Ring of Fire

You stand on a plane of existence which you do not recognize. It looks familiar though. Lush green grass grows underfoot, there are trees everywhere, and other small growing things. What you find lacking are the sounds of insects and other small animals. No rabbits or squirrels or birds chirping. It's an oddly quiet place. Eerie. You're also fairly certain that though its currently sunset that the sun hasn't actually moved across the sky at any point.

Just before you came here you were debriefed on what's expected of you. To summon the demon on this alternate plane so that Alexandria will be safely elsewhere when you do so. You've been given an item - an ugly statuette of a demon's form twisted around flames - to summon the monstrosity from the depths of where it comes from to this place. As well as a strict set of guidelines about how to set up the summoning circle so that it won't instantly kill you. Because this is no normal demon you summon, but a pit fiend. A duke of hell named Eclavdran.

Mikilos follows the instructions very carefully. The magus is certainly familiar with summoning, even of demons, but pit fiends are a little outside of his regular interactions. But as much attention he gives to details, he still takes a few moments to ponder. "Eclavdran... Eclavdran... I'm sure I've heard that name before. Unlikely someone would make it to the level of 'Duke of Hell' without a few noteworthy tales."

Kravar peers about at the grass and trees. "I'd prefer a bit more open space, but I suppose we can make due." He looks around at the rest of the party. "Do any of you have powers or tactics that will be useful against Eclavdran?" He reaches under his collar to pluck a chain with his fingers, pulling until the medallion at the end is revealed. "My amulet makes me more effective against enemies from realms other than our own - and my sword is bane to any with evil in their hearts." He slides his sword a few inches out of it's sheath to reveal the glowing blade. Then he puts both away.

GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/the planes: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL)

Aya would not go so far as to say that she trusts Mikilos (specifically) nor magi (in general) to summon such a creature in an amicable mood, but leaving those more apt to do so leaves her out of immediate arm's reach should the activities go horribly amiss.

GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/local: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL)

"... didn't we get rid of him last time?" says Sandy with a sigh. She tucks her hands into her pockets and just grunts. "Right. So we got a plan to make this asshole talk? If he's that powerful, he's gonna be a pain in the ass about it." She makes a face. "I mean, I can deal with demons easily enough but..."

Mikilos mmmms absently to Kravar. "I have a mithril blade, and a few spells that may be of use, though hopefully we'll just be talking, not fighting." He frowns thoughtfully. "Something about egg whites... wait, no, no... I'm thinking 'eclair'... yeah, no, that's totally different..."

GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/arcana: (5)+24: 29
GAME: Sandy rolls knowledge/arcana: (18)+24: 42

"I expect that he won't respond well to threats," Aya offers as she takes another step back from Mikilos and his circling, "even if they are more than bluff. Perhaps we could appeal to his more admirable traits? Vanity? Greed? Self-indulgence?"

Kravar purses his lips. "Those are his -admirable- traits...?"

Aya glances to Kravar an arches a brow. "For a demon lord, any trait more amicable than the desire to destroy or enslave everything in sight is admirable in comparison."

"... that sounds about right. Vanity and his desire to 'get one over on us' are probably the easiest route through him." She snorts. She does look slightly amused, that Sandy.

Kravar walks in a small loop around the outside of the circle. "What we want are answers, we could appeal to his vanity by telling how much trouble we went to to summon him - because we knew only he had the answers we seek."

Mikilos nods. "And while helping us might not be desired, thwarting the plans of 'The Mistress' is always fun."

Karelin folds his arms on his chest. "A little self-interest goes a long way." He stays pretty quiet, though, thin-lipped.

"He'd probably see right through that unless we weave a story of tracking his ancient cult, or whatever. He's /got/ to be bored." Sandy makes a face. "They usually are." She shrugs her shoulders.

Kravar rubs his chin. "What can we say or do, that would make him think helping us would upstage the Mistress?" He looks at the others. "While also appealing to his vanity."

Mikilos frowns mildly. "Who needs an ancient cult when you're famous? If there is such a cult, likely knows what they're doing and we have the details wrong."

"A brief respite from boredom could be as powerful a motivation as any," Aya dips her head at Sandy while rolling one shoulder. "Unfortunately, we won't know his mood or intentions in more detail until he is present."

Sandy snorts at this. "So, let's bring him in and weave a story, talk about his growing legend or whatever. Vanity is a good tool for us here. He won't help just because but if we imply the plague is ruining toys he might want to play with, he might do it out of spite. Spite is a powerful motivator," says spiteful Sandy.

