Be Careful What You Wish For (Nalifan)

[Rogue 9]

I wouldn't be so sure that's what's going to happen. It's too fucking obvious.

[tchizek]

True Nal (and IO) does not always take the obvious path to revenge.

Either way they are all so dead!

[Imperial Overlord]

The left horn of the Khaduli's formation broke apart and headed toward the center to regroup, its tail end spilling the bodies of men and horses. The right horn broke into a charge. A huge cloud of arrows took flight. Three struck Nalifan and shattered while a third bounced off the nightmare. The silver-blue glow remained. The snow around them was littered with black shafts.

Metal sprouted from the rings on the arch-necromancer's fingers, encasing the right in a gauntlet of bronze and the left in a gauntlet of adamantine. The gems on his right hand flared and a staff of white bone topped with a shining red crystal the colour of fresh blood appeared in the Fist of the Suns. He pointed the Staff of Ruin at the center of the Khaduli line and intoned on the most fearsome spells he knew.

Spheres of ebony and crimson flame shot from the Staff of Ruin and struck the Khaduli center where they burst into shearing planes of mage-fire that blazed through the ranks of horsemen. A great cloud of water vapor rose from the blasted earth where it began to condense overhead. More arrows rained down as Nalifan extended the Staff of Ruin and gestured with the Fist of the Night. The diamonds on the Fist of the Night shown like stars.

In the Realms there is a great body of arcane knowledge that is widely known; the magic of lost Netheril that was in itself originally based upon the magic of the elves and of the Nether Scrolls. There are countless minor variations of each spell and each variation often had a different name, but common names for each family of spells were widely known. One such spell family was known as "horrid wilting", a potent necromantic spell that sucked the moisture out its targets' bodies. The spell Nalifan was employing was somewhat similar. It did less damage, but affected a far larger area.

A violet shadow, so dark it was almost black, appeared at the center of the crescent and engulfed hundreds of hundreds of Khaduli. They fell like puppets with their strings cut, dead before they could scream. A great cloud of vapor rose from the dead and joined the condensing fog created by Nalifan's fire magic.

The thunder of a more than a thousand horses shook the ground as a great spear point of riders rode straight at the arch-necromancer. Nalifan's lips twisted in a sneer. Emerald, ruby, topaz, and sapphire lights flared on the Fist of the Suns as the arch-necromancer spat a spell like a curse. He disliked wasting magic on mere delaying tactics instead of killing spells, but as distasteful as it was, it was necessary.

A ring of violet flames rose up around Nalifan and the cavalry charge broke around him. The Khaduli milled around the ring of fire as the ardchiefs shouted orders and tried to regain control. Three men had ventured too close to the ring of sorcerous fire and burned as a result and they were close to the Vanyard knights, perhaps too close to successfully evade a charge. The young warriors with visions of glory in their eyes and fire burning in their veins might be eager to take a charge by houselander knights, but the older warriors and ardchiefs knew that was suicide. They needed magicians to deal with this mage and his hellsteed and they needed them now.

"Up," Nalifan commanded the nightmare. "Thirty feet." The nightmare snorted and ran up the air as if climbing an invisible hill. Shouts and pointing fingers were raised towards Nalifan. The drow gestured and darkness shrouded him from unaided vision. A host of arrows rose up, but most missed. Several struck him and the protective glow dimmed slightly.

More spells tumbled from the drow's lips. The fog bank from his killing spells had descended and now shrouded much of the Khaduli's center. It contracted into a single pillar of vapor, sucking in the remaining snow in the vicinity. The column of white mist condensed into tower of water. The tower fell on the several score Khaduli, crushing them into bonemeal and paste. Then the water elemental rose again.

With it rose the dessicated corpses of those slain by Nalifan's necromantic magics. Dried sinews drew back bows and fired into the living at point blank range or hefted swords and hacked down those who had been friends and comrades. Hundreds fled in the direction of the invisible cloud of poisonous vapor. "Almost enough chaos, not quite enough death," said Nalifan.

