Eternal
Theo might mean well, but you’re a firm believer that simple plans often work best and since you’ve got the last word, you’re sticking with your original plan.
“It’s a good idea Theo, but I believe it may stir up more attention towards us, if we start attempting to convert people outside Delerg. It may even cause certain warlords to unite against us if they believe us to be threatening enough. Better that we keep our presence to a minimum and especially not try to contact any of them directly. What I want you to do instead is to just keep an eye on Anu and Sam since they’re close by, but since they seem to be content on bashing each other in the head just send some Blades to perform sabotage on both sides just to keep them mired down.”
“As you wish Shadow Master.” Theo remarks.
“The eastern Quala warlords seem pretty occupied as well so we don’t need to deal with them either. General Ackerson though I want assassinated. I know he’s attempting to expand into Rask, but the man is the biggest threat as far as powers in Quala and I don’t want him to improve that position in the future. Cyrus, since you’re really eager about doing this, I’m going to leave it up to you who to send, but I imagine you’ll want to oversee things personally.”
“It will be done Shadow Master, and thank you.”
“I believe that’s about it, we can go over more details one on one later.”
After the meeting Talia speaks to you directly.
“You sure you want to leave it to Cyrus? I would’ve thought you would’ve wanted to handle something so important yourself.”
“I’m confident that Cyrus can do the job efficiently. If nothing else he’s enthusiastic for things like this. I thought about going too, but I’m slowly begining to realize I’ll be needing to delegate and remaining at this temple more. Besides I’m sure there will be other opportunities to go kill someone. Never seems to be a shortage in fact.”
“Well that’s true.”
“I’m thinking I’ll spend more time looking after the security within the Delerg province. I mean yes we have potential enemies outside the province, but it doesn’t hurt to keep alert in our homestead.”
“I suppose not, but we’re pretty well liked here.”
“Perhaps, but if I’ve learned anything, its that enemies can exist anywhere of you look hard enough.”
Over the next few days your initial plans go off quite well. General Ackerson is assassinated successfully and there wasn’t even any indication there was shadow involvement. As of now his group is fighting amongst itself and no longer united. Captain Anu and Sam Jowin have each been suffering set backs and of course blaming each other for them.
You then relent a bit to let the chaos do its work in Quala until it looks like the place is going to stabilize once again and that’s when you send in shadows to create strife again. It becomes routine just like any of the prayer sessions for Dendrin.
Of course as good as the shadows are, you can’t go undetected forever and eventually someone catches on to what’s really been going happening…
“There’s a huddled mass of people outside the temple, Shadow Master. We’re keeping them out obviously, but their speaker really wants to see you.” Brother Gannon says to you.
“Who are these people?”
“Mostly peasants I believe, but they aren’t from Delerg, they’re from Quala. Under Sam’s dominion I think. They say they want our help.”
“Our help? What’s bringing this on and what makes them think we’re going to help a bunch of unbelievers?” Cyrus asks. In fact you all are wondering what this is all about.
“Well I guess the best way to find out is to ask them. Send in their speaker and keep the rest outside. If anything looks suspicious kill them all.” You say.
Brother Gannon nods and waves in the Qualans’ speaker. While you expect a grubby peasant with dirty clothing to come shuffling in, you instead get a young man dressed in leather armor. Despite his warrior garb he’s nervous. He’s trying his best to be brave, but you sense the fear in him.
“Well? Out with it, you traveled a long way just to waste our time.” Talia remarks.
“Yes, my apologies, um Shadowlord is it?”
“Shadow Master actually, but let’s just get on with why you saw fit to lead a bunch of peasants here and why you think we can even help you.” you say.
“Oh yes that. My name is Flynn and we all live in the Quala Freelands, which as you know is run by Sam Jowin. I myself am a soldier of relatively low rank…and uh…look there’s no easy way of saying this so I guess I’ll get right to it. We want you to kill Sam.”
You have to admit this wasn’t exactly the sort of help you thought they were going to ask for. You and the rest of your council look at each other before you speak again.