With Sandy's words you set the demon statue in the center of the circle and step out. Far away from the circle and then his name is spoken and smoke billows up around, spilling out into the crisp air like a dark fog. It smells strongly of sulfur and it doesn't fade away very quickly. When it does however there's a demon in the circle, tail lashing back and forth. He's massive. Huge by any standards with wings that beat against his back and long horns that arch over his head. Red eyes blaze as they look down at you and he lets out a low laugh. It's a laugh that rings out into even more laughter until he's rocking with the force of it. It dies off slowly, with a shake of his head. "Alexandrians. Why have you dared to summon Me?"

Mikilos steps forward. "I am Mikilos Mithralla. We've been having trouble with a White Tower that jumps through time and space. We were told you know something about it, though my research suggests it's fairly unknowable."

"I mean, who can say?" Sandy replies, casually giving a shrug of her shoulders. "We went through a great deal of trouble to summon this one." She grunts.

"Mikilos Mithralla." The demon turns its burning red gaze on the mage. "So you come seeking knowledge. And what little mortal do you come offering Me for this knowledge? Or did you think I was going to generously offer it for free?" The demon paces forward, stopping just short of the line and it's red eyes dart toward Sandy with a wicked little grin spreading across his lips. "I give nothing for free."

Mikilos tsks mildly. "You give all sorts of things for free. You just told us for free your standard operating policy. It's just not something you happen to care about. What -do- you care about? We could have brought all sorts of offers -we- think are worthy, and had them be a pile of junk -you- don't actually care about. Waste of your time and ours. More so if you don't actually know anything useful."

Kravar looks at the others. He searches his memory, trying to recall if they discussed this. Just what -were- they prepared to offer? He shifts slightly and then begins another loop around the summoning circle.

The demon licks it's lips and eyes Kravar until he circles around and then just stares at Mikilos. "Before all that... perhaps you best tell Me /what/ you want to know and why." A slow blink from the demon. Another flicker of his eyes toward Sandy. "I am aware that your sort think that we demons are not capable of holding to an agreement, but for a good price I would be willing to secure an arrangement in means that would make it so neither party can act in bad faith."

"Yes, demons are legendary for their faithfulness," replies Sandy, dryly, letting Mikilos explain more directly what they want.

Mikilos shrugs. "The White Tower. How to find it, where to find it. What defenses it has and how to circumnavigate them. What other properties it has and how to deal with them. The Mistress, keeper of the tower, and how to deal with her." He considers a moment. "And if you happen to have any Salamander weaponsmiths you'd recommend, I've been looking into a new commission."

"You neglected the very important /why/ Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla." The demon grins, giving Mikilos his whole name in a way that's both errie and unnerving. As if the other man's name was important somehow. Tell me why it is important to you." His tail thrashes behind him as he crosses his arms before him.

Kravar peers at the demon. Then almost as if he can't help himself, Kravar's eyes shift to Mikilos. Just why -does- this matter so much to him, the Aesir can't help but wonder.

Mikilos blinsk innocently. Kittens. Playful puppies. So innocent. "Because salamander have a reputation for being some of the greatest weaponsmiths in the planes, but what few works I've encountered were, meh, not bad, but not all that impressive. On the other hand, what's I've encountered was secondhand items only -said- to be salamander crafted. By going directly to the source, I can find out if there's fact to the rumor, or if it's all hype."

The mage lets the facade of innocence fall way. "If, however, you mean The Mistress, she threatens my city, my home, MY family. She -dared- the mark ME as if I were some mere -toy-."

"Ugh," is what Sandy says after Mikilos spills the beans. "We talked about this," she warns. They didn't but she expects the mage to pick up on her thread, so to speak.

"Admittedly, you have proven rather entertaining so far, Mithralla," Aya now speaks up, if rather aside. "Perhaps that is why she chose you as a toy?" Perhaps she shall play demon's advocate, in a sense?

Red eyes flash and burn brightly. It seems that he's not terribly good at hiding his emotions because he seems very pleased, and somewhat amused which however he has seemed since the very beginning. "Ahhhh, so it's very important to you." He nods to himself. "Very well then, I will out of generosity dispense with play. I will tell you when and where you can locate this tower for the price of a boon from each of you. A favor which will not offend your delicate sensibilities beyond serving a demon for a task. One of which must be performed before I tell you this information." He grins viciously showing sharp teeth. "I trust you as little as you trust me."

