sound excessively weak.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But this is not the case.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That it does *nods* and you may be right, it may be .. cultured *smiles*    Let me ask you this...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: In your view is she strong enough to withstand .. enchantments
Darthirâe Zhalberen: In addition to being a mage - of lesser caliber than myself - she has the natural strength of darkness.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I see
Darthirâe Zhalberen: All Deep races can shrug off magic.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I know little of the deep races but I'll take your guidance on that
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well.. I'll look in on her and see what I can see
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If need be I might provide her with additional protective jewelry.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Does she work with you in any capacity that I can mention to her?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: We often go gathering together.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *nods* Just looking for a conversation starter
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Patinum, jewels, the occasional head.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Specific type of head?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Giant, usually.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She is becoming quite the marksman.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Perhaps we three might go on a trip together in the future
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I can make my own assessment then
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.  And you can speak to her and tell me if you think she is suitable.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Alright
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtsys*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Let me know how things progress and what I can do to help this along
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I would very much like to see him fall *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: All right.   But you will provide one other form of aid....
Darthirâe Zhalberen: information.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I will do my best
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Not yet though.  Make your own assessment.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Understood
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You know of the house in Leringard?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: [Whisper] 133 and 132 come to that as well
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I see.   Well, if someone can get inside and determine if any illegal acts are being done, they'll not have that anymore.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Though I suspect, they'll just have to move, still it will discomfit them.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Getting inside might prove problematic but I'll look into it
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *smiles* That's where my bait comes in.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: interdiction is a fine start *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It isn't hard to get inside a place if you are invited.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtseys again*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I leave you.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: True though 'invited' is likely not the right word.

[SteveMaurer]

Darthirâe Zhalberen: Perhaps now would be a good time to talk?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Greetings again Darthirae.  *nods*  Yes.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Let's go for a walk.  *heads towards the academy*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The Tower?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Do you object?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Not at all!
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am the Headmaster's aide.  I have a key.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I believe I have a key as well
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You stand before 192 Port Hempstead - Tower Academy.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Okay.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You see a nameplate on this door which reads: Omer.  The door is locked, and your key no longer fits..  What do you wish to do?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I want to open the door.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Strangely, the key always seems not to fit, yet it opens the door anyway.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I've seen that before
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It has to do with how the key was cut I believe
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I see.   We should go upstairs.   I can try some of my latest liquors on you.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *chuckles*  Alright but fair warning.. my best drinking days are behind me now *sighs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Lead the way I'm still lost in here
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Very well.  It shall not be far.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: This is perfect and shouldn't take much time...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Perhaps.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: This place behind the stacks is where all the major decision making gets done.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: _That_ is a universal truth *smiles*  I got to thinking of your plan and there might be an aspect you've overlooked. I don't know.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'm thinking for this to work well, there needs to be a patsy.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'd like it not to be me *grins*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: A patsy?  *laughs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You know what I mean, I'm sure.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I know what I mean by that word, but this is not my language.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: There -will- be repercussions and it's best if those are .. misdirected
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *eyes narrow*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Something to consider before the wheels get too far in motion
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.   About the unwritten law that we who are stonebound do not strike out at each other....   This breaks that.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well.. I've never thought much of that law truth be told...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I've always felt that those of evil intent had a built in upper hand by that law. Seems highly unfair to me *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes, but seems to be there, none the less.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Agreed.. hence the concept of .. the patsy *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am not entirely certain what the need would be.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks oddly at her* Not certain?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The issue with the stonebound is, of course, that other through the kind visitations of the soul mother, they do not die.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: All the more reason to create a target.  **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Which means that there is absolutely no way to decisively win such a battle with clerics of the dark gods who are so bound.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well.. there's winning and there's winning *grins*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Except by means that I am nearly certain you would not employ.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You spoke once of denying the use of safe houses, as an example.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That is a tactical victory.   Not a final one.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Certain? don't be too sure Darthirae.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You'd be surprised what I'm capable of
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Regardless, insofar as the "patsy" you speak of, meaning the one who takes the responsibility.. that person has already been identified.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Excellent! I take it you're not willing to say as yet?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *laughs*  Of course I am!   It's me.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That is who they will blame when we roll up these houses.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: No.. no.. no. You have to think more .. creatively