Gravedust and powdered mold dropped from his hands and the Khaduli beneath him fell gasping up blood. Flesh purpled and blackened and sloughed off rotting bones filled with poisoned marrow. All order disintegrated in seconds. First a trickle and then a stream began to rout.

Nalifan smiled and looked around. The left side was caught between the poison cloud and the dead riders. They were dying in place or dashing to their deaths or breaking and running. Some of the later made it. The water elemental had risen again and smashed more Khaduli into pulp. As the drow watched it reformed and pursued another group. Many of the survivors were riding for their lives. The right was in chaos, but it was beginning to reform. It was the only force between the camp and the Vanyard knights.

A simple spell enabled Nalifan's voice to carry. "Charge! Kill them all!"

The nightmare ran at the Khaduli as if charging down hill. A great exhalation of flame turned three into screaming torches. Burning hooves crushed two skulls and then Nalifan was among them, swinging his sword with impossible strength and speed. Enchanted steel sliced easily through mail and brigandine, carving open flesh which sizzled as the toxic banes worked into the metal sought their lives. Blood fountained from severed limbs, cleaved skulls, and sliced open chests. To Nalifan's eyes the humans were as slow and clumsy as drunks staggering home after a binge. Penetrating their guard was as easy as walking a straight line.

The nightmare bit off faces and shattered bone. He trampled the bodies of the fallen and exhaled gouts of flame on those that still stood. The Khaduli tried to turn away from the monstrous horse and his rider, but they were too slow and hindered by their own numbers. High pitched laughter rose from Nalifan's throat, joyous and savage and cruel.

A deep rumble penetrated the din of combat and drowned out the screams of the dying. The knights of Vanyard struck the Khaduli line and shattered it. Lances tore through bodies and destriers smashed through the Khaduli ranks, pushing sturdy steppe ponies aside or to the ground and trampling while their riders struck from above with the swords, axes, and maces they had drawn after their lances had splintered or been lodged in the bodies of the slain. The close quarters crush immensely favored the heavily armoured knights and their war trained steeds. The already fragile Khaduli morale broke and many turned to flee.

Behind the Khaduli, the water elemental rose up once again. They were caught between hammer and anvil. The great wave of water came smashing down and with it all Khaduli hopes for victory. All that was left was slaughter.

[consequences]

Awesomeness.

Any chance of at least a vague fluffy description of the various magic items Nal's using?

[Imperial Overlord]

Awesomeness.

Any chance of at least a vague fluffy description of the various magic items Nal's using?

I might write a short story about acquiring the Staff of Ruin so for now I'll just say that it enhances offensive magic.

The Fist of the Suns is the jeweled bronze gauntlet/rings on Nalifan's right hand. Enhances conjurations, transmutations, and evocations.

The Fist of Night enhances necromancy and illusions.

[consequences]

He still has Spellbreaker and Weavebinder, right?

[Rogue 9]

I think that to me, the most easily recognizable facet of Nalifan's personality is his viciousness. He's demonstrated earlier (particularly against the self-aggrandizing archmage Astinius) that he understands how to not just kill a person, but destroy him and leave him locked in misery for the rest of his life.

True, though I think you overestimate his effect on Astinius... and underestimate the encounter's effect on Nalifan.

Also, I think you're a bit confused; Astinius is certainly self-righteous and emotionally needy, but calling him self-aggrandizing in a comparison with Nalifan D'Azurentien, whose almost (it would not be fair to say all) every action is intended for the aggrandizement of one Nalifan D'Azurentien is a little twisted, I think.

[Eleas]

I think that to me, the most easily recognizable facet of Nalifan's personality is his viciousness. He's demonstrated earlier (particularly against the self-aggrandizing archmage Astinius) that he understands how to not just kill a person, but destroy him and leave him locked in misery for the rest of his life.

