Conspiracy Plans
Overheard while eavesdropping on a secret meeting in the depths of Stonefathom Deep...
Seraphus Vaelor (Gruff, thick brogue, voice sharp as steel):
"I’ll make me way to Castle Rockwall next. I’ve already set the stage—Aethertitans stirrin’ in the south, just enough truth to make ’em panic. I’ll tell ’em straight: Timberwatch has to send troops south, to hold the line until their precious hunters return. They’ll nae question me. They’ve nae choice but to trust my word. When Timberwatch’s left bare, yer forces’ll sweep through, and Verisara’ll fall."
Praefectus Bellator Xerathian Vordain (Cool, calculating):
"And you’re confident they’ll listen? Castle Rockwall commands Verisara’s northern strength. If they suspect you’re lying, if they hesitate even for a moment, the entire plan falls apart."
Commander Dragan Thorne (Low, gravelly):
"Ah, but he’s their trusted insider, isn’t he? A loyal servant of the Republic. Why would anyone doubt the noble Seraphus Vaelor when he warns them of such a dire threat? Tell me, Seraphus, will you smile as you lead them to slaughter?"
Seraphus Vaelor (snarling):
"Mind yer tongue, Commander, or I’ll cut it out and feed it to the crows. I dinnae like it, what I’ve done—or what I’ll do—but I’ll see it through. Castle Rockwall’ll send their troops south. They’ve nae other choice, not with the hunters stretched so thin. And when they do, Timberwatch’ll stand exposed, ripe fer the takin’. Ye’ll get yer invasion, and I’ll get the Citadel."
Praefectus Bellator Xerathian Vordain (Evenly, with a hint of warning):
"And after Verisara falls? The Citadel will be yours, as agreed, but do you really think we’ll leave such a prize unguarded? Thaldrisar doesn’t give up power so easily, Seraphus."
Seraphus Vaelor (growling):
"Then ye’d best stick to the deal. The Citadel stays independent—under me. Yer empire’ll have Verisara, but the hunters’ll answer to no one but me. If yer emperor tries to tighten his grip, I’ll make sure his hands come away bloody."
Commander Dragan Thorne (coldly amused):
"You truly believe you’ll hold the Citadel without Thaldrisar’s leash? Bold. But remember, Seraphus, if you fail at Rockwall, it’s over. No Citadel. No independence. Just ruin."
Seraphus Vaelor (slamming a fist):
"I’ll nae fail! The fools in Rockwall’ll nae see through me. When I tell ’em the Aethertitans are at their gates, they’ll scramble their men south, leavin’ Timberwatch to the wolves—yer wolves. I’ve carried this plan too far to stumble now."
Praefectus Bellator Xerathian Vordain (cold, testing):
"And the thousands who’ll die for your ambition? The lives lost, the villages burned? You’ll carry that too, will you?"
Seraphus Vaelor (darkly):
"Aye, I’ll carry it. I’ll carry the weight of every innocent life lost to this, because it has to be done. The Citadel’s become a cesspit, strangled by greed and politics. It needs purging, reforging into what it was meant to be: a bastion against chaos. If that takes war and blood, so be it."
Commander Dragan Thorne (mocking):
"A noble martyr. But know this, Seraphus—if you falter at Rockwall, or if Timberwatch holds, Thaldrisar will take everything, Citadel included. Your life is worth nothing if you fail."
Seraphus Vaelor (leaning forward, voice like iron):
"Save yer threats, Commander. I’ll do what I said I’d do. I’ll walk into Rockwall, play the trusted hand, and watch ’em strip Timberwatch bare. By the time yer forces march, Verisara will be wide open, and yer emperor’ll have no cause to meddle."
Praefectus Bellator Xerathian Vordain (final, icy):
"Good. Then proceed to Castle Rockwall. We await your signal. Don’t make us wait long."
Seraphus Vaelor (darkly, to himself):
"There’ll be no delay. The Citadel’ll rise again, free o’ corruption—no matter the cost."
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