A human and a dark elf walk into a bar...who walks out first? (Private)

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Month of Cryxatum in the Season of Summer, Era XIV

The Golden Dragon Tavern and Inn. Although renowned for harboring fugitives and disreputable personnel, it was situated on neutral territory –or so both of them believed. Square and round tables decorated the wooden floor, and the windows were no longer shielded by drapes to ward the building’s inhabitants from the winter chill. On this evening single candles sat atop every table, illuminating the surrounding area just enough so that the entire room was aglow. It was homely by all standards, that is, if one did not mind the grime or the ripened wood, and it was befitting of the peculiar encounter about to transpire this night.

An encounter of arguably two likeminded individuals…

The Prince of Har’oloth, as he was oftentimes referred to, sat in the corner of the tavern, ebony cowl resting against his backside to reveal a glimmering mane of silver hair. His eyes were crimson as was customary for most of his kindred, and they drifted lazily about from side to side, casually taking note of the random assortment of patrons that the Golden Dragon had riveted this evening. The dark elf’s posture was one of comfort, though there was no mistaking the warrior’s grace that guided his hands as they folded across his chest, conveniently positioning his elbows atop the bejeweled sword pommels on each of his sides.

He would be arriving shortly.

The visage of a dwarf surfaced to the dark elf’s thoughts, though the latter labored to remember the former’s name. In truth it hardly mattered, however, because the dwarf had been nothing more than a marionette whose strings were controlled by the man whom the Vysstichi was about to meet. Dimitri Wladisyaw, yes, that was his name, one that warranted mention even in the bowels of Har’oloth. For a human to have risen to such unheard of prestige in the tradition-dominated underworld was an extraordinary feat indeed. And however Dimitri had accomplished that miracle, the Vysstichi Lord did not know, but he would find out.

And so the Weapons Master of House Kitrye’veresi, First House of Har’oloth, waited, patiently contemplating the type of human that had accomplished enough to merit his attention. He was of an impartial opinion thus far, but he had no doubts that this would change by the end of the meeting. For better or worse, though, only the Gods knew.

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

His dress was a carefully controlled facade. His trollskin leather armour was slightly battered and torn, just enough to imply a career in combat but not enough to show a man who could not maintain his kit. A bizarre curved sword hung from his waist, in truth more for show than anything else. His two gauntlets with shining and deathly sharp claws were more dangerous and hung from the frontof his belt. Strong military boots of fine leather and a cloak showing the sigil of his family, the two bears clutching an axe on a purple and black background was prominent. A silk eyepatch covered his left eye but did not cover the scarring on that side of his face. He was attractive but his scars and his very nature that oozed from him detracted from it. A bandaged left arm and a silken gloved right completed the man.

H moved into the bar with no attempt at subtlety, his chin was raised and his full frame, well over six feet in height was shown. Slowly he eyed Faust and his mouth was for a moment tugged at its extermities by invisible wires, a half smile at best. Before he moved over and introduced himself he moved to the bar and extended a smile and a hand to the barman. A flash of gold was in the hand and the barman took it readily, a collection of surly reprobates were soon gifted with a free drink. Dimitri himself was gifted with a particually potent whisky shot, which he took in one gulp. A momentary look of intense displeasure came over his face, but it amused and buoyed those at the bar.

Dimitri had planned this move, if things became nasty these aggreived drunks owed him a favour, and would stumble onto the swords of the dark elf. Fleshy sheilds to protect their Lord. How glorious subtle manipulation was. Finally he turned his eyes to his rival, or a rival he reasoned, the other name they spoke about in his city. Forget Amber Brightwing and her pointless policies and croneyism, Dimitri respected the dark elves. They wer vital to Vortex but Dimitri had heard things, this one mixed with Imperials and Senators, mingled with the good and the bad.

He pulled a chair out at the table, removing the glove from his right hand. Faust might see a number of rings, two at least were notable. One showed the same insignia as the cloak set into a jade stone, the other was the sigil of the church of the faith. What it was doing on the finger of such a man was seemingly a mystery.

