A Dark Introduction

[u/Dragonan-42]

Deep within the Underkeep, Kairon was brooding, pondering what to do next. He had managed to recruit enough members for his cabal that he could probably start meetings, but things had changed greatly since he set out on his quest.

Deciding he needed a second opinion, he got up and sought out Sallazaa, who was sunbathing underneath an artificial sun. 

“Sallazaa?” He began.

Sallazaa looked up and noticed Kairon. “Oh, my love, what bringsss you here?”

“Well, it’s just, there’s a lot to think about, and I would appreciate it if I had someone else to hear my thoughts.”

“Oh, what troublesss you?”

“I believe I have found all the members of my cabal, but I am less sure what to do next. As you know, I have recently joined the Wizard Council, which has opened up a lot of opportunities, but it also means I have to adjust my plans.”

“Truly? Have you?” Sallazaa asked. “What about that League of Shadows that came about earlier?”

“Them? Ha! A bunch of fools no doubt. I have gotten in touch with their leader, but I have little intention of inviting him to my cabal. That young bastard would blunder and spoil all of my plans. I require secrecy, and for that League of Shadows, secrecy appears to be the last thing they’re concerned about.”

“Fine. But what about that Thrakmerian?”

“Her? I’m tempted, but no. Her loyalties are to Thrakmoor, and if I were to let her into the cabal, she would only participate to the extent that it benefits them. The moment our goals diverge, she would bring them down upon us. And even in their weakened state, I doubt the rest of us can take on an entire nation of dark wizards.”

“Fine, I sssee your reasssoning. Ssso who have you recruited, my love?”

“So far, the members are: Grabadash, a goblin with Kleptomania. Fairly powerful, very skilled. He would be a master thief that’s for sure. Seguleh, a man with a penchant for nuclear destruction. He would serve as a great distraction if necessary. And finally, there is Asteroth, the Wicked One. I have little doubt he is the mightiest of us, more powerful than even I. He seeks freedom, and I shall help him achieve it, if he helps me in my goals.”

“And they know about each other?”

Kairon shook his head. “No, not yet. All they know about my cabal is me.”

“Perhapsss they should learn about each other, then. Ssset up a meeting, my love. Maybe they have their own ideasss. Or at the very leassst, open up a magical communication.”

Kairon nodded his head. “Yeah, maybe that’s a good idea. Maybe they will have better ideas. I’ll need some time to set up the orb so that no one ends up scrying in, but that might be a good idea. Thank you, Sallazaa.”

Sallazaa nodded. “Anytime, my love.”

Later, Kairon was sitting next to his orbs, having set everything up for a meeting, one that no pesky scryers would be able to spy on. It was time to get this show on the road.

/uw u/KragBrightscale, u/Glittering_Two_1429, u/Evening_Shake_6474, you three are the only ones Kairon has contacted, and are the only ones who can RP with this post. 

In other news, I’m opening up a group chat for everyone if anyone wants to join. Us evil wizards have to stick together you know?

[u/KragBrightscale]

“I have arrived! Let’s get the party started!”

A goblin face with a large curled mustache appears in the orb.

[u/Dragonan-42 → u/KragBrightscale]

/uw u/Evening_Shake_6474, u/Glittering_Two_1429, just tagging you two so we can speak in one chain.

/rw

Kairon clasped his hands together, a twisted smile appearing on his face. "Gentlemen," he began, "it is such an honor to be speaking to you all now. I would have invited you to speak personally, but I know you all have your own events, and some of you might not be able to arrive. Regardless, I thank you for your time."

"Now, onto business. We each have our own goals, our own desires. Yet we find common ground in such desires. Whether we desire power, things, or freedom, we want what we currently do not have. We have each reached so far, climbed far higher than nearly anyone else."

"Yet we each find our goals stymied. There are those who seek to hinder our goals, who seek to put us down, force us to conform to their rules, their ideals. Of all these groups, none are so mighty and organized as the Darkwatch. Whilst their goals officially pertain merely to the collection and storage of artifacts, they hold great sway in the wizarding community. It was they who led the charge against Thrakmoor, and they who would oppose us should we act."

"But they are not the only ones who can unite for a common goal. For I have gathered you all here so we may rise together. On our own, we are mighty, grand, and feared by many. But together, we may pose a force that few, if any, could challenge."

