<div class="floatright"><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">The blacksmith</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i.imgur.com/RZgZZsA.jpg)</div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">The dragon</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i.imgur.com/GArniaV.jpg)</div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Standard tunic</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i.imgur.com/yKbevsp.jpg)</div></div></div><br/>The Fiend, known as Malefactus, had lost much popularity over the last decade.  For a long time, well over a century in fact, his contestants had always preformed very well.  However something happened in the year 323pi and for the first time in a long time Malefactus was replaced by a different demon who claimed the title of 'The Fiend.'  This new 'fiend' was very similar in demeanor to Malefactus, but went by the name Znikydda, and the contestants sponsored by him preformed quite poorly.  Then with no explanation four years later in the year 327pi Malefactus had returned.  Any questions put to either of the fiends about this strange substitution were met with icy silence at best, and dismemberment at worst.  People learned quickly not to delve into the politics of the infernal realm.  However Malefactus's return seemed to herald a return in power for those that were sponsored him.  Unfortunately over the next few years it became clear that his status as one of the most powerful counselors was no longer.  Oh certainly his girls did better than they had under Znikydda, but he no longer seemed like the powerful counselor that he had been.  Since his boons given to his chosen contestant varied, and were often tailored to the girl, he still retained some popularity.<br/><br/>So it was no surprise that Zerxel had to wait for a short while before the fiend appeared on her screen.  He appeared annoyed at her greetings, begrudgingly waving his hand for her to hurry along with her questions.  Though he did seem somewhat molified when she offered to keep her questions short.<strong>"I find the old methods the best for competition.  Any that make their way to my chambers, virgin or not, may compete for my boon.  In the nature befitting my heritage, you shall be taken to the arena to compete, in a battle of either sex or blood, as the contestants will.  Though the combat shall be fought naked and unarmed, and there are pleasure nodes for the enjoyment of the crowd.  As to the single victor of the match, I offer a boon tailored to their particular strength.  If you've watched previous years you know that might be a beneficial transformation, demonic strength or speed, or maybe a fiendish incantation if you are magically inclined.  In addition, I shall slay any one who loses in my arena and gift the soul fruit to the victor.  They may use it as they see fit."</strong>The fiend then peered at the screen and said,<strong>"Two different drow, how intriguing.  I admit I would be interested to see which of you would be the victor in my arena."</strong><br/><br/>The wave cut off suddenly as the fiend turned to the next contestant.  Leaving Zerxel certain that Xara had already contacted him.  Of course that didn't mean that her fellow drow would be at Malefactus's chambers, but she wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.  Also it seemed that the fiend was allowing more than two girls to compete for his boon, that was dangerous.  Of course it might mean that the less powerful sponsors might have no competition.  With fifty contestants and only twenty four counselors, that did happen sometimes, where a girl would find herself at a counselor unopposed.<br/><br/>She switched the wave on the Æthertube to the Blacksmith and only had to wait a minute before the image came into focus.  A large breasted and well muscled woman with short white hair appeared on the screen.  She was topless and rivulets of sweat shone on her glistening skin, yet she smiled,<strong>"Oh, a drow, how unusual.  Hello miss, how may I help you?"</strong>Zerxel made introductions, and the blacksmith was quite polite, but did not give a name.  Few counselors did, as those names often had power.  The blacksmith in particular was a counselor that changed quite frequently, and giving a name might affect whatever life they had outside of the dungeon.<strong>"Of course I do know why you've called and I'd be happy to answer your questions,"</strong>she said with a nod.<strong>"If I receive two contestants, I pit them in a contest that tests their ability to focus while distracted and also their creativity, endurance, and skill.  I see no need to force combat upon the contestants, as it is rarely a gauge for how they would handle a forge.  To the winner I bestow a blessing, a minor one I admit and granted by my status as a counselor.  But one that comes with a slight increase to physical strength and a resistance to flame.  Not total immunity like the elemental lord might if it were a fire efreet, but not insubstantial either.  However, many consider the true strength of my boon to be the use of my workshop at the end of each level.  There I can help you repair your gear, craft new weapons or armor, or even upgrade any that you might carry.  