Kravar finally ends his endless circling, close to the others. "A boon? I should have known. And you want one from each of us? That trade doesn't seem completely balanced."

Mikilos considers a few moments, party to get his annoyance back under control. "I'm willing. The others, that's a handful of boons for a location." He nods to Kravar. "Understand, I -will- protect what is mine. Right now, you are the best path. Make the path too hard, I'll find another."

"A location and a time." The demon's eyes gleam darkly. "I am aware that this tower moves through space /and/ time. No easy task to locate it even for Me. All I ask is one boon each. If you wish to negotiate for more information beyond that..." He shrugs and flashes his grin at Aya. "I will guarantee My results."

Karelin scratches at the scars of his face, looking around. "I've heard a lot of talk in my days. A lot of guarantees, too." Eyebrows arch pointedly. "Given what I know of who is arrayed here, you ask a lot."

Mikilos ponders a few moments more, and shrugs again. "I am willing. But the others make their own choices."

The demon settles back somewhat, smoke pouring out of his nose in a huff. "Very well. Let Me explain where we are. We stand in the Fae lands. Underhill. The immortal lands if you prefer. Those that break deals here are Forsworn, and the Wild Hunt eats them." He arches an eyebrow upwards as if what he is saying is very important. "Be clear mortals, even I would not want to face the Wild Hunt."

Mikilos blinks twice, and looks around again. "Yeeeah. No, I've dealt indirectly with the Wild Hunt. Facing them is not something I care for." He considers a few moment. "-Meeting- them on friendly terms, maybe. There's a few old family tales about the Wild Hunt and the Mithril Warriors. But facing? Hard no."

In this context, it seems that the choice of location for the summoning made for them may have had much more significance than the fact that it was not near Alexandros. "That would make any trust between bargaining parties, or lack thereof, hold no influence on the process," Aya notes before continuing. "You require boons, one to be completed before your exchange. What boons do you seek?" If there is little reason to build trust, they may as well get to the details of the discourse.

Karelin considers for a moment, weighing the statement. "This is making an argument that perhaps the balance is not yet correct, if you seek to set out the stick before the carrot." He gestures at Aya. "Because in a place such as this, there is no agreement possible without foreknowledge."

"Oh, come on," says Sandy with a lengthy sigh. She pinches the bridge of her nose. Hard.

The demon laughs again, a choking sound at the end as he waves a hand. "I do not have tasks for each of you picked out. No." He looks around at all of you. "I will come up with them and when something arises you will... be let known what task awaits you. Though per our agreement it will be nothing that you find distasteful beyond the fact that you will be dealing with Me." He chuckles again. "And yes, arrangements can be made without foreknowledge. The Fae themselves deal in such trade regularly."

Karelin's eyes hood. "And I can stab someone through the eye and not kill them. Doesn't mean that it's a good idea." He opines, "It just sounds like you're offering a deal I make in the chamber pot when I wake up in the morning."

"Ha!" Sandy replies to Karelin. "I have an idea," she adds. She waits for a response. "Each task in separation may be inoffensive but in combination they may well amount to something terrible to us. Your promise doesn't mean that the end result will not be costly to people or things we care for." She puts a hand on her hip. "Instead, I have an offer."

Mikilos takes to looking around the place, now that he has a better idea where he is. He's said his bit, offered his opinion, not a lot more to offer at this point. Maybe he'll find a distant cousin in the bushes.

"I am listening." Eclavdran turns his red eyes on Sandy now.

"Ah," Aya nods, not terribly surprised by the demanding of favors. Sandy makes an excellent point and her eyes follow the demons to Lady Sandriel to await her thoughts.

Kravar pans his gaze up and stares off into the distance once the wild hunt is mentioned. He's heard the name in rumors, and tales. He turns to watch the demon now during the brief moment of silence, trying not to register his awkwardness at having drifted off in such a treacherous situation.

"Each of us must instead /name/ something we are willing to do. It must be costly. For example, offering a story up to you that can then be no longer repeated. Or an item of personal value to you. These our sacrifices. At the very least we lose a piece of our dignity if we humiliate ourselves willingly to you. It allows us to define a parameter of satisfying your desires."

Eclavdran snorts. "And have you offer up meager resources that mean nothing to Me? We would up at this all night. I counter offer. I will give you the location and time of where you can find the tower, and the name of the one who it belongs to. I will require the same payment I stated before - a boon from each of you with one coming as payment before My information - but I will further stipulate that it the boon will not be something which will..." Here he looks aggravated. "/Lead/ to something costly to the people you as a /group/ care for."

