Total War: Planescape [IC]

[Eldan]

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8379/dtek.jpg


Issue 149, First Lady's Day of the month of Bravura, Ekima 51

Lady of Pain declares Faction Culling

It is a rare occasion when Her Serenity makes an official declaration, and they have never been less than ominous. This one, perhaps, promised a more gloomy future than most: "Sigil will no longer tolerate this many factions. Organize or die."
Is war between the factions blooming? Our intrepid investigator Augh has spoken to three of Sigil's most prominent factors. Page 3.

Food Shortage Coming?

With Sigil's isolation from the planes, food prices are rising constantly as stocks and reserves are running out. The Eidelweiss has stepped into the gap, so far, feeding the poor with cheap conjured nutrients. But rumours persist that the Eidelweiss is running out of magical steam and will soon be unable to feed the city. Our diligent reporter Augh went to the source.
"No", Factor Henry of the Eidelweiss replied. Page 4.

Humanoid Interest Part 28

Shehara M. (32) of Ghundarhavel is a happy humanoid: after 15 years of searching, she was finally reuinted with R. the Dragonslayer (54), a hero who had saved her live when she got her leg stuck in a carnivorous water puddle on a hive street. When asked by our relentless correspondent Augh whether she now intended to mate and produce offspring with R., Shehara M. refused further comment.

Endtimes Coming - this time for real

Famous Prophet "Doomy" Skalver came to our offices yesterday to explain to our bold commentator Augh that after changing his calculations to account for the Lady's annoucement, he has determined that the multiverse will be ending on the third Market Day of Ironskies, next year. For alternative predictions by "Doomy" Skalver, see issues 102, 132, 134, 138, 141, 143, 148.

[NM020110]

Reports come in, and Moritharios reads. State of the district, known portals, closed portals, faction movements and more are contained in these reports. A boom in the Bazaar as a perceived lack of food causes a massive demand spike. A battle breaking out in the Hive. A diplomatic convoy cut off. An intact portal to the Abyss...before Moritharios a map of Sigil lay in parchment and rune, and one fact stood above all others.

The Lady's Peace has ended. War has come to Sigil, and with war...comes opportunity. Finishing with today's reports, Moritharios began his task of revising the nigh-uncountable plans for Sigil. Now was the time to take bold steps, and carve Order into Sigil.

For now, though, it would still be best to do the carving with words, and save the steel for another day. And so, the first round of letters was delivered...


The Baatezu

To: The Golden Citadel

A letter arrives, writ in Celestial. The ink seems to be a strange mixture of powdered ruby and mercury.

To Jarmen Moteborne,
or whomsoever it may concern,

Greetings. I am Moritharios. I have a proposition for you, regarding a faction which I am almost certain has caught your interest: the Ashen Hammer. Are you willing to hear it?



To: TALLI HUE

We hold a few unique offers which we believe some in your club might be interested in. Would it be possible to schedule a presentation?

[Grimsage Matt]

The Forges pump out war meterial by the hour, the hosts gather, and the lady herself has ordained the conflict to come. Sigil will shake under the pounding boots of the Horde, as we burn all in our path.

All know what we do. All know our goal. Total War is coming, and this is the battlefield where it will all begin. So all who hear the war horns, doom has come for you all.

To the Risers

You seek the end of all things. We seek to plunge the Multiverse into unending war. Shall we unite our paths for a time and burn all who stand in our way?

To Faluna

Our cousians of the deep speak in mixed tones of your people. Decived by the pitspawn, and luured into being their pawns, you are among those who broke ranks and fought against them.

Conflict is the nature of all things, the survival of the living is based on it. We ask that you join your might to ours, and we'll gut the pitspawn, and yes, we will go after all who do not surrender.

To The Baatezu

We are going to gut you with rusty sporks. Nothing personal, we just hate fiends a bit more then everything else.

[Orbiter]

The Risers

Dawn was sipping some tea, and reading the paper on the current chaos when she almost spat her tea out upon reading the headlines and ran to the quarters of her friend "Seeker?!" she looked around "Seeeeker where are you i got some good news.....promise, cross my heart and eat with nuts".

Well she had some good news and swore upon her heart, so.....he had little choice but to appear now from his own little hiding place in the attic and drop next to her "Heya Dawn, whats up?".
Dawn smiled and Seeker worried, did her own race get driven to extinction?, did someone make the mistake of attacking the District?!, Was it Saturday?!?.

"Read the paper carefully" she winked and left with a blink her paper on the floor. Read the paper huh?.........he picked it up and started reading it.
"oh my i should start hunting people again....like the old times." Seeker smiled for the first time in quite some time, he was in luck there was war so soon once more.

To The Doomy

The world is indeed ending, but we will survive to see you die.

so see ya around till then 'Doomy'.


To The Horde

You are wrong there, we know the end is coming in some way, but seek power to fight and survive it.
I agree on your proposal to unite, tell me who will we target first?
Or would you prefer to defend and grow?

[NM020110]

The Baatezu

To: The Horde

You, declare war, on us? We, who have been at constant war with the fiends you claim to hate for longer than even the gods can recall, just because you think we are cut off? Because you think us weak?

Purge the demons from your own ward, first. We will not attack while you do so, for our hatred is greater than even yours, and might even lend aid should you encounter difficulty with them. This is your first, and best option, and will give you the best fight.

Your second option is to attempt to carry out your threat immediately, attacking the presently weaker of two foes. Even if you succeed in driving us from Sigil, your horde will be lost should you pursue this path. The demons will pour through their portal and overwhelm you, your troops breaking because they were not prepared, because you thought to send them against foes weaker than they.

Mark my words. Your declaration of war has been noted. In time, we will come to conflict. That time need not be now, especially when a greater threat is present.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

A faint blue outline surrounded the paper as it hung suspended in midair by virtue of some minuscule magic. With a soft rustle another page turned and the cabal of Kaorti sat silent as their leader studied the tidings they brought him, any emotion on their faces hidden by the grotesque resin suits. "War is coming to the city", the Keeper finally said, a conclusion they all shared. "We can not stay idle. Our presence has to be felt if we want to prevail, but we lack a face, someone to present our ideas and beliefs to the public."
"Most of our more distinguished members were spread over the planes when the portals went down", one of the Kaorti said. "Truncinas would be a good speaker, but last we heard he was on the Para-Elemental Plane of Ice..."
"Find him", the Keeper cut him off. "We need a mouth, for without one we can not cry out in pain or joy, and if we perish our vanquishers should at least be unable to enjoy opera." The Kaorti nodded like this was sagely advice that actually made sense. "He knows not which portals work, so he needs another route. Use your spells to make a Planar Beacon so he can find the way."

To: The Why's Men
Some men certainly deserve praise, but praising oneself is arrogance. Lack of arrogance in turn is a virtue, and thus deserves praise. Surely a man can live by this principle.

He'd be a man who praises every man who doesn't praise himself, and only those.

Does he praise himself?

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"My mind to your mind", the Keeper intoned, transferring his perception and voice to one of their new converts. Even this short contact with the Far Realm would likely drive the man mad, but that only serves to bring him one step further along the desired path of the Keepers.

The hijacked body sought conference with a representative of Eidelweiss to speak for the Keepers. "Greetings, man of idle wisdom. May our conversation be dull and the refreshments bland. With the disappearance of the portals it is said you may run into trouble supplying food to the city. I seek neither confirmation nor denial from you, but instead offer help. The Keeper of Keys holds more knowledge than anyone else of portals that still work. Some of them may offer you the opportunity to establish new supply lines and we'd be willing to part with our knowledge, for an appropriate price."

[HerbieRAI]

Caigress was listening to his lieutenant talk to his partner about the recent portal closings. Caigress' lieutenant was Yeddara, a human who was a die hard "Doomy" believer, and his partner was Jaardon, a ratman who was very skeptical about most things.

With the Lady's anouncement he's got to be right this time. It makes sense, as the people start to panic from loss of food the entire city will be destroyed. Yeddara whispered.

But I don't think all the portals have closed. It's only a matter of time before we find another food source and life returns to the normal. Well, as normal as it is ever here. Jaardon responded.

But thats not what the Lady decreed. She said we must lower the number of factions. If we find another food source, she'll just cut it off again and again. She wants to end Sigil, and is begining the end!

Jaardon looked up, and in Craigess' general direction.

Curse his sense of smell thought Craigess He must have caught my sent.

I do love our conversations Yeddara, but I must be leaving. I'll meet you at the guildhall in a few hours. As the two parted ways, Jaardon came over to Craigess' hiding spot.

Did the nosy halfling find anything interesting?

Not anything I didn't already know. One of these days I'm going to trick that nose of yours. Should we do something about Yeddara? She seems compromised with the new decree.

She's a little shaken. If she doesn't regain her composure in a few days we'll need to act. She did have a valid point, the city will be terrified of hunger. Best we get in a good position to survive the storm.


Faith: 8

To the Eidelweiss

The Invisible hand comes to help with the Food problem. We are not trying to say you are unable to keep up, but with the entire city soon looking for food, and you the only people able to dispense, you will have a lot of work to do, and a lot of things to take care of. We feel this doesn't suit ones of your nature. We are willing to assist you in feeding the people of the city, if you are willing to show us how. It may be a little work now, but it will allow you more free time in the future to grow your wisdom.


To the Why's Men

I believe the two of us have very similar goals, of knowing and keeping everything that happens in the city. Is there something we can do to prove ourselves to you?

The Risers

We have many believers in our ranks, and we are wondering what you know of the end times? Do you know where the devourers are?

[Atrum Umbra]

The Pumix Corporation

The smoke over the Foundry District blew thicker than usual and screams could be heard faintly over the sound of machinery. Sparks flew in the centre of the district and soon the whole place was ablaze with magical fire. Eventually entire furnaces burst and the streets turned into rivers of molten stone and metal. Humans tried to flee from the blaze only to have their paths cut off by massive earth elementals. They were dragged to the centre of the burning district and imprisoned, they would serve new masters soon enough.
In a corner with several small foundries men had barricaded the entrance with chunks of metal and were holding back the flames with buckets of water. But they would not hold their ground for long. The walls of the buildings shook as hundreds of small rock elementals shot from them. A huge muscle-bound brute brandishing a burning plank leapt over the 8 foot high wall, knocked the leader 12 feet into a nearby building and bellowed, "Surrender or Die", they quickly went with the former.
A thin Efreet with a long molten beard and flaming hair styled in a ponytail, was slightly disturbed by the actions of his comrade. Addressing another Genie he spoke, "Did we really need to go through this much trouble Valis, couldn't we just have asked them to serve us. We didn't need to destroy so much perfectly functional equipment."
Valis, a lithe female efreet with burning embers for clothing, lowered herself from her floating black smoke cushion and replied. "Calm yourself Apor, we will have plenty to use for ourselves, let Drok have his fun. This way the humans will learn to fear us. Besides it's a nice atmosphere don't you think, it kind of reminds me of home."
"True, but I prefer we were still there, rather than stuck on this dump."

To all of Sigil
"Greetings to all those from the Plane of Fire who are now stuck here as we are. We have taken the Foundry District for the Pumix Corporation and have customised it in a way that suits our people. Any subject of The Grand Sultan is welcome to join us, assuming you will sign our contract."

Faith 5
To the Baatezu
To the honourable beings of Law, Sigil is a chaotic and dangerous land for people like us, we need all the friends we can get. You clearly value order and, now that our little issue has died down, we could use some help maintaining it and bringing united purpose to the people of Sigil.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

"Oh Heavenly Light,

I look up, knowing that in the place I now find myself, the Sun's radiance is missing.
I look in my heart, knowing that in the place I now find myself, Your Radiance is always present.
I look in my mind, knowing that in any place I find myself, Your Radiance is always present.

Allow me to extend Your Radiance to the far reaches.
Allow me to shine Your Radiance upon the lands.
Allow me to cast Your Radiance in shadow and in darkness.
Allow me to beam Your Radiance in hope and relevation.
Allow me to emit Your Radiance from my soul.
Allow me to spread Your Radiance to other souls.
Allow me to shed Your Radiance upon those who seek enlightenment.

Let me rely upon the Light and stand fast in this time of turmoil.
Let me follow the Light and find the way back to the Radiant Isles.
Let me bring the Light to my brethern on the Radiant Isles.

Please, Oh Heavenly Light, I call upon thee, I beseech thee,

For thou Radiance is everlasting,
For thou Light is ever radiant,
For thou Sun is ever light,
For thou Purity is ever the sun,
For thou Worship is ever pure,
For thou Lasting is ever our worship.

As thou has always granted us the Light,
So now I call upon thee,
To grant us the Light in eternity.

Oh Heavenly Light,
Bring light to Sigil,
Oh Heavenly Light."

Prayer to the Heavenly Light
Archivist Tatiana Illuminus
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Faith: 4

To: Moritharios
Greetings Moritharios,

Forgive me for writing this letter in the Common language. While I would rather converse in Celestial, I would rather not sully the language by discussing matters concerning the Ashen Hammer. From what I have heard, this is a faction most foul. I presume you know of our predisposition against such factions, as it should be well known the Golden Citadel stands against evil. And from that, it stands to reason that I can infer your proposition takes this into account. I would be willing to learn of it.

However, I must also state my suspecions here truthfully. The ink you used in your last letter was eloquent, but peculiar. It further worried me that it was not stated where to reply to. The deliverer does know what to do with this letter, but it is a point of note. With the recent upheaval in Sigil and the demand for less factions, I can only believe you hold allegiance to a faction. If I may ask, what is your motivation for leaving mention there of out of your letter?

The reason I ask is because your reputation did not preceed you and this is a time to be wary, I am afraid. Apologies in advance if this offended you, for only the best of intentions lies within my heart.

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

OOC: I took your low reputation into account, hence why Moritharios is not known. I assume you left no obvious trace back to the Baatezu as source of the message.

To: The Order of Sainted Blades
Greetings to the Order of the Sainted Blades.

I, Lord Knight Brandon Firestorm, write on not just the behalf of the Order of the Valorous Heart, but the Golden Citadel as well. We see commonalities between the Order of the Sainted Blades and the Golden Citadel and it is our belief that strengthening the ties between us will only be to our benefit. We both fight against tyranny and strive for a better future.

In this time of turmoil, many would seek to make use of the chaos to usurp power and bring down their neighbour in their quest for domination. The Golden Citadel stands against such folly, but it seems we are outnumbered, just like the Order of the Sainted Blades. If we can stand together and make a fist against this oppression, we stand better chances. To not beat around the bush any further, I propose an alliance between our factions.

When evil stands at your doorstep, we will stand besides you to ward it off. We hope that if we are faced with a such a situation and you have forces to spare, you will consider offering us a similar sign of goodwill.

In the mean time, know that the Order of the Valorous Heart continues its quest to find the tyrant Z'turknik, a fiend of the highest order hiding here in Sigil. If you have any information about this criminal that may help us in our endeavour to bring him to justice, we would be grateful to receive it.

Signed,
Lord Knight Brandon Firestorm of the Golden Citadel

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To: The Kindly Ones
Greetings Kindly Ones,

We of the Golden Citadel are humbled by your continued devotion to help those in need. Especially in this trying time, your efforts show resilience and compassion.

The reason I write you is because of the dwindling supplies Sigil faces. Food becomes scarcer, as do other necessities of life. We would like to help our fellows, just as you offer aid each day. While our prayers can bring forth water and such, we can not provide enough. Might we be able to work together for the good of all?

Signed,
High Priestess of Pelor Luvenia Darna from the Golden Citadel

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[Eldan]

Eidelweiss to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

The office the speaker is eventually admitted into has a beige fitted carpet and off-white furniture. The desktop is completely empty, but on the walls hang several large sheets of parchment, each filled with long colums of data: "Prime shoe sizes upon first entry of Sigil, sorted by species and year", "A study of fog density outside the window of Peasoup Lane Nr. 6 on every second market day of the month", "Amount of saliva required to wet various stamps", "The Lack of Correlation between the Tolerances of Industrial Envelope Folding Machines and average tax rates of 394 prime cities".

The Factor is a neat man of average build, in a grey suit that might have been only slightly out of fashion twenty years ago.
"May I offer you a glass of water? It was stored in a bottle for almost two days."
He pauses for 3.7 seconds, before coughing into his hand, then folding them again.
"In our budget, we will have some amount of money to spare. Please suggest a cost so that we may consider it carefully."

Eidelweiss to the Invisible Hand [6]

"The production of food is an avenue of research for us. Producing food is a repetitive and bland task that does not vary whatsoever. In fact, it is so bland that only our higher level members can properly appreciate it.

We could teach you. Only a few hand gestures and some concentration are required. However, not only would we be giving up a useful task, we would also be losing income. What do you propose to give us in exchange?"

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

The current Mr. Moneybags sat in the weekly meeting of the Consortium fiddling with his ring. He listened to the others talk about what to do, and generally ignored them. It wasn't hard to do. He had the money in the room. Not only was he the most wealthy individual, by running the Consortium he was one of the wealthiest in Sigil. by their own rules, his word was law. So as the others argued and debated about what to do, he sat, twiddled his thumbs, rolled a coin between his fingers, then began writing several letters which were sent out once the meeting was over.

The Golden Ring

Greetings! Yours is truly a religion that I can get behind. As factions that can truly appreciate the power of wealth, is there perhaps some way we can work together? Thankfully, in this mess the portal to the Consortium's private vault remained open. If you wish, I would be more than willing to allow you to store your own bullion there (and inspect it whenever you wish to ensure it remains there) in exchange for an agreement of cooperation between our factions. Our faith in our motto "Wealth brings Power" will surely serve you and yours as much as us, and perhaps some of our members can be swayed to your religion.

I eagerly await your reply -
Mr. Moneybags


The Centralists

I've been following your recent exploits in the Observer, and I must say I am very intrigued by your latest idea. How far along are you in your airship design? If your willing, I would like to buy the plans from you, if their complete, or help fund the creation of the airship in exchange for them if otherwise. I would also like to know what you find in the Center, should you make it.

-Mr. Moneybags


Xanxost's Planar Gourmet Club

I'm sure the current food crisis is hitting your restaurant even worse than the rest of us - and what a pity, as I quiet enjoyed eating there after a day in the Bazaar. I may know of a portal, still open, that would get to a nigh unlimited supply of meat. Only problem is the giant white blood cells. If I could find men willing to guard you and your chefs, what would you pay for the ability to have the only not grey-goo food in Sigil?

-Mr Moneybags


The Last Link:

"All Serve Something, None Are Free". Not a bad motto... but it does lead to the question: What do YOU serve?

-Mr Moneybags

[NM020110]

Baatezu

To: The Golden Citadel

The return letter is soon found, the reply having disappeared at some point. This letter is writ in the same hand and ink, using common.

While there is much that I can not discuss, pending new orders from my superiors, I can state that I am, for now, the highest officer of my Order currently in Sigil, and that we have been at war with all Demonkind without pause since our founding, and will likely continue to be at war with them until one of us has been removed from the Planes.

The Lady's Peace has ended, for now, and so we are free to act against the Ashen Hammer at last. Unfortunately, the loss of the portals has left us with a severe disadvantage, especially as the Ashen Hammer have an active portal to the Abyss. Worse, another faction stands between us and our sworn enemies and has declared war upon us: the Eternal Horde.

Thus, our proposition. An alliance to eliminate the Ashen Hammer, and any that would oppose their destruction.

OOC: Thank you.


To: The Pumix Corporation

We are inclined to agree. Would you like to have a short meeting of representatives to work out something formal, or keep it at an informal agreement for now?

[razovor]

The Grand Engine

To the ashen hammer, skull and spine, The troublemakers, the riddlemen, the last link, and Nyx Atropa
From: Unit commander 4F78
Topic: Query

What measures are you willing to take to secure your place in sigil in these times?

To the Horde
From: Unit commander 4F78
Topic: Alliance

The lady has given the signal for us to begin our expansion. We trust you will be doing likewise. We believe it would be beneficial for us to coordinate.