"I am Dimitri Vladovic Uppenheim Wladisyaw, Duke of this city and last of my name. You are Faust D'Rinishad of the first house of the lower city and seemingly the most equipped of your......numerous family." His guards and personal experience had turned up a few of his kind recently. Always a weakness if one was strong, to have weaker relatives or loved ones running about. Dimitri had Anora and he hid her away from his enemies as best he could. "I apologise," his voice was almost a growl at this point as though he had constructed an image of a threatening warrior and would not break it yet, "I have little experience of your house Kitrye’veresi, your Matron is the only one unknown to me. By no act of fate nor bestowal of gifts have I gleaned an audience with her, you shall have to apolgise on my behalf." He smiled and decided to probe gently, "I have heard of you Faust D'Rinishad, you are the day and the night, neither of your people or apart from them. Between worlds, I have given away my world and embraced myself with yours, do you find that amusing? Can you judge someone by their race?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

For all of the human’s established safeguards, it was neither the drunkards nor the man’s confident swagger that elicited that the corrosion of the Vysstichi Lord’s stoic visage: it was the absence of his manners. Whereas the Prince of Har’oloth had prearranged for a bottle of the tavern’s finest red wine to be delivered upon the human’s arrival, the latter had, quite blatantly in fact, imbibed a drink or two before the dark elf’s very eyes, and what more, abstained from offering any such refreshment to his black-skinned counterpart –the Vysstichi duly noted this.

Rising to his feet as the formidable human approached, the dark elf inclined at the waist, imparting a bow that conveyed neither deference nor arrogance; it was simply a cordial gesture. “Ah, Dimitri, so we meet at long last. Please…have a seat…” An ebon hand, gloved in shimmering mythril, signaled to the chair across from him. Only when the human ensconced as bade would the dark elf return to his own chair as well –another demonstration of etiquette that the Vysstichi Lord would undoubtedly have to teach the man in the event that their meeting did not terminate with the crossing of blades.

“You assume correctly, I am Faust D’Rinishad, Weapons Master of House Kitrye’veresi.” the dark elf said. His voice was surprisingly tranquil despite the latent animosity that the two likely harbored for one another. Perhaps it was respect that tempered the dark elf’s tone with civility, or maybe it was because, out of pure pragmatism, he had opted to remain impartial until learning of the mysterious human’s intentions for Vortex and Har’oloth –whatever they might be. Nevertheless, the dark elf’s immaculately chiseled features were not infected by the usual contours that generally conveyed antagonism.

“And no apologies are necessary, I assure you.” Faust said, chuckling light-heartedly as a waitress approached with the preordered bottle of red wine and two glasses. “Feel free to help yourself…” He continued, waving towards the contents set upon the table, though in truth he suspected that the man would not drink in fear of a tampered bottle –no matter. A graceful dip of the hand beneath the folds of his ebony cloak produced two golden crowns seconds later, and he casually exchanged them with the barmaid who disappeared afterwards.

Crimson eyes returned to Dimitri. “Matron Rilvin is a busy woman, but could any less be expected of the First Matron of Har’oloth?” He asked, punctuating his rhetorical question with a simple bounce of the shoulders. At Dimitri’s insight concerning Faust himself, the Prince of Har’oloth’s relaxed demeanor was indicative of his apathy. He was not surprised that Dimitri had heard of him. Who in Vortex had not? The D’Rinishad name had become commonplace throughout Vortex, Arium, and beyond. Nevertheless, Dimitri’s confession denoted that he had indeed been doing his research, something that, Faust admitted, was more flattering than alarming.

The dark elf laughed. “One must do what they can to survive, would you disagree?” He asked, likely aware of Dimitri’s answer already. It was his turn to award the man with some information if at least for Dimitri’s acknowledgment that he had been doing his homework on his competition. “And truth be told, your tale is most fascinating. I find it curious that a human would consort with my people, particularly as my kind generally perceives them as inferior and subordinate, not that I agree as I find that racial judgments oftentimes result in gross underestimations, but long standing traditions have ways of cementing themselves in one’s culture. I can’t help but wonder what would drive you to associate with the dark elves? Power? Influence?” Faust smiled slightly, his stare continuing to meet the man’s. “No. One of your stature could easily find that on the surface. What then, drives Dimitri Wladisyaw, if you don’t mind me asking…and am I pronouncing that correctly?” he questioned, brows furrowing in embarrassment. Charismean grammar and pronunciation had never been the dark elf’s ‘cup of tea’, as the surface saying went.

