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Sun 20th Dec 2020 11:09

Hypothetical 2: Villain (Ginny Di video)

by Nepheri


 

Nepheri isn't happy about her meeting but will at least find out what this less than reputable job is about. And so she enters and has a seat.


Augury: You're late. We agreed on sundown, did we not?


Nepheri: I guess I must have had things to consider before coming.


Augury: I hope it's not a habit.


Nepheri: Considering my actions? It hasn't been, but I'm cultivating it.


Augury: Would you normally consider yourself a punctual person?


Nepheri: When possible. Especially if I'm eager.


Augury: Well, let's not waste any more time. I am Augury, of course. My business needs no introduction, I'm sure. And it is best we not name it - one never knows who might be listening.


Nepheri: That does make sense.


Augury: Tell me, what makes you think you would be a useful addition to my guard? What makes you so special?


Nepheri: I'm used to balancing life and death, fearing neither. I'm sure that is something you might appreciate?


Augury: This work requires a very particular set of skills and we'll get to that, but it also requires a certain mindset. Would you consider yourself a moral person?


Nepheri: Yes. My morality might sometimes make others uncomfortable, but it is one I stick to.


Augury: And were you raised with this outlook or did you come to it on your own?


Nepheri: My mother tried to instill some values, I guess. But I take my teachings from the Raven Queen.


Augury: As death is a necessary part of life, it is also a necessary part of this job. You've killed before, I assume?


Nepheri: We agree there. And yes, I have.


Augury: Please describe your first kill.


Nepheri: I likely caused death long before I caused it directly. The first intentional one... was my grandfather. I strangled him with his linens.


Augury: How old were you? How did you feel?


Nepheri: I had turned thirteen by then. It was an act of mercy as much as anything else. He had been kept alive through suffering by priests who valued life more than death.


Augury: Interesting. Would you say that you believe some deserve to die and if so, what circumstances might merit such a punishment? In your view?


Nepheri: I believe we all should die, it is just a matter of when our time has come. I try my best to only interfere in either way when I think my Goddess wants me to. Which means I will kill when that is the only way I see to help as many as possible reach their fate. I will save the lives of those I think will contribute more.


Augury: Hmm. And what are your feelings on torture?


Nepheri: I think it is pain that for no reason and thus should be avoided. Those who must suffer should be given the respect to do so, but to needlessly put someone through it is a terrible thing.


Augury: Is anyone off-limits to you? Women? Children? The innocent?


Nepheri: All will die when it's there time and my Queen will take their souls no matter what they were. That said, I will not take a life or hurt anyone unless I believe it's needed to safe the fates of others.


Augury: I see. Well, then let's discuss tactics. I'm not merely seeking brute strength, although, of course, that can be useful in its own way. If given the option, would you rather deceive, convince, or threaten someone into doing your bidding? Or my bidding?


Nepheri: I've been known to use all of the above, depending on what I think works best in the situation. Though... I guess I mostly use threats if I'm angry. Or scared.


Augury: And are you a good liar, then? Can you keep a secret.


Nepheri: Much better than I'd like to be.


Augury: I want to be clear with you - I understand that each living being has their own mind. Their own believes. My goal is not to change those believes in you, but simply to identify the cost of overriding them. Money is no object here, I'm seeking the very best and I'm willing to pay for it.

Let's imagine, for a moment, that someone bribes you to turn on me. To reveal my secrets. Could you be bought?


Nepheri: With gold? No. Not anymore.


Augury: And if they torture you? Will you break easily?


Nepheri: No, I believe my willpower is stronger than that. Pain might break my body, but not my mind.


Augury: Well, I'll tell you in advance: Anything anyone offers to turn on me, I will double it. Consider it a reward for delivering them to me.

Come, it's not all so dark, what about errands? Chores? Are you too god for them? Delivering messages, for example. Refilling my wine?


Nepheri: I've done things of lower status. And the temple taught me the value of humility.


Augury: You will not be my soul guard, of course. I already have many formidable creatures in my employ. Do you play well with others?


