Ba'al cultist comes to Sak'noth

[09:54] Sak'noth says, "Alright, be brief."
[09:59] "Very well. It's about your prophet. He's wasting your resources, or rather allowing them to go to waste. All these people that have been forced to sign his little book of shadows and yet none of them have received instruction. None of them have received training. I bet most of them don't even know who their patron actually is."

"And you have a city full of them, people bound to a patron they do not understand, incapable of cultivating true black magic. Joining sabbaths to fill his stores while they survive off the dregs to try and eke out some advancement. If you are to have black magic within Abendrot, it needs to have structure, focus and direction."

"A patron that is actively worshipped and one that will actively provide power and guidance to its flock. One that will allow for ambition, ambition that will remain under your wing. Something you can steer and control. For so long as they believe the actions to work towards their Lord's plan, they will be ever loyal to your cause."

"K'thul lacks this sense of control. He harvests people for his book and throws them away, letting them sit around as mere slaves. When they could be tools to point towards enemies. You have upcoming battles, what if you could ensure that every opponent suffered from a black curse? What if you could ensure every one of your soldiers had power flowing through their veins?"

"There is far too much waste with this current... regime."
(Eclipse)
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[10:12] Falling upon the throne, the Kaor's visage was turned towards the cloaked being. His attention was undivided, his eyes gleaming with etheric energy, pure and destructive - which seethed miasma through the Khan's feathers.

Quite the problematic thing.

His mere presence was disruptive to reality, his mere presence certainly brought chills to the mortals - and such a thing now, was bored.. But, he paid attention to that being who came to talk to him.

Maybe it will prove to be entertaining! And well..

Apparently it was referring to the cult, the lack of directions and proper leadership. K'thul was in his position due to schemes, due to certain usefulness demonstrated with cults, with the teachings provided and also - conflicts that he can handle, through his own brute force.

He had his usefulness, something undeniable.

Still..

Now thinking about it, it was somewhat correct, it was true.. Since if it was a different situation, Sak'noth wouldn't care - he was a demon, as long as he had servants for himself, that's what mattered, it didn't matter to him who they worshiped, to whom they offered their souls - however, with a new conflict at their door...

Actions would be needed.

"Perhaps an ultimatum proves necessary in the face of affronts and lack of appropriate attitude towards the title which this one holds. However, this could lead to conflicts, need for a change of powers - something I want to avoid immediately.

Always.

I will try to remedy the situation as far as possible." But a pause, his left hand was raised and then, used to gesture towards the individual with the hood, "However, if you went to all the trouble of relieving these points, of being here in front of me - you must have something to offer, tell me..

Mortal.

Whom you serve, who is your patron and what it can offer." The questions were made, now the Khanawaited the answers before acting once more.
(Sak'noth)
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[10:18] The 'Hand' busied themselves, the axe and cleaver pressed together- the sound of metal grinding upon metal a consistant backdrop at the start of the conversation. Yet it grows progressively less present when Eclipse spoke, the sparks which rippled from the blades grinding against one another coming to an abrupt halt.

"Wow! You're a BOLD one, aren't cha, sir- ma'am- person!" The bubbly smile ever present across their lips is bloodied, probably from insistant teeth-grinding from overthinking. The weapons lowered, with the axehead nestled against the stone floor and the tip of the cleaver resting there.

"... It is true. I only signed the book because it was asked of me, first by Vortissax, than by Sak'noth. I'm one to obey obey obey~!" A chirruping sound before a wretched series of light little manic giggles escaped the cambion's lips. "The power that comes with it has just been for FUNSIES! I don't know WHAT it does!"

"Noooor do I caaaaaaaaaare about the DETAILS! I was told who or whatever it was that both Omen AND the Prophet deific. But frankly..?" The blades rise again, another scraping of metal upon metal in a jittery fashion, the sparks flowing across the floor before they'd sheath the weapons behind them.

"I've already forgotten... But the Fel Khan is right right right! In-fighting? Now? Oh no, oh me, oh MY! That'd be FUN FUN FUN! But also oh so terrible, awful, awful timing. Still still still!"

"I'd like to know too. From mortal numero unoo, ouuur surprise guest in black. What. Is. On. The. LIIIINNE~!" They flourish their hands, a grand gesture made as they waited for Eclipse to present their potential offer.
(Myarsie)
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[10:24] "My patron is the oldest and most powerful being within all the realms. And yet he remains here, within this one, imprisoned in a celestial body that only exists to prevent his influence. Yet even still it trickles through to those that understand what power he can bring."

