A piece of leather that was once part of a man's back is stretched out on the desk, covered in black spots and a map of Sylvania. A path is picked out on it, leading from Blackshire through the swamps up towards the Eastern Barrier Peaks - with a slight detour to a castle marked with the rune of the Skull. A glass of wine is set near it as well.
Mave and Tulani stand to either side of the desk, watching as Alptraum emerges (with a bit of draconic help) from his shadowy cocoon. Once the Eeee is back to his original form, Tulani snaps her fingers and says, "Ah! I should have tried to make him some pants instead of the Fnerf bustier.."
"Ha ha," Alptraum remarks, "Never underestimate the power of a guy who grew up with Hexen, the bedroom raider." He strides both naked and looking triumphant over to the cot, yanks off the blanket, and fashions an makeshift toga. "Clothing is easy to come by," he declares.
"I'll let you explain it then," Tulani says, then glances towards Mave. "Or we could just say that Mave took them.."
"I'll just tell him the truth. You two have finally come to your senses and declared me your King and amazing ruler," Alptraum claims as he polishes his claws on his chest. "I mean, who could resist me?"
"A good ruler measures at least a foot though," Tulani notes, her ears twitching. Even Mave raises a smirk at the joke.
"How would you know what that is, though? I'm sure your boyfriends over the years have always claimed much smaller sizes were a foot," Alptraum counters with a grin.
Mave clears her throat. "As amusing as this all is, our primary intent is to see if the spirit of the Chief Warder can be roused," the Yodhinala points out.
"Well, if your rub your backside on his former back, he might find it arousing," Alptraum suggests and waggles his ears.
"Well, nobody has come charging in to arrest us after charging up Alptraum, so I think we're safe," the Sphynx notes - and gives Alptraum an odd look. "The notion of the dead being lustful is very disturbing. Especially to a Sylvanian, you realize! Are we ready?"
"So, I suppose I shouldn't tell you about the ghost I had to remove from a brothel?" Alptraum asks Tulani. The Eeee saunters around the table, finds a clear spot on one side, and leans against it as if it were a chair. He gives the map a glance as he announces, "Bring out yer dead!"
The Light is drawn, and Tulani lowers the flat of the blade towards the map.. then stops and looks at Alptraum again. "Wait.. was it the ghost of a worker there or.. never mind, you can tell me later," she says, and then touches the blade to leather. The light dims in the room, despite the skylight and oil lamp. Now that's he's 'whole' again for the moment, Alptraum feels a definite spiritual ripple pass through the area.
Alptraum's ears perk. "Well, it's definitely doing something," he says. The fingers of his hand wiggle, then he reaches over and touches the map briefly.
"It is not a holiday," Fyodr Dunklestein, Chief Warder of the Czar, points out. Then he notices the wine and asks, "Is that for me? I hope it's for me.."
"Well, that depends," Alptraum says, "Have you been a good spirit or a bad spirit?"
The apparition appears as it did in the Well of Souls, solid and alive. At least, as solid and alive as Kaira is when she manifests. "You have the Light still, and the world is not consumed in Death, so I must have done well," he points out, lifting the wine. He raises an eyebrow at Mave, and then asks, "Why are you the only one wearing a toga? Is this a party?"
"I like to create new fashion trends," Alptraum claims and shrugs a bit. "Now, as for the world being consumed, yes .. and no. You see there is a small problem..."
"It's never 'We missed you, Fyodr', is it?" the wrinkled and bald human states. "I sense we are far from Sylvania, yet there is a thread from there to where we go that you are following.. and.. hmmm." He looks at Mave again in silence.
"Amena has a little puppet out and about again. This time she is claiming to be the Avatar of Dipthath," Alptraum summarizes as he watches the odd spirit eye Mave. "Is there some problem with the Yodhinala?" he asks.
"No problem at all," the spirit claims, all smiles again. "Diphath? That is not a demon of Sylvania, but of Babel. And you think this is another of the Carrion Queen's puppets? Why?"
"Because she said she was, more or less," Alptraum explains as he leans back and balances his weight on the table with his hands. "She likes to invade dreams and plots to turn Babel into her next Undead army. We've ... had a short chat."