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

(Apologies for the delay)

He sat down with a curt nod and put his hand to his neck, a small metal band was covered with a silken cloth which was unwrapped, it allowed him to relax. Metal and silk found their way to the table as he exposed his neck, something he disliked doing in his own city.

Slowly he poured the wine, first for his rival and then for himself. Carefully he sipped it showing no fear of poison, he beleived that the dark elves had a certain honour. Or at least the higher house did, he own bedpartner, the matron of the second house would do anything to advance. She had lost her restraint and her reputation long ago, she craved power and no method was below her.

"My family background gives me access to fine wines, though none as fine as those produced by your race. I am fortunate that the third house Chaos Dawn allow me some bottles on occasion, though I find good Vortexian whisky or sharp gin is sometimes more rough and hence more desirable on my tongue." He smiled, for a moment friendly before it vanished behind a frown again.

"The people of Arium have always been great survivors, the elements, and the wildlife. And what other people would live in harmony with your kind, we are together for survivial I am under no illusion. Both our cities are shunned for the link and yet we must protect one another, I shall not have either half of my city harmed by the Empire or anyone." he smiled, "Perhaps that is what we should drink to first, survival." Dimitri duly raised his glass and took a long swig, before setting it down again and staring at his opponent.

"Wladisyaw is a name rough on the tongue, a name nchanged through aeons of settlement." He shrugged and smiled, "Pronounce it how you like or call me Dimitri, I am not foolish D'Rinshad, you are my equal if also a potential enemy. I can afford you respect, yet I afford you far more mistrust." He smiled broadly at this comment and sat up properly flexing his colossal shoulders and continued, "I hope my broad speaking does not disturb you, I have been taught to behave properly but I rarely do. This city and all men are filled with excrement, I try not to let it flow into conversation so I enjoy being blunt." He grinned, "I associate with your people for every reason you could imagine, I enjoy bedding matrons, I enjoy leading dark elven soldiers, they are phenomenal soldiers and scouts, I admit that much. I desire power and your people teach me my lessons well, they give me money and they share my morality. Slavery is justified in my view, drugs are the key to many souls and the key to great wealth, and the darkness comforts me." He looked at Faust for a moment his beady right eye closing and squinting and eyeing up his opponent.

"Lets get our positions correct before we talk, I act as a ambassador, general and many other things for the second house. Its recent.....troubles have afforded one such as myself the chance to profit, though my loyalty extends only as far as the tip of my nose. The third house and I also have a relationship, and I myself live on the third level of your city, I posess the Collegium and claim undisputed ownership of it at present. Many of the individuals in your city work directly or indirectly for me. The control the guard in the upper city, I am moving my hand towards trade and many other things D'Rinshad." Dimitri smiled, "You have many strings to your bow also do you not? Admit it or not I know you have been busy. Now shall we for the moment trust one another and see it perhaps our ambition can be made to interlock for now, rather than butting heads." He looked at Faust, "You could crush me now D'Rinshad I do not doubt that, likewise I beleive I could deliver a fatal blow to you in my own defeat, so perhaps hostility is for the moment a poor idea, dont you agree?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Slender gloved fingers wrapped around the brim of the wine glass, raising it to his mouth as he nursed it incrementally with his lips. “Thank you.” He said between sips, indulging in the liquor for seconds before returning the glass back onto the table. His crimson eyes followed the human’s, matching his stare impassively. At least Dimitri’s manners were not completely nonexistent.

