Maldaathi in the Service of Evil

Maldaathi in the service of Evil, a lesson from history

Those in attendence were: Kafziel, Rakon, Dontarion, Hawek, Lukan, Valden, Illyose, Arkius, Janwin, Mindry, Pelo, Dahla.

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Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "Thank you all for attending. I have not come here today for small talk, so I shall begin."

The faintest flicker of a smile crosses Katzchen's lips, as she surveys her audence.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "Please behave at least until I have finished."

Katzchen nods her head emphatically.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "The Maldaathi Knights have been a beacon of honourable Evil, and Mhaldor's leading military arm for more than three centuries. Even before the days of the Maldaathi, there was a guild of Evil Knights called the Infernals. They were formed under the leadership of the well-known Ekary Lucoster, and based in the Bastion of the North, they served Lord Sartan for a good seventy years before the Baelgrim fortress was raised."

Katzchen pauses, looking contemplative, as she clasps her hands behind her back.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "In those years directly before Mhaldor's formation, Sapience was very different to the land we know today. Lord Sartan was the Patron of Ashtan, Cyrene was in its infancy, and Eleusis had not yet been founded."

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "When Lady Eris took over leadership of the Bastion, to say the Infernals were displeased would be a grave understatement. The change sparked tension in the city, tension that would eventually grow into all out war between the Infernals and Ashtan."

Katzchen frowns slightly, her eyes darkening as she speaks.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "This culminated in a mob of Ashtani led by the Dowager Eliza Montagenet, and the Philosopher, Epicurus, who marched on the Iron Citadel, the Infernals guildhall, and razed it to the ground, slaying their tutor Dacian, and piking his head at the ruins."

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "Homeless and scattered, the Infernals banded together under the name of the Interim Battalion and set up a temporary base northeast of Hashan, called the Blood Keep. They lost some of their weaker members, who chose to betray Lord Sartan, and reconcile with the city of Ashtan. Throughout this however, the loyals held strong to their faith."

Katzchen's eyes light up, and a crooked smile plays across her lips as she stares straight out into the audience.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "During this time, Lord Sartan tricked the Lady Valnurana into trusting Him so that He could use Her power in a ritual. When this failed, our unforgiving Lord took out His wrath on the Goddess, desecrating Her body, and carving out Her eyes, before discarding Her."

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "The Lady Eris was horrified when She discovered Her sister in this state, and called the Gods to arms. They sought to make Lord Sartan pay for His ways. Led by Lord Caspian, and joined by the Lords Lupus, Aegis, Agatheis, Phaestus, and the Lady Ourania, they united to overpower Lord Sartan, sending Him to the depths of the ocean, and sealing His tomb with a mountain."

Katzchen smiles darkly, the fires of faith burning brightly in her eyes.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "Yet not even the combined efforts of the seven Gods of the Divine Alliance could trap our Lord permanently. Nor could the rest of sapience combined prevent His faithful from freeing Him through their fervent sacrifice, as they repeatedly impaled themselves on the infamous stalagmite deep within the mountain where He waited."

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "His followers continued to offer their blood and essence as they slaughtered themselves for Him, encouraged by the growth of the mysterious red fog, which tormented the land. Eventually the fog grew to a state where it was strong enough to reform into Lord Sartan, freed from his bonds."

Katzchen gives a small nod of approval before continuing.

Katzchen says in a clear, confident voice, "The newly returned God of Evil rewarded His loyal followers, and raised the Baelgrim Fortress upon the mountain where He had been held. What was left of the Infernals were given the Maldaathi Guild, the first Guild of Evil, under the leadership of the High Lord Maleficence, Kaelin. This was to be the beginnings of our now great City."

Katzchen bows her head in respect for a few moments. Raising it, she carefully meets the gaze of every member of the audience, before opening her mouth to speak once more.

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "My Maldaathi brethren have been giving their lives for centuries in the line of duty and beyond, and we will ensure that tradition continues. To be Maldaathi is to be Devoted. Disciplined. Dedicated. In the service of Lord Sartan, the Guild, and Mhaldor, we uphold our Truths with faith, and with steel. We aim for perfection, and accept no less than success."

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "As I strive to become a true Knight of Evil, I look to the inspiration of the past, and take heed of the strength and determination of those who have come before me. My goal is to be as dedicated, and devoted to the cause of Evil as those Knights of old. To remember to hold fast when it seems all is lost, for Lord Sartan will always lead us to victory, and we will ensure it is ours even if it demands everything we have, and more."

A hard look crosses Katzchen's eyes, as she smiles grimly.

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "We are Maldaathi. We are soldiers. Leaders. Generals."

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "Woe betide those who stand against our might, for as history has shown us today, Evil will prevail against the odds, and we will accept no less a fate than triumph. We have proven this time and time again, and we will not let anyone, anything, or any cost get in the way of achieving our goals."