"Ah, yes, She does like to talk to people in their dreams," Fyodr notes. "And always with the promises. Did she promise you a solution to all of your problems, then?"
"To me? No. She just recognized who I was, even with the disguise. She didn't appreciate me spying on her servants," Alptraum notes. "Her current plan is to take over the temple of Sunala and its graves for her new foundry of soldiers."
"Interesting that she did not try to tempt you," Fyodr notes. "And this new Avatar is an Eeee, I imagine? Likely a vampire, to fit the image of Diphath, and likely undead?"
"She has taken over the body of the General of Babel; the former military force of Babel," Alptraum explains. "A vampire, yes. Undead, I am not entirely sure as I have not met her i person, but it is likely. She's also making use of poor copies of shadow dragon abilities."
"Necropolis can tempt the living, but to project her power, her mask will be already dead," Fyodr notes, taking a sip of wine. "She cannot simply reach out from her throne in Aeztepa and animate some random corpse. The vessel must be prepared by her agents, usually while still alive. This General then, may have been a willing participant - especially if Amenlichtli came to her in the guise of Diphath. But that person is dead and gone, be assured. What you see now is a mask, with some memory and personality of the original, but it is part of the organism of Necropolis now."
"That actually makes things simpler for me," Alptraum admits, "I don't have to try and save her; I just have to destroy her. I don't have to feel sorry or hold my hand. I assume her possession works through something similar to the Black Hearts? If I destroy the link, I destroy her mask, yes?"
"Yes, although the Avatar itself will be powerful," Fyodr notes. "Her powers are of Spirit, Shadow and Life, with some overlap into Dream and Mind. There will likely be a focus - an object of some sort - that reinforces her control of the body."
"Near the body or far separate from it?" Alptraum asks. The Eeee pushes himself off of the table and starts to pace in his makeshift robe. "And is it always the same sort of object, or does it change based on who the Avatar was chosen to be?"
"It varies," Fyodr notes. "For the Avatar awakened in Sylvania, it was the sarcophagus itself. But for a foreign Avatar - one not of Amena's bloodline - it could be anything, so long as it is closely associated with the creature. It may be a religious relic, or even an article of jewelry or clothing, so long as it is something resilient. It will not likely be a weapon, however.. too much risk."
Mave seems to perk at this statement.
"And unfortunately it won't be inscribed with glowing letters declaring it to be the relic, eh?" Alptraum remarks rather dryly. "Wouldn't the Avatar not being of her bloodline also make it weaker?"
"Yes, because it would need to be undead, whereas a living relation would not," the Warder says. "Necropolis has weaknesses though, which are present in all of her Avatars, pride being the greatest of these. She is not patient, she is not secretive. She will boast of her intentions to one she wishes to intimidate or instill fear in. She is evil, but not a subtle evil. She will seek out the corruption in a person's heart, and go at it with pickaxe and shovel if need be."
"Well, then it's a good think I'm pure and corruption free," Alptraum claims. "Her body actually being undead is an advantage for me, since I have natural defense and abilities to deal with such. Of course if you would rather fight her and let us relax on the beach and sip drinks ... I'm more than willing to give you the honor..." He grins.
"I have already fought her," Fyodr points out. "I won, but.. well, you can see what my reward has been," he notes. "Know that she is not a goddess, but an evil force. Where the Light provides power for those who can use it, she draws her power from the Forbidden Zone that shields her kingdom. Her strength in such places will be greater than without."
"Her Avatar is currently hiding in the forbidden zone north of Babel," Alptraum explains. The be-robed Eeee looks upward and lets out a long breath. "I also already expect I will die stopping her," he admits, "But what real choice do I have? I owe it to my children to have a chance to live in the world. If her power spreads they have no future."
"My advice is to strengthen yourself first," Fyodr suggests. "Do not rush in. Lure her out to face you on your terms, if you can. Play to her weaknesses."
"I'm an Eeee with a few parlor tricks; but at least I'm a decent actor and can play a good ruse if I need to," Alptraum notes. "Plus I need to see if I can dismantle her power base, the Eeee that follow her. If it can be believed what I have learned, they don't follow entirely out of choice."
