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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Olgar Shiverstone" data-source="post: 1156892" data-attributes="member: 5868">Interlude: The QuaanHedrack, high priest of Moander and chief of the Pactlords of the Quaan, furrowed his brow as he concentrated on the bone ring on his finger, forcing his thoughts through the fanged-mouth symbol on the ring and across the planes to his agent."Kukannuile, what progress have you to report?"The raspy voice of his agent grated in his ming.  We used the first wish to bypass the sealed door to the Outer Vaults, but were attacked by a Lathanderite warrior who prevented the entry of the rest of the team.  I proceeded, bypassing various traps and ignoring vault doors, until I located the second door to the Inner Vaults, also sealed.  I have learned that the Grail lies in the depths of Tremoc Korin, but without the key I cannot retrieve it and return.  Others have penetrated the vaults, as well.  I do not know their motives, but at least one of them must have the key.  A Zhentarim force bypassed the sealed door some days ago; I managed to spring a trap that delayed them, but they continue to press ahead.  On their heels came a group of adventurers, among whom travelled a Lathanderite priest.  They destroyed the rest of my team, the weak fools, but they have yet to catch up with me.  What are your instructions, my Lord?"So, the Black Network or the Lathanderites have discovered the key, eh?  Likely the first group possesses it, and the latter rush to catch up.  We have yet to determine the Black Network's motives; we may be competing with them for the Grail.  The Lathanderites do not seek the same bane as we, but may be the more dangerous as they may seek to seal the warrens forever, which we cannot let happen.  Determine who has the key; delay the group that does not, and follow the leaders until the necessary doors are opened.  The second Grail Team has already been dispatched; they will track down the key and take it.  One the doors are opened and the key in our possession proceed to the Grail.  Come back successful or not at all."As you bid, my lord.  Might I suggest the third team be readied?"Do not presume to rise above yourself!  I shall deal with that eventuality when it arises!  Now go!"He broke the mental contact, and glanced into the deeper darkness that lay within the shadows of his office."We are close to the Grail.  You are certain it will bring back my master?""Of course," hissed the sibilant voice from the shadows. "Have we steered you wrong yet?  Make haste, though, for we cannot distract the Daleslanders forever. It seems you have much competition.""Two groups in the warrens, and two more that I know of."  Hedrack smirked.  "The advantage of having many enemies; they sow confusion and get in each others' way.  Our factor in Tilverton reports that his dupes inadvertantly revealed another agent to the Black Network, who did our dirty work for us.  That agent turned out not to be working for the group they thought, but for another.  A few more well-sown seeds of dissent, and we shall be unopposed.""Presuming events in the warrens do not turn against you," the hissing shadow replied sarcastically. "The Lathanderites have proven quite resourceful before.  What if they gain the key, or the Grail, ahead of you?""Then it will fall right into our hands," Hedrack replied calmly, "I have already prepared for that eventuality.""In that case, I remind you to remember our bargain, or your master's return will be short-lived.  My mistress will not continue to loan you her assistance forever.  She has other business.""As you say," Hedrack nodded.</blockquote>

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