“And why do you think we would do that?”
“Because you routinely sabotage our side and Captain Anu’s? Because you were most likely involved in the assassination of General Ackerson? It wasn’t apparent at first, but…”
“Now stop right there for a moment Flynn, and think very carefully on your next words.”
“I…I’m sorry Shadow Master, but I do not know any other way to put this.”
“Very well then, let me help you. Even if we were involved in such activities and that’s not an admission, what still makes you think that we would be willing to assassinate your beloved leader?”
“He’s NOT a beloved leader! Sam is no better than the tyrannical Emperor that ruled over us before! I will admit during his freedom fighter days he was an inspiration, but now? He’s just another petty warlord that doesn’t give a shit about anything other than his own power!”
“That’s a pretty bold statement. I knew Sam during the Empire War years and even fought along side him a couple times. He was always a fair man from what I knew of him and cared for those under his command.” Theo remarks.
“Yeah, well he’s changed drastically since then, the things he’s done... the things I’ve had to do in his service…I do not even wish to think about let alone discuss. So do you need payment? We weren’t sure what we’d need to get your help. We have scraped together valuables and gold for you. I don’t know if its enough, I mean I think we could scrape a bit more, but…here’s what we got.”
At this point Flynn reaches for a small pouch on his side and extends his hand towards all of you with it. Cyrus snatches it from him and reveals a few gold coins and a couple of gems of low quality. Probably a paltry amount, but then you don’t really know what the going rate is for assassination is these days never having done it for money before.
“And you think we’re mere thugs for hire?” Cyrus asks throwing the pouch back at Flynn who barely catches it.
“No! I mean well…we uh…are also prepared to give you a virgin girl in exchange for your help if you aren’t motivated by profit.”
“A virgin girl?” Yvette asks.
“Yeah, for your sacrifices to Dendrin. Isn’t that what you guys do?”
At this point Cyrus gets so pissed at Flynn he punches him in the face. Theo isn’t too happy with him either and begins calling Flynn names. You on the other hand, chuckle to yourself thinking that human sacrifice might actually break up the monotony around the temple sometimes. And while you’re not seriously considering such a thing, you are seeing an opportunity here to change things up a bit.
“Alright Cyrus that will do for now. This man obviously came to us for help and kicking the hell out of this poor bastard isn’t going to help matters.”
“But he insulted Dendrin! And he insults the shadows by coming to us like we’re some lowly criminals!”
“No this man came to us looking for skilled assassins who can get the job done right. And that’s what we are, aren’t we? I mean that’s partly how we won the war against the Empire isn’t it? If there are already rumors going around by ignorant peasants that we killed General Ackerson and have been involved in sabotage in Quala then our cover has already been blown at this point. We may as well embrace it.”
“What are you saying?” Talia asks.
“I’m saying that we should take this man up on his offer. However, our payment will be that he owes us a favor. In fact ALL of those that are with him today will owe us a favor. Be sure to get all their names before they leave here. It may be big, it may be small, it may never come at all, but when we call it in, they better deliver…are we agreed to this Flynn?” you say extending your hand to help him up.
He’s unsure at first, but eventually he takes it and gets up. Sam must really be some sort of bastard if Flynn is agreeing to this arrangement.
“I…I accept your terms Shadow Master.”
“Good, it’ll be taken care of as soon as possible.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” he says and starts to bow a lot while he steps backwards towards the door.
“Excuse me, but where do you think you’re going?”
“I was taking my leave Shadow Master.”
“Not with that pouch of valuables you aren’t. They were a gift to us were they not?”
“Oh…yes…of course. Here you go. My apologies Shadow Master.” Flynn says and tosses the bag to you.
“Good. NOW you may go.”
After Flynn leaves the temple you remind some of the Blades to get all their names down. Meanwhile your council is a little confused by your latest decision
“Are you serious about this?” Theo asks.
“Of course I am, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have made the offer.” You answer.
“But we’re helping unbelievers!” Cyrus says.