The cloaked figure pointed upwards. "Ba'al, the one that brought chaos to the divine dance. The one that birthed Hel itself and the one that only awaits release from his imprisonment. I think you can understand what releasing him might means, how it might elevate those that aided in it. It's what has made him an attractive patron across the millennia."

"They are a being far above the power structure you were born into, above any source of nephilim or demonic strength. He offers might and he offers the void. And the power to shape the world to your whims as he has done so before." They paused, a shadowed gaze from behind their mask flicking between the pair.

"I am not asking for such a sudden and complete change to your... politics. But I ask that instead of sending those you would to him for the arts of black magic... you would send them to me. And, even those that have already pledged themselves to his Patron. As I feel the pull of the void can be far more powerful than that of the Mori. Especially towards souls that have become... devoted."

"But of course, such actions would require discretion. And it's not as if your prophet would even notice the desertion of those he hasn't even considered since getting their signature." The sword on their own back clanked softly as they floated in place, a gentle rhythm like a ticking clock.

"Though who knows, the war may have many surprises in it, and you may perhaps lose your prophet yet." Was that a threat? A joke? Or perhaps just small, black hope.
(Eclipse)
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[10:34] "Stop mentioning Vorti." The creature snarled, its gaze turning toward its Hand, which kept mentioning something which Sak'noth really didn't like, that is, who she served before him.

No, he did not like to be reminded of that..

Not at all.

For that.. A flick was then given, one that would leave a small cut on the young cambion's left arm - before he turned his attention to the cultist before them, who actually said something interesting.. About a being the demon had heard mention of.

An ancestral, powerful being.. But imprisoned.

In the moon.

"Certainly to achieve my goals maybe, perhaps, there's a possibility that your patron is of use - so why not, this can be something else for me to do..

We can entertain ourselves with this attempt, but first..

You will have to demonstrate utility. I can redirect the lost beings that seek power, to you, but you will have to fightin my name, you will have to help Abendrot.

Especially against those who march against us.

Do that?" The creature rose, its hand reached forward and closed into a fist, "And I will aid you in your task, I am close to my ascension...

I feel it, soon I will step forward again and my power will increase - enabling countless things to be done, things that you mortal might need for your cult." Here was the offer, she would have to help and prove herself, in exchange for what she wanted.

If that happened? Well, they could slowly make the change.
(Sak'noth)
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[10:42] The sudden incision upon unarmed skin elicits a flutter of their lashes and a lazy tilt of their head. A bit of color within the hollowed, detached stare that they usually held themselves with. The youth clicking their heels together. "Of course!" They'd finally chime, a delayed response to the demand, the superficial pain drew blood, they mellowed out, they relaxed- they looked a bit more genuine...

And all of such was fleeting when they glanced towards the throne. Their position, and back towards the cultist. An apathetic stare unbefitting of their bright little smile and the curling at the corners of their lips.

"If the Fel Khan allows it, than I am more than happy to be one of those that signed the Mori book, to test your little... Void pulling nudges and tugs! It'd be funny after all. Oh so funny..."

Lidded eyelids became more evident afterwards, the request for the cultist to fight alongside Abendrot barely noted and yet eliciting a nod when it was specified that Eclipse would fight in the Fel Khan's name. "I'll even keep my eyes PEELED for those eager and curious for the powers of witchery."

"It'll be up to you, to turn them into something beyond a name in a book."
(Myarsie)
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[10:46] "Any fight against Aen I will gladly provide my aid for. However for your little invasion of Oakvale?" There was a small hum of disapproval. "You will get help, though not from my blade. I have no interest in anyone from that dusty old retirement villa. Though perhaps I may fight if it'll allow me to harvest more for my Lord. If we are to make an arrangement that is mutually beneficial, then we must both be able to pull our aid from causes we have no use for, yes?"

"But I believe that's an agreeable compromise. And perhaps, once we've earned enough trust from one another, I can reveal the face behind the mask. After all, if others intend to sign my book it will reveal my true name regardless." The clattering of their sword came to a stop, as if they had been doing it deliberately.

"Though this should be agreeable, yes? I will admit, my own deciphering of my Lord's book has been hampered by a lack of black essence. All of which I have had to strip out of those I have fought. Initial utility may be... limited, but advancement will pick up soon. Ah, and speaking of which."

