For some time the Black Sovereign simply sat on his throne, until those that had answered his summons began to grow restless, and some even left. Yet for those who were observant enough, it was easy to see that the Black Sovereign seemed... almost at odds with himself. It had seemed as if he simply sat with his hands closed upon his lap, but to the keen eye one could see that, clutched in his right hand, was<i>something</i>. Perhaps no more than four inches long, and thin, it looked to be a handle of some sort, like a wooden shaft had come off the end of a knife and it no longer held a blade. It was hard to see what sort of substance it was made of, but he kept it tight in that hand and never moved it nor set it down.<br/><br/>It was hard to say just how long they waited, but in time he spoke, his voice powerful, but sounding hollow behind the gilded helm and crown that he wore.<br/><br/><b><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"Friends, countrymen! I thank you for answering my call. I have consulted with my advisers and those within my service for some time, and it has come to my attention that there is a weapon that can be used, used to close the Worldwound to the north and end this incessant fighting once and for all. It would be for the good of all of Golarion! It would seal this plane off from all that would seek to destroy it! Pervert it! Corrupt it! And in this you would become vaunted heroes! Known throughout the land and rewarded for your contributions!"</span></i></b><br/><br/>He paused for a moment and then rose from his seat. He was a large man, and likely formidable in his youth, but<i>now?</i>There was something about him, something that radiated from him, and the only word that could spring to mind... was<b>power</b>.<br/><br/><b><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"This weapon lies far to the south, in Rahadoum!"</span></i></b><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)"></span></i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)"></span>he spoke, and even that place sounded foreboding. Ra-ha-DOOM. But the Black Sovereign continued.<b><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"It is deep within the Napsune Mountains, but that is all we have been able to discern so far. You will go there, and find it! It is sure to be guarded, so gird yourselves well."</span></i></b><br/><br/>As you watch he spread his arms, and the object you had seen held in his right hand glows, just slightly, and most might miss it due to the sheen of his armor, but it was there. Arms outstretched he rose, feet coming off the dais he was on, hovering, lifting him higher and higher until he looked down upon those gathered.<br/><br/>He spoke once more.<br/><br/><b><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"Go! Go and do as I have bid!"</span></i></b><br/><br/>Slowly he lowers himself back to the dais and retakes his seat upon the throne, falling silent once more. For their part the retinue of the King had stayed to answer any questions, though their answers were sometimes vague.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><div class="bbImageWrapper lazyload js-lbImage" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-single-image="1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/33dk5hG.gif" title="33dk5hG.gif">
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<br/>​</div>Marek had sat as the King put on his little display, and could feel the power radiating off the figure. Closing his eyes he reached out with his spirit, his<i>ki</i>, and almost immediately recoiled. The King was not evil, and he was not good. He was... something else. The immediate fact he was not evil made Marek sigh in relief, but he still had his concerns. Looking around at the others that have gathered, he wondered how many of them could feel it too.<br/><br/>When the King put on his display, and Marek saw that small object in his hand glow softly, his brow furrowed. That certainly seemed to be something that was driving this, but he doubted he would get any answers. As the King settled back down on his throne and they were allowed to converse with those under the King's charge, Marek held back, simply listening in on various conversations.<br/><br/>His eyes widened at some of what he heard, for the King was offering a truly kingly sum for the retrieval of this item; a large estate within his lands as well as a handsome sum of fifty thousand gold crowns. That was an amount of money that one could live on for the rest of their life, and their children as well. It almost seemed too much! Walking around the room he gave a nod to a comely elven female a thin blade at her hip. As he continued, to simply walk all that had stayed to listen to the King were offered refreshment. Usually such a thing was done when one arrived, but it seemed by making them wait that the Black Sovereign had weeded out those he deemed unworthy.<br/><br/>So now the welcoming committee had come out.