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Someone who has plausible cause *grins*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *looks at him curiously*  Who do you suppose is going to take offense at any actions against these people?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: As far as I can tell, it will be only them.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: If you advertise that they are -your- actions? of course. Why do that?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: When they are defeated, Caerwyn, they will know it is me behind it.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Even if I am completely hands off in my plotting.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I still do not see why that has to be so.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I....  cannot explain to you why.    Just understand it to be true.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You're not one to want the credit I would think.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The defeat should be its own reward.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *leans across the table*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You phrase it incorrectly: it is the victory.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yet some victories interfere with others.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Understood .. defeat is the inverse of victory, depending on perspective.   Consider the concept of .. misdirection **nods* I think you'll find it's value if you do
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You don't wish for a day when you stand in public and declare that the victory is at your hands, do you?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  Especially when one has not been victorious.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *whispers* Vengeance is a dish which people of good taste prefer to serve .. cold *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Precisely.   We understand each other.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Fair enough **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And because we do, let me explain what a true victory would be.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *listens*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am just starting the research for a spell that holds a person to their own sworn oath.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Voluntarily given, it would never dissipate.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods as she continues*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Such would be able to bind these stonebound.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *a slight smile crosses his face*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If captured, they would have to swear to break away from their gods forever.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Or....  they would be subject to the precise treatment that they have already threatened me with.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You would not want to see that part, Caerwyn.   Let me assure you.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Regardless, this would be the way to achieve victory.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: ..and believing that they could .. welch on that oath, they would give it freely? and by the bye you'd be surprised at what I wish to see as well
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The spell I am considering has not been created yet.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* I understand
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But it is a transformation spell.   Which cannot be dispelled.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Upon signing the Blood Oath, one would be compelled to chose between honoring it, or slowly withering away.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But you understand the problem with the timing here?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I think I do, yes
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am nearly certain that, after our conversation, and my derision, they are after me.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yet if we let on too quickly that they are not the predators... that they are the prey...   things may not go quite so easily.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Exactly.. traps can generally only be sprung once!
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Fortunately, I am also up to my nostrils in rolling up the Green Dragon cult as well...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So that gives me an excuse to be a hard target.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Now that's an interesting view **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: In truth, I am a bit more afraid of the cult, since they seem to be a little more organized, and less obvious - both signs of actual intelligence
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You feel yourself the bait rather than the patsy?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am concerned that they may be focused on me, yes.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well.. I have two thoughts then...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: One of the reasons why I wanted Ty to get involved is that she could be seen as a way to get me.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* Would she serve as a source of inside information, once she is .. ensnared?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well, that is something I need to bring up with Headmaster Omer.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Is there an even temporary means of avoiding this?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmmm. He is to be part of this as well?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: avoiding which?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Not necessarily.  I have been careful to keep information compartmentalized.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Avoiding being ensnared.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: From the Headmaster's perspective, this has only a single purpose, which is to roll up the Dragonstealers.  He is not aware of the other.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Understood and I'll not compromise that.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Unless I mysteriously disappear.  Then you should tell him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Also understood.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If they succeed in damaging me into compliance, that would not be in his best interest.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Compliance? *looks surprised*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But I can approach him, I think, for a means to shake off a single spell - such as a spell that this "Magus" likely uses.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A strong will seems to be what's necessary.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  Given enough time, anyone can be broken - at least temporarily.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Potions, mind poisons, spells, torture, all of this will gain information of some sort or another
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll have to think on that. Given his past dealings it seems to all start with a subjugation of will .. initially anyway.  Beat that and he doesn't have an 'in'
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I used to have great willpower.   The damage that was done to me makes me disassociate at times.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Do you care to describe that damage that was done?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Only so long as you agree that it does not leave this room.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I have a reputation for being able to keep confidences **nods*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I will certainly agree
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Very well.   When I was a child of 70, my mind was captured by an Illithid.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *eyes widen*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: For...  well, I am not certain exactly how long it was... weeks, or months...  she and I were one.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I was her limb, of a sort.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods, following her story*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She was herself captured.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: By?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Dark elves.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *shows no reaction*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And though I was safe...  we both were tortured to death.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The pain...   it actually was welcome... it *she concentrates* ..   focuses the mind.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Which is what I needed.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: At least, that was the way it was in the beginning.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: They start slow.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ahh.. to break free of the Ithilid's control?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: They, the dark elves?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: As for breaking free...  no, that's not quite it.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It was worse than that.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The pain helped me remember that I was me.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That there was a me here.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *continues to listen*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *her face seems utterly blank, almost doll-like in its impassivity*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: My sense of self had been destroyed.   That was the wound.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It came and went.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Immediately after the death, I was myself for almost an hour.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Then I wasn't for almost a year.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Regardless, it is past.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But I know precisely, from a unique vantage point, what these people intend to do to any victim they set their eyes upon.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oddly enough.. the destruction of a sense of self is the approach the Magus employs as well.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: it is only those with no sense of self that can be utterly dependant on him
