In another part of the world, an ancient stronghold stands against the torrent of rain and wind.  A lone traveler approaches the gate as lightning streaks across the sky and seems to linger a moment longer than is natural.  The traveler pauses a moment, a look of caution passing across his face, only to be replaced with his usual scowl as he enters the castle.

Inside, a large, muscular man greets him.  Everything's ready.  They're starting to gather.
Fitting weather, I suppose, though the gods know I hate lightning. This promises to be fun. 

He descends a flight of stairs to a room with multiple tall mirrors set in semi-circle.  Standing on the platform in the middle of the room, the traveler begins a short chant, the lights flickering, as though a breeze blew through.

Shadowy figures appear from each mirror.  He grins to himself. Hazy, indistinct, like they're trying to maintain a level of deniability, or maybe anonymity. Or maybe it's a sign of how out of touch with anything other than themselves.  Hehe, touching themselves. One empty, not surprising he hasn't recovered yet, if rumors are true.


Set has failed once again

Hardly surprising. Let him stay with his terrorists, if any remain when the dust settles. The figure chuckles in a particularly sinister manner.

This job requires a more...refined approach.  A deft touch will prove much more effective in the long run.  Set tried the direct approach, the frontal assault if you will. Now is time for something more subtle.

And I suppose you are the one to handle it Scarlip? Stick to your support role, it is in the shadow of others you do best, right? And you truly think you would have better results?  From what I hear, you still cower during bad weather.

Enough. You handle it.

It will take a little time to get everything together, my lord.

I can sow a little mischief in the meantime.  Keep them off balance, so to speak.

It is decided then.  Do not fail us.  It is unacceptable such mortals are interfering with our plans.  The work of centuries will not be undone by these vermin.

The images disappear, and the figure on the platform leaves the room.

I have a job for you. It seems a group of mortals have the potential to interrupt the Grand Scheme.  That is very interesting. It is time we get involved with this so-called Cloud Taskforce.