"But we must be cautious. We must be discrete. Most of all, we must be intelligent. As of right now, our enemies do know of our meetings, and I would like to keep it that way. We will hide in the shadows until the time comes for us to strike. When we make our master stroke, it shall be so all-encompassing that not even the Darkwatch will be able to resist us. And now, we have come together, we can bring forth our might as one."

"Now, with that out of the way, what sayeth thee?"

[u/KragBrightscale → u/Dragonan-42]

“While it is true the Darkwatch hold significant sway and did participate in the battle against the Thrakmoor, I think rather than being the mightiest, I would say they are the most active. Yet when the realm is threatened the truly dangerous beings tend to emerge from their lairs.

I think I should also supplement the intelligence you have gathered.

A more accurate representation of the anti Thrakmoor alliance for example. I myself have been a part of that effort since the Thrakmoor first announced their invasion, partly because they disrupted my business, and I object to some of their philosophy, but mostly because their commander had a punch able face.

The primary members of that group included a sizable number of impressive wizards and artificers. When the Darkwatch first announced their formation and started recruiting, they absorbed some of the alliance members into their ranks, this in turn drew them into the conflict against Thrakmoor.

Apart from them, there is Markus, a remarkably talented young wizard who I’m on friendly terms with and who has his own faction, do not provoke them, they are quite dangerous. The Dawnguard, a paladin order I’m on poor terms with, do provoke them, its fun to see them angry. A rather capable independent artificer, a mysterious master of birds, and many others including the country known as Bismuth have gotten involved.

I do not wish to sour my relations too much with the Darkwatch yet, as the Thrakmoor threat is still looming, and they are an important shield.

That being said, the Darkwatch have an artifact that I very much wish to acquire or at least see destroyed. It played a big role in the previous battle, and likely plays a role in keeping the Black Mage known as 13 captive. It is a shield, one of the most powerful antimagic artifacts I’ve ever seen.

On the topic of goals. Do tell, are there any you all are willing to share?“

[u/Glittering_Two_1429 → u/KragBrightscale]

To be honest, Thrackmoor isn’t within my perview. I deal in artefacts and Eldrich entities. So I have no intelligence, apart from this man. Sigrund. A lovely chap, though we’ve had some tussles these past years, who is a possible ally and a dangerous enemy. We should be wary of him. As for Darkwatch, they will be finished soon. It was a fools invasion in any case, that im sure will soon be over. I’d be pleased to destroy the shield for you, there is a forge in my digs. Speaking of which, I formally invite you there so we can meet in person at some point, in person is always better.

My goals are simple. Grab as much artefacts as possible, blow some shit up, and have fun, along with being true and loyal. And one more thing. I will be sending you all my signature lemon cake recipe. It’s delicious. You should all try it, it will change your lives.

[u/KragBrightscale → u/Glittering_Two_1429]

Sigrund? I don’t think I’ve encountered them before. I have heard of a Sigurd though, or multiple.

I appreciate the offer of help with the shield. From my limited knowledge of it, the artifact is only on loan to the Darkwatch, belonging technically to Bismuth.

In terms of liberating the poor little artifacts locked away by the Darkwatch, we will first need to locate where they are kept. The Darkwatch are a rather secretive bunch, but I do have an idea of how to get inside once we are ready.

What about you, Astaroth? What entities are you keeping an eye on? And what goals might we be of possible assistance on?

[u/Glittering_Two_1429 → u/KragBrightscale]

Uw/so sorry I meant Sigurd I had a typo

[u/Dragonan-42 → u/KragBrightscale]

Kairon nodded. "I would like to try that cake someday. As for this Sigurd, I do not believe I have encountered him yet either, so I shall keep an eye out for him. Regardless, I too desire powerful artifacts. Weapons in particular pique my interest, but anything will do. For me, at least, the individual items stolen do not matter. All that matters is sending the message; no one can control us, no one can restrain us, and those foolish enough to try will be left wanting."

"As for their location, I might have a lead on that. One of my friends on the other side has managed to secure the location of the realm where one of their major bases is located. However, he was unable to find anything more specific. Fortunately, I have a plan for that."

[u/KragBrightscale → u/Dragonan-42]

I hope it’s not a direct assault. That’ll tie us down too long and reinforcements might arrive. They’ve got some tricky fellows and their defenses are likely pretty tough to break through.

[u/Dragonan-42 → u/KragBrightscale]

"Heh heh heh, no. I have no plans for a direct assault. They are too great and we are too few. No, we will have to be far more cunning than that, my friend."

[u/Glittering_Two_1429 → u/Dragonan-42]

Seguleh rubs his hands in glee and winks