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It is a useful technique.  But he has not the skill of the Illithids.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I didn't say he was completely accomplished at it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Only that that is the approach he takes .. and for the weak willed, it is often enough.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I have spent decades rebuilding my will back from literally nothing.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods** That will stand you in good stead then.. against him
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It has helped, my chosen profession.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: She's a wizard or a sorceress?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Wizard.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I hope not to stand against him in a position of weakness.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: In my view, you need a stalking horse, which is what I imagine Ty is.. and one or more patsys for after the fact
Darthirâe Zhalberen: What I need... is a way to delay their plot, until I am ready for it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* interdiction
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The authorities, while usless in the long run, are perfect for keeping them .. off balance
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *small smile*  I sent a letter to the Hlint authorities.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A good start **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: There was a dark elf scare.   Driven by Ty, actually I think.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *smiles back*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I suggested that any elf who refuses to uncover their skin be marched to the temple of llsare and tested by the priestesses.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: And the Ilsarians will comply?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Why would they not?   Ilsare herself likes Az'atta.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Liking Az'atta and hating Caduz aren't necessarily the same thing
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Well, Ilsare does both.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But, it is true, it is up to the authorities, who are strange there.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: So if you find a dark elf, and think they might be a deadly Ca'Duzite or a shy Az'attan, how do you tell them apart?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Perhaps someting more.. tangible, attributed to the Magus and his little friends? To focues the attention of the authorities?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Hmmm.....
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That won't hurt them in the long run.   And it will not hurt their plotting.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Personally, my suspicion would be that they hire someone to try to take me.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: If it makes the authorities actively seek them out it bloody well will slow them down
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hmm hire someone **thinks*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: There is the other dark elf.... the one I tested whose name I do not know, because he's given me two, but let's call him Enrys for the moment, I thought they'd use for that.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But he seems to have disappeared.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Further, he actually appears to be just a little bit smart.  So he may not be involved.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: And the other name he gave?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It matters not.  He is not around.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *shrugs* I will say that the use of hirelings has not been the historic style of the magus
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Really?   Interesting.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Entrapment.. volutany to begin with, has.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Maybe I give him too much credit for intelligence.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A seduction to power
Darthirâe Zhalberen: He cannot entrap me.  I already rejected him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: A braclet here, a ring there.. **nods*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He approached you with his .. offers?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: You mean... like the Angels?    *laughs*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  And he will not.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Oddly enough, the model is somwhat the same but taken to an extreme
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Each .. trinket comes at a slightly higher cost each time
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *shrugs*  I am uninterested in that.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Alright.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: In fact, the first time I saw him, I nearly laughed in his face.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Walking around the surface in a clawsuit?  *laughs*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He's not subtle **nods and smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: With.... -with- decorative spiders?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* I'm quite familiar with those
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Can you imagine a human, who completely covered himself, trying to walk around a dark elf city, clad in the arms and armor of Toran?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Not twice *chuckles*   Is your assessment of him that he can be baited into outrageous acts?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: My assessment is that the only reason this fool hasn't been killed is because the authorities in Mistone don't police the stonebound.  And the stonebound don't police themselves.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hence my 'outrageous' acts question.. .Even Mistone authorities would have to step in if he started doing something overt
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *dubious look*   Why?   So that once you kill them, they come back and take their vengance on you?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: If I were not stonebound, I would seek ways to overlook all but the most unignorable acts.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: No.. you misunderstand.. killing won't work for the reasons you know well.. jail time. Lots of it.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.  If you can capture without killing.   But how easy is that?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *muses*    Actually...  they likely have the same problem with me... or you.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Not me, the authorities *grins*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The authorities have no super soldiers more powerful than the greatest among us.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I know of some stonebound persons that have spent time in jail.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Only because they went willingly.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Perhaps willingly I'd have to review the cases
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I suspect that the kind of stonebound that go to jail are those who think they will not be in it for long.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *chuckles* Much like an oath willingly taken ? *grins*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Like a weakest of locks - keeping only the honest people honest.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I think that the best that you can expect is the authorities' blessing after the fact.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Possibly. **nods* Well if one cannot kill him, or jail him, then what? Destroy his operations? or...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: make his name and reputation known far and wide and remove the shadow under which he operates
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *leans forward* Turn him into a leper!