To the Risers
From: Unit commander 4F78
Topic: Alliance

The lady has given the signal for us to begin our expansion. We trust you will be doing likewise. We believe it would be beneficial for us to coordinate.

[Lost Demiurge]

TALLI HUE
to the Baatezu


"Unique offers? How positively smashing! By all means, schedule away, old chap."



The Why's Men
to the Keeper of Keys


You are seriously trotting out that old "Can you be proud of your humility?" saw? Nice try. We'll put it on the amateur paradox pile, for our younger agents to sort through later.


The Why's Men
to the Invisible Hand

You wish to prove yourselves? Very well. Find us a truth that is not yet in our archives. If you do that, then we may be able to work together on future projects.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

To the Risers

The devils sugessted the demons. Convert 'em or kill 'em, they'll need to be delt with anyway. So, want to gut some demons?

To the Grand Engine

We're planing on dealing with the demons first. Buggers have a slight tendancy to grow real damn fast, so might as well get rid of them.

And we know that you want to kill off all organic species, and in a way, we look forward to the eventual fight. It'll be a good un.

[NM020110]

The walls of documents shifted, another stack having been read and responded to. Machine armies, bastions of light and shadow...a group of adventurers of unknown strength. As the war of words and papers continued, Moritharios remembered a time before. A time when there were no papers, and when there was no need to derive energy from the souls of mortals to pursue the war against the demons...against chaos itself. Those were better times...but the deities of Law no longer consented to provide the energies needed, and so such things were necessary.

Sigil was just another field, to drive the demons into the abyss, and to gather energy and soldiers. Such was the price, to spare the planes the flames of chaos.

Baatezu

To: TALLI HUE

[color=darkred]Very well, then. Two, or perhaps three days should be plenty of time for us both to prepare. I think that I'll take it as a break from the paperwork and handle the presentation personally. I look forward to seeing you then.

[razovor]

The grand engine

To the great horde
Are you talking about the baatezu, or the ashen hammer? Either way, the former is planning to attack the latter. Do what you will with the situation, but i would recommend not wasting resources in unnecessary fights.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Why's Men
We're fully aware there are ways to resolve the contradiction, we merely expressed interest in yours to better understand your beliefs. The simplest seems to say that the answer to the question is undetermined, or perhaps neither true or false, or even both. But abandoning the true-false dichotomy seems not in line with your philosophy. Surely a scholar such as yourself would be able and happy to educate us on the matter?

[OOC: Getting into non-classical logic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-classical_logic) here. Of course, I don't demand an answer that requires familiarity with advanced philosophy :smallwink: so feel free to let them just brush me off. But the point is, the principle of Russell's paradox is a true problem in standard logic.]

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"Thank you." The Keeper accepted the water, not at all bothered by the lack of taste. His mind has been put into the golem body 137 years ago, the sensation of taste was long since alien to him. "By the way, if you don't mind I have some interest in the saliva study. An acquaintance once claimed to have spent a year as a professional stamp wetter, and I questioned whether it is biologically possible to wet enough stamps to make a living, assuming reasonable rates of compensation. I'd love to have the matter resolved.

Anyway, on to business. We have two promising portals we might offer. One to Neth, the Plane that Lives. We know not your method of food processing, but I trust your capabilities to convert the abundant biomass. Its location would be very easy to access for you. We'd ask for a simple one-time fee so we can expand our financial and business holdings.

We also have a portal to a branch of Yggdrasil in our own territory. We didn't explore far, but it is a place rich in life and if you can process plants your job is pretty much done. However, since it is on our turf we would have to ask for a small, regular toll to use the portal, in addition to the one-time payment."

[Orbiter]

The Risers


To The Horde

Sure why not, let me check something first.

((namely if i can jump territory or if someone can ambush me so i know if i should talk with npc's territories to get there or use magic =P))



To The Grand Engine

We agree tell us where should we expand towards to.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203445-e311510f.jpg
High Priestess of Pelor Luvenia Darna from the Abbey of Light and the Golden Citadel

"To All Factions currently making a name for themselves in Sigil. I, Luvenia Darna, direct myself to each and every one of you. We have different philosophies, different ideas and different cultures. But we all have in common that we are in Sigil, where the portals are no longer open. Supplies are becoming scarcer by the moment, and the situation is growing more dim.

Therefore, I call out to you. Please, think of your neighbours and fellow creatures, and share what you have, so that we can all endure through these trying times together. Please, put aside your conflicts for now and let us stand together to face this adversity.

I know it is much to ask for some of you, but I implore you to show compassion and mercy for those around you. We will do our own share as well, and if you need advice, we of the Abbey of Light and the Golden Citadel stand ready. At the very least, please consider extending this helping hand.

Thank you in advance and may the Light bless those who show such compassion."

To: Moritharios
Greetings Moritharios,

Like you, we are facing adversity with the loss of the portals. The advantage the Ashen Hammer has with its portal is a significant one, especially as it allows them to continue their operations as before. How many will listen to their lies and deceit just to get out of here, I dare not think of.

It inspires me to find a person like you, who seeks contact with us and has such a strong conviction to fight against the evil of the Ashen Hammer. While I would be happy to say I can dedicate aid to this endeavour, but unfortunately I can not. Not only because you are facing problems of your own in the form of the Eternal Horde, but because I can not commit the Golden Citadel to forge an alliance with a faction whose name is unknown. Whatever reasons you have for not being able to discuss that, be they in the form of superiors or otherwise, it does prevent me from making such an agreement, as I still know so little about your Order.

And alas, there are other troubles that keep me, as well as my companions of the Golden Citadel, occupied as well, now that the portals are no more. I do not know what men I could spare. But I am willing to listen to any proposed actions, for which support may be granted based on the nature of the suggested course of action.

Allow me to start of with a suggestion. As you may be aware, one of the groups composing the Golden Citadel is the Order of the Valorous Heart. They are dedicated to seeking out and vanquishing the fiend Z'turknik. A fiend of great evil, who has sought hiding in Sigil. We do not know his relation with the Ashen Hammer, but if he does have a relation with the Ashen Hammer, we could weaken the Ashen Hammer by taking him out. If you could find out more about his location and possible ties with the Ashen Hammer, it could aid the Knights of the Order in tracking him down and putting an end to the menace, which in turn might make things more difficult for the Ashen Hammer if they are affiliated.

As for the Eternal Horde, I have heard very little about them. Nothing good so far, admittedly. I hope their declared war is only an idle threat, and is not related to the Ashen Hammer. Though your letter does seem to imply this might be the case. Do they have a particular cause against your Order?
In any case, I hope this letter finds you well and in safety.

Regards,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

[NM020110]

Moritharios read the open call for aid, shaking her head slightly. Not many were those who could afford to answer that call, in this time...still, perhaps a little of the divine power present here could be used...

Carefully, a simple poster was drawn up. A background composed of the grey sludge that was Food, crossed by a small stream of water running red with iron. In white lettering...
"Freedom from the need for food and water, from now until you die."

Completed, the poster was handed off to a lesser devil, to be copied and distributed...a small space left open for a local address to be written in.

Baatezu

To: The Golden Citadel

Greetings Prince Jarmon,

I am saddened to hear of your distrust, though in these troubled times such is understandable. Due to the distance separating us from the Ashen Hammer, and the Eternal Horde which presently stands between us, in may be some time before we reach them. Rest assured that you will be informed when that happens.

Regarding Z'Turknik, our records do not contain that name to my recollection, though the records here deal in large part with Sigil alone. When we succeed in contacting the rest of our Order, we will ask them. Chances are good that we will encounter said fiend at some point in the near future.

To the matter of the Eternal Horde, it is possible that they simply heard of our war with the demons and challenged us for a good fight. A member of our Order among the Risers confirmed that they have accepted our suggestion that they fight the Demons first, though there was one unexpected mention. I've attached a copy of that section.

Regards,
Moritharios





Convert 'em or kill 'em, they'll need to be delt with anyway. So, want to gut some demons?

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

A few shamans and enginseers made the journey to sigil before the colusure. Most of them would still be occupied on the battlefields of Ysgard or Archeon, so there were few to advise Gurg. Of course, binding Demons into weapons or war engines was difficult and tricky when there were a lotta boyz around to do the sealing.

So, with the option of conversion by forced weaponization gone, Gurg directs the Horde to do what the Horde does best. No, not gut fiends with rusty sporks. Thats what the Grys-ta'voth did. Wonder if that chick in the risers would like a necklace made from demons hearts.... and the temple could use a few new skulls.......

To the Risers

The Ashen hammer looks like they need some hammering. You get the hearts, we get the skulls, and maybe a few to bind inter a Fel Reaver?

To the Grand Engine

Ya, the devils hate them demon buggers too. We'll gut em both later after we git more boyz. On that note, we got a propostion for you. Ever heard of a little something called a Fel Reaver? First, ya get a big-arse metal golem, add some skulls and flamethrower ports, then to animate the thing, you bind a few demons to it. Intrested? Its a twoferone. Demons die, we get a giant war golem powered by unholy energy, you have a 50/50 chance of taking control of it for your genocide later, and we use it to crush things in the meantime.

Sides, lets make it a big brawl, see whos fightin, whos hanging back, maybe take a little... advantage of the situation?

To Everyone but the Ashen Hammer

The Eternal Horde is gonna march on the Ashen Hammer! The Demon Buggers are gonna get their hearts ripped out, their skulls torn out, their rear-ends exorised, and some are gonna be gutted with Rusty sporks. Anyone who wants some demon, its a brawl and sigil is invited!

To the Ashen Hammer (Open)

Hi, wondering if fridays a good day to have a pitched battle royale? Good, we'll be there.

[Lost Demiurge]

Why's Men
to the Keeper of Keys

Well, if you were serious about that...

Our perception of this is that you are dealing in hypotheticals. The value systems that declare humility is worth more than pride are not universal, and their validity remains to be judged. Our upper tier philosophers are working on this one now, among others, and are likely to continue to do so for quite some time.

In the meantime, we must content ourselves with more tangible truths.

[razovor]

The grand engine

To the eternal horde
we do not think it is advantageous to attack the ashen hammer at this time, but you seem to have an irrational attachment to doing so, we will see afterwards if it was worth the effort.

The golems will use this opportunity to attack other targets.

we do not wish to bind demons to our golems. they are creatures of pure emotion, untempered by any rational thought. this is the kind of thing we wish to avoid

To the risers:
we recommend the torographia

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

To The grand engine

Demons pure emotion? Got that a bit wrong. They're entropy. Things breaking down, recycling, rebuilding. They are Chaos. The emotion is what we tack on to make sense of them.

That, and if everyone is going to be pounding them into the ground, wouldn't it give a good test of yer strength before the big fights, and a damn good shot at them buggers?

[Lady Serpentine]

The Exalted Network

(Faith 3, Esp. 6)

[Golden Citadel Temple
Office of the High Priestess
Early Morning
PM]

A strange creature - one that had, until now, been able to evade the wards put in place by virtue of simply not existing for the purposes of most detection spells - entered the office of the High Priestess, kneeling before her, head bowed, and arms spread wide, a moment later.

More specifically, it was a male humanoid, but one of a type unknown to any member of the Temple; four-armed, each limb ending in a seven-fingered, clawed, hand, with pointed ears, and a long, thick, tail capped by a vicious barb. It also wore nothing but a pair of thin pants, clearly both unarmed, save for the weapons inherent in its form, and unarmored.

"My apologies for the intrusion, Lady Sunkeeper," he says in passable, if oddly guttural, Celestial. "But it has come to our attention that you are dealing with those who, we suspect, you would rather not be, if you knew who they were.

I refer, of course, to the ones sending you letters in such 'peculiar' ink. The reason that they refuse to identify themselves, yet are so eager to destroy the Ashen Hammer, is that, to put it bluntly, they are devils.

The full text of the intercepted communication that they sent you in their last letter is as follows: 'The devils suggested the demons. Convert 'em or kill 'em, they'll need to be dealt with anyway. So, want to gut some demons?'

This followed from a communication to the Horde after their declaration of war, an excerpt of which is as follows: 'Purge the demons from your own ward, first. We will not attack while you do so, for our hatred is greater than even yours, and might even lend aid should you encounter difficulty with them. This is your first, and best option, and will give you the best fight.'

As for who I represent, and why we are providing this information, which I presume are some of your immediate questions, I am part of the Exalted Network of Fleshcraefters and Technomancers. We offer the knowledge to you freely, as a gesture of goodwill.

What you do with that knowledge - and myself - is up to you."

With that, he sits back on his heels, awaiting her decision.

((All of that assumes she doesn't interrupt him, of course. Oh, and if you're wondering, he's an already-rare variant of a Tiefling, who's then had custom-tailored modifications; the reason no-one in the Temple has seen his species before is that nothing quite like it exists outside of him.

It's entirely possible the High Priestess can figure out he's some kind of Tiefling, though, given that the 'face' of the Exalted Network is a half-demon.))

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: Torographia[Faith 5]
Greetings mappers of the unmappable.
We can relate to someone trying to understand what others say is beyond understanding. Your surveyors are free to traverse our territory unimpeded.

To: Xanxost's Planar Gourmet Club[Faith 5]
Most humble greetings to you. My people have praised your exotic creations - fried imp wings in a honey-garlic marinara, stuffed succubus in a batter of butter made from Vrock milk... One even claimed the ground nail droppings of a Balor make an excellent seasoning, although that last one seems a bit ambitious.

You may have some supply problems, and with the recent announcement of the Horde the available numbers are sure to go down. I suppose you could just pilfer the resulting corpses from the streets, but I surmise you prefer your meat fresh and not trampled or pre-sliced.

Perhaps we can offer something. We know of a portal to Pandemonium where you might find fresh supplies. It would certainly require some military strength to do so, but the demons there are mostly weak and the realm not ruled by their lords, it would certainly be easier to get fresh meat there than in the Abyss itself. Would you like to know more?

To: The Eternal Horde[Faith 5]
I guess for most people demons are a logical first choice to take out, although tax collectors and inexplicably benevolent drow are up there as well.
If you want to end the demon presence in Sigil for good we have an important piece of information that is best discussed in private. Seek us out if you wish to know more.

To: The Golden Citadel[open letter]
Dear H.P. of Pelor etc. pp,

We fail to fully understand the intention of your message. The instruction was clear - organize or die. It is perhaps something the alternatively animated like the Undead and Golems are less concerned about were one to take it literally, but we are rather ill inclined to argue semantics with You-Know-Who.

We certainly doubt that most factions are willing to peacefully roll over and die - metaphorically - so fighting is unevitable. Were you perhaps proposing a code of conduct how conflict has to be resolved or was that just your idealism speaking?

Sincerely,
The Keeper of Keys

[Lady Serpentine]

[The Keepers - PM]

It has come to our attention that you have certain... Unique... things at your disposal, Warder of Gates and Knower of Locks. Namely, innovations to do with your Resin, and odd mutations caused in your explorations.

We have access to a portal that, to the best of our knowledge, you are not aware of - and, more importantly, one that leads to a plane you may not even be aware exists.

Would you be willing to trade for information on it, and, if all goes well, potentially even access to it?


--Lynette Drakshvil

[The Arising Fortress
Dawn's Room
Early Morning
PM]

"O Hunters fell,
You would kill hell,
Or die so well,
But a tale have we to sell.

Yet it bears a hefty fee;
Knowledge never has been free,
Aid you're promised soon will flee,
Write your answer back on me."

That was inscribed in blood-red letters on the shell of a spider-like construct, somehow dangling from the ceiling by a rope of shifting colors, in the corner of Dawn's room in the Arising Fortress.

How it got there was a mystery, seeing as despite the wards, nothing seemed to have been set off, but it was clearly meant as a message of some sort...

[Orbiter]

The Risers

To The grand engine[5]

The map makers?
No thank you we prefer buying things from them and they lack anyone strong to take their hearts, perhaps another time Golems.


To The Horde[5]

Holla those spoils sounds nice we shall sent our troops to help you.....hmm fel reavers huh?......i think our best mage knows something about that, we shall see.
We should care though those demons have a portal to many portals according to what i hear........thus could have quite a lot of troops, but a combined attack should help us eradicate them, just watch for anything strange.


An Answer to a letter in the Arising fortress[PM-C'nor]

Dawn found the spider construct, studied it for a moment some very small magic in work simply to ensure no hidden message she missed was there and....then, then she wrote a letter and merrily gave it to the spider.

"O spiders tell
What you want for that knowledge of hell
Your eight eyes became nine and divine
And spied the crimes of Dancing Devils and Demons

But did you wish for gold or flesh in this bargain of hell?
My answer shall still be yes"

In simple black ink the answer was scribed in the letter, apparently someone took well to the message that had been sent.

[Lady Serpentine]

[The Arising Fortress
Dawn's Room
Early Morning
PM]



The spider takes the letter, though oddly, it folds it into the shape of a three-legged bird rather than reading it, or anything of the sort... Still, though, the message that comes through a few moments later, written in letters of smoke left in the air by its front limbs, was, if one ignored the fact that it was poetry, perfectly sensible as a reply.

"O start of days,
The swarm's arrays,
Agree to take back flesh.

The Baatezu,
Did as you knew,
Put off the endless Horde,

With help sworn when the Hammer falls -
They too would go and take the walls -
A deal both fine and fresh.

But the aid they'd give is not from them;
To sit back safe while the tide does stem,
They have promised the Temple reward.

Yet that aid comes with a sting,
For at close of this thing,
They were meant to be allies most true.

Their nature revealed,
And their plans unconcealed,
No more will they have such a deal.

For their goal in the end,
Was to take their new friend,
And use them to kill all of you."

[Orbiter]

To The Friend in the Arising Fortress [PM]

One letter gone and another one comes in, Dawn is not yet impressed, then again is she ever?. Grabbing her pen she finishes her new letter.

"Thank you most gracious friend
Your information shall be used to plunder and tear asunder
Enemies old and new shall be torn in two
And the end for them is sure to come

The horde shall buckle under our thunder soon
But the time to rend has yet to come for that to happen
We will play these games of Shadows with you
Because we know when the time is right


We shall Rise

And with our prize shall set the price
To begin anew with the power of sinew
Until then, Hearts will be feasted upon
Blood will be spilled and bones will be crushed

For the time is not yet high for treason to happen
And the spiders kiss is the sweetest of things to happen
Beware of webs bigger than yours for bigger Spiders have existed to weave them

As for the reward of flesh
It shall be dispatched
To your web of flesh and metal

Should it be found inadequate
Then sent us a letter of ink and paper
To our Rising fortress of solitude
"

Dawn gives the letter to the spider and winks playfully at it.


The Invisible Hand[5]

We know some things and some secrets, but are not willing to speak about them, for a few fellow believers we shall say this.

Beware of abyssal layers for bigger things than us used to live there.
The portals exist if one can find them, and new ones can be opened without the Lady's permission.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Exalted Network [PM]
For realsies? If you talk of one of the many artificial and spatially limited demiplanes that's quite believable, but if something else we'd be quite surprised not to have heard of it, although we might be willing to accept your claim, especially on a Tuesday.

Our Kaorti casters are currently occupied with other tasks to better organize our Faction, but if you want to witness a drill of our mundane troops to see the mutations, resin suits and weapons in action you are welcome to send some observers. In return we'd just like the name of the Plane you speak of. If it indeed is of interest to us we can later discuss adequate compensation for key and location.

[Atrum Umbra]

The Pumix Corporation

To Baatezu
We see no need for contracts for the the time being, you are clearly a trustworthy group and we are in separate wards. We have a lot of issues to deal with in our current ward but they are things we can do alone and would not want to bother you with. Maybe when we are a dominant force in our respective wards we will have more to discuss. Though we shall start drafting contracts now, it will take a while.

To Neighbouring Districts (to the Foundry District) by Distribution of Fliers
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the recent commotion, we now have the situation under control. I hope you don't mind the extra warmth and smoke, though I would assume it is something you are quite used to by now. The Foundry District is now under control of the Pumix Corporation. Any who wish to apply for work are welcome to join, please just throw this flier on the ground to accept our contract and you will be magically transported to us.