"So you admit it will be costly to us as individuals, then" retorts Sandy. "What you reveal is that you don't truly understand what each of these things bear mean to us. This," she touches a ring on her finger, "I gained when I rescued a small girl." She glances towards the others, waiting to see what they say.

One corner of Aya's mouth lifts at Sandy following the demon's further stipulation. "It seems that your intuition was correct." She judges this by Eclavdran's aggravation. "Is that enough to be suitable compromise?" Her eyes then drift to the others with the same question.

Mikilos nods. "What any given action will lead to is near impossible to know, but I accept your meaning as a matter of direct intention. And I am serious about the whole salamander thing."

Karelin says, dismissively. "This is a waste of time. You don't know where the tower is, and you don't know what you want. Veyshanti merchants in the bazaar bargain better." He shakes his head, and nods to Sandy. "I have something I've been saving for Asumit. What and why will have to wait."

The demon glares at you all. "Mortals." The tone is the same that a human might have used to say 'cockroach' in. "I do not admit that it would be costly to you as individuals as I have not determined yet what tasks to set before you. I do not know you as individuals yet, but I can assume what you as a group would consider to be unacceptable." Thus likely somewhat the source of his aggravation. "Save the one task that must be performed first, this I know."

Mikilos is starting to get a little annoyed at the 'mortals' thing. I mean, sure, he did die, once. But he got better.

Kravar's expression darkens until he's returning Eclavadran's glare. "Very well. It is clear you won't let go this first task." He looks at the others, inquisitively. How hard can it be? Surely the demon can't it himself, because...well, because of some Fey-demon thing no doubt.

"Very well," says Sandy after a moment, glancing towards the others. She does nod, though.

Karelin shakes his head. "You've got some unhappy surprises in store, then." He exhales. "Fine."

The demon grins, a flash of white teeth. "We have an accordance then. I will tell you the location and time that you can find this White Tower, as well as to whom it belongs for one favor from each of you that will not offend the sensibilities of the group, or lead to something that will do so. One such task to occur before I give the information to you. So mote it be." He waits a heartbeat for the tolling of a bell which echoes like doom through the group. At this he nods. "Heard by the Wild Hunt; now make the accordance in return or be done with me."

As each of you has agreed, you make the accordance in turn, and each time you speak the bell tolls again. Then there's silence, an echoing silence before Eclavdran points at Karelin. "You must fetch for me the Forlorn Hope. When you have completed this task use this to summon me again." He holds out the same demon statue that had summoned him in the first place. Or one that looks very like it. "This is the task I set as the first that must be accomplished. You may wish to beg your companions to go with you; it is a dangerous mission I send you on. But /that/ is not my concern. Take your time mortal. I am in no rush, but the time ticks away for you."

GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/arcana: (3)+24: 27
GAME: Sandy rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (15)+24: 39

"You want us to bring you an artifact that grants wishes? And your wish, as a result, will not cause anything we care about harm. That said, there may be plenty of things we /don't/ care about but don't wish done simply due to lack of knowledge. So know this, Eclavdran, we will do this thing because there are a great many lives at stake, but /if/ you cross a line with this wish, one which requires those of good character to act, it /will/ happen. You understand, of course. And no doubt you think you can handle it. You'd not be the first to think that right up until the moment that someone is shouting 'Witness!' in their face as they're cleaved to pieces. Take care." She is firm on this count, both letting others know what she knows while addressing the demon-lord.

Karelin crosses his arms on his chest at the archduke. "Sounds fancy." He cracks a smile, then blinks at Sandy. "Never, ever happens. Well, guess it's time to go take an artifact."

Kravar freezes in place. His eyes are just a little but wider than normal. It all coincides with when Sandy explains the first boon they all agreed to, will be to get the demon something that will grant him further wishes. Then he seems to deflate slightly. They probably should have seen this coming.

Mikilos shrugs. He figured it would be something of that general nature. Nice to know he was right, at least.

Eclavdran nods once, more amused with Sandy's threat than afraid. "I will keep My word. Fare well mortals. Really. I want you alive." He laughs suddenly and then with a puff of more sulfuric smoke he vanishes. Leaving you alone in the Fae lands to return home... or more accurately - to fetch the Forlorn Hope.

-TBC