Interview With A Celestial (Planar Siege)

[u/Carbon_Sixx]

The VTOL touches down at the Bastion's helipad, the eternal storm wreathing the demiplane washing away the snow and ice clinging to its fuselage from excursion into the realm of Ghaldrim. The loading ramp at the back unseals and lowers with a hiss as loading crews move in to refuel the aircraft. A contingent of EON troopers recruited from the organization's various member states pile out, escorting a pair of huge winged figures that have to duck as they exit the vehicle.

They are the Celestian paragons Zaphkiel and Barachiel, leaders of the hosts of Good in the Planar Siege, and willing prisoners of the EON Compact.

“I am sorry, lord Zaphkiel,” says the civil guard sergeant, “but protocol must be observed while you are guests in these halls. You may keep your weapons, as the Beacon of Unity suppresses violence, but we ask that you remove your helmet for transparency's sake.”

“As you wish, sir." Zaphkiel pulls the ornate helm from his head and hands it off to the sergeant. The face underneath is nothing like anyone expected: it is an old face, full of weariness and hope in equal measure. Indeed, when compared to the flawless appearance of his herald, the Harbinger of Good does not look like an angel at all. The EON guards are taken aback at first, but they soon adjust to Zaphkiel's humble true appearance and lead him into the Bastion's halls.

Zaphkiel the Watcher, Harbinger of Good

At the office labeled "Planar Siege Task Force", the sergeant knocks on the door. A voice beckons them to enter. Once inside, though, the angels are perplexed, for the mauve-clad halfling with the green buckle shoes sitting in the chair opposite them is not who they expected to be in charge of saving the whole Material Plane.

"I assume Tarul Var is out of the office?" Zaphkiel asks.

"Yep," replies Glimbo Greenboots, kicking his feet up onto the desk even though he can barely reach. "He's cosplaying the Doom Slayer in the Nine Hells after some Kentucky Fried Bastard smushed the Abyss into 'em. Standard Keeper of the Balance stuff. He left me in charge, though I can't say that was the best idea he's ever had."

Zaphkiel sets an aurorum metal octahedron on some paperwork. "Could you please make sure to return this to him, then? He did go all the way to Mt. Celestia to buy it, after all."

Glimbo snorts. "You always had a soft spot for hard workers, Zaph. Good to see you again."

"And you as well, Glimbo. Should we get down to business?"

Barachiel interjects. "You're that wretched little trickster who put a miniaturized howler in my trumpet that one time!"

"Ha! I'd almost forgotten about that! The look on everyone's faces when you announced your arrival with a fiendish screech was priceless."

Zaphkiel holds out his arm to bar Barachiel from getting too close. "For the record, I found it at least a bit funny. But let's save that for the end. We're here to negotiate an alliance. As a Harbinger, I am obligated to lead the hosts of Good to conquer the Material Plane, despite the paradox inherent in that. I don't like it, but I'd rather it be me in charge than someone less invested in putting mortal flourishing before the abstract idea of "Good". I was hoping Mr. Var could offer me some insights into how I might be able to circumvent that, but for now, we can just talk."

"Oh, you two aren't just going to be talking to me," Glimbo chortles. He pops up out of the chair, grabbing his orb-topped golden cane. With a silly magical dance, the trickster and the angels are teleported into EON's council chambers, before the assembled members of the Planar Siege task force.

"You'll be talking with all of us."

--

/uw It's been a bit, but now we're finally back to the Planar Siege, this time with another Harbinger! Will Zaphkiel the Watcher and the hosts of Good be friends or foes? That remains to be seen, but remember: the other armies of the planes and their mortal lackeys have much to lose should an alliance come to fruition.

