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Message: <blockquote data-quote="the Jester" data-source="post: 1003030" data-attributes="member: 1210">Turdlin Receives a MessageTurdlin the Smirv, High Priest of God-King Malford the Magnificent, frowns as he walks out of the throne room, having just received an audience.Something...Stroking his grey chin, the svirfneblin ponders.  Sitting on the throne, receiving him a few moments ago, was someone- or something- that looked like Malford, dressed like him, even spoke with his voice.  But as he walks away, Turdlin becomes more and more convinced that it wasn't him.  He didn't know everything he should have, the priest thinks as he exits the castle.  And there was something... funny... about the way he held himself.  It was almost as if he was... not whole.His concern growing with every step, Turdlin stays deep in thought as he follows the Royal Road downhill towards the streets of Var proper.  Less than a quarter of the way down, a figure steps from the side of the road and stops before him.  Startled out of his reverie, Turdlin looks him over.  Though he does not know the man, it's plain to see that he's a wizard or sorcerer of some sort.  It's also plain that he's been watching the high priest for some moments."Turdlin the Smirv," the man breathes softly.  "You are Malford's high priest, are you not?""Yes," the svirfneblin answers hesitantly, a dozen questions starting to form in his mind."Did you notice anything unusual in your audience with him?"How did he know that? Turdlin wonders.  Aloud, he replies, "Yes..."The man leans in close, eyes burning.  "That is because it is not your King!  It is a simulacrum, an imposter!"  Turdlin gasps, but still wonders whether it might be one of Malford's many ploys.  The human continues, "I do not know for certain if it has been compromised, but there is great danger in such magicks now.  It is possible that it is no longer under your lord's control."  Taking a deep breath, the wizard says softly, "Malford may need your aid more than ever, Turdlin.  Will you help me to help him?"Suspiciously, the gnome asks, "What do you want?" "All I wish is for you to deliver a message to one of his companions, as well as a message to him."  The man pulls a tightly wound scroll from within the pocket of his fine cloak.  "And tell King Malford- and Orbius, who accompanies him- not, under any circumstances, to empower simulacra!"A few short hours later, back in his demiplane, Marius reclines in a large soft chair.  Rubbing his eyes tiredly, he sighs to himself.  I only hope that Malford's priest reaches him in time.  My instructions to the temporus were clear and unambiguous- take him to them as swiftly as possible.  I only hope that its powers will remain on that accursed plane where the magic has been bottled up so long!  If it cannot bear him to them, my message shall not arrive.  But with luck, the temporus' mastery over time will allow it to use its powers as it could have a thousand years prior.  If I am wrong...Marius heaves a sigh.If I am wrong, it is worth remembering that the simulacra would have no power there either.  As a last resort, the world of Arba could be a retreat.I pray that I am correct, that my message will be delivered, that Sybele will come to me and bring her companions.  I pray that they will see that our interests coincide, at least for now.  I pray that they will not oppose me in this.He closes his eyes to sleep.Next Time: "I AM LORD RUIN!  I KILL FOR PLEASURE!  WHO DISTURBS MY SLEEP?!"</blockquote>

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