[ForzaFiori]

The Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Keeper of the Keys

It's said you have the greatest knowledge of portals on Sigil. I happen to have... well, let us just say "a lot" of cash on hand, and would be willing to help finance missions into said portals, for a share of whatever profits may come of them. You have a better knowledge of your portals than I, so I will simply leave an open door to you - if you have a portal you wish to exploit investigate, simply send a message.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

To the Keeper of Keys[PM]

Walking up to the meeting place, is a massive Troll. Some might assume hes ready for a small war to suddenly break out, as he is covered with massive metal plates, that glow with eldrtich runes that speak of rage and suffering bound, and enough weapons in various harnesses, belts, slings and sheathes to outfit a small squadron.

Going right up to your door, the warlike giant knocks on it.

"Oi, yer sent a message you boyz wanted to have a little chat with me bout them hammer buggers?"

It seems that the warlord himself has come to meet with you.

[Eldan]

The Eye is Watching

Thump-thump, thump-thump.
So shake the streets under the thunder of the butts of pike and spear and mancatcher striking cobbles. Drums join in, beating the heartbeat rhythm and a voice joins in.
"Aleph Battery! Tuuu-rn widdershins! Doublestep march! One-two, one-two!"
The noise doubles as a two hundred boots beat sparks from the flat cobbles.

People stand aside as they hear the noise. Sellers close their stores as they hear the beat.
The Tallymen! The Tallymen!
With spear and sword, many men behind their shields and the mask of one authority. They are all the same, now, marching to one beat.

But then, one stands forward.
"Drok! Apor! Associates! Stand down! Drop weapons! Refrain from all magic or magic-like powers! You have until 6 hours before antipeak* to submit to Judgement! You stand accused of breaking the peace, 24 counts of manslaughter, reckless endangerment, unlicensed slavery and a number of kidnappings and assault that is yet to be determined!"

*Peak is the brightest time of the Sigil sky, Antipeak the darkest. Six hours before Antipeak is Sigil's equivalent to dusk.

The Kindly Ones to the Golden Citadel [4]

Kindness knows no exclusion and more hands are always in demand. All cooperation is welcomed. Besides manpower, what can you offer? While we distrbute much of hte Food we obtain from the Eidelweiss, we yet always need more. Do you have gold to purchase more or mages to create more food? This is what we desperately need, now, as many of the poor always go unfed, even in times of plenty.

The Golden Ring to the Trader's Consortium [2]

"While the offer is appreciated, we have vaults of our own, with all the security money can buy. We hope you can understand that we must hold on to our own gold and can not give it in other's hands, even those as trusted as yours.

As for a religious cooperation, that would be most welcome. Perhaps we could start with business arrangements? In our experience, starting with credits and contracts always leads to the best results.

-Amox Goldenheart, Director of Acquisition

The Centralists to the Trader's Consortium [4]

Our progress has been much hampered lately. You would not believe how much more expensive cloth, leather and oil have become now that we are isolated, nevermind wood which was always scare here. As such, we have plans, but no tested prototypes and we can not guarantee that any of them would fly in Sigil's thin atmosphere. A sponsorship would be most welcome, however.

Xanxost to the Trader's Consortium [4]

"Xanxost ate a giant white blood cell once. It did not taste like other white things, astoundingly. Xanxost is a chef and he needs no guarding. Simply point him at the meat you want cook and he will obtain it himself!

Last Link to the Trader's consortium [4]

Those who think themselves free serve laws and contracts, they serve superiors and employers, they even serve their own morals. We serve a bit of each of those.

Ashen Hammer to the Grand engine [3]

"If we could, we would run. We know which way the wind is blowing, and there are devils in the city that can not stand our competition.

Skull and Spine to the Great Engine [3]
"We do what we always did. We take corpses off the streets, we guard the mortuary and the mortuary guards us. These are Sigil's oldest walls, they have survived more than one war.

Nyx Atropa to the Great Engine [2]

Nothing returns.

[Atrum Umbra]

The Pumix Corporation

To The Tallymen
A tall thin female Efreet descends from the smoke plumes and stops, hovering, a few yards down the road from the man who was bold enough to step forward.
"My dear man, you know nothing of the accusations and demands that you are making. We are beings of magic, to ask us to refrain from it's use is to ask us to stop living. All of our acts here were to defend our modest group, who were attacked as we tried to retreat from Sigil and back to our own lands. We are stuck here now and need to defend our people, many of whom need the increased heat to survive. Your singling out of Apor is completely unfounded, I would like it known that he took no part in the battle, and in fact was quite opposed to the extent that it was dragged out. But it is the accusation that our slavery is unlicensed that wounds us the most, all those that we took from our homelands are completely licensed in both The City of Brass and Sigil and any that have chosen to join us since have accepted contracts. Your desire to uphold the law is commendable, but if you examine the facts you will see that we are completely innocent."

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

To: The Keeper of Keys [Open]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203445-e311510f.jpg

Greetings Keeper of Keys,

The hope I have is that people will help each other in these trying times. This is not related to the call about the factions, but rather to the portals vanishing. While indeed, there are some factions out there which I doubt will heed my call, but there is no harm in trying.

I do not suggest factions should roll over and die, no, I suggest we stand together to face the troubles of this time. Though your words do speak truth, it seems fighting is inevitable with the huge differences and opposing ideals of the current gathered groups in Sigil. I believe that this need not be done for the sake of lesser factions, however, as those who share an ideal can work together. And thus, we may organize. If there are less factions, then perhaps the Lady's Peace may return once more along with the portals, though it is impossible for me to tell if this is the case.

Regards,
High Priestess of Pelor, Luvenia Darna

[PM] The Exalted Network
Office of the High Priestess
Early Morning

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203445-e311510f.jpg

The entrance of the foul creature in her office had led Luvenia Darna to quickly grab for her holy mace, Dawnbeam. The chair she had set upon had been rudely shoved aside and was now leaning against the nearby wall. She stood before the man, the creature, with her mace low. His Celestial, while lacking the finery of tongue, as well as his stance, had convinced her to listen. Her face still showed a clear expression of dismay at this unannounced intrusion, but that expression quickly lost ground to the new expression that was crawling over her face.

"What!?" She said loudly, her voice a tense angered. The scowl on her face quickly disappeared, however, as she regained her composure. "The news you bring is not good news. How very typical that one such as you brings this news." She sighs for a moment, tugging the mace to her belt.

"Apologies for my reaction. But really, you should not just barge in uninvited like that. Still, if what you say is true, I should probably be happy that you did. To think that they even suggested an alliance.. bah, devils!" She spat out the last word. "Such trickery! But.." And this time she looked at him with an intense gaze and said with a sharp tone: "Who is to say you are not using it for your own trickery? I can not say your Network has done much to gain respect so far."

She turned her head away, closing her eyes for a moment. "My apologies for the sharp words. Much has been going on lately, and I admit you spooked me with your sudden appearance." Opening her eyes swifty, she looks down upon him. "Stand up. There is no need to kneel further, if you have no intentions to cause harm here." She doubted it, considering the importance of the news, but one with such a vicious appearance should not be considered without danger.

"I will speak to the others about this. We will act on this. Thank you and the Exalted Network for this messsage."

Faith: 4

To: Moritharios

Moritharios,

Disturbing news has reached me. I have learned that your faction is one of devils. As you should be fully aware, the Golden Citadel stands against evil, and this naturally includes devils. The Golden Citadel can not work together with a faction of devils. In this light, it makes sense why you did not mention more about your Order, and why you stand against the Ashen Hammer so strongly. However it does not justify keeping this important fact out of our conversations.

If what I have learned is not true, then prove that you and your Order are not devils, Moritharios.

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

To: The Kindly Ones

Greetings Kindly Ones,

While we do have several priests in our midst capable of providing food, they are currently busy an another humanitarian project. We will devote manpower, as well as what few funds we can muster to give aid to those in need.

Signed,
High Priestess of Pelor Luvenia Darna from the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203445-e311510f.jpg

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Trader's Consortium[Faith 5]
Your offer is interesting and will certainly be remembered. We still need first to mount some simple scouting missions to see which of the Portals offer valuable ressources in reasonable distance to the treshold. Some things may have no value, some may only have value to a limited amount of people, like blocks from the Para-Elemental Plane of Ice to a cocktail bar. Others we may not be aware of, knowing the portal but not what is some distance away from them. More ambitious expeditions may be feasable in some weeks. We'll come back at you, stay tuned.

To: The Eternal Horde [PM]

The lower third of the cube of black stone is by now covered in a thick layer of brown resin.
A middle-aged thin man steps out to meet the troll under a huge umbrella stripped yellow-green to protect from the light. His eyes are mismatched and small patches of purple flesh are spread over his skin. They seem to crawl and twist ever so slightly, like the body is mutating at this very moment.
"Thank you for coming. Refreshments?" A Kaorti in his resin suit offers a tray with a huge mug, featuring a comically small lemon slice and a bamboo piece as straw. "The Portal under the Ashen Hammer's control is well known, but what you perhaps not know is that Sigil has another Portal into the Abyss. It is less practical than the one they built their base around, and not easy to use for someone without wings or a demon's physiology. Still, even if you win the first fight they could use it as a fallback point or to bring new troops in or even for another demonic Faction to set up shop. It might be good for you to seize the Portal, or at least dump a couple tons of cement on it.
That warning about the Portal's existence should be enough to prevent some unpleasant outcomes, and with that much we are willing to part out of goodwill without compensation, but no more. Would you like to know more?"

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

The Golden Ring

We would be open to business contracts, though we currently have no need of credit. Do you have any enterprises at the moment that could use more funding?

-Mr Moneybags


The Centralists

If you can get us a list of what you need, we can go about finding it. We are currently looking to open up new trade routes anyway, it should be no problem to add new items to our list.

-Mr. Moneybags


Xanxost

As I'm sure you can imagine, a portal to food is going to be highly sought after around here. If we can arrange a private meeting, I can show you the portal, and we can work out a deal on the price of use.

-Mr. Moneybags


Last Link

I'm not going to beat around the bush - The Trader's Consortium would like to incorporate the Last Link. We would work up a contract, you would have a seat on the council, and be treated as any other guild. You would make money - while a small amount of your profits are donated to the central fund, it is used to increase all our profits. No guild has had a decrease in income since joining. You said contracts were a master you served, and I offer you a contract. You serve superiors - I would become yours, but in time, one of yours could rise to run the consortium. You serve morals - I have no doubt that increasing money is part of your morals. I offer money in droves. All I ask is that you tell me what you need to make this work.

-Mr. Moneybags

[Eldan]

The Eidelweiss to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

"Yggdrasil. I see. It is guarded, cutting leaves from it may pose difficulties."
His tone is perfectly bland, as he walks over to the wall and takes the saliva study off it, revealing a copy of the same study, hanging behind it.
"Neth is promising. How much would you charge for that?"

The Ashen Hammer to the Eternal Horde [Open]

"How nice of you to warn us, whoever you are. We won't be there ,we have more important things to do."

Torographia to the Keeper of Keys [Open]

The reply to the Keeper's message simply appears, and in a most peculiar way. A wall opposite the Keeper's headquarter simply seems to waver for a while, like hte air above a hot street and then, seemingly random lines of mortar, algae, soot and other dirt form crude letters:
"ThAnk YoU foR yoUr ofFer. iT is noT needeD, but sTilL appreCiateD.

Xanxost to the Keeper of Keys [5]

Xanxost is eager for some sport. Xanxost grows tired of grey goo, rats, street waste and cobblestones. It reminds Xanxost too much of his time in the Grey Waste.

[Ionbound]

Elena light a cigar in her office. "It looks like war has finally come to Sigil. Gods damn those who's dream this was. Best start preparations."

Faith 6

To the Golden Ring
We assume you are just as interested in keeping Sigil in one piece as we are. May we suggest an alliance against those who's goal is conquest and destruction?

To the Kindly Ones

We assume you are just as interested in keeping Sigil in one piece as we are. May we suggest an alliance against those who's goal is conquest and destruction?

To Ferandantilax

If you ally with us to keep Sigil together, we may be able to assist you with your...problems

To The First

We assume you are just as interested in keeping Sigil in one piece as we are. May we suggest an alliance against those who's goal is conquest and destruction?

To the Trader's Consortium

We assume you are just as interested in keeping Sigil in one piece as we are. May we suggest an alliance against those who's goal is conquest and destruction?

To the Golden Citadel

We assume you are just as interested in keeping Sigil in one piece as we are. May we suggest an alliance against those who's goal is conquest and destruction?

To All

We desire the preservation of the city of Sigil. No price is too steep to pay to stop those who would alter or destroy the city. The nature of the city is vital to our research, so those who would destroy such an opportunity to see into the true nature of magic and the planes, regrettably, must be destroyed.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

One of the Kaorti ***** his head, studying the unexpected form of Torographia's response. With a shrug, he takes some yellow paint and draws a smiling face under the text, thus concluding this diplomatic exchange.

Elsewhere

The human body of the Keeper, the fingers of his left hand by now boneless and writhing in a tentacle-like fashion from the continued mutation, suddenly collapses in a fit of laughter lasting a solid hour, not including a short period of unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen.

To: Xanxost[Faith 5]
Excellent. What would you offer in exchange, apart from the opportunity to properly celebrate my dear friend's Truncinas's birthday five weeks from now with a good feast?

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"An excellent choice, the short distance will make transport easy.
We wish enough funds to expand our local production and business facilities, be it building new ones or buying shares of existing ones.
It is worth pointing out that our explorers saw huge white blood cells on Neth with maybe or maybe not rudimentary intelligence. We weren't attacked, but that may change if someone tries to cut pieces out, so we recommend sending a competent escort with your harvesters just in case. Caution is the mother of the porcelain crate after all." The Keeper frowns, sipping from the water. "Sorry. I guess the saying sounds better in the original Elven."

[I'm basically asking him to raise my wealth by 1. How many temp stats would that take?]

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

To the Keeper of Keys[PM]

The Trolls takes a long glance at the one in front of it, scales being wieghed in his mind, pros and cons, plans and costs, all the gears being carefully wieghed and thought out. He may not be the sharpest mind out of all the factors in Sigil, the Warlord would be the first to admit to that, but you don't manage to lead an army without having some brain the the skull.

"Now, I can't rightly agree to somthing without knowing what exactly it is you want. And not just the upfront bits either. No, why do you want the hammer gone, why talk to us about it, when there are a few others, and most importantly, what is it that you have to gain from it all?"

His language, accent, and quirks vanished, apprently just a mask he puts on. For one reason or another, Gurg is taking this seriously. Those who know Grey Trolls know this is a bit of a double edged sword. On one hand, the speaker has his full attention. On the other, he is very, very suspicuios right now.

[NM020110]

Baatezu
Faith: 4

The Golden Citadel[PM]

This time, instead of the letter simply disappearing and a response arriving in turn, a woman is heard laughing nearby minutes after the letter disappears. The source is then heard moving back towards where the letter was left, and soon what appears to be a black-winged astral deva. She stops laughing soon after entering the room, and quickly finds the door to Prince Moteborne's office.

Upon entering the room, she bows low to the prince, before standing to speak in archaic celestial.

"Greetings, Prince Moteborne. I am Moritharios, the correspondent with whom you have been conversing. My thanks to whomever told you that we are devils; it put you into the exception category of a really annoying order that badly needs to be updated, but won't be because the people that wrote it never get off their thrones until they get knocked off."

Moritharios takes the opportunity to toss an open scroll of parchment to the Prince, but continues on without giving him the chance to read.

"Since that order no longer applies, I'm free to talk. I lead the Order of the Feather, a group consisting of...probably at most a quarter of the survivors of the original Host of Asmodeus. While I could go on for years, I suspect that you'll fall asleep or try to kill me at some point, so I wrote down the biggest points there. For discussion's sake, suffice it to say that we've come to disagree rather strongly with Asmodeus and his spawn over a number of things."

Moritharios practically spits Asmodeus's name, and there's the slight impression that she could spend hours hurling invectives in that direction.

"So, to be blunt. Devils, yes. Evil, depends on who you ask. We're beings of law first and foremost. If orders say we've got to corrupt souls to feed the war effort against the demons, we have no choice in the matter. For now, orders say to alter Sigil's society so that people are more likely to accept the presence of devils and so that people are more likely to be sent to Baator after death, and to entice mortals into sending their soul to Baator if the opportunity presents itself and. No time limits, thankfully, but reports do have to show some progress or I'll get sacked and they'll send someone else. For now, just making Sigil more Lawful is a task that will take centuries at least. Spreading inherent, instinctual evil will probably take centuries more, and is something I'm not inclined to start on, so for now Lawfulness is what is getting spread. If some order were to see to it that people were basically good...well, you're the first I've seen that has much chance of succeeding, and I'm all for it.

"If you won't work with us because of what we are, that's fine. If you can overlook that for the greater good, that's also fine. If you just need some time to think, maybe call a council meeting, maybe ask some questions, that's fine as well. Just let me know when and where if you have any for me, and I'll answer any I can."


The parchment contains writing in the same ink as the letters, and in the same flowing celestial script as Moritharios's first letter.

Asmodeus has set up a system of exploitation. It started, we believe, in the Eldest Days when Asmodeus first proposed the concepts of Sin and Punishment. Almost certainly, it was planned when the Pact Primordial was proposed and signed. The system involves purposely corrupting individuals and societies, for the purpose of gathering further energy from souls.

The primary complaint is that this measure is not aimed at the completion of the Blood War. Plans overheard by a member of the Order at Malsheem indicate a planned assault on the upper planes by a combined force of devils and demons. Asmodeus apparently intends to heal himself of his wounds sustained in the fall to Baator, at which point he will negotiate a ceasefire with the demons.

If carried out, this will constitute a dereliction of our duty to prevent the demons from ravaging the planes. Further complaints can be levied, however. The Nessian Legions have been withheld by Asmodeus from the Blood War, with the intent that they will be used in the aforementioned assault.

This army consists of at least three-million pit fiends, and more lesser varieties of Asmodeus's spawn. If committed to the blood war, we could take and secure the plane of infinite portals, eliminating in large part the threat posed by the demons to the planes. That it is not only speaks to Asmodeus's intentions.

For this reason and many others, it is the conclusion of the Order of the Feather that Asmodeus must be Turned from his path or Replaced.



Vox Divinia et Arcanorum[4]

We agree that Sigil should remain intact and ordered. We will join an alliance of factions to see that come to pass.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium:
Faith 5

Vox Div. et Arc.:

We are always willing to work towards the Security of Sigil. We will agree to a defensive alliance with you. Should you need it, we will also be willing to offer you loans at a reduced interest rate, as an expression of our good graces. We would also like to offer to help finance any trips into portals you may know of that still work - for a portion of the profits, of course. If any third parties join into our alliance, we would offer them the same deal.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Eternal Horde [PM]
"Quite simply, self-preservation. Of all the remaining portals, the Ashen Hammer's is by far the most powerful and flexible one, leading to an array of infinite portals inside the Abbys, so basically infinity for the price of one. In the hands of demons this is a powerful tool and if they're determined to take Sigil they could bring in their limitless numbers as they please. Another Portal into the Abyss in a separate part of the city only aggravates the problem. So you see, this isn't about the Hammer, it is about the Portal we'd rather see in someone else's hands." He takes a sip from his tea, holding the handle of the cup lightly between thumb and pointer. "As for why you - well, with your open announcement about your intention it was a rather obvious choice, wouldn't you say?"

[Ionbound]

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

To Trade Consortium [Faith 6]

As of writing, the only other faction desiring belonging to this alliance are the Baatezu. We dislike dealing with devils, but it appears to be necessary to preserve Sigil. We will send more information about allies as they come.

To the Baatezu [Faith 6]

We appreciate the support. However, we wish the city to remain as unchanged by this ordeal as possible, so be warned. Any attempt to grab power will be met with immediate retribution.

