Castle Mahlhevik and the Dinner Party

[RUMBLETiGER]

This isn't so much asking a question as it is sharing a Plot hook I keep finding myself returning to for Epic or near Epic characters.

Manual of the Planes, p. 134, right in the midst of the description of the Seven Mounting Heavens of Celestia and it's first Layer Lunia, is this entry:

"Castle Mahlhevik: The wonders of Lunia offer much, even for a chaotic evil wizard committed to learning the paths of goodness. Calling in favors from various demideities and revealing his sincerity to highly placed archons, the wizard Mahlhevik built his castle on the shore of the Silver Sea in peace. While he's sincerely attempting to reform, he's got a long way to go, and retains many instincts and notions of his former lifestyle. Mahlhevik welcomes visitors and allows travelers of any alignment to stay in Castle Mahlhevik. Some of Mahlhevik's “old friends” such as Sytris, once called the Soul Reaver, and Japheth, formerly known as Lifeleech, visit from time to time. Arriving onto the plane waist deep in the holy water of the Silver Sea has a way of scarring and frightening away Mahlhevik's old friends, so they don't visit often. Interesting trades and even more interesting stories can be had at Mahlhevik's castle, and travelers who don't want to deal directly with archons regard it a good place to stay."

I often imagine my characters leveling up high enough to visit here and hang out with this guy. I'm a fan of Greek Philosophy and culture and therefore I imagine Mahlhevik's Dinner Party/Symposium, a gathering of powerful individuals of various alignments, all sitting around, enjoying a meal and eventually discussing fascinating subjects for conversation and debate. One such Dinner Party may go like this:

Mahlhevik's guests had completed their meal and were reclining into the velvet cushions and enjoying one another's company. The various conversations congealed as the subject of immortality arose, and every guest had an interest and opinion on the matter. Mahlhevik enjoyed listening to his evening's dining companions speak around the subject, and was willing to test to see just how interested they truly were into the matter.

"My Friends," Mahlhevik's voice echoed through the dining hall. "Today in my birthday. Nine Hundred and Ninety Six years have passed since I was brought into the Multiverse."

A round of cheer and congratulations circled the hall. Mahlhevik smiled and continued.

"And so, I'd like to believe I have some, minor insight into the matter of immortality. And I would be willing to share what I know with the one of you who is willing to accomplish a task for me."

Silent anticipation fell upon the room. Every member leaned involuntarily forward, ready to hear more.

"I have but 4 years until I turn One Thousand Years of age. I have done much, seen much and learned many things in my time, and as you all know I am settled here as I continue to pursue doing and seeing and learning. My charge to any of you, willing to take it, is to acquire for me the most interesting birthday present you can think of that I might enjoy. Those of you who return here in four years time with something that might be of interest to me, be it object or information, I will share with that person the knowledge I possess on the subject of living forever."

Each guest slumped back, mind engaged in a whirring of possibilities. a few guests returned to chatter about what they had just heard, while others got up to excuse themselves, eager to start this quest.

...And so, if I were to ask a question of you all, my fellow ENworlders, who might you be if you were seated at this table, and how-and-what might you spend the next 4 years seeking to bring as a birthday gift? What thoughts might you have walking away from this table?

 

[kitcik]

Those of you who return here in four years time with something that might be of interest to me, be it object or information, I will share with that person the knowledge I possess on the subject of living forever."

I would tell him - "Don't change, chicks dig bad boys."

 

[Pergentile]

I'd be the Half-(Aspect of Malcanthet) Pixie Dread Necromancer/Mindbender/Lady of the Dead, and I would gift him something that shows that he is but a child in the eyes of those that are truly immortal.