“So? We helped them during the Empire War too, what makes now so different? I’ll tell you what makes it different, we’re actually going to be profiting from it for a change. Look if we’re going to stay safe, and I mean truly safe from external threats we need to get back on to the world stage. Staying isolated in this swamp is only going to work for so long and eventually someone is going to come here with an army and attempt to overwhelm us. Last time I checked our numbers are still low.”
“Okay, but weren’t we ensuring our safety by destabilizing Quala?” Theo asks.
“We were, but as I said our presence has obviously become known now. It’s nobody’s fault, it was bound to happen eventually, but that means we’ve got two options. Either we stop completely and risk Quala being united under one person who decides they want to emulate the Empire which means war in the far future. Or we continue doing what we’re doing and risk pissing everyone off to such a degree that they stop fighting each other and unite against us, which means war in the near future. Neither of those sound attractive so I’m choosing the third option.”
“Which is?” Yvette asks.
“We offer our services to the highest bidder. We become the go to organization for assassination. We spread so much fear and terror that nobody will ever want to attack us, they will instead wish to curry our favor in exchange for our help. And Cyrus I already see you’re about to protest and I don’t know why because you’re the first one who usually wants to go practice your killing skills on someone. I’d think you of all people would be happy with this arrangement.”
“You may be right.” Cyrus says.
“But what about Dendrin?” Yvette asks.
“Yes! What about the integrity of this order?” Theo adds
“Dendrin is the god of shadows. Why else would he give us such powers if not to use them in such a manner? But if it will calm everyone down I will certainly consult him on this matter. At this time though I have made my decision on what is best for the shadows.”
None of them may see it now, but you really are taking steps to ensure the survival of the shadows. The shadows were feared during their lackey days under the Empire and during the rebellion the Empire itself learned to fear the shadows.
Now? The fear still exists, but not to the extent that it needs to be. Not to the extent that it SHOULD be. You’re going to get that fear back and that reputation is what going to keep you all alive and thrive.
Surely Dendrin would certainly approve of that. In fact you know that sadistic bastard would.
“It’s a good idea Theo, but I believe it may stir up more attention towards us, if we start attempting to convert people outside Delerg. It may even cause certain warlords to unite against us if they believe us to be threatening enough. Better that we keep our presence to a minimum and especially not try to contact any of them directly. What I want you to do instead is to just keep an eye on Anu and Sam since they’re close by, but since they seem to be content on bashing each other in the head just send some Blades to perform sabotage on both sides just to keep them mired down.”
“As you wish Shadow Master.” Theo remarks.
“The eastern Quala warlords seem pretty occupied as well so we don’t need to deal with them either. General Ackerson though I want assassinated. I know he’s attempting to expand into Rask, but the man is the biggest threat as far as powers in Quala and I don’t want him to improve that position in the future. Cyrus, since you’re really eager about doing this, I’m going to leave it up to you who to send, but I imagine you’ll want to oversee things personally.”
“It will be done Shadow Master, and thank you.”
“I believe that’s about it, we can go over more details one on one later.”
After the meeting Talia speaks to you directly.
“You sure you want to leave it to Cyrus? I would’ve thought you would’ve wanted to handle something so important yourself.”
“I’m confident that Cyrus can do the job efficiently. If nothing else he’s enthusiastic for things like this. I thought about going too, but I’m slowly begining to realize I’ll be needing to delegate and remaining at this temple more. Besides I’m sure there will be other opportunities to go kill someone. Never seems to be a shortage in fact.”
“Well that’s true.”
“I’m thinking I’ll spend more time looking after the security within the Delerg province. I mean yes we have potential enemies outside the province, but it doesn’t hurt to keep alert in our homestead.”
“I suppose not, but we’re pretty well liked here.”
“Perhaps, but if I’ve learned anything, its that enemies can exist anywhere of you look hard enough.”