No other counselor can boast an advantage of equipment like I can."</strong><br/><br/>She frowned for a moment after and shrugged,<strong>"As to the loser of the contest?  I think their lack of a counselor is often enough a punishment.  But they are forced to work my forge, for the winner for several hours after the first level, denied the chance to rest before entering the second level.  Then they must go forth, tired, with no counselor, and no boon.  Otherwise unhindered, though that is quite a hindrance if you ask me.  I hope that answers your questions?"</strong>Zerxel chatted for a few more minutes with the blacksmith and found her to be a rather pleasant human woman.  Her unrushed demeanor said that she had no one waiting to try to talk to her.  Though it was unclear if the slight pause before she answered Zerxel's call had meant that she was on with another contestant, or simply had been slow to answer.  That information was simply unknown to the drow.<br/><br/>Finally however she said her good byes and switched the wave over to the dragon.  The wait was long, though not as long for for the fiend, and she was greeted by the scaled face of the dragon, in his pseudo humanoid form.<strong>"What you want little morsel?"</strong>the dragon asked in a raspy voice.  Zerxel got only a few words into her greeting before he interrupted with a deep laugh,<strong>"Little elf serious?  Little elf could not stand up to me.  You stay away, you too weak, dragon would tear you in half.  You come to me if you think you strong.  Me fuck you and eat you when you realize you not."</strong>His growling laugh filled the wave again before it suddenly cut away.  She'd been soundly dismissed by the dragon.  Was it a warning, a test, or did the dragon think she had no chance of surviving his attentions?<br/><br/>She knew she was running out of time, so she tuned to the hedonists wave, but sat waiting for too long before the bell tolled, letting the contestants know their hour had elasped.  Her Ætherwave tube went dark and a judge of Cyril entered the small room to fetch her.  The judge led her down a hall where she saw Tsarra.  Risking a potential breach of protocal she called out,<em>"Tsarra, how have you fared?"</em>The elven lass turned and waved calling back,<strong>"I am going to try for the Lizard-Bear, I think that he was interested in..." </strong>She was cut off as the judges stepped in between the pair, a silent note that they should continue down the hall towards their destination.  No further warning was needed and the two continued, Tsarra being led into a door before Zerxel arrived at hers.<br/><br/>The door opened and inside was a small room with three racks.  The voice of the judge, neither feminine nor masculine spoke from behind her as it closed the door.  "Contestant Zerxel, you have secured the sponsorship of a very wealthy benefactor.  She has paid a large sum to the temple in order to give you the choice of what item you might take into the dungeon with you.  Choose one rack, and one rack only and take all from it that you wish.<br/><br/>The first rack drew her eye immediately.  For while the second two racks held the standard contestant's outfit of leather, the first rack held a mesmerizing outfit made of black silk with silver accents and purple amethyst gems.  The silk sleeves and stockings connected to the corset via straps that looked too delicate to be anything but sleepwear, though the silver accents, upon closer inspection were actually woven strands of mithril fiber.  The 'bottoms' of the garment however offered absolutely no modesty, with silk so sheer they were practically see through.  Still, even without casting a spell of identification, Zerxel could tell that the garment held magical powers.  Though what they were she couldn't know unless she examined them physically and magically, and she couldn't do that without selecting that rack.  The first rack also contained two rather plain looking scimitars and black boots of sturdy looking leather with a bit of a heel to them.  The boots were mundane, but finely made, and matched the outfit.<br/><br/>The second rack held the standard contestant's outfit, two scimitars, and a small backpack.  Doubtlessly the backpack would be full of items that she could use, perhaps even potions for she did detect a hint of magic coming from the bag.  But again, there was no way of knowing without selecting that rack.<br/><br/>The third rack was much like the second, though instead of a back pack there was a simple black band.  As she closed to look at it however she realized that it was a brace with three throwing knives in it.  Again she sensed magic around the bracer with the three throwing knives<br/><br/>So her choice was a magical garment, a magical backpack, or a brace of three magical throwing knives, none of which she would know the full extent of until she made her choice.  Unfortunately there was no note or message from her sponsor either to help guide her choice.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">ooc</div><div class="spoiler_body">I tried to describe the garment in the picture that you used, but don't feel like you have to take that one.</div></div>