True, though I think you overestimate his effect on Astinius... and underestimate the encounter's effect on Nalifan.

Interesting point. I would have agreed, but I think there's more to the matter than that. My interpretation would be that Nalifan held Astinius in contempt well before the point you describe for a number of reasons, a contempt only deepened upon the revelation of Astinius being able to wield Spellfire. Which is why Nalifan didn't choose to kill him, I think; he wanted him to suffer, and believed that by making Astinius aware of his own wretchedness (as Nal saw it), he would bring a lot more pain to him than a swift death would. And while I doubt that Astinius was broken by it, Nal's analysis was very nasty in its own right, ripping into just about everything that Astinius was and exposing it as filth, cowardice and weakness. I can't see him shrugging it off anytime soon, precisely because like most arch-mages, Astinius is self-absorbed.

Also, I think you're a bit confused; Astinius is certainly self-righteous and emotionally needy, but calling him self-aggrandizing in a comparison with Nalifan D'Azurentien, whose almost (it would not be fair to say all) every action is intended for the aggrandizement of one Nalifan D'Azurentien is a little twisted, I think.

Dammit. Sometimes I hate being an ESL speaker. I spent five minutes trying to find the proper word, but my brain wouldn't cooperate. In my defense, I was tired, but still... gotta do better. Point taken, at any rate. Although by any standard but Nalifan, I would argue that Astinius is self-aggrandizing. Loudly boasting of his own goodness and worth does fall within that category.

[Imperial Overlord]

Also, I think you're a bit confused; Astinius is certainly self-righteous and emotionally needy, but calling him self-aggrandizing in a comparison with Nalifan D'Azurentien, whose almost (it would not be fair to say all) every action is intended for the aggrandizement of one Nalifan D'Azurentien is a little twisted, I think.

I would have to disagree. They're both self aggrandizing near megalomaniacs and it's not at all fair to say almost every one of Nalifan's actions rooted in his egomania, although certainly many are. Their self aggrandizement manifests somewhat differently because of their radically different personalities. Nalifan, for example, is sure a deity is up to something when he or she expresses interest in him. Astinius, on the other hand, finds tremendous validation in divine attention and gifts. Both elves possess such a degree of self importance than they find it entirely fitting that a god would be interested in him personally.

[Eleas]

I would have to disagree. They're both self aggrandizing near megalomaniacs and it's not at all fair to say almost every one of Nalifan's actions rooted in his egomania, although certainly many are. Their self aggrandizement manifests somewhat differently because of their radically different personalities. Nalifan, for example, is sure a deity is up to something when he or she expresses interest in him. Astinius, on the other hand, finds tremendous validation in divine attention and gifts. Both elves possess such a degree of self importance than they find it entirely fitting that a god would be interested in him personally.

Almost makes one wonder if there is ever such a thing as a truly humble archmage.

[Imperial Overlord]

Almost makes one wonder if there is ever such a thing as a truly humble archmage.

You wouldn't want to meet him. Vast power and intelligence are going to give anyone without severe issues a superiority complex. You can, however, hope for an arch-mage that is less irritating about it than Nalifan.

The bad news is that he's probably Anasûrimbor Kellhus.

[tchizek]

Almost makes one wonder if there is ever such a thing as a truly humble archmage.

I suspect anyone with the brains and dedication to actually get to Epic Wizard/Archmage would have to be a little arrogant. In fact it would probably be an indication of insanity if they were humble. In a world that worked the way that D&D (3/3.5) works anyone who makes it to Epic levels is going to be less than humble - they beat the odds and are one in a million or more. Think of CEO of major International Corporation or Superstar in professional sports. They also tend to one in a million and most are as arrogant as any character, with less reason in many cases!

[Eleas]

I suspect anyone with the brains and dedication to actually get to Epic Wizard/Archmage would have to be a little arrogant. In fact it would probably be an indication of insanity if they were humble.