"Your prophet is having a Sabbath soon, I would like to request access to it myself, and have no questions be asked about my presence during it."
(Eclipse)
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[10:58] "Aen will come, their ships approach and will be sunk, one by one by our horde, by my power.

Now.. Oakvale?" The creature would sit back down, before waving its hand in the air, "It's just a 'farm', which we'll harvested by me - food for my horde, mana for me.. And resources for the expansion of our lands.

Nothing more than moving a pebble out of the way." The creature added, as it was the true.

Indeed.

The place presented no real danger, it was just something else for him to build up his strength - resources, which would be used in his future conquest. But that would be something for them to deal with in the future as they had to finish off Aen's forces first.

Which thought they had the power to stop them, to put an end to the corruption they brought..

Yet, they will fall.

"Help eliminate Aen and you will not have to worry about anything, meanwhile we will look for those who can sign your book, bring the essence you need to your work.

Mya will stay here looking for these." The being would then reach out and place his hand over his cambion's head, loyal and ready to act she was - after all..

She even.. volunteered.

"Anyway, you can participate in the sabbath, that is not a problem. However, to avoid problems you must say that you are either my servant, assistant or something.

You choose what.

This way everyone will leave you alone." With that said, he finally got up, finally letting go of the Cambion's head, "Was that all?" He questioned at the end to see if they could end this conversation now or not.
(Sak'noth)
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[11:04] {Item} You drop Mana Amnesia.
[11:05] The hand upon their head elicits a momentary ear wriggle as the horned Cambion maintained their gaze upon Eclipse, a series of lighter little head-bobs follow as they hopped in place. "It'll be easy peasy-" They flutter their lashes lightly for a moment, their nose wriggling slightly before they tilted their gaze up towards the Kaor.

The ever obedient Hand humming. "By.. Stay here, you mean just in general. Right..? I shall be participating in the war effort. Right...? I can still roam, it's just.. I want to make sure your orders are clear clear clear! As crystal as they can be!"

They'd head-bob afterwards before tilting their gaze away from Sak'noth and straight towards Eclipse once more. "If anyone gives you trouble. Point them towards me. I will hand miniscule, insignificant, itty bitty tiny whiny little bothers."

Their eyelids droop lazily as they spoke. "Not that they will, a person with a big sword and a cloaked visage- and likely an ominous name- sitting in the middle of Abendrot? C'moooon. That's just par for the course. While you're here..?"

They open their arms slowly and make a grand gesture towards Eclipse. "You're one of us."
(Myarsie)
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[11:09] "I think assistant may be the best choice. Though the reality of our relationship is slightly different. But that reveal can wait for another day. Whenever you assault, or are assaulted by Aen, you shall have my blade, no questions asked, no incentive needed. Other efforts we can... discuss."

There is a dip of their head at Myarsie's gesture. "Now, with that out of the way, I have other efforts to arm. Particularly those within Vdalion. I have some that are very... receptive to the potions I have to offer them. Perhaps, through me, more can be brought to your side after all."

"And who knows, perhaps if I start advertising I'm from here I'll be able to find more willing fights. Far too many placid people out in the wilds." There was a sigh, mostly aimed at their wasted efforts of today. "Regardless, yes, that will be all for now. I can let you get back to your... paperwork."
(Eclipse)
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[11:10] Sak'noth says, "Until we meet again.."
[11:10] Sak'noth asks, "Name?"
[11:10] Sak'noth says, "Or whatever you use to.."
[11:10] Myarsie exclaims, "Ooooh I hope it's as OMINOUS as I want it to be!"
[11:10] Sak'noth says, "And yes, Mya."
[11:10] Sak'noth says, "You can still roam."
[11:10] Myarsie asks, "And the.. War itself?"
[11:10] Sak'noth says, "And do other things."
[11:10] Myarsie says, "Good good."
[11:11] Eclipse says, "It is Eclipse. I hope it meets your expectations."
[11:11] Myarsie exclaims, "DELIGHTFUL!"
[11:11] Myarsie exclaims, "Fitting. For a moon worshipper!"
[11:11] Sak'noth says, "Indeed."
[11:11] Sak'noth says, "That was all, until another time, Eclipse."
[11:11] Eclipse says, "You know it's surprisingly annoying to come up with good nouns like that some times."
[11:11] Eclipse says, "Especially when the last coven took some of the good ones."
[11:11] Myarsie says, "Good ones.."