ACT I - THE MANIPULATION
**The Demon Lord appears in the Central Square of Val Miran as he is prone to do from time to time. This log is seen from my **
** perspective as well as occasionally that of Palwen. It has been edited to remove typos and grammatical errors.**
You hear creaking and crackling as Fotreshnir positions himself in a slight bow.
In a loud, low groan, Fotreshnir speaks. ' Greetings, Demon Lord.
You drop The Throne of Elven Pain.
You nod.
You sit down on The Throne of Elven Pain.
The Central Square of Val Miran
You stand amid the central square of Val Miran. All around you colossal
buildings rise up. The smell of commerce is in the air and the citizens of
Val Miran bustle with activity. Horse carts haul trade items for sale in
the Eastern and Western districts, and travelers and adventurers alike walk
the streets in search of new challenges.
[Exits: north east south west up]
A Throne made from the bones of Elven Children is here.
The Golden Banner of Val Miran blows in the wind here.
The official Tribunal Roll Call has been posted here.
A granite fountain is here filled with water for the thirsty.
(Charmed) A large spotted leopard sits here.
(Invisible) (Charmed) A large, menacing wyvern perches here.
(Invisible) (WANTED) Zpenobup the Vengeance of the Forest is here, sitting astride a warhorse.
(Charmed) A savage Alsatian bares its teeth and growls menacingly.
Fotreshnir the Tracker is here, sitting astride an elephant.
Tyridael rides in.
Malchaeius drapes his wings about his body as he rests upon his throne.
Tyridael banks his horse hard and comes to a whinnying halt.
Tyridael says 'What...'
A banshee's wail cries forlornly along a freezing wind that bites to your bone.
Malchaeius leans his head upon his claws and inspects the area with disinterest.
Tyridael says 'Fotreshnir... we should leave, quickly!'
You broadcast 'This city is not lively enough.'
Zpenobup rides east.
A large spotted leopard walks east.
A large wyvern flies east.
Palwen enters the room.
Palwen blinks innocently.
Fotreshnir beckons Tyridael to follow...hmmm what's going on?
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Tyridael joins Fotreshnir's group.
In a loud, low groan, Fotreshnir speaks. ' We shall meet again in the future, Demon Lord.
You hear creaking and crackling as Fotreshnir positions himself in a slight bow.
The once brazen sun is now but a limp orb with only a few feeble rays able to wrestle its way through the gloom of the
blackness smothering Aabahran.
Palwen says 'Greetings Lord Malchaeius.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen looks over to the throne.
Malchaeius glances at Palwen with disinterest, 'Herald. Have you come to entertain me?'
Palwen says 'I have not.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Then you have come to admire my city?'
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Palwen says 'Val Miran is not your city demon lord.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Malchaeius rests on his throne, the flame circulating his eyes churning in the wind.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
You broadcast 'What makes you say that?'
Palwen says 'Perhaps since this is a city of light walkers... and you... well... lets just say your not much of a light
walker.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'Or just because I plan to rule this city.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Finally, some interest is raised in the dark orbs that are the Demon Lord's eyes.
You broadcast 'Is that so?'
You broadcast 'You?'
Palwen says 'Yes, me.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'Many would agree, that I am fit to rule over Val Miran.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
The chest of the Demon Lord raises and falls rhythmically, though the laughter you hear is not made by his lips. It
penetrates straight into your mind.
Palwen grumbles and growls. You wonder what's wrong...
You broadcast 'By what right can you claim leadership?'
Palwen says 'You laugh?'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Is that not what one does when they hear foolishness?'
As though completely fatigued, the cold sun abandons Aabahran to the abyssal darkness.
Palwen says 'I claim a state of emergency.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
The blackness of the abyss constricts your heart as the night begins.
The frigid breath of death and foreboding blows across Aabahran, subduing hope and chilling life in its path.
You broadcast 'Do you? On what basis?'
Palwen says 'It's not foolishness, I see the people are in harms way. They need me.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Palwen says 'I have been collecting evidence of Zaar's plans.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'What will you provide them?'
Palwen says 'Protection, comfort, counseling.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'There is much more I can provide from them.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'The services of the Brothelhood?'
Palwen says 'I can do a better job then the Empire could ever do.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Are you head Madame now?'
