Political event
Raphael tells the Party that the object controlling the Netherbrain is the Crown of Karsus. He offers them the Orphic Hammer, the only thing which can free Orpheus from the Astral Prison, in exchange for them giving him the Crown after the Netherbrain's defeat (with their souls as sureity).
The Party refuse his deal, although he assures them it remains open if they change their minds.