Over the next few days your initial plans go off quite well. General Ackerson is assassinated successfully and there wasn’t even any indication there was shadow involvement. As of now his group is fighting amongst itself and no longer united. Captain Anu and Sam Jowin have each been suffering set backs and of course blaming each other for them.
You then relent a bit to let the chaos do its work in Quala until it looks like the place is going to stabilize once again and that’s when you send in shadows to create strife again. It becomes routine just like any of the prayer sessions for Dendrin.
Of course as good as the shadows are, you can’t go undetected forever and eventually someone catches on to what’s really been going happening…
“There’s a huddled mass of people outside the temple, Shadow Master. We’re keeping them out obviously, but their speaker really wants to see you.” Brother Gannon says to you.
“Who are these people?”
“Mostly peasants I believe, but they aren’t from Delerg, they’re from Quala. Under Sam’s dominion I think. They say they want our help.”
“Our help? What’s bringing this on and what makes them think we’re going to help a bunch of unbelievers?” Cyrus asks. In fact you all are wondering what this is all about.
“Well I guess the best way to find out is to ask them. Send in their speaker and keep the rest outside. If anything looks suspicious kill them all.” You say.
Brother Gannon nods and waves in the Qualans’ speaker. While you expect a grubby peasant with dirty clothing to come shuffling in, you instead get a young man dressed in leather armor. Despite his warrior garb he’s nervous. He’s trying his best to be brave, but you sense the fear in him.
“Well? Out with it, you traveled a long way just to waste our time.” Talia remarks.
“Yes, my apologies, um Shadowlord is it?”
“Shadow Master actually, but let’s just get on with why you saw fit to lead a bunch of peasants here and why you think we can even help you.” you say.
“Oh yes that. My name is Flynn and we all live in the Quala Freelands, which as you know is run by Sam Jowin. I myself am a soldier of relatively low rank…and uh…look there’s no easy way of saying this so I guess I’ll get right to it. We want you to kill Sam.”
You have to admit this wasn’t exactly the sort of help you thought they were going to ask for. You and the rest of your council look at each other before you speak again.
“And why do you think we would do that?”
“Because you routinely sabotage our side and Captain Anu’s? Because you were most likely involved in the assassination of General Ackerson? It wasn’t apparent at first, but…”
“Now stop right there for a moment Flynn, and think very carefully on your next words.”
“I…I’m sorry Shadow Master, but I do not know any other way to put this.”
“Very well then, let me help you. Even if we were involved in such activities and that’s not an admission, what still makes you think that we would be willing to assassinate your beloved leader?”
“He’s NOT a beloved leader! Sam is no better than the tyrannical Emperor that ruled over us before! I will admit during his freedom fighter days he was an inspiration, but now? He’s just another petty warlord that doesn’t give a shit about anything other than his own power!”
“That’s a pretty bold statement. I knew Sam during the Empire War years and even fought along side him a couple times. He was always a fair man from what I knew of him and cared for those under his command.” Theo remarks.
“Yeah, well he’s changed drastically since then, the things he’s done... the things I’ve had to do in his service…I do not even wish to think about let alone discuss. So do you need payment? We weren’t sure what we’d need to get your help. We have scraped together valuables and gold for you. I don’t know if its enough, I mean I think we could scrape a bit more, but…here’s what we got.”
At this point Flynn reaches for a small pouch on his side and extends his hand towards all of you with it. Cyrus snatches it from him and reveals a few gold coins and a couple of gems of low quality. Probably a paltry amount, but then you don’t really know what the going rate is for assassination is these days never having done it for money before.
“And you think we’re mere thugs for hire?” Cyrus asks throwing the pouch back at Flynn who barely catches it.
“No! I mean well…we uh…are also prepared to give you a virgin girl in exchange for your help if you aren’t motivated by profit.”
“A virgin girl?” Yvette asks.
“Yeah, for your sacrifices to Dendrin. Isn’t that what you guys do?”
At this point Cyrus gets so pissed at Flynn he punches him in the face. Theo isn’t too happy with him either and begins calling Flynn names. You on the other hand, chuckle to yourself thinking that human sacrifice might actually break up the monotony around the temple sometimes. And while you’re not seriously considering such a thing, you are seeing an opportunity here to change things up a bit.