Palwen says 'Aye, including the services of the Brotherhood.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Malchaeius curls his lips in a patronizing sneer.
Palwen says 'I am seen as the head, yes.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'I am the only one seen, the People trust someone that they can see and speak to.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'The services of a troop of healers. Magnificent!'
You broadcast 'Hark! The day is saved!'
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Palwen says 'not a troop of healers.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
The Demon Lord's words drip with sarcasm within your mind.
Palwen says 'We have been gathering an army of soldiers.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Perhaps I shall manipulate that idiot dwarf into thinking you seek to usurp his Tribunals.'
You broadcast 'It should provide me with some humor.'
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Palwen grumbles and growls. You wonder what's wrong...
Palwen says 'You can try. He won't believe you.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You have created a large demon!
A large winged demon stands here watching.
Palwen says 'I have many wrapped around my finger.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Malchaeius hands the demon a scroll.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
You broadcast 'Hand this to Arograth. And make haste.'
A large demon nods.
A large demon disappears in a mushroom cloud.
Palwen shrugs helplessly.
Palwen says 'is that supposed to scare me?'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
You broadcast 'My dear. I have better methods with which to scare.'
Palwen crosses her arms across her chest.
You broadcast 'No. This is for my own amusement.'
Palwen says 'You will find it not very amusing when this turns around.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'I never said I wish to kick out the Tribunal.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Hmm? No? That is not what I heard?'
Malchaeius grins and showcases rows upon rows of sharp teeth.
Palwen says 'then you should clean your ears.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Ah. So you begin to forget your place.'
You broadcast 'Interesting.'
Fotreshnir rides in.
An Alsatian walks in.
Palwen says 'I have never forgotten my place.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'my place is here.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'protecting these people.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
The flames surrounding the eyes of the Demon Lord flare to life, sending a bolt of electricity square upon Palwen's frame!
You send a thunderbolt to smite Palwen!
Palwen says 'Along side the Tribunes.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Fotreshnir looks at Palwen.
Palwen looks at Fotreshnir.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Arograth walks in.
Palwen says 'You can try to manipulate the dwarf, I'll make sure he gets the truth.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Malchaeius reclines into his throne and grins with peaked interest.
You broadcast 'Why would I seek to manipulate Arograth?'
Sylana walks in.
A large wyvern flies in.
A displacer beast walks in.
Scowling angrily, Arograth growls, 'Manipulate me?'
Sylana gasps in astonishment.
You broadcast 'He is too intelligent for such.'
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Palwen curtseys gracefully to Arograth.
Sylana grows quiet as the sun sets, her leaves slowly folding closed.
Arograth says 'Who does seek to manipulate me?'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'See for yourself lord Arograth.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth looks at Palwen.
Arograth looks at you.
Fotreshnir looks at Arograth.
Sylana looks at Arograth.
Sylana seems to darken in color and nightshade blossoms begin to bloom among the vines of her hair.
Palwen says 'Malchaeius words can not be trusted.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Indeed.'
Malchaeius waves a hand, causing a crystal ball to appear from thin air.
Arograth says 'Is that so?'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'No need to trust my words at all.'
Within the crystal ball, you see the image of Palwen and Malchaeius.
Palwen nods.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Arograth says 'His emissary brought me foul news, Palwen. '
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'and what did he say?'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth says 'And these days... I know not who to trust.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
From within the crystal ball you can hear sounds.
Arograth narrows his eyes, and says in a stoney voice, 'He did tell me that you believe yourself fit to rule Val Miran.
Tiernan rides in.
You hear Palwen's voice stating 'Or just because I plan to rule this city.'
Palwen says 'along side the Tribunal of course.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You smirk.
Arograth's scowl deepens as his face darkens with anger.
Palwen says 'Right, of course you seem to have missed what I said next.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
From within the crystal ball you hear Palwen's voice stating, 'I am seen as the head, yes. I am the only one seen, the
People trust someone that they can see and speak to.'
Mardifu walks in.
Mardifu enters the room.
Arograth growls, 'I missed nothing.'
From within the crystal ball you hear Palwen's voice stating, 'We have been gathering an army of soldiers'
Palwen nods.
Arograth stares into the crystal ball, a suspicious look on his face.
Palwen says 'and what do you think I was going to do with those soldiers?'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Sylana sighs in anticipation of the dawn, her leaves beginning to open.