That was more or less my point; for the reasons you enumerated, as well as the fact that archmages specialize in, to put it in succinct enough terms, "making reality their bitch." A fixation on one's own power seems almost mandatory.

[bobnik]

Well, you would want to be pretty confident before attempting to bitchslap reality.

[tchizek]

Well, you would want to be pretty confident before attempting to bitchslap reality.

I like this so much I am siging it...very nice!

[Imperial Overlord]

He still has Spellbreaker and Weavebinder, right?

Yes.

[Imperial Overlord]

Sargard walked into his apartments, Valco, Serrin, and Karllen following in his wake. "We need," said Karllen, "to do that again." The light haired noble was grinning from ear to ear, his face framed by a short and rather scraggy beard. "Did you see the look in her eyes? Almost better than her peach."

"Indeed," said the lean and quick Serrin. "Although I wouldn't go as far as better than the peach."

"Well, we need to do it again so we can study it properly," said Valco with thrust of his hips. They all laughed.

"Quiet," said Sargard. There was a stranger, clad in black and orange, reclining in an overstuffed chair and drinking wine from a glass. He was a little on the short side and slender. His skin was a lightly tanned and his short, neat hair and beard were black. He smiled showing white teeth.

"Your wine is excellent, your highness. We need to talk."

"Leave us," said Sargard.

"Yeah, said Karllen, "leave us."

"I wasn't talking to him, I was talking to you," said Sargard. "Go. Now. All of you." Surprise and shock rippled across the faces of the aristocrats, but after a moment they managed to bow and exit. Sargard closed the door behind him and threw the bolt. "My servants?"

"Gone," said the stranger. "Sit down and enjoy some of your wine."

"No," said Sargard, "I'll stand. You haven't been around."

"I've been keeping a low profile. This . . .elvish intervention was unexpected. It complicates things. The more Nalifan knows the more of a problem he is likely to be."

"Our bargain was that you would solve both of my problems."

"I do recall the bargain, your highness. And I intend to fulfill ever last letter of the terms. You will have both crown and kingdom and then you will fulfill your half of our agreement."

"I can't do that if the elf is the one who delivers victory," said Sargard. "You know that."

"Nalifan can be . . . handled. In the right way. At the right time. And not in this clumsy manner which you are pursuing."

"I'm driving a wedge between him and the crown," said Sargard defensively. "He won't get the support he needs, but he'll be bound to try anyway and die. Then we step in and save everything."

The stranger sighed. "Do you think that this amateur intrigue is going to succeed? Think. He's going to come back, covered in glory and supported by impeccable witnesses. Every last man and woman are going to see their salvation in his face. And you've given them every reason to support him. The drow is not fool enough to discard that by acting against you and your supporters directly. All you've done is attract attention to yourself, attention of the kind neither of us wants."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"Take any punishment directed against you and your coterie with bad grace, but endure it. It won't last forever and you'll be hero and king soon enough. As for Nalifan, well the elf doesn't really understand how much trouble he's in and he's been separated from his allies. If the Khaduli don't kill him, I'll be around to give him that final push into death's less than sweet embrace."

"This had better work."

"Of course it will work. I don't get paid until you end up on top and I intend to get paid. In full."

[Skyfox120]

Ah the plot thickens... now who could this new comer be... the 'seperated from his allies' line suggests thats its someone who actually KNOWS Nalifan...

Of more interest is that whomever it is, seems to be planning ot let Nalifan deal with the Khaduli before tyring to eliminate him...

Of course considering how moronic the prince acts, its also possible that the mystery party is fully planning to betray the prince and send Nalifan on his way to toril in the future... After all being 'paid in full' has so many meanings that the prince is probably to dumb to realize...

[consequences]

Hmm, how would the binding have reacted to Nal putting a delayed action curse/ward/something on his concubine to strike at anyone other than him who touched her? Hopefully something along the lines of 'dick falls off, animates, grows teeth, and attacks its former owner.

