Ari addresses the gathered constables and the elven liaisons the morning after the events at the temple of Lakius. As you arrive, you see Ari speaking pleasantly with individuals as they filter in. As he begins talking to the larger audience, his demeanor becomes much more somber.
"Good morning, my friends. Most of you I have met, but for those that I have not yet, I am Arishimoto Udanaru, Feyalin of Tfop, Commander of the Knights of the Banished Hero in Icefia, and for the moment, acting governor of this city. Please call me Ari.
I have with me as council a representative of the Guardian Temple, Master Ullik Blackhammer. I ask that Master Ullik chime in if he has something more to add to this discussion.
I have asked the First Deputy to gather you here this morning so that I may share with you the purpose of our presence here in Portet.
What I am about to tell you will not be easy to believe. But that does not make it any less true.
[Lengthy pause]
Habololy is on the brink of war. I am not speaking of the conflict that just ended here, or the trouble brewing between my former homeland and the Republic. The war I speak of is one that threatens all of Habololy, a war between the Light and the Darkness.
A dark power, an ancient evil not of this world known as Nilas’Anor has set his sights on the conquest of Habololy. This entity is a being of pure evil, treachery, and malice, one whose power rivals or exceeds that of the creation deities here.
Three of his most competent lieutenants are present here on Habololy. I know this because I have encountered all 3 at various points in the past few months. The recent assault on the Castle was perpetrated by Usics, a black knight that carries the artifact known as the Hunter of Paladins. The second, a shadow wyrm known as Isken, who was responsible for the assassination of the King Darscon Gemblade. And the third, Marius, a shade, a lich-like creature of darkness and considerable arcane power. These agents of the Dark One have been tasked with opening the pathway for their master so that he may claim Habololy for his own.
They have all focused their attention on Icefia. We, meaning all those fighting for the Light, have won small victories to foil their schemes, the ascension of Stasis’ true heir to the throne being the greatest achievement to slow their progress. But they still remain hidden, carrying out their agendas and surfacing only when the critical moment arises for their plans.
We know that the darkness that grows to the north of us is the first region to be outspokenly claimed by one of them, the shade Marius instigating and perpetuating the war between Icefia and the Scaled Nation so that he may seize control of the those lands in the aftermath.
And that is why we are here. The Darkness is at our doorsteps, and we are the deterrent to keep it from spreading. I hoped that the Kingdom’s mere presence here would be enough to deter Marius from attempting to spread his influence to this region, but the events of the temple of Lakius yesterday have proven otherwise. The black circle left on the roof of the Lighthouse was a tribute to the Dark One, a horrid recreation of the symbol the Cult of Nilas’Anor uses.
The Cult strikes with purpose and intent, all actions serving their ultimate goal. The massacre at the Lighthouse was carried out to weaken the faith of Lakius so that they may use the seas to further their plans; they were also responsible for a similar atrocity back in Phiam several months ago.
We suspect they allied themselves with several of the dark powers of Habololy. The 3 lieutenants typically act through other agents, often favoring demons and creatures of chaos and evil.
I tell you these things because we must not only remain vigilant in our duties, but it is also up to each one of you in this room to lay the foundation for the alliance between Icefia and the Scaled Nation. The Darkness thrives on strife and chaos, the Kingdom needs to build a strong relationship with the Scaled Nation so that we may have allies as neighbors rather than enemies in the times to come. To do this, you must stay true to your oaths as constables and conduct yourself as Stasis would, nobly, kindly, and with unquestionable honor.
Lastly, I remind you all to stay true to your faith, because the deities will need your prayers as much as we will need their blessings.
[Exhales heavily]
That is a lot to digest. I will give you a moment to consider what I have told you, then you may ask me any questions you might have.