To all but Aqua Regis

New information has recently come to light. We have it on good authority that the Aqua Regis faction has plans to flood all of Sigil. We all have benefited from cheap, clean water, but where does it come from? Thanks to patient research from our top experts, we have found the only solution. Their pipes are traps leading to portals to the Elemental Plane of Water. In addition, there are far more pipes under the city than most believe, and our experts believe that if these pipes were to all burst at once, the cataclysmic flood from the Plane of Water would drown the city, leaving only two choices, submit to the Aboleth's ritual or drown. This must be stopped at all costs.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Moritharios [PM]
http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

Prince Jarmen Moteborne swiftly grabbed his sword as the creature enters. When he hears the name, his expression looks surprised before his eyes narrow and he loudly proclaims:

"GUARDS!"

Even as she speaks, guards quickly make their way to the Prince's office. Armoured and holding their swords upon the intruder, the Prince is swift in his orders. "Let her speak, but get more reinforcements here." A few guards swiftly heed the call and before Moritharios is done speaking, more guards have joined.

"Moritharios." Prince Jarmen Moteborne begins when Moritharios is done. Unlike several of his guards, he seems unshakable and he has not once let his guard down, even as he caught the scroll with his free hand. In the other, he still holds his sword towards her. When he speaks, he talks in Common, so that not only Moritharios can hear his answer, but the guards can hear it as well. When he starts speaking, he does lower his blade.

"I do not like such rude and uninvited entrances. Especially not by a devil. As for your statement that your kin are beings of law first and foremost, I spit on that sentiment. Your evil nature drives you to exploit every nook in the law, to deceive within those bounds and to trick people to accept deals they never desired with your fine print. Your attempt at spreading your so called Lawfulness will spread evil, even if you believe you are not inclined towards it.

You believe you have no choice in the matter when dealing with orders, but you do, and you already used that choice. You twist and bend the rules and the orders until they work to your benefit. That is the way of your kin. Don't come to me stating you are beings of law, because that is a hollow statement. The law is made for ideals, to uphold them. To prevent crime, to turn the wicked away from evil, not encourage it! And if the law no longer upholds those ideals, because for example the situation has changed, then the law can be changed. We make choices and so can you and so you do. You can choice to uphold the intention of the law or exploit it. Your kin choses the latter.

I, nor the Golden Citadel, will work with your kin, as I have stated in my letter.

If for some reason our goals do align, we may work towards the same end, but that does not mean we have to cooperate. Now, I ask you to leave. Nor I nor my men will listen to your silver tongue any further." And with that said, he raises his sword, pointing to the door. At this gesture, the guards back off from the entrance to allow her passage. Prince Jarmen Moteborne awaits Moritharios' departure, with the scroll still in his other hand, unread, but the glint in his eyes have already betrayed his curiosity and Moritharios knows he will read it later on.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Baatezu:

We hear you are also taking up the Vox Div. et Arc. on their offer of alliance. We would like to welcome you, and make you the same offer we did them - the Trader's Consortium will offer any ally loans at a reduced interest rate, and also be willing to help sponsor any portal exploration on still working portals, for a portion of the profits.

[Eldan]

The Tallymen to the Pumix Corporation

"We have reports of Efreet setting buildings and streets on fire. Sure, you mostly took prisoners, but with methods like that, do you really think there were no victims? In any case, I'm not here to reason. You will talk to a judge and a jury."

The Golden Ring to the Trader's Consortium [3]

"Gold can flow in any direction. If you want to open an account with us, we are sure we could find more than enough people willing to take credit from you, instead."

Centralists to the Trader's Consortium [4]

"Hide, canvas, wood, fuel, metal, skilled craftsmen of all colour. Really, there's fewer things we don't need than things we do. We'll send a list."

Xanxost to the Trader's Consortium [3]

"Will you come to Xanxost's restaurant? Xanxost will offer you some specialties, to honour our future deals."

The Last Link to the Trader's Consortium 4]

"In Sigil, trade is never just about trade and contracts never just about contracts. These things are also about belief. Faith. We have our own faith to fight for and can not just join another's philosophy easily. You do not share all our ideas, so we can not share all your busines, or serve you."

The Golden Ring to the Vox [3]

"Indeed. Steady progress is best for business, not chaotic upheaval. We would join such an alliance."

The Kindly Ones to the Vox [4]

"Yes. The weak are always those who suffer most in war, not the strong who seek to overthrow each other. We are with you in this."

Ferandantilax to the Vox [3]

"My problems are my own. Why should I care when lowly mortals tear each other to shreds? Mine is the blood of the dragon and it burns all the brighter in the fires of conflict."

Xanxost to the Keeper of Keys [5]

"Xanxost has seen many things, killed many things and eaten many things and he knows many things. What would you have from him?"

Eidelweiss to the Keeper [PM]

"That is a steep cost. We have a standard contract in such cases. We offer twenty percent up front and the remaining 80 percent in eight weekly installments. All payment is void if the portal ceases to be stable or under our mutual control."

OOC: I'm keeping stat growth relatively low in this game. You're looking at a lot of money, here.

The Lord Architect, Public

Ripping waves flow over all the fountains in the city, then, the water begins to tremble and rise up into colums. Light and shade begin to play over each of those columns, and the shape of an Aboleth, a three-eyed, tentacled, circling fish-like creature thirty feet long begins to form in the water, half-translucent.
"Welcome, Sigil. It is I, the Lord Architect. I have brought you clean water, cleaner than anything Sigil can produce, for half a century now. Doubtless, the oldest among you still remember the vile, grey-brown sludge you were forced to drink before.
The Vox Arcanum et Divinorum accuses us of wanting to flood all of Sigil. That is, of course, a vile lie and I am prepared to defend this in court or in the circle of honour.
Yes, we are preparing a space for ourselves. After all, the air in Sigil's streets is as hostile to us, the races below, as the water down here is to you airbreathers. But isn't Sigil a city that can look beyond race? Does not everyone have a right to live here, in our wonderful city of gates?
I certainly do hope so."

[Ionbound]

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

To public, responding to Aqua

And if we had any reason to believe that you simply building your own district, we would have no issue with you. We respect aquatics as fellow potential magic-users, same as ourselves. But via patient research and studying of the water system, we believe that you pipe directly from the planes of water. Even if this is not for an ulterior motive, it is patently unsafe. Have you not spared a thought for the civilian death that would occur if but one of those pipes broke? And if, say, there was some "unfortunate accident" and several burst, would that not flood the city? Shame on you for not considering the safety if the city.

To Ferandantilax [Faith 6]
Yes, you have the powers of a dragon. However, we know that a kobald is not your true form, and if you aid us, we will be able to restore you to your proper glory

[Orbiter]

Somewhere in Sigil a very happy person whistled a tune, and nearby on an alley someone looked like his organs were missing....and they were.

Seeker on his part had given a package and another one, to someone who gave it to someone else until it reached its target, now that was fun! he should write more often to the fishy guys.....although the whole setup smells.....fishy.
Heh fishy puns.....It would happen next time Architect! an epic duel of fishy puns and a contest to see who could tear more hearts with sporks, as well hunt the best prey, Seeker shook his fist in the air it was a promise, well unless Architect died in the duel he proposed....that would be a drowner, Seeker smiled now thats how you deal with the fishes and the birdies.

To The Aqua Regis[5]

A Letter with a package arrives to The Aqua Regis via whatever channels are appropriate, written on the box and letter made of special paper and written with special ink that allows for them to get wet and stay stable.

Package:

The mood is cloudy with a small chance of Rain and Bigger chance of Thunderstorm, we recommend your slippers and a small snack
Inside was a heart, not very big but definitely from a humanoid, apparently Seeker sent someone a snack.



Letter:
Hah mate i have been around quite some time.
So don't worry too much about it, you are cool by us.
Don't forget to take proper precautions against saboteurs in your expansions, especially magical ones.
A tip of advice if you go against him/her it whoever is the one you will duel.
They got magic...lots of it and the leader is pretty strong i must say hmmm i would tell you more, but i spy a spider with her little eyes spying us all.
And no its not local.....er it is, just not from the Slag pits.

Oh well see ya around Architect(eh just hoping to hear from you later).

ps: Should the shifty mages be right, and all the air breathing races die, the living survivors are gonna be the least of your troubles.
Just a friendly advice from me, you know about bellow and others know about above, up is down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmXLjtSEHQ), and those who.....SEEK Revenge, are the least of your problems sometimes.
-A friendly Seeker of Hearts


To The Xanxost's Planar Gourmet Club[5]

This letter was scribbled in blood, and a big package filled with....organs and some meat as well bones thawed in ice had arrived they belonged to Achaierai.

Letter:
Do you cook HEARTS?!

*A sad smiley face was drawn here*
None were sent...apologies.
Perhaps next time, are the birds eatable?
Apart from the hearts that is.

ps: Pretty sure i ate here once or twice.....

[NM020110]

Baatezu

The Golden Citadel[PM]

Moritharios smiles and bows once more, then turns and leaves without speaking. While the parchment is being read, a new letter appears on the Prince's desk.


Change the law, you said. Well put. We would love to do that, but unfortunately can not. The law in question, signed between Asmodeus and the Gods of Law is written across the planes themselves. We have identified three of the original copies, one is kept somewhere is the upper planes, one is kept in the libraries of Mechanus, and one near the bottom of Baator, at Tabjari.

None are within our reach, and if they were it is doubtful that changing them would alter the law of the multiverse. The path, then, is to remove the source of the corruption: Asmodeus himself. If you have any ideas how to do that...well, you probably won't trust us with them, but it might be possible for us to give an opportunity to use them.

Until then, we'll just have to play the role of the soul-stealing devils. The old goat probably already knows of us and finds us amusing, but for the rest of Baator our enmity with Asmodeus will only present an opportunity to potentially gain favor by killing us off.

Speaking of which, I've attached a copy of the rough draft of our solution to the supply shortage. I understand that it will fall far short of the standards you hold, but to access the reserves of energy for the granting of pacts, an actual pact has to be issued, and someone decided that laws were needed to regulate how good a deal pacts can be. If you could suggest improvements, I would appreciate it.

Attached to the letter is another roll of parchment. The text on this one has obviously been heavily edited, with lines passing through words on almost every line and notes from the writer strewn throughout. The ink quality is much lower as well.

I, the supplicant devotee follower I'll figure this out later, consign my soul to Baator by means of this Pact Certain.standard for these, but usually hidden in the fine print.

In exchange, I will be sustained without need for food, water, or sleep for the remainder of my natural life.Cutting off immortality from this doesn't change much, but gives a fair bit more room for other benefits.

If I should be directly killed by a devil, or should my death be an intended result of any plan made or carried out by a devil, this pact is void.Non-interference clause.

If, for the rest of my natural life, I comport myself Lawfullyneeds better phrasing to the best of my abilitylots of wriggle room, here, then this contract will become void upon my death.Most will probably get off from this clause...

If at any point between now and the end of my natural life, I fulfill fifteen ten five or more requests from a devil, then upon my death this contract will become void.Right, no compulsion to fulfill them cuts down on the points, but it just manages to be enough for this pact to be legal.

That...should be pretty hard to abuse, but probably needs work.


Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum[4]

Agreed, though I expect that this warning will be issued to all comers.


Trader's Consortium[4]

Thank you. We have a proposal, actually.

Though it will take some time to move it, we have access to a small amount of Baatorian Green Steel, and a few other things that might sell in the Great Bazaar. Would it be possible to settle a shop somewhere in there to conduct the sales?

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Golden Ring:

What sort of income do lender accounts with you usually see? Even the wealth of the Trader's Consortium is finite, and we like to weigh our risks and rewards when deciding upon investments.


Xanxost (PM)

Mr Moneybags walked into Xanxost's restaurant flipping a coin, as usually. he approached the server, and told him he was here to have a personal meeting with the boss, handing him a large silver coin to insure his message is delivered quickly.


Centralists

We have begun putting out feelers for open portals. With luck we will find what we need soon. We will contact you should something occur. Feel free to do the same, should something arise.


The Last Link

If we cannot work out a merger, than perhaps a business alliance? You need not follow our faith for us to work to our mutual benefit.


Public - On the the Vox Div. et Arc and Lord Architect argument
"As a human, it should be obvious that I prefer living in an air filled environment, and am opposed to any flooding that may occur. That said, the Vox Divinia et Arcanorum's reasoning for their worry seems flawed. May I remind the public that this is SIGIL - Everything we have comes through a portal from a plane. It would be ridiculous to believe our water came from anywhere OTHER than the plane of water.

That being said, a safety mechanism of some sort, in order to prevent flooding in case of any... accidents... could be a compromise. Perhaps a portal to the plane of air, magically set to open if the pipes break? Surely the illustrious mages of the Vox Divinia et Arcanorum could accomplish such things, and if the waterfolk are telling the truth about their plans, they should have no problem allowing the surface folk to insure that we are not flooded.

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation

To The Tallymen
"Certainly, Drok shall face your jury, he was the only sentient independent to play a part in the battle. He shall prove his innocence in your court of law."
Assuming they agree to this ((which isn't really a reasonable assumption)) Drok will go calmly with the humans to the court, some representatives may follow shortly afterwards.

[Ionbound]

On the subject of Aqua Regis

Of course we'd be willing to help implement a safety system! Perhaps members of faction who have a stake in this conflict can come together and decide how this system should be implemented. And in the meantime, we must request that the pipe system be shut down or be inspected and fit with a temporary mechanism fitted by our engineers.

To the Baatezu [6]
What do you take us for, bigots? Of course the same warning was issued to all factions involved.

[NM020110]

Baatezu

To: The Pumix Corporation[4]

We can hear the shouting all the way in the Graytower district. It sounds like you might need a lawyer sometime soon.

Perhaps we could provide one?


To: Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum[4]

Our records show a stated dislike for 'devils', which most likely refers to us. Further, though I may have simply missed it, we have no records of any such warning being issued to any faction save our own.

Granted, by those records you have not yet responded to two of the four factions that have thus far expressed interest, which leaves only one point of reference.

We do not declare you to be bigots. We only ask that we be treated as you would treat other factions.

[Ionbound]

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

To Baatezu [6]

We do not dislike fiends of any sort, however, due to certain incidents at our colleges, we no longer accept denizens of the lower planes. However, we are sure that these were "bad apples" so to speak and businessmen like yourselves wouldn't dream of causing a similar disruption.

PM Lorekeepers

We wish to end this "Aqua Regia" business with a quick, preemptive strike. If we are allowed to enter the Undersigil from your district, it will place us directly in the heart of their lair. Of course, you would have to give us permission first. We would also appreciate allies in this cause. What say you?

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Center

Public Message
Greetings factions of Sigil. You've heard the Lady's orders and you must know that it will mean bloodshed. Luckily for you we are available for hire to help defeat your enemies as long as you pay our price.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Baatezu

What are the properties of this Baatorian Green Steel? We would be willing to let you sell it in the Bazaar for a percentage of the profits, same as anyone else (say, 10% - 5% for the use of the stall, and 5% because you get to attach the Trader's Consortium's mark on it, assuring the buyer that your reputable) but if it has the correct properties I may know someone who would buy it off you out right, and therefore only pay us 5%.

-Mr. Moneybags

((sorry for not replying sooner - didn't notice you had sneaked in a reply before me earlier))

[NM020110]

Baatezu

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum[4]

Ah, that's perfectly understandable then. I look forward to working with you.


Colonization Center[4]

We are curious as to what your price might be, should a military force be needed.


Trader's Consortium[4]

The steel, when properly worked by one of sufficient skill, makes weapons capable of matching their enchanted counterparts in ease of use and damage inflicted. It is also seen about as often as adamantine...less, in some places.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Baatezu

That is, unfortunately, not what my special customer is looking for. However our other offer stands - you are free to sell in the Great Bazaar (we will keep a stall open for you), provided you pay the Consortium 10% of any profits.

-Mr. Moneybags


The City (open)

The Trader's Consortium would like to ensure everyone knows that the Great Bazaar will stay open throughout this time of strife. We do not look to choose sides, and welcome any who wish to buy, sell, or trade. We would like to also take this time to announce the beginning of a new service. The Consortium is willing to help finance expeditions into any portal still open, provided it's owner can show that said expedition can be profitable. Profits would be split between the Consortium and anyone else involved in a manner that can be determined on a case by case basis. Simply contact any of our employees in the Great Bazaar should you wish to set up a meeting about our new service.

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Center

To Baatezu
Well that entirely depends on what you are hiring us to do. Defense is typically cheaper then having us attack someone, but having us fight unsupported or against unfavorable odds is much more expensive.


To Trader's Consortium
What do you have for sale for means of anti-magical weaponry?

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Colonization Central

Currently all of our stocks are horribly drained - many of our warehouses were behind portals, unfortunately, and the others will need to be cataloged to see what can be found. However, we are working on finding new markets and resources, and will contact you should we find something that you can use. This is actually the reason for our interest in the portals that remain open.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope this will not affect any future deals with Consortium.

[oblivion6]

Faluna
Queen Lymsleia
The Sun "Palace"
Gray Hovel, Hive Ward
Sigil, City of Doors

The young queen sighed as she looked out over the sprawling city of Sigil from the top floor of her palace--one of the most prominent buildings in the District to be sure, but only called a palace by some of her subjects as a reminder of better days. With the decree by the Lady of Pain, the omnipotent ruler of the City of Doors, this place was shaping up to be just as bad as her old home was--barring becoming a literal piece of hell of course--and they had only been here a month. Already she counted several potential conflicts of interest and she wasn't even involved in the politics currently so there was likely many more.

You're up early, your Majesty, she heard a familiar voice say from behind. Glancing back, she saw Sir Georg, one of her advisors, standing in the doorway, his face as unreadable as ever. As usual, he wore his standard black cloak over his armor and his hand comfortably rested on his sword.

I could say the same about you, she replied with a smirk.

The soldier shook his head. Correction, I'm up later than usual actually. You, on the other hand, aren't normally up and about for several more hours.

The Queen just shrugged. I went to bed early. Early to bed, early to rise, after all.

whatever you say, They both knew that wasn't the real reason for her being up so early, of course, but it was best not to bring up that whole affair when the Queen was in such a good mood. Her mental state was rather delicate--to put matters lightly--and there was no reason to push her over the edge again.

[Messages to come later]

[Eldan]

The Lord Architect, Public

"Oh, of course. What a wonderful idea. Yes, we will immediately turn off all of Sigil's fresh water until the Hall of Speakers finds time to organize a commitee and said commitee finds the time to convene and find a solution. I'm sure that in those intervening, oh, say, two or three months, no one will miss having fresh water at all.
Just let me switch this lever here..."

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

Open letter to Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

Thank you for your demands to shut down the city's water system. It is pleasantly refreshing to not be considered the most insane Faction inside the city.
Also, we must say flooding the city would provide an interesting image given the torus shape. Have you tried imagining it? With gravity going outwards there'd basically be a ring of water getting close and closer to the center. A swimmer would see as the water under him rises also water come from above without falling. Fascinating!

To: Xanxost [Faith 5]
We are rather flexible, we are not hellbent on receiving just money, just knowledge or just weapons. Offer what you can part with but consider worthy of what we offer and we'll surely come to an understanding.
We would then confer our knowledge at a private meeting later. In the meantime, feel free to prepare for the expedition, it is no comfortable plane but to one as prodigious as you that surely should prove managable.

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"Twenty percent up front is quite acceptable, however the other terms raise some concern. We offer knowledge of the Portal and guarantee it is easy to reach and not under another Faction's control. However it was not our intent to offer protection of the location for months to come. We offer you information, not guards. I could agree to your stipulations, but we'd ask that the remaining 80 percent are paid in fewer weekly installments as we have other Portals as well where our troops may be needed. Naturally we also promise not to reveal the Portal's location and key to anyone else."

[Ionbound]

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

To All
Obviously, we do not wish for Sigil's water to be turned off. That suggestion was a last resort in the event Aqua Regis fails to allow us to inspect the pipes and install a temporary failsafe device while the suggested council comes to a decision. Of course, if no temporary decision is made about this soon, we may end up with more water than we can drink on the streets. And to clarify from earlier, we meant pumping from the plane of water directly to the taps, with no reservoir in between.