“Sadly, my stomach is untrained against such potency.” Faust admitted, and he imparted an indifferent shrug to indicate that he was not embarrassed by the confession. “You and I are very different.” He equivocally added, purposely withholding any elucidation as his fingers drummed rhythmically along the tabletop. His gaze traced the human’s steadily forming frown, and subsequently he naturally suspected that their small talk was coming to an end.

“To survival then.” Faust agreed, retrieving his glass and tapping it against Dimitri’s before imbibing another mouthful of wine. Smacking his lips together emphatically, he purposely refrained from commenting on Dimitri’s professed ownership of half the city, a claim that, while bold, could nevertheless be proven otherwise. Balancing his elbows on the edge of the table and folding his hands in front of him, the dark elf awarded the rugged human his undivided attention, patiently waiting for him to begin and eager to discover what he had to say.

Your equal…

A shadow of a grin appeared along the edges of the Vysstichi Lord’s lips, finally curling upwards in full bloom as he leaned back in his seat, self-evidently amused. “Make no mistake, son of Wladisyaw and last of your line, it is true that I respect all that you’ve accomplished, but you and I will never be equals…not in this life…” Pausing dramatically, the dark elf briefly glanced over the human’s shoulder to the brutes situated at the bar. He then looked back to Dimitri. “…or the next. So beware your words, or rather, your bluntness, as you call it. It may one day fall on ears that do not appreciate it.” Shrugging and opting to drop the matter, the dark elf did not expound further. Faust did not tolerate disrespect, neither from his companions nor his opponents as Dimitri would soon learn if he pressed the dark elf any further.

“Tell me, Dimitri, do you believe that your influence in either the Second or Third House will remain?” It was a neutral question intended to stimulate the human’s thinking, and also one that the dark elf posed with the tilt of his head. The Prince of Har’oloth inwardly admitted that he was impressed by the human’s exploits considering the fact that he was, admirably, only human. But a light-born’s authority could exist for only so long, for what were a man’s decades to an elf’s centuries of life? “No, son of Wladisyaw, you could not even begin to touch me let alone deal a fatal blow.” Faust chuckled lightly, flashing an entertained grin as he concealed his lips behind an upraised hand which touched his chin pensively.

“But like you I see little value for unnecessary hostility, especially when you and I possess the capabilities of simultaneously furthering one another’s ambitions without crossing the other’s lines, or am I wrong to believe so? If not, son of Wladisyaw, then tell me what it is that you have in mind.”

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

"My influence in the factions of this city will wane and die, it is the nature of things. You have connections no? Family ties even among your people, and you sit before me with mythril as a second skin." Dimitri smiled, "I know my limits, I know my lifespan is a moment for you D'Rinshad." He paused for a moment, "Perhaps many humans you speak to are amused by the novelty of a dark elf with such manners and the regal bearing of a King." He smiled to himself and continued, "That is what you are is it not? A prince?" He paused for a moment and raised a hand apologetically, he did not wish to get into an argument with this D'Rinshad. After all he did not doubt the dark elf outmatched him a thousand times in personal combat, he has misjudged him in that regard. Yet Dimitri knew he could strike back if he needed to. "Come I forgot myself, I a mere Duke of this little city shall declare myself your moral and for all practical purposes lesser in all matters, A Prince lies above a Duke in a hierachy anyway, I must accept such things hmm?" He smiled and rocked back slightly on his chair.

"How arrogant we are hmm? Petty oneupmanship is our game, the posturing before we agree on things, such squabbling for a small advantage in what is to come. I am an arrogant being D'Rinishad, I think myself above my race and on a level with yours, though I lack in longevity and grace I suppose. Forgive me then, in the darkness tucked away in the ground you have every right to look down upon me, yet in business the upper-city is mine and we shall work together to make this place work hmm?" He smiled, "Wealth, power, women perhaps, I am unsure but each man has a vice, we shall cater for our vices, that is the purpose of this life no?" Dimitri carefully picked him words flashing apologetic smiles and flicks of his hand if he thought the dark elf was becoming offended by anything he said. Inside he seethed at the arrogance of this being but pandered for now, anything to avoid his head impaled with a sword.

