Listen closely, Player. This can only be said once.

Before we can proceed you must give me your oath that you will not speak of this task to anyone.

Can you be trusted?

Player: "On my life and honor, I can."

Very well. A friend of mine has turned from the path and now threatens Asmodae itself. As brotherhood is our greatest calling, treachery is our greatest wrong.

Jafnhar was once a Shadow Executor, but now has joined the Shadow Elders--conspirators who look to uncover some hidden "truth" about our origins.

I need you to take him a message. The Shadow Court has ordered all judges and executors to locate him. If he is found, they will not treat him kindly.


Player: Accept.

Thank you, Player. To act on my heart would brand us both traitors.

I must know why he left and deserted our people. When you see him, warn him of our searches and tell him to leave Asmodae if he hasn't already.

I have a contact in Reshanta named Berg, in the destroyed Nobelium by the Primum Landing. Speak with him. Find out what he knows.


Player: "The task is mine."

What brings you here, [%userclass]?

Reshanta is a place of trial, not tourism. If my strength will help you, it is yours.

Speak.

Player: "Khrudgelmir seeks word of Jafnhar."

Ah... Jafnhar...so headstrong. He was never happy. There was always some small flaw in our history for him, some uncertainty to attack.

This is dangerous work you seek, for the Shadow Court will treat all his allies the same. I have done all I can for him--Jafnhar now makes his own fate.

So tell me--what do you know of the Black Cloud Traders?


Player: "Not enough."

Ha! Good answer. They're Shugos who trade freely in illegal and dangerous goods, shuffling them between Elysea and Asmodae. They're war mongers and profiteers.

The Black Cloud traders have a hidden island somewhere above Reshanta. Find the island, and you will find Jafnhar.

Now go. I have already forgotten your name.


Player: "And I yours."

No...not yet. If you are here to take me back to the Judges, know that I won't go without a fight.

Go on then. I fear no Asmodian. Strike, if you must. I am ready for you.

Player: "I wield only a message from Khrudgelmir."

That fool! His loyalty is commendable, but misplaced. I can never return. I have betrayed Asmodae, [%userclass], with my search for an absolute truth.

When I am found, all judged as my allies will be destroyed. 'Blood for blood' has many meanings, young Daeva.

You must return to Khrudgelmir and tell him I am dead. That is the only way I can protect him from his own people.


Player: "So be it."

I hear your name whispered in the halls. Although none yet suspect you of treachery, you must travel more discreetly.

Now, enough of my lecturing.

Did you find...him?

Player: "He lives, in hiding...."

So he still breathes. I can take comfort in that.

The Black Cloud Traders are strange allies, though I suppose they won't talk if they're paid enough.

Did you tell you tell him I was looking for him?


Player: "He asked me to tell you he'd died...."

Jafnhar is dead?

You are shading your truth. A man who survived centuries of war against the Balaur and the Elyos cowards could not be killed by Shugos.

What is it you conceal, Player?


Player: "I saw his body."

He wishes to protect me, even now, when most would look only to save their own hides.

I understand, of course. I do not have his strength, but should my death be required to ensure his safety, so be it.

I will make this right.

First, a comrade and trusted ally turns and forms rank with the Shadow Elders, then turns up dead?

I don't understand. The Court has not found Jafnhar yet, I would know. So who could possibly have killed him? Not the Shugos...

How can this be?