Faluna [6]
We desire to travel to the lower district, and the quickest way to do this is to travel through you district. Will you allow this?

[oblivion6]

Faluna
Faith:7

White Dogs/Kindly Ones
Greetings. The streets of Sigil are dangerous these days. I would like to propose a defensive alliance between our groups. Should one of us come under attack, the others will immediantly respond by sending troops of their own to assist.

Troublemakers
I must ask you to cease your atttacks on those weaker than you are. To my knowledge, they have done nothing to warrant your aggression.

Eternal Horde
Your cousins...? You must be referring to the Deep Trolls? I must say, from what I have heard of you, you are certainly pretty far removed from one another...

With that said, I do not wish to be your enemy. Though I refuse to be part of such wanton violence and slaughter out of my personal beliefs, I would like to propose a non-aggression pact. If you do not interfere with my people, I will leave you alone.

]b]Vox Divinia[/b]
May I ask why?

Colonization Central
May I inquire about your prices? I may have two jobs in mind, depending on prices.

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Center

To Faluna
Our prices are determined by what the job itself is. The safer the job the cheaper the price.

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Colonization Central
Alright. The first job is training my own soldiers to better handle themselves in a fight. They are highly motivated and led by experienced officers, but mainly consist of green recruits and volunteers.

The second and probably far more dangerous job, is seizing the Mortuary from the undead rumoured to inhabit it. This will likely not happen this month, pending prices. When this does happen, I may be able to lend the support of my own troops.

[Eldan]

Ferandantilax to the Vox D&A [5]

"Are you implying that it is not in my own power to restore myself to my true form? If you wish to bring me magic as tribute, I may consider giving you a boon in return. Do not think you can make demands."

Xanxost's Planar Gourmet Club to the Seeker[2]

"Xanxost cooks all the parts."

The Golden Ring to the Trader's Consortium [1]

"That depends. For short term loans, over, say, two weeks, we charge no more than ten percent, usually. More for longer timespans."

Xanxost and the Trader's Consortium [PM]
Xanxost's own Restaurant, the Fying Fiend is built on a massive scale to accomodate its massive cook. The ceiling is thirty feet high, the tables ten feet above the floor, with the chairs built with small steps to help humanoid customers climb them.
In the middle of the room is a gigantic fire pit where Xanxost himself stands, warty blue skin glistening, tearing some kind of armour-plated, spiky animal apart with his claws and tossing bits and pieces into different bubbling cauldrons.
As the server carefully approaches him, the frog looks up and a grin spreads over his face.
"Traderman! Xanxost forgot your name but htat does not matter! Xanxost will call you Trader man."
He tosses a cleaver taller than a man over his shoulder, where it lands in a butchering block, then climbs out. A hand about the size of Mister Moneybag's torso is stretched out.
"Shake it, Traderman! Xanxost is delighted to see you. Sit down! Have a drink!"
He walks to one wall, grabs a glass from a rack and begins pouring liquids into it.
"Traderman, your aura says you will like this! Bytopian cider, protoplasm, formian honey, imp blood, healing potion and peppermint leaves. Xanxost just invented it this second and it is Xanxost's favourite."

Last Link to the Trader's Consortium [2]

"Alliances are a wonderful thing, aren't they. Consider us allied, then."

Tallymen to the Pumix Corporation, Public

"The process is slightly more complicated, as you are a faction member. Guilt will have to be decided by a faction jury. You are free to call any three factors of your choice into the jury, though they may not be from your own faction. We will do the same. Thus will your fate be decided."

Xanxost to the Keeper of Keys [3]

"Xanxost has one special item for you, if you are willing. It is incredibly rare, valuable and powerful, however. Do you think you can handle it?"

Eidelweiss to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

The Factor sits perfectly still for several seconds, then his head moves a fraction of an inch.
"Four installments of twenty percent, after the first?"

White Dogs to Faluna [6]
"What soldiers are you talking about? The Kindly Ones are a charity organization and we are ascetic philosophers. And pacifists."

Troublemakers to Faluna [5]

"You are gravely mistaken. They warrant our aggression, though not by their weakness. There are always reasons."

[Ionbound]

Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum

To Ferandantilax [6]

We shall send someone along shortly, but depending on the severity of the curse it may take longer than we expect.

To Faluna [PM]

We intend to make a preemptive strike on the Aqua Regis and seize control of the waterworks. We intend to keep free fresh water flowing to the city, however, our research has revealed that the AR cannot be trusted.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: Xanxost[Faith 5]
We are knowledgable enough to safely use the items that can be safely used, and crazy daring enough to try the ones that maybe are not. We have a deal.

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"That's perfectly acceptable, thank you. As a sign of goodwill we offer to let our guards accompany the first forray. Still we urge you bring a good guard contingent yourself, your own or mercenaries. It's certainly more appealing to downgrade the escort after an entirely dull first experience than upgrade it after an unpleasantly exiting one."

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium:
Faith 5

Xanxost (PM)

Mr. Moneybags extends his hand, in his head hoping that he doesn't get it back as a mushy pulp. When his arm emerges from Xanxost's grip, he takes the offered drink, sipping slowly. "This drink is very good. Makes me glad I'm making this deal with you." he continues with small talk until he finishes his drink. "Now, down to business. There's a still open portal in the city, that leads into a living plane. It is quite truly MADE of meat. I know both it's location and key, though I do not control the location. Here's my plan - You and I contact the owners of the Shattered District - That's where the portal is. We go in, harvest the meat, and split it three ways. Would you be agreeable to this?"


Golden Ring

Sounds excellent - We will have some gold transferred to your bank this month, for you to loan out at your discretion. Consider the first month a trial session - if everything goes well and we both make money, we will continue the service.


Last Link

Excellent. We will contact you when we find a plane suitable for your... "talents", or if we can think of any other money making ventures where you and yours could be useful.

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Central

To Faluna
For training we'd be willing to hire out 4 military or esp for the price of 2 wealth.

For the actual fighting, we'd want 1 wealth per military or esp hired with an additional 1 wealth per 3 stats hired. So if you were to hire all of our military that would cost 12 wealth. If you put us in command of the fighting we will offer a discount of 1 wealth.

You may also pay us in territory, with the value of the territory being considered double it's wealth value.

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation


To The Tallymen
"We are not a recognised faction of Sigil but a multi-planar corporation and just travellers through this place. We are now stuck here, not because we chose to stay and so cannot be considered a faction. That said you seem determined to twist the laws to suit your corrupt 'justice' and so we shall play you at your game. The three Efreeti among us shall attend your court, while our people continue to defend themselves."

To Sigil regarding the Aqua issue
"We know of a portal and the key to an area that could house the water if there was a problem. Naturally beings from the Plane of Fire would like to avoid having too much water in Sigil, though we hold no ill will towards those that call it home. Unfortunately we have problems of our own at the moment, though I am sure that if they were to resolve themselves we would jump at the chance to help."

To the Baatezu [5]
It seems we could use the help you have offered as they are quite determined to misuse the law. We could also use the help of 2 others if you know anybody though we should have it under control. We would obviously owe you a great debt.

To the Trader's Consortium [5]
What is the going rate on support and good will these days, because we would certainly be interested in buying some.

[oblivion6]

Faluna
Faith:7

Faluna-Colonization Central
Hmm, apparently funds are tighter than expected. Would you be willing to hire out 2 MIL to train my people in exchange for 1 WEL?

Faluna-Vox Divinia
Very well. Just keep your people out of trouble when passing through. I'll have people shadowing you. Nothing personal, but you must understand where i'm coming from with this.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Pumix Corp:

Like everything else, it depends on the quality your looking for. What exactly do you need from us?

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation

To the Trader's Consortium [5]
We could use somebody to help back us up in the court of the corrupt officials known as The Tallymen. We have access to a rich mine for iron and red gems and we could collect some as a gift for your direct assistance or finding somebody who could help.

To The Invisible Hand [5]
I don't know much about your operation but apparently you are a good place to go for information. We need to know who The Tallymen will choose to stand against us in the trial, what will this cost.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Pumix Corp

Iron and gems are certainly amply pay. We will back you up in the Tallyman's court. Would you like Mr. Moneybags to serve on the jury, or provide some other form of assistance?

[Ionbound]

Vox Divina Et Arcanorum

To Faluna [PM]

Understood. We will send you a message when the movement will take place.

[NM020110]

Moritharios looked over the reports grimly. War to come in the upper city. War to come in the undercity. War to come in the markets. Wars of faith and steel, and alliances shaky.

The Golden Citadel...would probably still come with an army, but not for a while yet. The demons were set to be swept from the board. The Horde...well, that was the next problem. Two months, at most. Perhaps the Tallymen could help, there? Or that mercenary group...

Baatezu

To: Colonization Center[4]

Alright, I have a decent idea of what we would like to hire you for. The likely opponent is the Eternal Horde, possibly backed by the Risers and/or the Grand Machine. Allied forces potentially include Vox Divinia Et Arcanorum, the Trader's Consortium, TALLI HUE, the Pumix Corporation, our own forces, and possibly a few others.

The principle effort we would like to hire you for is a defensive effort at the Graytower District. Initial scouting shows that all potential enemies outweigh us in military force, but that if their advance can be halted they will lose a war of attrition.

Given the situation laid out above, and accounting for deviations that may occur in the time to come before the Horde attacks, what would your rate estimate be?


To: Pumix Corporation[4]

Very well, then. Hopefully they won't make a fuss over a factol stepping in to answer the call for factors. We'll ask around for others who will support you.


To: Vox Divinia et Arcanorum[4]

Our records suggest that you're looking to take somewhat more direct action over the water issue. There is an opportunity to gain a steadfast ally in that endeavor, by sending a factor to stand with the Pumix Corporation in their upcoming trial.


To: Golden Ring[1]

Records suggest that you are offering services as...investment managers would likely be the best description. We are curious as to the terms of these investments.


To: Last Link[2]

We understand that you have a surplus of goods at the moment, and were wondering if rates were available for purchases.


To: TALLI HUE[PM]

Moritharios looked over the clubhouse idly, under the twin covers of stealth and invisibility. As expected, this was a place of wealth, though not as much experience as might be wished for. Probably shouldn't have gone for the finest dress available, then...Word went out, though, so there's a fair bit bigger crowd than usual today.

"Well, it's time."

With a simple exercise of will, Moritharios appeared in the small space allocated for the presentation, and sculpted the ornate wooden podium into a much more fitting pulpit. The position of a Judge in the Infernal Courts was an enjoyable position, and the imagery tended to be effective even here. Of course, such alterations drew attention. For all that they looked it, these 'adventurers' weren't complete amateurs...a quick application of the maul drew those not paying attention.

"Good evening. I am Moritharios, commander of the Baatezu in Sigil. As you may have heard, I have an offer to make. I am not in possession of the silver tongue which so many of Asmodeus's spawn share, so I shall be brief.

"Sigil is entering a period of violence and war. It is in times such as these that heroes and villains alike. It is in such times that the nature of Sigil can be altered. The prime movers in such times are often not the armies and factions, but the adventurers. That is the reason why I now stand before you.

"Information otherwise difficult to obtain, Skilled Servants that will attend you till your death, Wealth beyond what you now have, the Experience once commanded by heroes of legend, and above all Power could be yours. In exchange, we ask one of two things; your choice. Act to further our aims here in Sigil, or act to aid us in our eternal war against the Demons following your death.

"My subordinates will be arriving shortly, should any of you be interested in this offer. We will answer honestly any questions you may have. So, are there any questions?"

Sure enough, a group of eight erinyes soon teleport into the space before the podium, taking up the positions typically held by the infernal scribes set to record every detail of the proceedings. Though closer to the crowd, and physically no different, they somehow seem lesser than Moritharios.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Baatezu [6]

We shall consider it. Though we have no particular love or dislike for Pumix, it would be worth the effort to gain such a powerful ally

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Central

To Faluna
That is fine. 2 military will train your troops after we have been paid 1 wealth

To Baatezu
For a defensive action of that maginitude we are willing to hire out 1 military per 1 wealth with an additional 1 wealth required per 4 military hired. So 8 military would cost 10 wealth.

As for the variable schedule, well you can gamble on us not being hired of course. Otherwise it will cost a single wealth per 4 military for us to wait on call. So if you hire 7 military but they don't attack it'll only cost you 1 wealth. If they attack the next turn the 7 military will fight for you at a cost of an additional 8 wealth.

[razovor]

The grand engine
Faith: 7

To vox divinus
You are forming an alliance, recruiting as many people as you can, of all stripes and creeds. Why? The lady has demanded conflict. Perhaps she will be sated with the death of one faction, maybe it will take several, maybe dozens. Either way, someone must die; do you propose indiscriminate violence? If so we will have no part in your alliance.

Perhaps instead you propose order, to collectively remove factions based on some distinguishing feature? You are considering offers from merchants and devils, both factions ultimately interested in themselves. Will your alliance serve only it's own interests, opposing anyone who threatens your power?

If so, we request to join, not because we agree with you goals, but for our own survival. What we want, what we would be proud to help with, is an alliance to utilise the ladies demand for good. An alliance to coordinate efforts to remove from our great city the negative influences that plague it. Slavers, corrupt officials, warlords, outlaws.

Is this the alliance you propose?

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation

To the Trader's Consortium [5]
We could use whoever you can spare for the jury. We only have one other factor to call upon but I'm sure people of your wealth and influence would have some ideas for others who could help. Also we would like to know who The Tallymen will call to the Jury, if you have any ideas or know of someone who might then that information will be very valuable to us.

To the Baatezu [5]
Considering they are pulling a cross planar corporation to court as faction of Sigil I can't see there being a problem. Of course any further assistance you can find will be most appreciated, I only hope that these disgraceful accusations are pushed aside quickly so that we can repay your acts of kindness. Would you like us to draft you confirmation of our repayment or will you take our word for it?

[razovor]

The Grand Engine

Public: the Tallymen show their true face! The lady demands conflict, and they think to make their move, fabricating charges on a resident of the city as an excuse to seize their resources and territory. Those who think this move is anything other the product of corruption are fools.

To Nyx atropa [PM]
Unit 4F78 descends into the underhive with a squadron of golems, to seek audience with the Queen of the underhive.

To The eidelweiss [public]
The Tallymen are abusing their power for personal gain, rather than executing their duty to protect the cities residents in this time of crisis.We demand you call the Tallymen to order. The timing of this leaves no doubt.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Great Engine [6]
The lady demands organization, not conflict. We desire for the city to remain more or less unchanged, so that our research continues. You desire conquest. Here our interests diverge. However, you are welcome to join our alliance, as those who would turn Sigil into a bloodbath or bathtub must be dealt with before any other concerns. If you desire to change the city, however, you will be dealt with.

[razovor]

The Grand Engine

To Vox Divinus
You refuse to consider the merit of any action that would change the city? What madness is this? Do you think the current structure of the city is perfect, are you blindly paranoid of any conflict?

I suppose you force our hand. We have no desire to be destroyed by madmen. What of the armoury, and the slags? They have no ruler, no 'organisation'. Are we to remedy this?

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Great Engine [6]
Our desire for the city not to change stems from the fact that Sigil provides an unrivaled opportunity to study the structure of the planes. And since Sigil is rather...unstabe, this means we must oppose most political changes as well. As for the slags and armoury, we have plans for them.

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Cathedral
I desire an alliance with you as our interests currently align. Too many people in the crowded streets of Sigil suffer under the boots of gangs, tyrannical dictators and worse things. At the very least, I would like to keep those under my wing and the streets are getting more dangerous everyday. A bit of assurance that strong allies would help in the event of a war would be nice to have. I would of course assist you in your efforts whenever possible so long as it was for the greater good.

-Queen Lymsleia

[Lost Demiurge]

Talli Hue
to the Baatezu [PM]


The appearance of the Baatezu from out of nowhere sends the staff into a tizzy! They've got crossbows with silver bolts and ominous looking wands broken out and covering the teleporting devils before seconds have passed! Things are rather tense, until finally a middle-aged woman in a pith helmet is summoned, to listen to the hasty explanations of the servants and the devils.

She tamps a pipe, and frowns at Moritharious over her spectacles. "Hm. Bad form, old boy. No teleportation into or out of the grounds without prior request or state of emergency. No way for YOU to know that beforehand one supposes, but, well, we expected you to use the door. Like civilized chappies."

It occurs to you also that the servants treated this like an invasion. Which, come to think of it, groups of fiends teleporting in without warning often is.

That forgiven, it does put a slight pall on things. Later on the nobles, rakehells, and seasoned adventurers of the club watch the presentation with a grain of salt... (And quite a few snifters of brandy.)

Finally the factor himself takes the stage after Moritharious' declaration. Elderly and walking with a cane carved (With great difficulty) from a tarrasque claw, he smiles at the elder devil with no fear whatsoever. And his voice is quite steady. "Well, my good devil, you put on an amusing pitch. But I fear you have come with the wrong goods for this particular market. We already HAVE wealth and power and servants, and amusement aplenty. Information might be interesting, but while we might buy it, purchasing it with more than coin doesn't seem attractive. I fear that if you seek our souls, well, you'll have to offer more than that. Much more. In some cases quite impossible anyway, those souls are already committed elsewhere."

"As far as helping you in sigil goes... Hm... Well m'lad, we might consider a temporary alliance for a mutually beneficial goal. Anything more permanent would be contingent on your behavior with a small joint project. Thus far you got off on the wrong foot, but well, you ARE fiends. Allowances must be made."

"Did you have a small goal in mind, that we could use to judge the rigidity of your upper mouth covering equivalents?"

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Pumix Corp:

We will try to find someone who has information about who the Talleymen are calling. Til then, might I suggest calling one of the Grand Engine? they have spoken out against the Talleymen, it's highly unlikely they'd then side with them.

-Mr. Moneybags


Djinn and Tonic

It's said your bar is the place where rumors are gathered. I'm looking for some rumors. Anything you need so we could work together?

-Mr. Moneybags


Why's Men

What is the going rate of truth in the city? I'm looking for knowledge, and you seem to be the best men in town for it.

Mr. Moneybags

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Faith: 4

To: Lorekeepers of the Sacrosanct Tome

Greetings Lorekeepers of the Sacrosanct Tome,

Know that the Order of the Valorous Heart, part of the Golden Citadel, seeks the vile fiend Z'turknik. He is a threat to us all, a top criminal intent on subjegating untold amounts of persons. We believe he is here in Sigil, in hiding. Our goal is to track him down and eliminate him and it is my hope that the Lorekeepers have more information on this fiend and his location. This menace must not be allowed to continue, for if his mechanisations were to come true, there would be no lore to keep.

Signed,
Lord Knight Brandon Firestorm

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919204038-feb168a0.jpg
To: Faluna

Dear Queen Lymsleia,

It brightens my heart to hear there are others seeking to stand against oppression and suffering. However, I must confess these are difficult times and I can not merely trust the word that is written in letters sent to me. From what I understand you are related to Faluna, but I am afraid more than that I do not know. I have to learn more about Faluna, your motivations and interests before the Golden Citadel can look into an alliance between our two factions. I invite representatives of your faction to meet in our district, so that we may learn more of each other and the possibility to align not just interest but activities as well.

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
[Oh, hehe. I knew "Golden Cathedral" didn't sound right.]

Queen Lymsleia, a young woman--barely more than a girl, in fact--arrived at the Golden Citadel not a day after a response had been sent by the Citadel, escorted by a dozen grim-faced soldiers and half that number in mages. The Queen wore decent looking robes of state--though not nearly as expensive as what most kings and queens bankrupted their kingdoms on--and her deep-brown hung loosely down to her shoulders. She put on a cheerful air and a smile, but any perceptive observer would notice the troubled look in her eyes. She didn't give any hint of what in particular--if anything--bothered her, but even her soldiers appeared on edge. Queen Lymsleia. I desire an audience with Lord Moteborne. That is, if he's not busy. She said to the guards who would undoubtably come to greet any such force entering their territory. He should be expecting me--or someone sent by me.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

Over the next few days a couple recruiting posters appeared in the districts surrounding Sandstone, showing a man with a top hat in a victory pose flashing a sparkling smile while a tentacle sprouting from his back holds a longdrink.