[Master_Baerne]

He's forbidden from harming the royal family. So, presumably, targeting the prince's cronies would be okay, but the prince himself is off-limits.

[Rahvin]

He's forbidden from harming the royal family. So, presumably, targeting the prince's cronies would be okay, but the prince himself is off-limits.

That's the thing - such a curse wouldn't target the royal family directly. It would be the same as if Nal collapsed a portion of teh palace while fighting that demon, and the prince happened to be killed. He can't knowingly and intentionally cause harm to the royal family, but if the prince is stupid enough to trip a booby trap...

Of course, Nal's likely targets in setting such a curse on the concubine would be the prince and his croines, since they're the most likely perpetrators. Nal would know this, and the likelihood of causing harm to the royal family by laying such a curse could (depending on IO) be sufficiently close to a violation that Nal can't do it. I'm betting this is the case.

Besides that, a curse of that sort is likely to escalate the proxy war, and could lead Nal's concubine to even greater harm than rape - they could step up to mutilating or killing her in retaliation for a disfigured or slain comrade. Nalifan is brutal, and he's willing to expend pawns for significant gain, but he's not the type to take actions likely to put his allies in harm's way when nothing will be gained from it. Retribution will come, and Nalifan can be patient. I would not want to be a member of the royal family when the Gaes ends.

[tchizek]

Oh my plot-complication detector went off big time on that installment!

Someone who 1) knows Nal, 2) Is not worried about Nal, 3) is already working with the Prince?

Now I am hoping that Nal's group can figure out where he is...he might need the help!

(Great Update IO!)

[General Trelane (Retired)]

He's forbidden from harming the royal family. So, presumably, targeting the prince's cronies would be okay, but the prince himself is off-limits.

Yeah, he was forbidden by the king from harming any of his blood. But the binding was to protect and serve the monarch. . .that's not quite the same as obeying the monarch in all ways. There is wriggle room in this, but the suggested curse is not really Nal's style.

I fully expect that there will come a time when Nal will be forced to kill that pusillanimous poppycock of a prince in order to fulfill the terms of his binding; it would be even better if Nalifan contrives to make that situation happen.

[Garlak]

Hmmm... I'm kind of surprised and confused. Why did this person show himself to the Prince and monologue? If this figure is as good as we think it is, then it should be aware that Nalifan will soon learn of it by interrogating the Prince's cronies.

This leads me to the "it WANTS Nalifan to learn of it" conclusion, but that is.. paradoxical? oxymoronic? Ridiculous. Come on, no matter what, the "so stupid/ridiculous it might work!" is a cliche. If you're trying to be sly, you should NEVER show yourself to try to bait the subject into a reaction!

So... who would be smart enough to separate Nalifan from his allies and involve him in a big conflict, thereby also *distracting* him... but dumb (arrogant? confident?) enough to monologue like a Disney villain, and reveal *anything* about any plans? For that matter, who would set up Nalifan like this, and yet deal with people like the Prince.

[Rogue 9]

Hmmm... I'm kind of surprised and confused. Why did this person show himself to the Prince and monologue? If this figure is as good as we think it is, then it should be aware that Nalifan will soon learn of it by interrogating the Prince's cronies.

This leads me to the "it WANTS Nalifan to learn of it" conclusion, but that is.. paradoxical? oxymoronic? Ridiculous. Come on, no matter what, the "so stupid/ridiculous it might work!" is a cliche. If you're trying to be sly, you should NEVER show yourself to try to bait the subject into a reaction!

So... who would be smart enough to separate Nalifan from his allies and involve him in a big conflict, thereby also *distracting* him... but dumb (arrogant? confident?) enough to monologue like a Disney villain, and reveal *anything* about any plans? For that matter, who would set up Nalifan like this, and yet deal with people like the Prince.

Someone who had no idea Nalifan was going to show up; his intervention was unexpected, remember?