"Fear is the tool of Necropolis," the human explains. "She will tempt and promise, and where those fail - the fear of being against her because of what those that have fallen to her charms will do. In Sylvania, the Necromancer Lords thought to command her, and learn her secrets. But she was happy to give those secrets, and turn the Lords against one another - and turn the Czar himself to her side instead."
"Is Babel still ruled by the Sabaoth?" Dunklestein asks.
"No, he died several years ago. It is semi-officially being run by 'democracy', lead by the former Vizier, Thath," Alptraum explains. The Eeee has to pause there and chew his lip thoughtfully. "My father," he admits.
"He will be a target then," the spirit notes. "She will do all she can to influence, seduce or control him. If that fails, she will try to turn those around him against him."
"This is the man who took down the Sabbaoth. Controlling him will prove difficult. It will most likely be the latter," Alptraum notes. "She already tried to take a stab at him by kidnapping the copy of me; the one he semi-raised as a son. She had intended to use him, Rikat, as a new Sabaoth and control him as an undead. But ... I sort of undid her hooks into him and have an escape route established for him to take when the time is right."
"That shows quite a bit more planning than usual," Dunklestein notes. "Perhaps the Queen has started learning from her defeats. Or it is simply knowledge and cunning she absorbed from her new puppet. Gather your allies, Barsunala. You may find them in surprising places, but Necropolis claims Diphath's mantle in this, and that one was enemy to all."
Alptraum laughs. "My allies? We aren't exactly a group that instills fear and awe in people. A sailor, an old Yodhinala, some people from the srteets, and gypsies," It's either going to be the most amazing and embarrassing defeat for her in her history; or the makings of a tragic comedy for us," the Eeee remarks a bit dryly. "Still, who knows? Odder things have happened."
"Not that old," Mave notes.
"How old are you again?" Alptraum asks Mave.
"Hmm," Fyodr notes, having finished the glass of wine. "I miss the Faust vintages. You really appreciate memories when you're dead. So long as you stay focused on the single goal of destroying the Avatar, you should have a good chance of success, Alptraum."
"Staying focused on a single task is a bit difficult. I have several things to deal with," Alptraum admits and shrugs a bit. "Still, who knows. Time is a bit on our side in this one. She can't make a move yet."
"Are you sure they are all separate things?" Dunklestein asks, waggling the empty glass back and forth. Tulani blinks and takes the hint, digging out the bottle of wine to refill it.
"Telling someone they're going to be a grandfather isn't likely involved," Alptraum points out. "Nor is playing Phlagaea's delivery-person."
"The Yodhgorphat, all wrapped in bandages?" the old man asks, sipping at his freshly filled glass.
"That's the one. I have to deliver an offering for her to her temple in Babel. The one full of terrible death traps and such," Alptraum admits. "Because, apparently, I am an idiot."
"I am surprised that she is not here with you," the man notes. "It would be fitting."
"Well, there is a complication with that. She can't be. Long story," Alptraum admits.
"What is this offering she sends with you then, if I may ask?" the man asks.
"A little doll made form hair. I'm supposed to burn it on Gorphat's altar. Some sort of sacrifice to be made," Alptraum explains. "I have it packed away. It's ... well, rather creepy."
"May I see it?" the man asks, looking amused.
"You just want to give me nightmares again," Alptraum complains as he goes to his travel bag. It takes several minutes of digging through an odd assortment of things; including a collection of disturbingly 'cute' renditions of the Seven Sisters done up as googly-eyed stuffies before he finds the burlap sack he stuck the doll in. He unties the triple knot on it (you never know!) and pulls out the creepy-looking handmade hair-doll. "Just don't expect me to make it talk," he remakrs as he holds the creation out.
The doll looks different now: it's gone green again, instead of the plain-looking brown that Phlagaea is resigned to during her pregnancy.
"Er. Did it go moldy?" Alptruam asks as he holds the doll between two fingers. "Why is it green?"
"It does not look much like the girl," Fyodr admits. "But as a symbolic presence, I can see its usefulness."
"Useful how?" Alptraum asks.
"It's not supposed to be green," Mave points out. "Phlagaea turned brown when she became pregnant."