"Now as for what I have planned, it is relatively simple, many projects that may intrigue you." He smiled and carefully placed his hands flat on the table as he spoke and thought of what to mention next, "In terms of economics, I am unsure if you are keen on the habits of your brethren, slavery and the movement of drugs as well as the procurement of exotic animals and artifacts all intrigue me, I could see us working on any of these matters." Dimitri smiled, "If not then the mass expansion of Vortexian mineral mining and industry is I beleive a long overdue aim for this city, the smog of commerce should hang over this city and its sheer wealth should protect it from the hatred of the opressive empire."

He smiled and paused sucking on his lower lip for a moment, "Then we might dicuss religion, the refounding of the temple of Jorel and the bolstering of the church of the faith would do much to attract new people to our city, and would restore the ecclesiastical equilibrium of this place." He resumed, "Then our varied retainers, I am sure we both posess underlings of differing skills. Should you have need of a druid or a necromancer and you cannot use one of your own I could oblige." He smiled and raised his hands to Faust and smiled, "There is no limit Master D'Rinshad, if we put our resources together we could improve this city, and that surely benefits us both no?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Dimitri’s pretense of civility was more transparent than a Daltinian window but far less appreciated. Faust’s brows narrowed subtly at first, but his glare was shortly supplanted by a sudden calm that painted over his elegant features. Despite the human’s rudeness, he was trying to make amends and conceding some ground, enough so that the Prince of Har’oloth finally recognized the mediocre diplomat that was the Duke of the Wladisyaw family. “There is no need for false modesty.” the dark elf said, dismissing Dimitri’s attempt with a casual wave of the hand.

“And make your assumptions if you will, but not all men are possessed of such vices.” Faust assured. His tone was neither disrespectful nor challenging, but merely stated as a matter of personal opinion. Sighing deeply, the dark elf’s ebony fingers tapped rhythmically upon the edge of the table, his head periodically nodding as he listened to the human speak. “But your proposal is tempting. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that both you and I have no interest in seeing the Imperial Government in power here. They have done nothing for this city, nothing good at least, and I for one would enjoy a realm devoid of their incompetence.” Eyeing Dimitri to see if he concurred, the dark elf waited before continuing, “Our current Thane is a fine one, but a part of me feels as though the Imperials are patiently waiting for her to give them reason to encroach upon this city. This must be prevented at all costs, would you agree?”

Finally, the Vysstichi Lord was beginning to understand that both he and this human shared more in common than he’d originally believed –perhaps their rivalry could be resolved without bloodshed after all. “I am certain that a mining agreement could be arranged. The First House of Har’oloth, like the Second House, has every interest in maintaining its inflow of wealth. I don’t see how this would be a problem. The details will have to be fleshed out later, of course, but I assure you that we should be able to come to some sort of understanding.”

Pausing to reorganize his thoughts, the Prince of Har’oloth nodded in accord as the topic of religion surfaced. “I have no quandary with either extreme, but one must naturally wonder if a Temple to Jorel would counterproductively give the Imperials more reason to invade us. I have nothing against such an order, but to establish one so publicly might work against us. Perhaps you might shed some more light upon what you have planned so that we’d be better able to accommodate you?” Again the ideas were beginning to flow, and as they did, the dark elf realized that his respect for the human was progressively rising –slowly, but surely nonetheless. “I have nothing against us combining our resources, but there is one matter of importance that I must know from you. You say that your loyalty, some of it at least, belongs to the Second House. Surely you have heard word that the Third House of Har’oloth even now prepares its armies to march against the others…how would you propose to deal with this?”

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

"Your race have always interested me, it is strange how many members of my race veer towards such blissful morality whereas the norm in your race is one of arrogance and a distinct lack of morals. I admire that outlook immensely D'Rinishad." He smiled and continued with a smile playing across his somewhat pouting lips, "the two of us surely serve as the exceptions to the rule, and yet somehow we flit between both worlds." He chuckled, "two people better to work together I cannot think of."

