Baiting the Take (A Black Market Prelude)
Feb 2, 2019 9:23:42 GMT -5
Jolicia, Alyssia Kanath, and 2 more like this
Post by Judas D'arc on Feb 2, 2019 9:23:42 GMT -5
In that oval-shaped chamber hidden between the shadows, Lector Stavros once again met with his inner circle. The unassuming, physically unexceptional Technocrat leader listened intently as his subordinates debated schemes and strategies, his dark gaze shifting rapidly from one indignant speaker to the next. Occasionally, the sound of their bickering was overpowered by the hissing and clunking of the golems that guarded the room’s entrance, but Stavros was experienced at ignoring such distractions. As Lector of his order, he had grown used to the ambient noises of an automatic existence.
“ ... once the mad sorcerer breaks, we will possess everything needed to fulfill the terms of the Techno-Prophecy,” argued Sister Niva. “Why remain here in this miserable land, for yet another day? The prudent course of action is to return home and interrogate him there. The Emerald Empress can be dealt with upon our inevitable return.”
“I’m surprised by your cowardice,” Karan’s nostrils flared with disdain.
Corban nodded. “My brother is correct. Your success in capturing Renthar was rather impressive, as is his manner of imprisonment. But now you undermine your successes by telling us to forsake our vengeance?”
“Only temporarily, and in order to ensure our victory.”
“We know where the Emerald Empress is hiding!” Corban shouted.
“She’s afraid,” his brother grunted.
“Yes,” sighed Niva. “But Emerald Town is not without its defenders, and then there are the mystical wards to consider. Our own forces are nearly depleted, and it is too much of a risk to attack there unless victory is guaranteed.”
“Whose fault is that?” Corban asked bluntly. “Your Lakeshire plan failed to consider our enemies resolve, and your Sterling plan was an utter debacle. Besides,” he shook his head, “my brother has a solution to address our lack of resources.”
“Our agents in Buccaneer’s Den have told us about an upcoming underground market. It’s rumored that a large supply of Clockwork Exodus parts will be sold there.”
“Clockwork ... Exodus?” Niva raised an eyebrow.
“In this world, the mechanical spawn of the wizards Mondain and Minax was destroyed,” explained Corban. “But Exodus’ followers are able to create clockwork replicas of it. Based on our studies of the creatures that inhabit the so-called Exodus dungeon, this technology is compatible with our own.”
“They’ll be enough to fix our supply problem,” said Karan. “We still have a number of those gargoyles we captured in Ter Mur before the Emerald Fist interfered. Give me a small force to lead, and I can make sure the Exodus parts end up in our hands.”
“You suggest risking our remaining forces on rumors?” Niva raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Pirates are creatures of greed and chaos.” She then turned to Stavros. “At least allow me to investigate this purported market further.”
“Are you so desperate to make amends for your failures, that you now attempt to steal the accomplishments of others?” Coran sneered at her.
“It was my find,” said Karan. “I’ll take the lead.”
“The both of you are f -- ”
“Enough.” The Lector’s abruptness immediately silenced the others. For nearly a full minute, he maintained a dark, piercing stare. Finally, after his three subordinates were sufficiently shamed by their in-fighting, Stavros spoke. “I’ve thoroughly considered all of your words and reached a decision on the matter. This is what we’ll do ...”
“ ... once the mad sorcerer breaks, we will possess everything needed to fulfill the terms of the Techno-Prophecy,” argued Sister Niva. “Why remain here in this miserable land, for yet another day? The prudent course of action is to return home and interrogate him there. The Emerald Empress can be dealt with upon our inevitable return.”
“I’m surprised by your cowardice,” Karan’s nostrils flared with disdain.
Corban nodded. “My brother is correct. Your success in capturing Renthar was rather impressive, as is his manner of imprisonment. But now you undermine your successes by telling us to forsake our vengeance?”
“Only temporarily, and in order to ensure our victory.”
“We know where the Emerald Empress is hiding!” Corban shouted.
“She’s afraid,” his brother grunted.
“Yes,” sighed Niva. “But Emerald Town is not without its defenders, and then there are the mystical wards to consider. Our own forces are nearly depleted, and it is too much of a risk to attack there unless victory is guaranteed.”
“Whose fault is that?” Corban asked bluntly. “Your Lakeshire plan failed to consider our enemies resolve, and your Sterling plan was an utter debacle. Besides,” he shook his head, “my brother has a solution to address our lack of resources.”
“Our agents in Buccaneer’s Den have told us about an upcoming underground market. It’s rumored that a large supply of Clockwork Exodus parts will be sold there.”
“Clockwork ... Exodus?” Niva raised an eyebrow.
“In this world, the mechanical spawn of the wizards Mondain and Minax was destroyed,” explained Corban. “But Exodus’ followers are able to create clockwork replicas of it. Based on our studies of the creatures that inhabit the so-called Exodus dungeon, this technology is compatible with our own.”
“They’ll be enough to fix our supply problem,” said Karan. “We still have a number of those gargoyles we captured in Ter Mur before the Emerald Fist interfered. Give me a small force to lead, and I can make sure the Exodus parts end up in our hands.”
“You suggest risking our remaining forces on rumors?” Niva raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Pirates are creatures of greed and chaos.” She then turned to Stavros. “At least allow me to investigate this purported market further.”
“Are you so desperate to make amends for your failures, that you now attempt to steal the accomplishments of others?” Coran sneered at her.
“It was my find,” said Karan. “I’ll take the lead.”
“The both of you are f -- ”
“Enough.” The Lector’s abruptness immediately silenced the others. For nearly a full minute, he maintained a dark, piercing stare. Finally, after his three subordinates were sufficiently shamed by their in-fighting, Stavros spoke. “I’ve thoroughly considered all of your words and reached a decision on the matter. This is what we’ll do ...”