"To represent the third scion of Nala; Gorphat," Fyodr notes. He points to Mave, saying, "She represents Inala." Pointing next at Alptraum, he notes, "And you, Sunala. And Tulani holds the Light. All of the divided elements of Nala."
"Oh, okay, that. Nala already explained some of that to me when she declared I was her new champion," Alptraum says as he deposits the doll back into the burlap sack and ties it shut again.
"Perhaps Gorphat will have more to tell you then," the human claims.
Alptraum twitches. "You mean I'll have to talk to her? The last time didn't go so well," he admits.
"Don't you have a way with women though?" Dunky asks, and waves his glass. "Do not underestimate the power of good wine."
"It's more that women have a way with me. I usually end up doing what they want," Alptraum admits with a sigh, then sticks out his tongue.
"Well, that just means you are aware of the realities of proper relationships," Dunklestein says, winking. "You keep a dragon as a pet, and are the son of Death. I'm sure you will do fine."
"Well, if I end up dead, you're buying the drinks at the spectral bar," Alptraum tells the currently solid 'ghost'. "I'll be so disappointed if they don't have the best spirits." The bat grins fangily at his own joke.
"All the blood you can drink!" Fyodr promises... and begins to fade out. Tulani squeaks and has to dive forward to catch the wineglass before it hits the floor.
"Pity he faded so fast. He was just the right age for you, Mave," Alptraum quips as he leans to the side to get a good look at Tulani's backside as she dives for the glass!
"I do not mind bald and wrinkled," Mave claims. "I can usually work out the wrinkles.."
Alptraum laughs a bit at that. "I don't mind anyone, it seems," he admits as he decides to be nice and help Tulani straighten up from catching the glass.
"He doesn't seem to have changed much, but I shouldn't be surprised," Tulani notes, after setting the glass back on the desk and starting to fold up the map.
"I wasn't joking when I said I expect to die, by the way," Alptraum says as he goes to re-pack the travel bag (and put away that disturbing doll!).
While Alptraum is turned towards Tulani, Mave gooses him under the 'toga'. "Are you going off to find your Fnerf, or do you wish to remain your old self for a time?" the Yodh asks.
Edit that to have him be goosed while he packs.
"You aren't going to die," Tulani says. "That would be bad for everyone. And who knows what your mother would do then?"
"Ack, hey! I hadn't decided yet," Alptraum says and rubs his backside. "I doubt Sunala would care. She showed no compassion towards me the last time we talked. My adoptive one would, though."
"It's more the being killed by Diphath part she might object to," Tulani claims, turning around again. "Why are you rubbing your butt?"
"Mave is grabbing me," Alptraum notes and wing-points at the white Eeee. "And here I was going to offer to take care of the both of you as say a Savanite or something so you don't even have to worry about my bad jokes."
"We could use the blanket as a gag," Mave suggests. "And the rest to tie down his hands.."
"That's silly," Tulani claims, waving a hand. "He couldn't use his tongue then!"
"I also think Tulani kind of likes me all spotty," Alptraum teases. "Or we could just relax and do nothing too."
"Relax, yes," Mave says. "Do nothing? No," she insists, and tugs on the makeshift toga. "Gorphat has shown her influence, so Inala must have equal time."
Alptraum hangs onto his toga for the moment!" Yes, but as what?" he asks.
"As yourself," the Yodhinala says, and at Alptraum's resistance asks, "Don't you want to disrobe me yourself?"
"I want to see if you can inspire me," Alptraum teases and sticks out his tongue at Mave. "I can't be easy all the time!"
"It's a trick," Tulani claims, crossing her arms. "He needs time to 'reconnect' with his male part."
The Yodhinala considers the challenge. "Very well then," she says, and gestures for Alptraum to sit down on the cot.
Alptraum crosses his arms and sniffs loudly at Tulani. Mave, though, gets a smile and the male Eeee settles himself down on the cot.
The Yodh passes by in front of Alptraum.. and goes to Tulani, who blinks in surprise. She rests her hands on the Sphynx's shoulders, and tells her, "Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit..."
Alptraum blinks several times, then grins. "Well, this ought to be an interesting show," he thinks, very much amused. For once it isn't him en the embarrassing situation! He gets to watch someone else be tortured...