Like the hat?
If you want to kick reason to the curb and do the impossible
the keepers are the right thing for you. Inquire at the Block
in Sandstone. Sign up today and receive one free drink per
appendage. Bring straws.

[Eldan]

Eidelweiss to the Keeper [PM]

"Agreed. We are also looking forward to a dull first expedition."

Xanxost to the Trader's Consortium [PM]

"Splitting meat is one of Xanxost's specialties. He will come."

The Tallymen to the Pumix Corporation [Public[

"There are several points in your speech that betray your ignorance.
First, you are an organized group of more than one individiual currently residing in Sigil. That makes you a faction.
Second, we can not twist the laws. We wrote the laws as they apply to us.
Third: you can not defend yourself. This is to be a fair trial, so you will have to invite factors from three different factions, none of which can be your own. We will likewise invite from among those repsectable enough to serve. The Why's Men, the Torographia, The Golden Ring, The Black Mirror, The Centralists, Aqua Regis,The Chymical Works, all ancient and well-respected factions.
Of course, if you have no allies to speak for you, you may let us fill the open spaces by random selection."

Golden Ring to the Baatezu [1]

"The Terms are simple. We take gold from those who want theirs guarded and well invested and in turn invest gold into credits given out to those who require money. Usually, we expect a profit rate of around 10%, given that we can use divinations to determine the quality of an investment.
We also mint currency and monitor its flow in the city, rooting out any who would mint currency of insufficient quality or claim false legitimancy with the Ring, and we guard valuables."

The Last Link to the Baatezu [2]

"If by goods you mean workers, we can send you a standard indentured servitude contract immediately. We have a broad variety of specialized talent on offer.

Nyx Atropa to the Grand Engine [PM]

As expected, your expedition starts out finding nothing but ancient, long-abandoned sewers and tunnels, filled with dust. But as you push deeper, your troops find more and more bones, skulls stacked in loose piles against the walls, legs and arms cracked for marrow.
It is then the first attacks begin. Ghouls hurl themselves at your troops from dark niches and hidden holes in the ceiling - snarling, dry-skinned, corpse pale creatures, all stick thin limbs, claws and teeth, unreasoning in their hunger. Soon they find that your troops are not edible and there are fewer attacks.
But as you descend another level, in total darkness now and the cracks of ancient dry bones omnipresent now, the attacks start again, not single, desperate hungry predators now, but hulking brutes of bone and pale flesh, throwing themselves against your warmachines with no respect for their safety and interspersed between them, inky black shadows, snarling, hissing and directing necromantic energies at you with no reason.
Still, you take losses and they pile up the further you push. This has become a battle of attrition and though it takes a dozen of the undead brutes to take down one of your golems, there seems to be no end to them.

Eidelweiss, Public

"The Tallymen are not here to protect the city. That is the personal business of every faction. They are here for taxes and for crime. We also have no authority over them, as they are a faction just as we are. If you have a grievance, bring it to the Hall of Speakers, if you want to debate it before the gathered factions."

The Why's Men, to the Trader's Consortium [5]

"Truth can't be sold, as it is invaluable. But it can be shared. What is it you wish to know?"

[Lost Demiurge]

Djinn and Tonic
to Trader's Consortium

Any who are willing to be peaceful are welcome at the Djinn and tonic, effendi! Simply come and enjoy stories, and perhaps you shall hear the juciest of rumors!

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Why's Men

I am hoping to learn who the Talleymen will call to the trial of Pumix corp - do they have any old friends or staunch allies, things like this. What sort of information would be considered an equal trade for this?

-Mr. Moneybags


Djinn and Tonic

A few men from the Consortium do show up at the bar, sitting, drinking, and talking. One turns to the barman. "Do you get many of the Talleymen in here?"

((Not PM, just using the men for flavor and whatnot))


Whoever owns the Shattered District

Greetings. I have a proposition for you that is best discussed in private. Would you be free this month or next for a meeting?

-Mr. Moneybags

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Tallymen [Public]
Tell us, when will this trial take place? We are interested in attending and seeing the law and order of Sigil at work.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Faluna [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

The guards are surprised at the high class visit, though they hide it well under their professionally stoic expression. Soon enough, the call is sent out to Prince Jarmen Moteborne, while the Queen and her entourage are led in the mansion serving as the Headquarters of the Golden Citadel to a guest room to await the time the Prince is ready to receive them. The mansion shows some measure of status, but nothing in excess, only to a level that is deemed required for a faction of their status.

It does not take long before the news arrives that they are welcome to proceed. The Queen and her entourage are led to a well decorated room. "Welcome Queen Lymsleia, to the Headquarters of the Golden Citadel." Prince Jarmen Moteborne walks towards her to offer her and her company an official welcome. He also introduces the educated lady Tatiana Illuminus, hailing from the Radiant Isles. In the room there are several servants, ready to serve those present, as well as a few guards and a handful of other people.

"I had not thought you would honour us with a visit yourself, Queen Lymsleia, but I am pleased that you did." The prince proclaims. He then leaves room for her to speak up.

If she directs the conversation to a certain point, he will think before answering her, but if otherwise the opportunity is presented, he will introduce the other people present to her and her company as well. They are mainly priests, paladins and diplomats, respresenting all the four origins of the Golden Citadel, as well as religion and an individual diplomat.

Unless the Queen has other plans for the format, or the company she has brought are merely soldiers and none of import, he suggests their groups to mingle so that they can exchange information about one another and do exactly as he has written, to learn more of each other.

OOC: This way, the Golden Citadel could at least be up to date on Faluna as far as the introductionary application/ooc post went.

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation

To The Grand Engine [5]
You have openly spoken out against the Tallymen's corrupt sense of order. Would you be interested in defending us in the trial? Would you have the ability to track down those that The Tallymen will call against us?

To the Trader's Consortium [5]
I thank you for your continued assistance. Our best slaves are mining your payment now.

((How much of my Wealth output do you want this turn?))

To The Tallymen
"If that is how you have written your laws then I should not judge you for them. Know only that if it was not for Sigils inability to cooperate then we would not be current 'residents' of this place. We are victims here but we shall leave our new acquaintances to explain this to you, as is your way."
The 3 factors of Pumix Corporation head to the courtc for trial.

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Pumix Corp:

I WANT all your wealth :smalltongue: For a favor like this though, 2 wel should be plenty.

[Lost Demiurge]

Djinn and Tonic
to the Trader's Consortium



The bar is in a rough part of town, but seems oddly unmolested or graffiti'd. Inside, a few steam mephits happily handle the light part of the shift, while a gorgeous green-skinned djinn woman, surely Sula herself, smiles from behind a veil as she surveys the new arrivals.

"The Tallymen, effendi? Yes, some come through now and again. Always on their patrols, always in large groups. Tallymen never travel alone through these streets. Some say it would be dangerous for them, you see."

"Not in here, mind. All who keep the peace are welcome in the house of Sula!"

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Troublemakers[5, I think]
Oh really? And what reason do you have for harming them? I am dying to find out.

Please excuse the sarcastic undertones of this message...the Queen is in a bit of a delicate mood as of the time of this writing.

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
Queen Lymsleia would curtsy to Prince Mortbone and the Radiant Tatianna. It is a pleasure to meet you both. I must say, it brings back such fond memories of before the Betrayal*, meeting with Someone of your grace and stature. Clearly in a good mood, she put on a rueful grin. I remember that I used to hate meetings like this.

She muttered a quck couple words to the captain of the bodyguards she had brought. At ease, people! he would bark at his men. The soldiers responded immediantly and their grim-expressions vanished in an instant as they began to make comments about the District and the Lady's Ward in general. It wasn't long before they had begun mingling somewhat with the occasional member of the Citadel. Though mainly soldiers, they had been to events such as this before and knew how to conduct themselves appropriately. They appeared perfectly content to the untrained eye, but any man trained to watch such things would notice they were ready to spring into action and protect their Queen--with their lives if needed--at the first sign of trouble. They also appeared to know one another quite well and knew what to watch for in the expressions and stance in the others; if one of them sensed trouble, they would all know of it. The benefit of having served with these same men over the course of dozens of major campaigns.

What is your opinion of the other notable factions within Sigil? In particular, those with no purpose other than to wage war it seems? Queen Lymsleia asked the Prince and Tatianna. It looked like simple chit-chat, but clearly there was more behind the question than a desire for conversation.

*The Betrayal: Basically the catch-all term for what is covered in my factions backstory; betrayal of the man she loved, turning the continent into a literal hell, etc, etc. The Queen is clearly in a good mood right now. Rumours say that, most of the time, when it is mentioned she quickly turns sullen and melancholy.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Baatezu [PM]
We seek to eliminate Aqua Regis while their factors are at the Pumix Trial. We will enter via Lo3, so if you enter their territory via Lo9 we will have them in a pincer formation. However, as we are not fighters, we will rely on you to make the first engagement. If we do not act now, the city will surely flood.

[HerbieRAI]

The Invisible Hand

To the Pumix Corporation (Faith 5)

We will be looking into the matter. We will not charge for us looking, only for information found. We can discuss prices after we find something out.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: Eidelweiss [PM]
"Excellent. The Portal is in Hushland, just a bit outside your own neighborhood. It is opened by three people simultaneously screaming at the top of their lungs. My people can handle that part if it is somewhat unconfortable and agitatious to you. See you there."

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Faluna [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"We've heard the Eternal Horde is ready to get into a fight." Tatianna Illuminus admits. "However, since their first target seems to be Ashen Hammer, and we can do without a faction composed of demons. I hope those two factions will just eliminate one another." She continues, but the Prince seems less optimistic as he takes the word. "Doubtful, but at least it stalls one of the two. If the Ashen Hammer gets eliminated it will serve the Order of the Feather, a faction of devils. There are a number of factions out there I would hate to have as neighbours." Jarmen Moteborne shakes his head at that.

"The Kindly Ones are a faction we perceive in a much better light." Tatianna remarks, which only gets a well meant nod from Prince Jarmen. "As for the other factions and their plans.. I do not know how many are ready to wage war. I hear of some disturbances here and there, like the Pumix Corporation and the Tallymen meeting one another, but other than that I fear the worst is yet to come." He lets out a soft sigh. "What is your perspective on the factions?" Looking at Queen Lymsleia, he as well as his archivist colleague seem interested in her opinion.

Faith 4

To: Vox Divinia et Arcanorum

OOC: Apologies, missed your earlier message to my faction.

Greetings Vox Divinia et Arcanorum,

Your call to stand against conquest and destruction is a sound one. However, these are difficult times and I can not merely trust such offers in writing alone. I will have to learn more about your faction, the Vox Divinia et Arcanorum, as I know very little at the present time of the group and its cause. This to ensure that our motivations and interests align and an alliance is good for the both of us. I invite representatives of your faction to meet in our district, so that we may learn more of each other and see what we can mean for one another.

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
The Queen considered her words a moment. I must agree with your assesment for the most part and I can bear the plight of those fiends in the Ashen Hammer with great fortitude. A look of melancholy crossed her features a moment, but was quickly covered. Sigil will be better off without them. As for the Eternal Horde itself, I believe they can potentially be reasoned with for a time. A number of their rank-and-file are comprised of "Deep Trolls." A race with which I have prior knowledge of; I am finalizing a non-aggression pact with them so I can probably steer them towards those other fiendish cults infesting Sigil.

She pursed her lips thoughtfully at the mention of the Kindly Ones. She sighed. I too have a higher opinion of the Kindly Ones, but they are not exactly the saints they seem to be...I have it on good authority that, should they deem an individual to be evil, they will make him vanish. Be it poison or a knife to the heart. So, obviously not a huge issue since they target only those who are potentially a threat to the City at large, such methods can backfire.

My biggest Concern--i'll admit to being selfish on this matter--is that of the Grand Engine; as far as I can tell, their entire philosophy centers on exterminating the "soft-skins" of the multiverse. They are in a position to strike at many in the Hive Ward currently. No one faction in the Ward--my soldiers included--can hope to stand against them for long. She paused. I hope I am just being paranoid after everything i've been through in the past few years, but if i'm right, steps must be taken before they slaughter the entire City.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [6]
We would enjoy a meeting, but we must request that we meet in neutral territory. How about a meeting somewhere in the Lower Ward, halfway between our headquarters?

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Faluna [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"It would be good if the Eternal Horde can be reasoned with, but from what you seem to imply is that this would only be temporarily. Which seems the unforunate case, if they are really out for conflict that much." Archivest Tatianna Illuminus states, to which Prince Jarmen Moteborne nods and continues. "As for the Kindly Ones, this is the first time I have heard anybody spoken of them as such. I understand your concerns, but I doubt we will need to fear such actions."

When Queen Lymsleia talks of the Grand Engine, both the Prince and Tatianna look at one another. When they look at the Queen again, Jarmen speaks up. "We've barely heard of the Grand Engine. We know it is a faction out there, but our knowledge is limited to that. Could you tell more about them?" Tatianna quickly adds: "Yes, it would be useful to know more of them. You say they seek bloodshed?"

Faith 4

To: Vox Divinia et Arcanorum

Greetings Vox Divinia et Arcanorum,

Your request is fair and we will heed it. Though I do wonder why you suggest the Lower Ward over the more hospitable Market Ward or Guild Hall Ward? I would actually propose we meet in the Ghunderhavel District, between our headquarters as well. Shall we each send representatives to meet up there, or do you wish to have a more in person meeting?

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
Queen Lymsleia nodded and collected her thoughts a moment. Yes, they desire only the destruction of all humanoid life in the planes as far as I know. I don't personally know much about their past, but I know that upon their arrival in Sigil, they slaughtered the entire population of their district simply because they are superior to all others as golems.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [PM]
Agreed. We will send one of our factors to meet you in the Ghunderhavel District. And as a show of faith, on arrival we will share our plan to destroy the Baatezu.

[NM020110]

Baatezu

TALLI HUE[PM]

Moritharios bows to the Factol as he speaks, frowning a bit as the explanation of the teleportation prohibition but otherwise seeming pleased with the presentation's result.

"My apologies for the unwarranted teleportation. It would seem that the past ten-thousand years of war has worn on my sense of propriety, as I had assumed that any location not warded against teleportation welcomed it. This blunder, I shall not make in the future. Thank you for making me more aware.

"As to the nature of the offer, you are quite right that most of what was offered would be insufficient for adventurers of your caliber. I had hoped that it would at least be sufficient as a pretext to seek what was truly desired, but which might not be desirable to seek openly. If one signs a contract with us for money, few will question it. A contract signed to get revenge on someone else...well, that might raise more questions than is necessary.

"But, as you say, unless a member has something specific they want, the generic offer will simply be more of what those here already have. So in that event, I believe that I will agree that a small, temporary alliance would be of interest. As to something we can work together on, I believe there is an operation scheduled to occur sometime in the next few months(next turn) to remove an undesirable from Sigil."

Moritharios raises her hand, and snaps. A map of Sigil appears, then zooms in on the Masquerade Hall. Beside the map is an image of Foxglove the Arcanaloth, and notes on the capabilities of the daemon and its followers.

"Would such an endeavor as this be sufficient to your request?"


VDEA[5; I misremembered my faith stat...:smallredface:]

OOC: No PMs left for this turn, I'm afraid.

I regret to inform you that we will not be participating at this time; any assets which might be of use are already committed elsewhere.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Baatezu [6]
OOC: You are sorely mistaken. I count 3 conversations going on in PM. Me and the Golden Citadel, Me and the Lorekeepers, & Me and Faluna. I have one left. Now let's pretend you didn't read that, shall we?

We are sorry to hear that. Aqua Regis is a threat to us all, but we are unable to defeat them ourselves.

[NM020110]

Baatezu

VDEA[5]

OOC: You might have a few left. I don't. I did almost misread and think you were proposing an attack on the factors at the trial, but thankfully a fifth reading said differently. That would have been a really bad misunderstanding...

If I may make a suggestion, if you were to hire someone trustworthy to investigate and confirm your statements regarding Aqua Regis you might find yourself with several more allies. As it stands, your words value is matched against theirs, and it seems likely that many will not be certain enough to act.

That advice, unfortunately, is the most aid we can provide at the moment.

[Lost Demiurge]

TALLI HEU
to Baatezu [PM]

Tiermann smiles, his walruslike whiskers spreading. "Well old legume, there are times that a teleportation should be allowed through. Occasionally senior members need it, dontchaknow."

"Mm, well. Foxglove now. Nasty bit of business, that. Tendency to eat the fingers of overdue debtors, isn't that right Benbow?"

The crowd titters, as a man with one golemlike hand shoves it behind his suitcoat and flushes. "It was only a few hundred plat. He was quite uncivilized about it!"

"Hmhmhm. Well, old tuber, I suppose you've got an alliance then! Let's have us a bally old fox hunt!"

And the crowd cheers! With a clap of the major domo's hands, instruments are wheeled out, and the Baatezu are invited to dance, enjoy brandy and fine cigars, and (mostly for the Erinyes,) offers of drunken advances from the more amorous members of the club.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde
Faith 8

To Faluna

We will stay our hands towards you for the moment. To be honest, we are more intrested in wiping out the fiends at the moment. After the Ashen Hammer, the devils are next.

After that, maybe a battle with the Far Realm forces.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Baatezu [6]
OOC: Such as it is in war. But that would've been really bad

The purpose of this invasion was to find proof and crush the threat before it can grow, but your words have merit. I shall get the Tallymen to investigate if they are not already preoccupied with their trial.

To Tallymen [6]
Will you investigate Aqua Regis's water system? As the law-enforcement branch of Sigil, you have a duty to investigate if there is reasonable belief that a faction might destroy the city or murder thousands.

[Eldan]

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8379/dtek.jpg


Issue 145, Second Lady's Day of the month of Bravura, Ekima 51

Kindness Spreads

The atmosphere in Sigil is one of kindness and understand as our fearless researcher Augh hears countless tales of the bravery of the factions of Sigil. The poor of Sigil line up around the block as the Kindly Ones and the Golden Citadel join forces to do what they are known for best, handing out free food and healing to those in need.
A spokesman for the Kindly Ones took the Podium in the Hall of Speakers fervently calling for the factions of Sigil to overcome these trying times not with fire and steel, but with brotherly love and kindness.
Even the Baatezu, often so ignorantly called devils by the ignorant Primes seem to get in on the act, spending much gold to buy and free slaves. Only the Trader's Consortium reversed this trend when they took the opportunity to buy up record amounts of non-Food food, causing prices of anything not consisting of the Eidelweiss' grey goo to rise dramatically.

See Pages 2,3
For faction reactions, see pages 4, 7

Eidelweiss Factor Shows True Colour

Rahaxeph Sheng (54) shocked a crowd, including our stoic writer Augh, when he was seen wearing a neckerchief of blue velvet with his usually grey suit on an open street. Noticing the passer-by's reaction, Sheng raised one of his four eyebrows.
A Eidelweiss spokesghost has since confirmed that Sheng was removed from his position immediately and is awating trial.

Cooking with Xanxost

Today: Bebilith bisque with butter-fried claws; salad of mushrooms and bladeling skin with vinegrette and formian honey; hellfire-seared nightmare steak on mixed vegetables; sorbet of hadean lime and arcanaloth tears, assorted cheeses.

Recipe Page 10.

Short notes: Fighting in some Districts

Some factions, apparently mostly primes, were fighting in some districts. No reporters were on scene and no eye-witnesses cared enough to report this to the paper.

They stood no chance.
From one side of the district the blood-smeared berserkers of the risers, at the other side a disciplined rank of armoured war trolls and behind them, row after row of shouting, singing orcs and hobgoblins, swarming over the rooftops, filling the alleys to bursting.
It began with artillery. Buildings were crushed under hurled stones, the once elegant bars, theatres and brothels of the Ashen Hammer, reduced to rubble.
Then the trolls charged. Not even walls could stand against them.
It did not take much time and there was only one single building, the fortified headquarter of the Ashen Hammer, walls of demon-forged black iron,
The trolls lined up. Surely, the fiends would make their stand here. Pikes were leveled, shields interlocked and then both armies charged.