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Remove his market
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That might work, but it would be hard.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It may be the only game in town.  It's not as if any of his former ... charges will be standing on street corners offering glowing testimonials to him.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: For those who cannot enter Port Hempstead?   It -is- the only game in town.  Poor Ty.  She can't come in here, despite being the weakest, most pathetic kitten of a dark elf you've ever seen.  Despite the fact that Deliar -likes- Az'atta!
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Not even under escort? have you looked into that?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: She would not do it.  This is another one of those "voluntarily went to jail" things.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll ask around.. Do you know Alantha?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am acquainted with her.   We are not close.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No.  If you wanted to weaken him that way, you would have to start a guild in Fort Vehl.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I misled you.  I meant remove his market of .. vulnerable potential victims.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That is impossible, unless you compete with him.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Let it be known that his promises of power are empty or at least come at a cost much higher than advertised.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: How seductive is a man who is known to be a rapist?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No, let it be known that whatever he charges for an iron greatsword, you can get it with us for 20% less.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: In fact, you can get everything for 20% less.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **ponders saying something and then thinks better of it for now*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: As far as rape is concerned...    the people you presume to defend have differing standards of morality.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He doesn't charge coin Darthirae *look at her hard and cold*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *returns the stare*   It is a cultural disconnect.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: My point about the rapist was allegorical.. a known rapist has less appeal as a seducer.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *raises eyebrow*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: And seduction to power is what the magus offers his victims
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *looks at him quietly*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He charges .. obedience
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I appreciate your enthusiasm. *dismissively*  But you have been raised in a different standard of morality.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Well let me give you an example...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Very well.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I know of one who was forced to cut out her own tongue and then suffer beratement for making such a mess.    While she scrubbed the floor clean before he would restore her tongue.. much later.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *blinks impassively... almost confused*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: ...and... ?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: What lesson do you think she learned there?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Disobedience brings disfavor
Darthirâe Zhalberen: **nods, with a kind of "so-what?" expression**
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: And what do you think that does to any vestige of a sense of self?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *mouth twitches, almost a fierce tiny smile flickering*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: With each pass they are taught to be more and more dependant on him, exclusively.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Until they become strong enough to break free.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods* And some have.. others have not
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Which the strongest always do.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Breaking free it seems is a pure act of will
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes...  *sighs*  I'm not even certain where to begin.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: These are the ways of dark elves.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: The way they toughen themselves.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: No doubt, but for surfacers, it often defeats them and those that care for them.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I shall not argue with you.  Both sides have their points.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: My only point was that his.. operations would fail without a willing ..pool of potential victims.  One's who believe his seductive promises of power.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But there will always be such a pool.  And the propaganda you presume is so devistating, would only serve to strengthen him.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: For it would serve like an advertisement of sorts.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Very possibly **nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It is like this..   imagine a dark elf who comes to the surface, but does not attack.  He merely criticizes.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And he says "those Az'attans - they heal the unworthy, who have never done anything useful in their lives, and never will"
Darthirâe Zhalberen: "They coddle the weak!  The strong cannot dominate!"
Darthirâe Zhalberen: This is a great insult among dark elves.  Among the Illithids as well.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But the message does not resonate here.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: **nods*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I see where you're going with that.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Absent kill him, jailing him, or starving him out, I'm at a loss to see what would bring him down.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No, my solution is one we talked about before.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The willing oath?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Without using the authorities, we either entice, or capture.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: We can do things the authorities simply cannot.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Then they have the choice.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: My recommendation about the authorities was a suggestion to keep him off balance to buy you time.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Hunted peopple cause less.. trouble.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That will hardly keep them from buying assassins.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am actually more concerned with humans than dark elves.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Human assassins?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.   That would be smart.    But... given how laughably unsubtle this Magus is, either he may send one of his minions, or do it himself.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I doubt he'd do it himself
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Then he would send one of his minions.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: It is a perfect sort of test for one of them.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He'd more likely send one of his victims to do it as payment of their debt to him, which of course still wouldn't clear the books
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *shrugs*  Yes.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But hear me out.  If he does that....