"I do not trust our current Thane I dont mind saying, she has done little for my city, though she balances the needs of the Imperials which I admire, I do not like Imperials master D'Rinshad, now the Sultan has caved into Imperial titles and the deserts of Arakmat become but another ducal realm my title is the last great Barbari title." He smiled gently, "One day I dream of a Kingdom here, this Empire will fall and I will be here to see it and I shall laugh." He nodded silently to himself and fell silent for a moment before resuming in his calm monotone voice, "Any temple which we found would work to our advantage, I personally place little stock in such deities but many do and to place our own people near the top of the order gives us such power over the hearts and minds of the populace." The young Duke smiled and opened his hand as he expressed his point, "Many of the most wicked people in this world are also the most talented, if they flock to this city we may incur some wrath but we also gain such talent, Vortex should b a center for learning and commerce, a city with no moral boundaries is bound to progress."

"As for the third house, they will not march or at least I doubt they will. Their Matron sits like a spider at the heart of her web of intrigue, to attempt an open attack against yoyr house would be foolish, against the second house perhaps but even that I doubt." Dimitri shrugged, "I have some say with them, I might be able to halt any future attack. The same idea must be pushed to all, for the next few years the city must come first, it will enrich us all, yet among your people perhaps this shall never be." He opened his hands again as if to show he was being open and honest with his rhetorical opponent.

"Still it matters little, but what does matter is my question to you, what are your long term plans for this city and for yourself, what is it you desire, and what do you wish to gain for yourself from our partnership?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“I’ll drink to that.” Faust said, snickering as he raised his glass in a quasi-salute. A grin briefly flashed across his face as he sipped at the wine again, and he reveled as the liquor splashed against his tongue and wet his parched throat. It was strange how this meeting was playing out, that is, literally leaping from one extreme to the next. When they had first met, the Prince of Har’oloth had literally considered cutting the man’s throat where he stood, but it seemed that the more that the human spoke, the more he was beginning to convince the Vysstichi Lord of the mutual gains that could be reaped from an alliance together.

“And I share in your animosity of the Imperials. I did not know of the threat to your title, but I can imagine you and your family’s frustration.” Frowning slightly, the dark elf afforded the conversation a second of pause. Despite coming from a noble background himself, the young D’Rinishad had never played that card overzealously. Unlike the surface where titles and merits could be garnered by nearly anyone, the dark elves were a people that generally honored only those possessed by women. The lowest female on the hierarchy was still a step above any male general, wizard, or fighter. Subsequently, for Dimitri to have carved such a niche for himself in Har’oloth was an impressive feat indeed, even if it was not dominated by the traditional bureaucracies that still held sway in conservative Herozzal or Hon’elgg.

“Where, then, do you propose that this Temple to Jorel be built? I personally suggest an area that could be well defended in the event that the Imperials do march upon the city to remedy it of the Jorelites. In that event, at least, the citizens of Vortex will have reason to band together to oppose all Imperial presence.” It was a mere suggestion, but one that the dark elf was curious to see how Dimitri would respond. Perhaps the Duke of Wladisyaw had other, more viable locations for the Temple, and that was no problem at all either. The dark elf was all ears on the matter. “And of course there is always the matter of determining who will run it and take care of it.”

As he listened to Dimitri’s assessment of the Third House’s position, the dark elf tucked in his lower lip, his crimson eyes meanwhile meeting Dimitri’s intently. He had initially been hesitant to admit his concern of the Third House of Har’oloth, especially to a man whom he hardly knew. But sometimes, Faust understood, one must provide information to receive information, and to some degree he did manage to acquire some useful insight, or at least, greater depth into the Duke before him. “Yes, obviously any conflict with the Third House of Har’oloth…with either Matron Eilantha’s or Matron Rilvin’s respective families, will result in a split and war-torn city. And I agree that Vortex’s longevity matters first and foremost.”