For a time, silence.

Then a single shout of incredible frustration and rage.

Then light. A white light, brighter than any prime sun. A sound, not truly heard but roaring across the ground, punching the air with all the force of an avalanche. And then, when vision was restored, a mushrooming cloud of fire, rising five, ten, fifteen stories high over the district.

There was a crater, a hundred feet across and twenty deep and, standing in the middle, a couple of confused, but quite unharmed trolls.

[Lost Demiurge]

Ferandantilax
Marble District

INTERLUDE #1


THE DIMINUTIVE DRAGON

At first, the scouts encounter no resistance. They sweep into the district from three directions, posing as beggars, travellers, and residents. By the time anyone notices that half of them have patches of blue scales, and puts that fact together with the inevitable conclusion, it's far too late.

The few minor gangers and local adventurers that could have fought back are surrounded and either cut down or allowed to surrender. They are stripped of magic and coin either way, their treasures piled at the patchwork wood and gilt throne hastily assembled in the center of the district.

He walks in, his troops falling silent as his claws clack on the pavement.

Two and a half feet, scales of blue, and a glare in his eyes that brooks no disobedience.

The assassins strike then, some half-arsed gang or another. He doesn't know and he doesn't care. The crossbow quarrels ricochet off a barrier two feet away from him. He doesn't even break his stride, as he gestures idly, and lightning SCOURGES the building they were shooting from.

The Dabus will have work to do tomorrow.

The dragon king takes his throne in the renewed silence, and the offerings are piled before him. Rubbing his chin, he smiles, showing sharp, sharp teeth.

Ferandantilax is pleased, and the Marble Court has a new Lord and Master.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Baatezu [6]
How kind of you to free those slaves. Is this a sign of good faith? In any case, there are current issues. With Fer and the Riser's current expansionist outlook, we believe our district may come under fire. Please send reinforcements.

To Fernandantilax
We trust that your new expansionism will not encroach onto our territory, and in return after certain events are dealt with we will lift Pun-Pun's curse and restore you to your rightful form. However, remember this: the dead cannot cast spells.

To The Risers
We saw what you did to the Ashen Hammer and will not be so easy to destroy. Attack us at your own peril.

[NM020110]

Baatezu

VDEA[6]

How certain are you of the attack to come? Some forces have a greater opportunity cost for deployment than others. Fortunately, we've been anticipating a battle between ourselves and the Eternal Horde along with its allies...a side note, though, that if the Horde attacks us now we'll be hard pressed to defend ourselves, which may limit our ability to aid you.

Potential forces:
Baatezu(allied, under threat)
Pumix Corporation(allied)
Colony Central(mercenaries)
Grand Engine(allied)
Trader's Consortium(allied)
Golden Citadel(Going to take a lot of convincing)
TALLI HUE(pretty iffy)

We'll keep you informed of any new information.

As to the slaves, they are something of an investment, to attempt to mitigate the deleterious effect that Asmodeus has given our reputation. That seems to be going...fairly well, actually.


Grand Engine[6]

Our records show that you entered negotiations with the VDEA recently, regarding a defensive alliance. They don't seem to have contacted you with it, but I suspect that you've seen their request for aid against the Risers.

I am unsure of your true goals, but I suspect that elimination of the Risers will aid you by reducing the number of factions that might oppose you, as well as securing your bonds to the alliance members.

I rather suspect that the Eternal Horde will also be hitting us this month, so any aid you can give for that would be appreciated.


The Eternal Horde[6]

Congratulations on your victory against the Ashen Hammer. I do believe that you intended to attack us next. Based on the lack of casualties taken, it seems reasonable that you won't be taking a break to rest first, though if you do need time to recover from your battle we will wait.

Ah, a question. Were you successful in sealing off the portal? If not, then I have some advice for you. The Plane of Infinite Portals, which lies on the other side of that portal, is one of the primary battlefields of the Blood War. If you want a good fight, you'll find one through that portal.

If you don't have the key, we can ask around for you.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Risers[Faith 5]
Howdy! We are somewhat curious about the eating hearts thing to gain the previous owner's strength. It seems you got a decent haul out of the demons, but what do you do in the case of somewhat oversized creatures with similarly oversized hearts? Do you share it amongst all your followers or would the one claiming the heart eat it in multiple sittings? If the latter, do you give any thought to seasonings and side dishes? I would imagine that eating the same thing for a month straight gets rather unpleasant, even if it's a Balor's heart.

To: Eidelweiss[Faith 5]
This is a less secure channel so we'll keep things short. I hope our cooperation was satisfactory for you as well. We wish you the best of luck, success and idleness.

[Portal PM]
The few Kaorti accompanying the thralls and converts look at each other questioningly for a moment, then they speak up, each one sentence at a time. "Intelligence - confirmatory. Wish meat not fight - stop. You are what you eat - stop. Fat tissue not essential - questionmark. Neth much more attractive to other demiplanes without it - stop. Will continue work, agreement - questionmark."

[Orbiter]

The Risers
Those demons wasted their money and planning, the Risers and the Horde only lost their time, but that was fine, afterall this test ran awoke the troops and allowed to scout the district, even if its all rubble now.

Seeker on his part started his training he was gonna have tear some hearts out later to make up for how bored he felt, perhaps he should focus on training now instead of all the other factions, or perhaps he should find a damned bottle of alcohol to drink.

To VDEA[5]

One page was sent back as an answer.

Pffffff you are not as great you think. pfffffffff

*The rest of the paper continues the pffff written on it until there is no space left*


To The Keeper of Keys

To understand us you need to understand the philosophy.
The heart is in essence one of the main cores of the body where your power passes by and is distributed, thus as one of the main seats of power its the preferred one to be eaten/devoured by someone.

Its not shared by the followers usually, but really it depends on the circumstances. Most of the time for our soldiers the one who kills the general or commanding officer gets that heart, and as for the enemy soldiers hearts are distributed based on who killed most of them and who wishes to advance on our ranks by eating those hearts, some people wish to kill a powerful being so that they get respect and power in such a way that no one will think of challenging them.

As for using seasonings in general, nah most of the time the only preparation that happens is using magic and alchemy to a heart(look at the ones who refine their body and wish to make a philosophers stone, they got the right idea on what they are doing coating the heart in such a things provides a double benefit, we simply are more like hunters or parasites preferring to steal someones power, but even a wolf can be said to have enough power to take from).
If a heart is very big(giants) or someone is close with someone else then its possible that they share the heart between them thus sharing a part of the power, still we do have some heart recipes for those interested in them.....if you don't mind cannibalism, humans have so much problem with it that it stopped being funny.

As for the hammer, the demons ran away than face us, no hearts were eaten, such a shame but we are used to a faction running away than face us, funnily we took no loses from their trap and thus we only wasted time, but thats okay.


To The Eternal Horde

Dammit looks like the cowards ran away, and we prepared our magic just in case they tried anything strange.......hmmm Should we meet and choose a target? or try having some internal growth first?

Between you and me i have a target in mind, but wish for my target to grow stronger and more powerful first before eating it er attacking it that is.

ps: If there is a meeting Dawn will be sent because i am busy...heh don't worry she is the second in command on our faction.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

The mages worked tirelessly, and finally the Planar Beacon was complete. The Keeper found a way to contact Truncinas, and they guided his way out of the Para-Elemental Plane of Ice, through the planar network and finally through one of the few Portals that survived the Lady's purge. Finally, they managed o summon him - or perhaps not...
"I have returned!"
"Um..." The Kaorti looked somewhat unsure at the translucent, wavering figure that far as one could tell was a Kaorti as well, if it were fully there at least.
"Well, that's strange", Truncinas said, waving his arm back and forth which turned it into a blur instead of any distinguishable shape. A moment later, he faded from view completely only to reappear a few seconds later.
"Well, I guess we DO have a public face now Sigil can see. Just... Not always."
"Hrm."

To: The Risers[Faith 5]
Oh, that is quite interesting. But when dealing with a creature that derives its power not from the heart but rather the brain, like say a Mind Flayer, would you then eat that instead or still take the heart out of principle?

Since as you say the demons got away I'll give you the same warning I gave the Horde previously. There is a second Portal into the Abyss active in the city, and the demons may well use it as a fallback point. They still have an opportunity to bring more of their ilk into Sigil, and now they have good reason not to like you. Well, I guess they had before, being demons yadda yadda, but I'd say you rather stand out amongst the people they'd like to quarter, skin and boil.

To: Colonization Central[Faith 5]
Hey there! I hope you are in good health and no misfortune rustled your scales. You announced you would hire your troops out for money. Would that include training as well? Some of our troops are still quite fresh. Others don't really know what to do with their freshly gained claws, tentacles, tails and assorted other useful bodily changes. And hey, we thought, dragon claws, dragon teeth, dragon tails, dragon wings, that's the closest we can get! We'd love to have some of your people come as instructors.

To: Xanxost [PM]
Truncinas went to visit Xanxost in his first act as the Keeper's designated diplomat.
"Xanxost, you big, lovely cleaver!" he called out, arms wide. "I'd surely like to embrace you, but, well..." He waved his arm back and forth turning into a blur of colours, a trick he by now was rather fond of.
"It was quite auspicious we were already on friendly enough terms when you encountered our troops at the Neth portal. That joint expedition sure went well! But I do think fighting and cooking demons and whatever else can be found on Pandemonium is more to your liking than giant white blobs over and over. So, the deal we agreed upon, ready to make he exchange?

If you want we'd like to send some our our people along for this expedition as well, but that's entirely up to you. You prefer flying solo, no hurt feelings. We'd also cast a few spells to better deal with the hostile conditions on that plane."

[Orbiter]

The Risers

To The Keeper of Keys[5]

Something so powerful(well against an average human) would be completely butchered and both the heart and brain would be devoured.
By principle the heart first in a situation where the target is like a mind flayer their brain or the equivalent organ of the case will be prepared to finish the cycle after the heart is eaten.

Heh its fine not like we lack power to go against them, and besides if they come back we are gonna have a party with them.(rusty sporks optional).

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

"I want seeker hounds on dem things trail! I want da sniffers brought in! Getta portal ta Archeon open fast, we needs dem feind-gutters. Dey tink dey can run? Bah, dey only bough dimselfs time."

To the Risers

Who ya thinkin of?

To the Keeper of Keys

We asked you some time ago about your motives and addtional information. Now, we ask your price.

To the Baatezu(open)

Nah, we're good here. But, maybe we can orgainze a debate sometime? Or maybe a drinking contest? Conflict in all forms. Don't need to be lethal, and while we trust you as much as we'd trust a starving vampire around a bleeding human child, you seem to be a bit less lying scumy bastards and lawyer then most of yer kind.

So, drinking contest sometime?

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Central

To Keeper of Keys
Yes we do provide training. At a cost of 2 military per 1 wealth provided. A max of 4 military can be hired for training.

To Faluna OCC
Did you hire my troops for training or not last turn? My EoT didn't say one way or the other and I want to know for my calculations.

[Lost Demiurge]

Ferandantilax
to VDEA [5]

You assume that the mighty Ferandantilax cannot lift his curse already. But aside from that, your plea for mercy has been heard. For now it is granted.

[Atrum Umbra]

Pumix Corporation

To The Tallymen
"Having seen the devastation spreading across your beloved city I would have to suggest that we are the least of your problems. Let us postpone the trial until after the problems die down and you can leave us be in our district. We will of course stand up and be judged when the time is right. We will also cooperate with any attempts to bring the current anarchists to justice, perhaps we could even create safe roads through the furnace, sorry Foundry District."

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Colonization Central[OOC]
I sent the money and your people were mentioned in my training section, so yes.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Risers[Faith 5]
As you wish. I offered my caution, how you proceed with it is up to you.

To: The Horde[Faith 5]
We prefer cold hard cash. Perhaps liquid as well if you have an assortment of exotic wine to offer. Suggest a price and we'll consider if it is agreeable. Preferably paid in at most two installments. Men with big armies owing you money does not lend peaceful sleep.

To: Colonization Central[Faith 5]
Excellent. I'll take four Mil. Send them in your EoT and they will leave again with the 2 Wel. Should you for some reason require your troops elsewhere please inform me in time so I can change my plans.

[Orbiter]

The Risers


To The Eternal Horde[5]

Got a couple ideas for growth and targets as well if you are interested, but there are many people who seem to be able to watch our communications, of that i am pretty sure and i also dont want them tipping off any of our targets, dont worry i am pretty sure our target is hated/feared by many and thus people wont mind.....the removal.

So how about a meeting in my territory? or yours if you want.


To The Keeper of Keys[5]

And you have my thanks.

[razovor]

The Grand Engine

To the Baatezu:
I do not see clear signs that the VDEA are going to be attacked, and they have not requested my aid directly. I will send them a message, but I am already engaged in a conflict of my own.

To the VDEA:
The Baatezu have informed us that you believe you are soon to be attacked by the risers. What gives you this idea?

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Central

To Keeper of Keys
Very well, you have yourselves a deal.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Great Engine [6]
Nothing in particular, however they are in a district bordering ours and seem to be a particularly...expansionist faction. We merely are setting up contingencies so that if we are attacked we have aid we can rely on.

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde
Faith 9

To the Keeper of Keys

Maybe a three month deal? We're offering 6 WEL, 2 per month, but we're also going to be trying to hold a great sports comptition and need a bit of funding for that.

To the Risers[PM]

A massive Troll, towering over its fellows, clad in enough armor to mistake it for a iron golem and enough weapons to think it just raided an armory, Warlord Gurg has come personally to your HQ.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: The Horde[Faith 5]
Don't you mean week? Each turn is a week long.

I'd write in my EoT that I hand you a sealed piece of parchment with the information upon delivery of the first payment, is that acceptable or would you need to know right away? We'd have to take it to PM if so.

To: The Risers[Faith 5]
One more thing, what was that big explosion? It registered as a 5.5 on our HORRENDOUS KABLOOIE scale. Did the Portal survive the blast?

[Orbiter]

The Risers

To The Eternal Horde[PM]

Most of the guards were running about, but Dawn herself she looked pretty mature for an elf not old but perky and she was watching with a bored look on the entrance and upon seeing him she ran up to the warlord and bowed out of respect "Nice to see you Warlord Gurg i am Dawn, if you will please follow me we have much to discuss".

Provided the Warlord had no qualms about being led for a bit by a chicka he would be led to one of the side-halls big enough for him to pass by standing tall and from there to an equally big room, a strategy room and knowing lots about strategy no doubt the Warlord would recognize this most likely is not the main strategy room, but one made for his arrival no doubt and they may or may not thought he might be a little bit taller .

"We have identified several targets who wont run this time from us, if we seek a challenge we can pick any of the territories in the Hive, the blue dragonling is a pretty good target if we may say so, he is expanding, and to say they truth we are not sure if we should let him become more powerful to take his heart or go against him now, but he is one good target we could attack and destroy, unless you had someone else in mind?"


To The Keeper of Keys[5]

Trap,Explosion.
Not sure on the exact details everything in there was destroyed.

But failed to do anything amusingly.

[HerbieRAI]

The Invisible Hand

To the Whys Men (Faith 8)

We believe we have a secret you may want to have. A portal to a world that can solve a lot of the comming problems that the owners do not want everyone to know about. We are willing to share this information if we were to make a pact between our two groups.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel


http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919204038-feb168a0.jpg
Lord Knight Brandon Firestorm

"Citizens of Sigil. I am Lord Knight Brandon Firestorm, of the Golden Citadel and the Order of the Valorous Heart. As leader of the Valorous Heart, our mission is to track down the fiend Z'turknik, a vile criminal only out for the death and misery of many. We believe he hides here, in the city. If any of you have details on his where abouts, please share them with us so that we may track down this menace to us all. Do not allow him to despoil our futures, for if given the chance, he will smash any dream to smithereens and only seek to replace it with dread. We accept tips anonymously and the Order is willing to offer our help in return for help offered to find this fiend of the highest order. To those who are in league with him, abandon ties to him now or fear the Blade of the Valorous Heart that will smite the wrongdoer and the evil in our midst!"

Faluna [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"That is horrible news!" Tatianna exclaimed. "Indeed it is. Please, keep us informed as you learn more of their activities. If they do pose a threat, we, and probably others, will likely need to act. However, many of Sigil's inhabitants pose a threat, but have yet found that while they can make a ruckus, it is difficult to gain terrain with so many to oppose them. With this new situation, however, things are vastly different."

Vox Divinia et Arcanorum [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

Ghunderhavel District

At the agreed site, Archivist Tatianna Illuminus is present, waiting for the representatives of Vox Divinia et Arcanorum. Her clothing do mark her as a noble, but obvious signs of the faction she belongs to are hidden. Wearing a fashionable hat, her guise is but a flimsy disguise of her true identity and any who know her by face could recognise her. With her are several men and women, a number dressed as citizen, but likely with armour beneath their coats. The rest seem direct aides, from a coated woman with an inquisitive look behind her glasses to a man hardly hiding the symbol of Pelor around his neck.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [PM]
Elena appears with a pop, trademark cigar in hand. She says, "Sorry I'm late, leading the army and all that. So I suppose you want to know how I plan to take out the Baatezu?"

[Grimsage Matt]

The Eternal Horde

To the Risers [PM]

The Warlord is used to people being smaller then him. Given how he's a giant even by Troll standards, hes used to it. That, and some of the most utterly violent things hes ever encounter were female, so he has no problems.

As Dawn speaks, Gurg nods. Its a good choice.

"Nah, we don't have any better targets, so its good. And as fer the wyrmling itself, just keep the heart alive fer a bit. Aged dragonheart should pack more kick the older it gets.

And something else. We're planing to put together a little sports event, a Bloodbowl tourney in a few weeks. If yer intrested, just sayin. If you kill any of the players, ye'd be allowed ta git the hearts."

To the Golden Citidal

When we wrecked the Ashen Hammer buggers place, the note they left with the booby traped dretch was signed Z. Plus, wez got reason ter suspect they gotz another portal, and ta be frank, the buggers made a run fer it. In our fairness, we tried ter gut 'em, we did.

Also, in a few weeks, probobly a month, we'll be holding a little sports event. If yer intrested in sending a Bloodbowl team, we'll have the Liabillity forms drawn up next week.

[Lost Demiurge]

The Why's Men
to the Invisible Hand
Information on a portal is a good start. And you know the destination, which is better. Do you know the key, or is that yet to be determined?

Because if you have all three, and it is information we do not already possess, then this might count as passing the test we put to you a while ago. And an alliance might very well be possible.

If you have only two, then we would consider it work in progress toward your goal...

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel[7]
I will be happy to help against this fiend once you locate him. We would be better off with one less demon.

Queen Lymsleia

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
One of the Queens soldiers had been getting a breath of air outside. He came hurrying in, a grim look on his face. He leaned down and whispered something in Queen Lymsleia's ear. The Queen muttered something under her breath--it probably wasn't something a Lady of her stature should be saying.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she cleared her throat. It seems the Grand Engine is even now clashing with the Troublemakers back home in the Hive Ward. Though Sigil will not mourn the loss of that gang, it gives them a foothold directly adjacent to my own territory. But, as far as my scouts can tell, the two are at a stalemate, so no action is really necessary at this point. I don't forsee the Troublemakers lasting much longer, but I can deal with that crisis if--and when--it comes.

[razovor]

The Grand Engine:

To VDEA:
"I see. I regret I can't send soldiers to your defence, as I am currently engaged in my own conflict with the Troublemakers; murderers who have been attacking people in the Hive. I hope the Risers do not bother you this week"

"I am reluctant to ask, but what it be possible for you to help me remove the Troublemakers?"

[Orbiter]

The Risers

To The Eternal Horde[PM]

Dawn smiled
"Glad you agree with the target." She pointed on a sketchy map of the Breakbone Borough where the dragonlings headquarters should be.