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *listens*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Then part of it would be to capture me alive.   I am no use to them teleported by a bindstone.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That is why I have my amulet.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks across the table*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And if their orders are to capture me... it is likely to be open ended.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Which means such a person might be turnable... potentially.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Don't be too sure about that.. he seems to set schedules quite clearly
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *smirks*  Then that person will fail.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I've seen victims work themselves nearly to death to meet his deadlines.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Then they shall die.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: and when the return via the bindstone?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: They shall die, not at my hand, but this Magus's
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: He's not one to kill his ... toys
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Interesting.   That makes me respect him more.   But still, that means that there is no real time limit.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: They will have a very very hard time catching me otherwise.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I travel invisibly.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Under an extended quickrun spell, which is also known as expeditious retreat
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I visit no place twice.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I  have an extended number of contacts.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: That's good. **nods*  But be apprised, with each failure he will make sure they are more .. motivated.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Motivation is not the same thing as talent.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: True enough *nods*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I now have in my possession, a Tome of Teleportation.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The tome will help a great deal.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: But it sounds as if he will be more successful in keeping you off-balance than the other way around
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am not off balance at all.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I do this as a matter of habit.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And besides, I have the Dragonstealers to roll up as well.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But... if worst comes to worst.... I also have this.  *shows amulet*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks up*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Look at it very carefully.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks paying special attention to the vial in the center*
Barter cancelled
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Yes.  You spotted it.   Very good.  Because I nearly pointed it out.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: One bite, and death is the result.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It will keep you out of his clutches **nods*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Bind stone gambling though.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I also have a small vial I can place in my mouth.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll try and think of something to buy you the time you need to develop this spell.. how long do you think?
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: How much time do you think you need to perfect this spell?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *Sighs*  It could be some time.   The creation of a new spell is a legendary act.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: That is why we name the spells after their creators.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'm guessing years then
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I advance in skill with inelvin speed.   But still, you are likely correct.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I tend to be impatient on the subject of the magus.. I shall have to learn more .. restraint
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Point taken.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *stands*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I would set aside this entire thing for the moment.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: And perhaps I am overly cautious.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: No.. likely you're not being overly cautious.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: They may have forgotten me...  I doubt it, but they may have.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll see what I can come up with by way of buying some time.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: What I would like to have is some information on what they are plotting.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Maybe to contact someone who is connected with them...
Darthirâe Zhalberen: We might get them to flip.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: Or at least, engage in a petty betrayal.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Would have to offer some very large benefit or else one extremely severe threat
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: The petty betrayal route might go better
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I find it is not the enormity of the risk that is usually the motivating factor, but rather the perceived risk.  And benefit does not matter.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: One does not go to the deep, no matter the potential reward, until you know you can handle it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *looks at her oddly* A bribe without benefit?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: No a bribe without risk.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Ahh
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But the first task would be to make a list of all known associated of the Magus.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *chuckles* A list of some has already been posted.. by the authorities
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: It's a partial list only, I'm sure
Darthirâe Zhalberen: More names.   We need them.   I shall ask around.   Carefully.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll keep my ears open as well...
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: You wish associates, victims, or both?
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I am not sure I can tell the difference.
Darthirâe Zhalberen: But no one who has broken away fully.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll consider that
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I think we are done.   All except for the liquor.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I'll happily accept a sample but please not more than that *smiles*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: I just made this.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I don't drink very much anymore
Darthirâe Zhalberen: From the recipie book. Never tried it.
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: Thank you Darthirae.. I -do- drink ale *nods and smiles appreciatively*
Darthirâe Zhalberen: To survival, until we achieve our goal!.  *raises a glass*
Darthirâe Zhalberen uses Jumpin' Juniper Brau
Darthirâe Zhalberen : Fortitude Save : *success* : (16 + 7 = 23 vs. DC: 18)
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: I will wish you fair winds and meet with you anon
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *raises a glass as well*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan uses Jumpin' Juniper Brau
Darthirâe Zhalberen: *courtseys*
Caerwyn Ahrail'lan: *waves as he leaves*