Meta-Gaming
Why did Fraz-Urb'luu agree to let Balance use you, one of his mortal servants? Where was he while you were swimming around this island nation? You felt his power, but, looking back, you never actually felt his presence...
Fraz-Urb'luu's Frustration
When Balance came to Fraz-Urb'luu requesting one of his living servants perform a task for him, he knew better than to challenge him.
Balance was only a Titan, but wielded power equal to a greater deity. He couldn't affect an entire world, but the ability to nullify or reverse any attack or condition, whether it be physical, mental, or magical, was terrifying. Why he never used it to challenge his place among the gods was beyond Fraz-Urb'luu.
And now, here he was, standing in front of him, after walking through the Abyss, straight onto his doorstep in Hollow's Heart, unscathed. Even if he did not know who he was, that would be enough to know Balance should not be argued with.
Balance's offer was simple, he wanted Fithelos to perform a task, and, when it was completed, he would return him right back where he left off. In the meantime, Fraz-Urb'luu was not to contact Fithelos as it would stain the outcome. In return, nothing. If Fraz-Urb'luu were to refuse the request, Balance would "not be happy."
What else could he do? He "graciously" accepted, and Balance thanked him. As Balance turned to walk away, he said, "Oh, it starts now. Allow Fithelos use of your powers, but do not contact him until I return."
...
It wasn't an hour later when Kirzurath, Balance's unsavory brother, showed up. Fraz-Urb'luu began to rage, as he knew Kirzurath would not cause any real problems for fear of his brother finding out. Kirzurath, however, held up a single dagger-like finger, a request for a moment's truce.
"What is it Titan?! I grow weary of these visits! I will not give up any more of my servants!", Fraz-Urb'luu yelled.
But Kirzurath was not hear to deal in souls. He had his own wager already in play, but was needing to tip the scales in his favor. Kirzurath told Fraz-Urb'luu that Balance was going to take Fithelos to Britannia and it was imperative he helped him on his journey. The fate of the Material Plane was at stake. Fraz-Urb'luu was interested, but Britannia had long been forgotten. Since it was sealed from all but the faintest of bonds from the other planes, or even the rest of the material plane, no demon or god had communicated with it, as far as he was aware. But Kirzurath knew a secret. The ankhs, spiritual anchors still tied to the other planes, would allow for one to communicate. They were sealed from even Balance, created by the Ancient Deities, if Fithelos were to stumble across one, Fraz-Urb'luu could speak to Fithelos. Kirzurath could not tell him the path Fithelos would take, but knew he would start at the Shrine of Sacrifice, and end in Destard. Finally, Kirzurath warned him against using any other means to contact his servant. Doing so would likely be the end of both of them.
...
So Fraz-Urb'luu quickly prepared the ritual to communicate to Fithelos at the first ankh at the Shrine of Sacrifice. He waited, as patiently as he could, to speak to Fithelos, to find out what Balance wanted him for, and to offer guidance along the way. Eventually it paid off. He saw a doorway open and Fithelos step through just a few yards from the shrine. Fraz-Urb'luu yelled to Fithelos, demanding he tell everything of his encounter with Balance, but Fithelos looked at the shrine, and around it, then down to the ground where he plucked a flower and stuffs it in his robes. A moment later, Fithelos is gone, completely out of view from the shrine.
...
Originally Fraz-Urb'luu was infuriated with Fithelos, but he soon realized it was the ritual. He did not take enough time to make sure Fithelos could recognize the signs of desecration. If Balance could not see Fraz-Urb'luu from outside of the shrine, surely Fithelos would not be able to peer through its magical veil.
Knowing Fithelos would be heading to Destard, he desecrated two more shrines, the Shrine of Spirituality and the Shrine of Honor. This time he would place objects, imbued with his own powers, such that Fithelos could see he was trying to contact him.
The desecration of the two shrines took a lot from Fraz-Urb'luu, but he was too late. He had just finished materializing his unholy lanterns, but had not yet etched them with his image when Fithelos stumbled upon the Shrine of Honor. How could Fithelos have possibly traveled around the island so quickly? He watched, furiously knowing he could do nothing else to get Fithelos's attention. Then, suddenly, Fithelos held out a hand and used Fraz-Urb'luu's power against one of his lanterns. He knew the lantern would absorb the power. Surely Fithelos would know this is a sign of his power. Not many items could completely absorb the powers granted one of his servants.
Fraz-Urb'luu watched in horror as Fithelos turned and walked away. He knew Fithelos would not pass by any other shrines on his journey. All he could do was wait for Balance to return.
...
When Balance returned, Fraz-Urb'luu was waiting for him at the edge of the white powder. In true "Balance" fashion, he allowed Fraz-Urb'luu to ask several questions, but the demon lord had only one. Worried of his fate, hungering for the opportunity to bring chaos to the mortal realms, only a single question needed answered.
"What has changed Balance?", Fraz-Urb'luu asked.
With a smile, "Nothing of consequence. If anything, all I've done is made your servant more powerful."
As Balance walked away, Fraz-Urb'luu wondered if that good or bad for him. He wasn't going to wait to find out, though. It was time to pay Fithelos a visit.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Fri 16 Aug 2019.