“Alright Cyrus that will do for now. This man obviously came to us for help and kicking the hell out of this poor bastard isn’t going to help matters.”
“But he insulted Dendrin! And he insults the shadows by coming to us like we’re some lowly criminals!”
“No this man came to us looking for skilled assassins who can get the job done right. And that’s what we are, aren’t we? I mean that’s partly how we won the war against the Empire isn’t it? If there are already rumors going around by ignorant peasants that we killed General Ackerson and have been involved in sabotage in Quala then our cover has already been blown at this point. We may as well embrace it.”
“What are you saying?” Talia asks.
“I’m saying that we should take this man up on his offer. However, our payment will be that he owes us a favor. In fact ALL of those that are with him today will owe us a favor. Be sure to get all their names before they leave here. It may be big, it may be small, it may never come at all, but when we call it in, they better deliver…are we agreed to this Flynn?” you say extending your hand to help him up.
He’s unsure at first, but eventually he takes it and gets up. Sam must really be some sort of bastard if Flynn is agreeing to this arrangement.
“I…I accept your terms Shadow Master.”
“Good, it’ll be taken care of as soon as possible.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” he says and starts to bow a lot while he steps backwards towards the door.
“Excuse me, but where do you think you’re going?”
“I was taking my leave Shadow Master.”
“Not with that pouch of valuables you aren’t. They were a gift to us were they not?”
“Oh…yes…of course. Here you go. My apologies Shadow Master.” Flynn says and tosses the bag to you.
“Good. NOW you may go.”
After Flynn leaves the temple you remind some of the Blades to get all their names down. Meanwhile your council is a little confused by your latest decision
“Are you serious about this?” Theo asks.
“Of course I am, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have made the offer.” You answer.
“But we’re helping unbelievers!” Cyrus says.
“So? We helped them during the Empire War too, what makes now so different? I’ll tell you what makes it different, we’re actually going to be profiting from it for a change. Look if we’re going to stay safe, and I mean truly safe from external threats we need to get back on to the world stage. Staying isolated in this swamp is only going to work for so long and eventually someone is going to come here with an army and attempt to overwhelm us. Last time I checked our numbers are still low.”
“Okay, but weren’t we ensuring our safety by destabilizing Quala?” Theo asks.
“We were, but as I said our presence has obviously become known now. It’s nobody’s fault, it was bound to happen eventually, but that means we’ve got two options. Either we stop completely and risk Quala being united under one person who decides they want to emulate the Empire which means war in the far future. Or we continue doing what we’re doing and risk pissing everyone off to such a degree that they stop fighting each other and unite against us, which means war in the near future. Neither of those sound attractive so I’m choosing the third option.”
“Which is?” Yvette asks.
“We offer our services to the highest bidder. We become the go to organization for assassination. We spread so much fear and terror that nobody will ever want to attack us, they will instead wish to curry our favor in exchange for our help. And Cyrus I already see you’re about to protest and I don’t know why because you’re the first one who usually wants to go practice your killing skills on someone. I’d think you of all people would be happy with this arrangement.”
“You may be right.” Cyrus says.
“But what about Dendrin?” Yvette asks.
“Yes! What about the integrity of this order?” Theo adds
“Dendrin is the god of shadows. Why else would he give us such powers if not to use them in such a manner? But if it will calm everyone down I will certainly consult him on this matter. At this time though I have made my decision on what is best for the shadows.”
None of them may see it now, but you really are taking steps to ensure the survival of the shadows. The shadows were feared during their lackey days under the Empire and during the rebellion the Empire itself learned to fear the shadows.
Now? The fear still exists, but not to the extent that it needs to be. Not to the extent that it SHOULD be. You’re going to get that fear back and that reputation is what going to keep you all alive and thrive.
Surely Dendrin would certainly approve of that. In fact you know that sadistic bastard would.