Katzchen pauses, carefully considering those gathered before her.

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "To any of those considering joining our ranks. In Mhaldor, you will find the tools and tutelage needed to follow the path of greatness. The only thing you need to bring with you is the dedication and discipline to follow that path through, no matter what it takes."

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "You have a choice. Choose to remain where you are, and risk falling afoul of the complacency that plagues other cities, or sever your ties, and grow strong under the watchful gaze of Evil."

The faintest flicker of a smile crosses Katzchen's lips.

Katzchen says in a strong, passionate voice, "I know which choice I would make."

Katzchen bows her head, breaking eye contact, as she finishes speaking.

==============

Valden steps forward, inclining his head politely to Katzchen.

Katzchen tilts her head curiously at Valden.

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says, "Hail, Disciple. Have you a question?"

Valden says to Katzchen in a smooth, velvety voice, "Squire, I have long questioned the workings of my House and City, and after much thought on this matter, I find them wanting. I have made up my mind, and I wish to begin my life anew in Mhaldor. I trust that behind its walls I will learn to strip my mortal body of weakness, and fulfill my true potential."

Illyose blinks in shock at Valden, his tail stilled for a change.

Katzchen looks over Valden, and ponders him for a moment.

Mindry gives Valden a horrified gasp.

Illyose says to Valden with a substantially lilting accent, "Surely you jest Disciple Valden."

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says, "Very well, Disciple. Throw aside your oaths to the Crown then, and take up the shackles of a Mhaldorian slave. There is always room among our ranks for more."

Valden lowers his head respectfully.

Mindry asks Valden in a soft, demure voice, "Are you serious?"

Valden says in a smooth, velvety voice, "Aye, very."

Mindry gives a pained sigh.

Deacon Dontarion Dracrotalus, Sartai Nightmare says to Mindry, "Why are you here then yourself if you did not have an interest in His city?"

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says to Valden, "I like your attitude, recruit. You show potential. We shall have to see what comes of it."

The faintest flicker of a smile crosses Katzchen's lips.

Mindry says to Dontarion in a soft, demure voice, "I am a scholar I enjoy learning about different cultures."

Rakon says to Dontarion in a harsh, reptilian voice, "Her interest is only herself. That has been proven time and time again."

Illyose says to Valden with a substantially lilting accent, "You can't be. It can not be so bad for all the work we've been doin'"

Arkius Kindfire says to Katzchen, "I would have liked to have heard more of the Honour of the Maaldathi. I have always admired that aspect."

Mindry says to Rakon in a soft, demure voice, "If that is what you wish to think, be my guest."

Hawek says to Illyose in a low, rumbling voice, "There are those who wish to remove the bonds of weakness to start anew."

Valden says to Illyose in a smooth, velvety voice, "I can't see it, I can't see the changes we have worked for taking hold."

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says to Arkius, "Perhaps another day. I will take that into consideration."

Valden says to Illyose in a smooth, velvety voice, "This is where my path lies now, Disciple, and I will follow it to the end. You have my utmost respect, and I hope you come to understand my reasonings."

Illyose blinks once more at Valden, recoiling from him as coldness seeps into his eyes.

Illyose says to Valden with a substantially lilting accent, "I've seen too many abandon their oaths recently Valden."

Illyose says to Valden with a substantially lilting accent, "You of all people ah thought would stay true."

A deep growl rumbles low in Valden's throat as he swishes his tail in agitation.

Illyose says to Valden with a substantially lilting accent, "Draw yer blades, ah'll not let the Crown suffer another deserter, nor the Lotus's vows be mocked so."

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says, "Ah, excellent. A duel to the death then? Begin when you are ready, gentlemen."

Valden says to Illyose in a smooth, velvety voice, "I would have it no other way."

(The duel ensues. Disciple Illyose wins.)

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says to Illyose, "Well done Disciple."

Arkius Kindfire says to Illyose, "Congratulations Disciple."

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says, "I see our potential recruit has much work to do."

Illyose nods his head at Katzchen.

Illyose says with a substantially lilting accent, "See the weakness of Oathbreakers."

Katzchen's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says, "Or the weakness of those trained by Hashan."

Hawek nods his head at Katzchen, showing his acceptance.

Illyose snorts angrilly and narrows his eyes.

Illyose says with a substantially lilting accent, "Seein' as ah'm ah'm still servin' the Crown, ah believe we did just fine."

Illyose says to Katzchen with a substantially lilting accent, "A well given sermon Squire."

Blade Savant Katzchen Xanatov, Squire of Arador says to Illyose, "Thank you, Disciple."

Illyose says to Katzchen with a substantially lilting accent, "Ah'll be done oh the lot o' yeh. Take yer soiled prize."