Nepheri: Depends on the others. I'd like to think I get along well with my party and the staff back home.


Augury: And if you were to identify your main weaknesses, what would they be?


Nepheri: My soul is bound for the Hells and all I can do is try to make up for some of the reasons I'm going there. And on a more practical note, I always feel like the inexperienced child in my party. I never know society, the wild, or even the streets as much as the others. Uhh... I mean, I'm pretty good at improvising, so that compensates, right?


Augury: Interesting. I do like you, I admit it. I find you... unique. You would bring something new to my offices, there is no doubting it. What will it take? How much a week to tempt you away from your party and whatever your current objectives are and bring you into the fold?


Nepheri rolls 25 on her Charisma (deception) check in order to infiltrate: Twenty-seven gold. I can always find a new party.


Augury: You could have anything you wanted, you know.


Nepheri: Great, I'll change my request to one Wish spell scroll a week.


Augury: Consider it, don't be hasty.

Augury gathers her things.

We're in the city three more days if you decide to accept. Inform me by then, and if you don't, well, let's hope we don't run into each other again.


Nepheri: Let's hope.


Augury: You may go.


Nepheri: On my way.

Continue reading...

  1. Business...
    11th of Uktar, 1489
  2. I'm ready for you, Raven Queen
    2nd Uktar, 1489
  3. You killed my father, now prepare to die
    2nd Uktar, 1489
  4. Dust to Dust
    1st of Uktar, 1489 DR
  5. Redbrands I
  6. Arrival at Phandalin
  7. Daddy Dearest
    1st of Uktar
  8. Day after
    30 Marpenoth, 1489 DR
  9. Lawful Stupid
    29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR
  10. Saving private Rupert
    29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR
  11. Dead to me
    29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR
  12. Close to Harvest
    28 Marpenoth, 1489 DR
  13. Recovery
  14. Insane Plans
  15. By the Book
  16. Dead feelings
  17. Disposed
  18. Dead Necromancers are the Best Necromancers
  19. Catching up
  20. Shipping
  21. Friendly or Not
  22. Unexpected Meetings
  23. Worlds Collide
  24. A very different city
  25. Festive Thornhold
  26. Thank you, my Queen
  27. Friends. Right.
  28. This is awkward....
  29. Landslide
  30. Dangerous Gnoll-age (sorry... the puns are spreading...)
  31. Cenceptions
  32. Seduction
  33. Wave Echo Cave II
  34. Wave Echo Cave
  35. Return to Phandalin
  36. Rest in peace, Declan...
  37. Crisis of Faith
  38. Thundertree II
  39. Thundertree I
  40. Path to Thundertree
  41. Orc hunting
  42. Redbrands III
  43. Redbrands II
  44. Far From Home
    ?? ?? ???
  45. Cold
    Tal'dorei, day 2
  46. Life, interrupted
  47. Hot and Cold
  48. The Dragon's Lair
  49. In the afternoon, we plan!
  50. A Song of Ice and Fire
  51. Celebration
  52. Relief is one hell of a drug
  53. Flight and Flutter
  54. Freedom of Movement
  55. At dusk we... do something?
  56. Pray for a quick end to our deception
  57. Catching up
  58. Fall
  59. Lizards in a hole
  60. Not Today
  61. Released
  62. A broken soul
  63. Skyfall
  64. Acid Falls
  65. Roped in
  66. Faith in Friends
  67. Insight into Emon
  68. A Calling
  69. Hypothetical 1: Healer (Ginny Di video)
  70. Hypothetical 3: Matchmaker (Ginny Di video)
  71. Hypothetical 2: Villain (Ginny Di video)
  72. For my Beating Heart
  73. Hypothetical 4: Prison guard (Ginny Di video)
  74. Hypothetical 5: Bard (Ginny Di video)
  75. Plagued Possibilities
  76. Visits in the Cloudtops

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by 3 Armored Kittens · Prodromos v.1.1 - World Anvil 0.9.15.042 © 2017-2024 [en] | Anvil Time: 15:59, Nov 7 2024