From within the crystal ball you hear the voice of the Demon Lord, 'Perhaps I shall' there is an error in the sound followed
by 'Seek to usurp his Tribunals.'
Palwen boggles at the concept.
Palwen says 'I never said that.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Leslia enters the room.
Alexas walks in.
Arograth's beard bristles and his knuckles crack as he quivers with rage.
Etiirian enters the room.
A mirror image enters the room.
Arograth says 'No?'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Sylana keeps her distance, her foliage shifting nervously.
From within the crystal ball you hear the voice of Palwen state, 'You can try. He won't believe you. I have many wrapped
around my finger.'
Palwen says 'that thing is twisting my words.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Mardifu leaves west.
Leslia shivers uncomfortably.
Malchaeius waves his hand causing the crystal ball to disappear into thin air.
Sylana smiles at the sight of the sun, her leaves becoming fuller and her honeysuckle flowers begin to bloom.
Palwen grumbles and growls. You wonder what's wrong...
Arograth narrows his eyes and considers Palwen, then asks, 'What have you been doing for this city, Palwen?'
You broadcast 'Seems you were correct Herald. He needs not believe my words. He has heard yours.'
Palwen says 'I have done many things.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Enough to believe yourself above the Empire?'
You broadcast 'Worthy to rule it?'
Palwen says 'You can't believe what he's say Lord Arograth.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen shakes her head.
Palwen says 'I never said I was above the Empire.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Arograth knows the power of the Crystal of Seeing.'
[ Side Bar: I could not resist]
Arograth IMM_TALKS: Do I?
Arograth IMM_TALKS: Is it a real artifact?
Malchaeius IMM_TALKS: Sure why not? I had to think of a way to record what she said.
Malchaeius IMM_TALKS: She did say all of those things. Though I skipped around to make it more incriminating.
[/side Bar]
Arograth says 'It is true... Though I was not aware the thing still did exist.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'He should, but he should also know that the Demon lord can manipulate the Ball. There were only a few things
that were said that were true.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'You deny that you made those statements?'
You hear the laughter of the Demon Lord directly penetrating your mind!
Palwen says 'I deny what was recently said by that ball.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Excellent! A liar as well!'
Sylana winces in agony.
Palwen says 'I am not a liar.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'That ball twisted my words. Not everything it said was true.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'What was not true?'
Palwen says 'Yes I did say I wanted to rule Val Miran... But I wanted the Tribunal to do their job as well.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Sylana learns toward Alexas , speaking softly 'I do not like the feel of that.. thing. Wholly unnatural.'
You broadcast 'Do you admit to stating you have many wrapped around your finger?'
Palwen says 'I admit that I do, but none have high enough ranks.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Ah, a manipulator!'
Palwen says 'Yes, you are.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'Can you trust the words of such a Succubus? '
Arograth growls, 'Enough.'
You broadcast 'She raises an army.'
You broadcast 'And will rule Val Miran! By force if necessary.'
Palwen says 'I raised an army to protect the people, not to fight the Tribunal.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen raises an eyebrow.
Arograth says 'Palwen, I ask again, what do you do for this city that you believe would make you fit to rule?'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'I never said that.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
You broadcast 'The Lord of the Empire, an Empire that rules a city you claim to rule, asked you a question.'
Palwen says 'I've have been preparing to protect the cities from attack, I, along with others have been working on opening a
new hospital.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth says 'How generous.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Malchaeius reclines further into his throne made from the bones of Elven Children with a smirk on his face.
Arograth says 'These are, indeed, dark times, Palwen.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth says 'Let me tell you what I have seen.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'Indeed these are.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Sylana sighs.
Palwen says 'and without my help, the cities would not be as protected.'
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth says 'I have seen folk attempt to use the threat of war to their advantage. To gain power.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen says 'we've constantly told the Tribunal about what was occurring. They turned their back upon on. '
The frigid air causes Palwen's breath to coalesce into fog.
Arograth says 'This is not the first time--you certainly do know history, so I need not elaborate.'
The frigid air causes Arograth's breath to coalesce into fog.
Palwen nods.
Arograth bellows, 'Is that so!?
Malchaeius dips a claw into the fountain of blood and brings it to his lips. His snake like tongue extends several feet long
and licks the blood off before returning to his mouth.