At Dimitri’s latter question, the dark elf straightened in his seat and nodded compliantly. He knew that the human was taking many risks to tell him certain details, and thus the Vysstichi Lord decided to respond in kind –another indication that he approved of their prospective collaboration together. “Like you, Dimitri, I am a survivor. I do not necessarily enjoy change, but I recognize that sometimes it is imperative to ensure one’s survival. House Kitrye’veresi, obviously, is my primary concern. Having roots that go beyond a century in that noble family, I desire to make sure that they remain at their current standing. And yet, at the same time it is my aim to help consolidate the power of both Har’oloth and Vortex as a whole, to guarantee that no one, especially the Imperials, can ever jeopardize that which it stands for. Of course I don’t have quite the same ambition as yourself in seeing Arium seceded as a separate Kingdom, but I have no qualms in the event that it does. And of course, you were right about something that you mentioned earlier: our vices. I am not a greedy man, Dimitri, and please do not mistake me for one. But even the best of us cannot deny the pleasantries of wealth...”

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

"Any temple needs to be somewhat visible, perhaps a small surface reception moving down via tunels onto the first layer of your city, that may be easiest." Dimitri nodded carefully, "I would venture as a location perhaps the gaol which I have the luxury of controlling, a little building work and that would make an....apt setting I feel, or perhaps the cemetary where I understand a cult of Jorel existed before, perhaps we risk venturing into cliche there however." Dimitri chuckled and tapped the table with a finger, "I do not mind the upkeep of this temple but I would ask that I be allowed to select the High priest, I rather fancy the role of using the church to my own ends, and to yours of course my esteemed business partner, a church that is not free but rather dances to the beat of our tune is good for us and for the city."

"Wealth excellent, money is a practical vice, one does not need to be greedy to enjoy money." He smiled, "Industry and vice go hand in hand, however this will take some planning, we need to form a little company you see and slowly take control of all mining in the city, if one day the city shoudl gain its independance the city can be rich, in the Empire it can make itself influential merely due to its mineral output which would make destroying it foolhardy." Dimitri chuckled and resumed, "I feel if we both put some resources into this we can put some pressure upon our rivals with our joint force." He nodded, "We might also consider other ventures, taking over the newspaper of the city may do us good in the long run in a propaganda sense."

"What say you of these plans?"

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Despite the dark elf’s fealty to Carmelya, he recognized the importance of founding a Jorelite sect in Vortex. The necromancers, regardless of their twisted practices, were nevertheless powerful allies to have, and their resources would be vital in the event that the Imperial Government endeavored to retake the city. In fact, everyone’s contribution would be imperative to ensure Vortex’s autonomy, especially with the dark elves still recovering from their previous losses both at the hands of the Archmage Avanthar Dra’aran and the recent assassination of Alaret Kitrye’veresi. Varelinen wielded a significant army, but the dark elf was uncertain if she could be relied upon. Having personally seen her defenses, the Prince of Har’oloth –at the very least- understood that a war with her would be counterproductive for all of Arium.

Nodding in acquiescence, the dark elf plucked the wine goblet from the table and sipped pensively at its contents. “The conditions are suitable to me. I personally have little interest in advocating any of the religions here in Vortex, but you’ll have my full support nevertheless. And be sure to tell me if you require any help.” Studying Dimitri’s visage with an impassive stare, the Vysstichi Prince waited for any further questions on the matter. Considering Dimitri’s nobility, Faust was unsurprised by the ambitious man’s desire to control the church. It was, after all, one more facet that could multiply his power exponentially.

As he continued to listen to Dimitri’s propositions, the Vysstichi Lord found himself nodding intermittently. He was impressed by the human’s aspirations, the likes of which were normally shortsighted by his kindred. They were a short-lived folk, and thus their goals usually coincided with their limited life spans. Dimitri, apparently, was an exception. “To control the mining industry we’ll require cooperation from all of the Vysstichi households…” He said, purposely stating the obvious to implicate that they would especially need the three noble Houses to collaborate –even if unintentionally. “Resources should not be difficult to come by. The most challenging part, I think, will be in convincing the three Houses that it would be within all of our interests to monopolize the mineral industry, especially outside of Imperial influence. Also, as far as propaganda goes, how do you suppose we’d do it without summoning the attention of the government?”