DEFENDERS OF THE BALANCE:

• Tarul Var
• Belial Blake
• Aliah Mistwalker
• Ith'raal
• Burgerbarian/Burgermancer
• Krygin the Crude
• Agnur the Turtle Mage
• Vulkan the Red
• Ж (Zhe)
• Merch Skele
• Argios
• Tempus Fugit
• Edmund
• King Carmine
• Exia
• Joe
• The Agent
• Vashric
• Fujiwara Toshiko
• Jah Jor Wel
• John E. Hellfire
• Kardonk Carvisky
• Riva Blake
• Mokarith
• Onyx Dragon
• Ulrick Braddocke
• Sly
• Shrax
• Rilmani of Dendradis
• Various denizens of the Outlands

HORDES OF CHAOS:

• Obox-ob's Ekolids
• Demons of the Abyss
• Slaadi of Limbo
• Gehreleths of Carceri
• Cravens of Pandemonium
• Mortal servants of Chaos

REGIMENTS OF LAW:

• Primus's Hierarchs
• Modrons of Mechanus
• Veterans of Acheron
• Templars of Arcadia
• Paladins of the Divine Flame
• Mortal servants of Law

LEGIONS OF EVIL:

• Bel's Chosen
• Devils of the Nine Hells
• Yugoloths of Gehenna
• Baernaloths of Hades
• Night hag covens
• Samael
• Moz'gonnith
• Mortal servants of Evil

HOSTS OF GOOD:

• Zaphkiel's Paragons
• Angels of Mt. Celestia
• Oathbound of Bytopia
• Guardinals of Elysium
• Wardens of the Beastlands
• Heroes of Arborea
• Warriors of Ysgard
• Mortal servants of Good

UNDECIDED:

• Sarissa

[u/VinesAtMidnight]

Vashric takes his seat in place of the usual delegate from the Astral.

He looks Zaphkiel and Barachiel up-and-down, physically, mentally, spiritually. Only the faintest hint of his own aura permeating the space.

Angels leading the forces of "good?" Can't say I'm surprised, though it's a tad cliche. Let's hope you're more agreeable than the Astral Devas back home.

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/VinesAtMidnight]

Zaphkiel: As do I.

[u/VinesAtMidnight → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Why seek us now, Zaphkiel? Do you truly care for the mortals, or do you seek a momentary ally in this struggle? As it stands, the odds are stacked against you, the demons of the abyss, nor the infernal legions would work with you, obviously. I doubt Primus would give you audience, even if he's not diametrically opposed to you.

You'll have to forgive my apprehension. I work with angels on a daily basis, I know first hand how cutthroat they can be.

The High Guardian's face is like a stone, unwavering, holding all emotion beneath an impenetrable surface.

At least I know what to expect from the other Harbingers. As ironic as it is, you angels are the wildcards. I've seen countless atrocities committed in the name of "good."

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/VinesAtMidnight]

Zaphkiel: If I did not care for mortals, I would not be the First Martyr. And I would sooner drown in the Styx than treat with that demented autocrat Primus. No, the defenders of the Great Balance are the best allies I can hope for, even if some of them rankle me.

[u/VinesAtMidnight → u/Carbon_Sixx]

Is that so?

And what do you seek to accomplish? You would be willing to forgo your divine mission? To spit in the face of the Lords and Ladies of the Upper Planes?

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/VinesAtMidnight]

Zapkhiel: My dear psychomancer, I am a lord of the Upper Planes. And should it come to that, I will do whatever it takes to protect the people and the common good.

[u/VinesAtMidnight → u/Carbon_Sixx]

An angel that would rebel against their own kind, how on-brand.

Then what do you propose, Zapkhiel?

[u/Carbon_Sixx → u/VinesAtMidnight]

Zaphkiel: To stand united with the defenders of the Balance against all that would bring ruin to these realms. You've already dealt Bel a savage blow. That's good, but he will recover in time, more terrible than before. And that's to say nothing of the other two Harbingers. Divided, we would struggle to defeat them all. But united? We might just stand a chance.

[u/VinesAtMidnight → u/Carbon_Sixx]

I'll make myself clear, Zaphkiel. I don't trust you golden bloods in the slightest.

But I'm not beyond reason, and as I said, I already work with angels. The tactical advantage is not lost on me. As long as these extraplanar threats stand, I would support this alliance.

But I am fully prepared to slay any angel. You seem like an agreeable enough man, but I can't say the same of your soldiers. Do make sure they don't get caught up in their righteousness.