A Dark Offering

[Basil]

Some months have passed since the word that Shirin Shigenobu, faeborne of the Shigenobu clan has been captured by the clutches of the remnants of the Deathwind Fleet.

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From the offers for ransom presented, some hope shines. But any joy of a happy ending finds itself quelled by the few whispers that escape from the rotting island of Korcula and Atrellya.

Mutters tell of a draconic ritual in the a similar of the faithful of the Divine Four's sacrifice of the late Asenahime, it's dark opposite drawn from the secrets of the Book of Shadows of Felfyraxes.

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Rumor spills that Shirin Shigenobu is to be offered up as living tribute upon a pyre to the scorned Fifth of the Divine Dragons, to be performed in a place as desolate and lost as the darkness of reality Felfyraxes is said to have slumbered in before his awakening.

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She shall burn in the lost places that Felfyraxes favors, so decrees the apostle of Felfyraxes, Adamai.

[Kazama]

"Oh geeze... I guess this is the least I can do for my enemy..."

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"I'm quite unsure how this might be received, but dispatch the message anyway, buddy!"

THE IMPERFECT GEIST WAGERS THE VERY EMBODIMENT OF HIS ASPECT OF SECRETS, THE BOOK OF SECRETS ITSELF

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"Executions are so lame... Offer them a GAMBLE. Let's say...one hand of poker for the rights to kill or release her; cheating allowed of course! If I win, I win Shirin, if they win, they can get the Book as well as my own head.

You got all that, you puny humanoid underling? Now go walk up to the Crescent Fortress and tell em all that!

Why do I care about a human...? Huh?
Why would I let someone else kill my enemies but me?! This is about fame, not logic!"

Whether they laugh in his face or accept the gamble, Geist sends his message all the same...!!!

[Benyah]

In response to these rumors, it seems the Shigenobu Viscountess makes a rather public response, and to achieve this, the message had been publicized in any manner possible in an attempt to communicate with Atrellya without actually sending anyone to their demise.

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"If sacrificing random people brought you any boon, I'm sure this would be a monthly occurance. 

You're very clearly trying to provoke me into action, I'm told Zetian has already influenced Shirin's mind, so any execution you commit now ultimately subverts your own objectives. 

Realize, you've denied coin and ore, we refuse to meet any demand that will strengthen your cause. That means Shirin is dead already and so is any other hostage, they're at your whims and nothing will be done to save them. 

Right, so here's my final offer, I'll give you a substantial amount of coin for all of your current hostages, and if you like, some ore. 

Otherwise? I'll just consider them dead, and instead of getting money, you're going to get fire and brimstone shipped directly to your house."