"The blue lizard has recently taken the Marble district and he will either come back to his headquarters here or we are gonna be taking whatever hoard he has.....and i doubt he will let us down...unless there is nothing in which case we march to the Marble district and kick his blue scaly ass out of Sigil in bits and pieces.....anyhow, do you wish to implement any strategy for how we should fight Warlord?

Anyway when this tournament is for the week after this right?"



To The Golden Citadel[5]

Never heard of that guy, post some posters of him around and you might get someone who will help you.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Grand Engine [6]
That depends. What would you need our help with?

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

On several locations in the city, a few posters are hung.

A MENACE TO US ALL
THE FIEND Z'TURKNIK

<A crude sketch of a terrible fiend cloaked in darkness, fire and evil.>

Help the Order of the Valorous Heart
Bring this Criminal to Justice!

Faith: 4.5

To: Eternal Horde.

Thank you for the tip. We are not interested in your sports, however.

To: The Risers
Thank you for the advice, we will do that.

Vox Divinia et Arcanorum [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"Yes, that is a matter of interest and there is interest for your plans. But beyond that, there is also the interest in your faction. If we want to forge a closer tie, we need to know more about you, your faction and what you stand for. Care to enlighten us on both subjects?" Tatiana Illuminus asks politely.


Faluna [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"A worrying prospect, but our prayers are with you." Tatiana Illuminus states. "Indeed. We wish you the best of luck and please, keep us up to date. I think we have learned much of each other this evening, but there is yet more to learn. Would you care to consider another meeting at a later time?" Prince Jarmen Moteborne offers as a suggestion.

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel[PM]
Queen Lymsleia shrugged. Of course. Just let me know when and i'll make myself available. Pleasure meeting you both.

[Wrapped this up at the perfect time. Leaving tomorrow and won't likely be back until next turn.]

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [PM]
Well, once there was a great hero on a plane we know of named Teryn Loghain. During a war against the forces of darkness, he fool the king into attacking a much more powerful force with the promise of aid once the enemy had committed. He promptly abandoned his king and days after took the throne. We have a similar plan for the Baatezu. We are in the process of convincing them to attack the Aqua Regis, promising to enter their territory from the other side once the AR have committed into attacking the Devils. Of course, we will not provide this promised aid. The two factions destroy each other and, after we sweep up the survivors, two more people are out of the game in one fell swoop.
As for our values, we simply wish to see Sigil remain unchanged. It is an unrivaled location to study the multiverse, but it is inherently unstable. The reason why we wish to remove the Baatezu and Aqua Regis, among others, is that we believe that if they are to gain control of the city, it will be irrevocably changed and such an excellent opportunity will be destroyed. To pursue this, there is little we will not do, but there are lines in the sand. We will not intentionally harm the innocent, for example. Are there any other questions?

[Eldan]

'pologies, people. Have been slacking off a bit.

??? to the Keeper of Keys [PM]


The membrane wobbles uncertainly, then twists and folds, taking on a new form, with sharper angles and points, standing out from the central core.
"The language is complications/complexity/problem. The intrusion burns like a grain of sand rasping/chafing/tearing in the weak tissues. Responses are automatic/autonomous/systemic. The will is fighting the flesh and the white ones.

Fat tissue is reserve in lean times. But times have not been lean in many grand time spans.

The moment has word/concept/: trade. See and learn: supply and demand. See Neth supply. See the intruder demanding. We do not see the intruder supply. What shall Neth demand.

Neth is not an attraction. Neth has enveloped worlds/dimensions/demiplanes and encountered only the strange/alien/not-Neth/dead matter. Neth is alone/unique/eternal."


Xanxost to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

"Aaah, Xanxost's memory is so bad these days. Deals, deals, deals. Xanxost has talked about so many deals. Perhaps? Yes? No? Maybe? Would you like a drink?

Pandemonium is loud. That is to remember. Xanxost learned shapeshifting to grow away his ears."

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Vox Divinia et Arcanorum [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

Tatiana Illuminus and her companions listen to what Elena has to say. THe priest cose to her slowly shakes his head at the course of action the Vox Divinia has undertaken, while the woman adjusts her glasses. Tatiana Illuminus furrows a brow before she asks: "You do realise your plot can easily backfire?"

One of Tatiana's companions, the priest, also has something to add. "Sigil will change. We have all heard the Lady's command. I am sure there are many other factions who would vie for control of the city now, and whose control would not be to your liking. Where will you stop?"

OOC: By the way, what race is Elena?

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: Xanxost [PM]
"Drink, sure. But don't give me your most precious cup, sometimes my corporability is wont to temporarily malfunction and I wouldn't like to wreck something precious.

You offered us an yet unspecified magic item in exchange for the location and key to a Portal leading to Pandemonium. Nice hunting grounds where demons and their ilk can be found but yet outside their center of power. I'm sure what you find there is more interesting - and tastier - than oversized white blobs."

??? [PM]
One of the Kaorti looks left and right, noticing everyone else looking at him expectantly, and with a resigned sigh he accepts the role of speaker. "As you yourself say, lean times are long post and will not come again. The fat is not needed in the present quantity and we can look into ways to remove it without causing pain. What does Neth desire from us? Water? Air? Knowledge? Or maybe just conversation to avoid the boredom of being alone and unique in all of creation?"

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [PM]
While it is true, our strategy has some...flaws, we find it likely that even if the Baatezu attempt to parley with Aqua Regis, the AR will simply continue to attack out of indignation and hatred. As for change, we simply plan to cull the more violent and destructive factions as they inevitably try to sieze control, then wait out the Lady's return with the like-minded. We have access to several portal-keys and can provide for the city in the meantime.

OOC: She's humanish :smallbiggrin:

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Vox Divinia et Arcanorum [PM]

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3//2012/12/06/20121206171710-141833ba.jpg

"For your sake, I hope what you say of the Aqua Regis is true. Both might turn on you if they know it was a set up." Is the advice Tatianna Illuminus has to offer. "Still, I hope it will be the Baatezu's and Aqua Regis' downfall. I can't say I approve of your methods, though. But at least we understand your motivation behind it." The priest adds: "I doubt those violent factions will let themselves be culled so easily. But good luck."

Tatiana continues: "We hope the Lady does return, but it seems we need to reduce the amount of factions further. We will see what the future will bring us."

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Golden Citadel [PM]
"Indeed. Farewell, my friends, may we both survive this crisis." With that, Elena disappears with a pop to places unknown.

[Eldan]

Xanxost to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

Xanxost does something quick and hard to follow, whirling bottles through the air at lightning speed before producing a small glass of greenish liquid.
"Surprise", he explains.
"Powerful magic item... yes, Xanxost has some. Xanxost could give you a powerful weapon."
He ponders for a few seconds, his head-sized golden eyes blinking slowly.
"But that is not what you believe in, do you, little Keeperling. You call yourselves keeper, but you do not keep. You want to get whta you don't have, not to keep what you have. You dig for more and more and more until you dig a hole into the outside.
I will give you something more suited to your Beliefs."
He reaches up with one flabby hand and slaps the back of one of his portruding eyes. With a wet sound, the eyeball falls out of its socket: a perfect golden ball a foot across, with a black pupil on it, glistening wetly in his hand.
"Hm, yes."

He blinks a few times and as he opens his eyelid a third time, there's a new eye in the socket. With a shrug, he extends a hand and puts the now superfluous single eye down on a table.
"You. You don't want hands or claws or feet. You want this. It is a part of Xanxost's power. Keep it."


??? to the Keeper of Keys [PM]

"Water? Air? No.
Knowledge. Yes. Share knowledge. Share what you know, everything, and Neth will share what it has."

[Zweanslord]

To the Trade Consortium.

Sigil Observer

Issue 145, Second Lady's Day of the month of Bravura, Ekima 51

Page 4, Kindness Spreads, Continued from page 1

... one of the priests reacted: "I think it is sad to see the Trader's Consortium thinking of the profits before the lives of others. I, and my brethern from the Golden Citadel would like to make a call out to them, to help those in need with the food they have and not hoard it just to drive up prices. Please, think of the needy and the let Pelor help you find the warmth in your heart." Which was a complete contrast with....

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

??? [PM]
"Sure, sure. We'd much prefer to share tales, stories and knowledge with you rather than keep fighting. Certainly our idle friends here feel likewise, they don't like agitation. Next time they will send a scholar or minstrel and tell you what you want to hear, right?" The Kaorti looked expectantly at the present Eidelweiss representative.

To: Xanxost [PM]
"You got us half right. It is true the term Keeper derives not from from our philosophy but the Keeper of Keys himself, who spent millenia acquiring unrivaled understanding and knowledge of the workings of the universe, not least of which includes the local portals. And we do indeed seek to keep the experiences we have, but also build on them. The place where truth is meaningless and rules fall apart is currently even beyond our reach, but we have seen it, and we want to do so again." He quickly downed the offered drink in a moment he felt especially solid and put the glass down again.

Truncinas inspected the offered item for a bit. "Fascinating. Could you perhaps tell us what it does or is that a riddle for us to solve?

As for Pandemonium, the portal's entrance is a broken doorway in the shattered district that is opened by a scream of genuine fear. As I offered we'd like to send some of our men along with you as well and cast some protective spells. The meat is all yours, we just ask for a fair share of the fun and whatever else we might acquire. Or do it on your own, we told you the Key and you can do with it as you like."

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium:

On the price of food -
The Trader's Consortium bought food from those who had great stores, and have sold it in those areas where it is needed. Yes, the price is high, but it is because we must first buy it from those that have it, in order to provide to those who don't. Without us, some areas wouldn't have food to buy at all. Is this what you would prefer?

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Kindly Doctors/Golden Citadel
I am devoting considerable resources to helping supply food to those in need; just like yourselves, if I understand correctly.

Just figured I had better notify you so we can coordinate efforts and not step on one anothers toes in a matter this important.

-Queen Lymsleia

[Eldan]

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8379/dtek.jpg


Issue 151, Third Lady's Day of the month of Bravura, Ekima 51

Wave of Kindness continues

The city seems to be held tightly in the gentle hands of charity as the factions of Faluna and the Golden Citadel join the Kindly Ones in an unpredecented charity drive, giving free food, shelter and clothing to any who came to their stalls.
One humanoid asked about his opinion said something very similar to: "I's loike ah never 'ave ter work again. All what free grub, i's wonderful. Know what ah mean, guv? Rust'em all bleeders 'hoo says dis ain't top-shelf, ah'm no apple-chaser, but ah'll take whot ah can get, mark dis."
Our dauntless commentator Augh could not fail to notice that Faluna also were engaged in a large-scale building project of what looked like trenches and barricades, in all likelihood to prepare for further charitable endeavours.

More on page 3.

Foxhunt at the Masquerade

The Talli Heu and allied factions have declared a Foxhunt in Masquerade Hall. Despite extensive research, our indomitable publicist Augh could not with any certainly determine what a "fox" is, but the statement is believed to be related to the Arcanaloth Foxglove, businessman and owner of several establishments in the district.
The Foxhunt itself consists of up to a dozen patrols of three to six heavily armed and warded elderly gentlemen on horseback. Their modus operandi, according to eye-witnesses, is to crash through the front windows of restaurants, cafés, theatres and houses of carnal sin and demanding, at swordpoint, to be told the location of "that jackal-headed upstart bastard".

More on page 6.

Gruesome murder in Gymnasium District!

A scene of destruction awaited our stalwart correspondent Augh as he made his way to "Ilian's Items", known as a high-quality equipment shop for the discerning adventurer in the Gymnasium district.
Amidst a front wall reduced to fine rubble, first responders found the mangled and partially eaten corpse of Ilian of Arador (real name Drycht Pholten), the owner. It seems that most of the valuables in the shop, including several dozen enchanted weapons of the highest quality, were stolen. Eyewitnesses tell of a muscular creature about twice the size of the standard humanoid running through hte streets with a large bag over its shoulder, leaving a trace of destruction all the way to the laboratorium of Magister Henry Clarendon, a local alchemist, where it apparently vanished without a trace.
Ilian's family have promised a substantial reward in gold for the murderer's head.

Magical storm brews over Breakbone Borough

The entire district of Breakbone Borough has vanished behind black clouds and flickering blue lighting of epic proportions and frequency after armed troops of the Great Horde and Risers factions were seen marching into the district in battle formation and sounds of conflict were heard by people living nearby.
The Great Dragon Ferandantilax, official owner and ruler of the district, was unavailable for comment. As of this publication, the storm has not subsided.

District Vanished?

Citizens of several districts were surprised when they awoke last Hiveday morning to a new cityscape blocking their view. It seems that the entire Shattered District, formerly a wasteland of ruins inhabited by an unsavoury faction known as the Fleshcrafters, has been replaced by a district of reasonably new-looking, if abandoned houses.
Before any would-be explorers could make their way into the new district, walls of shimmering magical force blocked their path. A spokesmodron from the Torographia commented that the cartographers first found out about a coming shift of "legendary proportions" some twelve hours before it happened and were already waiting at the district borders to ward of the new district to study it in depth.
So far, the fate of the Fleshcrafter faction is unknown, though no survivors have been found.

Classifieds
Looking for: advent. party, discreet, payment on delivery, rare alch. ingred., mod. dangerous envirmnt, contact MORREN LASCAILLE, Gymnasium.

~~~

Tallymen Trial

A long table has been moved out onto Hangman's Square, where Sigil's justice is done. Behind it stands a figure, fifteen feet tall and all armoured in bronze, the inevitable Enechaim, high judge of the Tallymen. He takes a gavel, tiny in his massive hands, and gingerly bangs it on the table.
SIIIIIIIILEEENCE!, his voice booms, shaking a few roof tiles loose from nearby buildings.
"We are here for the trial of the Pumix Corporation, accused of murdering and enslaving civilians using the most brutal means. Present the Jury! For the Accuser, the Tallymen call three judges!
The Eidelweiss!"
A human woman, anywhere from thirty to fifty years old, makes her way to the table. She wears a dull brown robe and wears her brown hair in a short tail. "Factor Sull for the Eidelweiss", she remarks in a quiet voice before sitting down.
"The Why's Men!
This factor is a wizened old man with a beard reaching down to his belt. His skin is of a sky-blue colour and he wears only a loincloth, held by a piece of thin rope. He is hobbling forward, a walking stick in one hand, an armful of scrolls in the other.
"Factor, hm, Belaroth, yes, for the, hm, Why's Men.", he explains, before sitting down with a sigh.
The Skull and Spine!, Enechaim finally calls out and a murmur goes through the gathered crowd. The undead of the mortuary rarely participate in city politics.
A cart moves up to the podium, drawn by four of Sigil's sturdy grey ponies. On the back stand four bronze-skinned, naked young men, each with his hair shorn off except for a thin black lock on his right temple, each wearing a golden collar conected by a thin silver chain to a heavy white stone sarcophagus on the cart.
As the cart stops, the sarcophagus simply hovers a few inches into the air above the cart and, straining, the slaves pull it through the crowd on the square to the podium. They heave it upright and remove the lid.
Inside is a shrunken, twisted corpse, little more than blackened skin over black bones and the remains of what must have once been bandages. A mask of gold and turquois, showing a serenly smiling young man with closed eyes, is placed over the skull.
One of the slaves speaks up: "Judge Cyrus of the Skull and Spine."


Next EOT is Saturday the Third.

[Zweanslord]

The Golden Citadel

Faith: 7

To Kindly Ones and Faluna

Greetings Kindly Ones and Queen Lymsleia,

Our continued effort this last period brings joy to my heart. We extend our generosity, bring hope to those in need and work together in harmony to bring forth a better future. I hope our cooperation has a long life ahead.

In that light, I would like to make a proposal. With the demand to organise from the Lady in mind as well, we suggest that we extend our collaboration in greater lengths and make our efforts more tightly knit. We propose that the Golden Citadel, the Kindly Ones and Faluna organise themselves in a greater unit, an alliance, where we coordinate our efforts and stand together.

What say you to this proposal?

Signed,
Prince Jarmen Moteborne of the Golden Citadel

http://drakonis.org/uploads/7/v/0/7v0ng7m0e3/2010/09/19/20100919203053-725c1d4f.jpg

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

Regarding the Shattered District:
With the sudden disappearance of the area formerly known as the Shattered District only to be replaced by what appears to be a large number of quite intact buildings we feel a new name is warranted. We propose to henceforth call it the Mended District.

[oblivion6]

Faluna-Golden Citadel/Kindly Ones
I would be happy to join such an alliance. Should we meet and discuss formal terms of the alliance?

Best Wishes,
Queen Lymsleia

[Ionbound]

To who it may concern:
The VDEA is interested in the recent magical phenomenon that occurred in the Shattered District and are seeking information on the occurance

To Baatezu [6]
When shall we attack the AR? The longer we wait, the more dangerous they get.

[ForzaFiori]

Traders Consortium
Faith 5

To the mended/shattered district:

Greatings. I had sent a message to your district earlier, but received no reply, no doubt for the same reasons that led to the districts new look. I am looking to meet with a leader of ur district about a possible money making venture. Please onform me when u are able to meet.

Mr. Moneybags.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: Colonization Central[Faith 6]
Heya! Enjoyed last week's training session, but now our fresh recruits are jealous because they can't write Trained By A Dragon in their curriculum. Mind doing the same exchange again?

To: VDEA[Faith 6]
There is a Portal to a realm of chaos right on the border of the former Shattered District. It might well be related to what happened there. The Portal is still accessible, and we might tell you the details of it so you can investigate, if you offer adequate payment.

To: Xanxost[PM]
Another interesting planar expedition. By the way, would you mind explaining the exact function of the magic item you gave us, or perhaps just a hint how to figure it out?

[Eldan]

Kindly Ones to Faluna and the Citadel

Through our Cooperation, we have already made more progress than any of us have made alone in centuries. We must continue.

The Torographia to the Trader's Union

We have taken over the district for now, to make sure it was safe. An entire district vanishing and re-appearing produced an energy spike of unprecedented magnitude on our city maps, so all precautions must be taken. As far as we can tell, there are no inhabitants yet and no survivors of the previous locals.

Xanxost to the Keeper [PM]

"It's an eye. How hard can it be? Human babies figure out how eyes work and it only takes them a few weeks."

[ForzaFiori]

Trader's Consortium
Faith 5

Torographia

What would need to be done to get into the "Mended" district? We believe their may be a portal still open in the district, to a living demi - plane. If the portal is still there we might be able to help feed the city.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Keepers [6]
What do you have in mind as payment? We are not very wealthy, though we have vast arcane and divine power at our command.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: VDEA [B]([Faith 6]
If you use your magic to make us some Dedicated Wrights, Homunculi and golems to aid in our production facilities that would be acceptable.

[OOC: Magic to my Wealth, how many points do you offer?]

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To the Keepers [6]
Sounds fine. Constructs tend to be a bit tough, so we can't make too many right now, but if this deal works out we could continue in the future with a few quid-pro-quo.

OOC: 3 points to be added to your wealth at the end of the turn.

[TheFallenOne]

The Keeper of Keys

To: VDEA(Faith 6)
Make it four. Each stat costs 10 temp stat and Portals are a rare commodity. You obviously see good value in this.

[Forum Explorer]

Colonization Central

To Keepers of Keys
Sadly we won't be able to train you this turn. We shall see if we are available next turn.

[Ionbound]

VDEA

To Keepers [6]
Agreed. Not much going on this week anyways.

[Atrum Umbra]

The Pumix Corporation

The Factors listen to the start of the trial proceedings and watch as the judges enter. It seems at least that The Tallymen have been impartial in choosing judges, Valis now wonders whether she needed to go to such lengths, if unsuccessfully, to sway the proceedings in her favour. Nonetheless she continues with her plan and calls her first defendant.
"The Baatezu"
"The Trader's Consortium"
"The Flamers"
With her last call she mentally commands a salamander to slither out of the crowd, his tail leaving a trail of scorched stones. He reaches his seat and wraps himself around it. "Sssaroth of the Flamersss"