Shandak talks Diabolism with Evangelistener

Characters in this scene: James, Shandak, The Smith, Chaska, Sophia, Condor, Sir, Lockbreaker

Setting Location: Sanctuary

Editor's note: Unlike most scenes, this one has been cut down to the relevant content due to the unusual circumstances it was written in. If you'd be interested in the complete logs from this scene, message me or comment on this page.

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

James sees rich, vibrant colors all congregating at the bar. Making a point to maneuver *around* the Fae lord who singlehandedly made it nighttime, he beelines towards the bar like a moth to flame.

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Evangelist, how fare you? I understand you are responsible for the angelic construct that guards this place tonight?"

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

Jumping slightly at the voice, he turns around. His brow furrows for an instant as he glances downwards before nodding. "Yes. It was a gift I felt was appropriate. I heard your introduction, and I was very impressed by it."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Thank you, I suppose. Your construct is similarly impressive."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"I'm glad you think so. If you don't mind the question, what does being an Abyss Guardian actually entail?"

fads68 — 03/28/2021

The Smith raises his eyebrows at that, focusing his attention on the conversation.

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

Shandak approaches James. It's a strange thing, to be walked up on by something you know is supposed to be so dangerous, and is yet more than a foot smaller than you. "It is the work of watching, and waiting, and preventing escape. I have stood guard at its entrance long enough that I have developed a sense for it, which means I do not even have to move to maintain my vigil."

Friendly Other || Weal's Chosen — 03/28/2021

Chaska wanders over to The Smith, in hopes to strike a conversation. *"Hello. Who might you be, from OMO? May you have an inkling to the conversation before us?"* He writes onto his whiteboard, unaware of any looks that may pass his way.

fads68 — 03/28/2021

The Smith swirls his glass, a small grin on his face. "You'd probably know me as the Smith."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"In that regard, I serve much as your construct does, here. No being may leave the Abyss by my way unless I allow it."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"That's... very impressive. I'm glad you could come tonight."

"Out of curiosity, is your main body still guarding the Abyss as we speak?"

MagpieNotMagpie (Sophia Parks) — 03/28/2021

Sophia tilts her head slightly in their direction, attempting to listen in.

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Indeed. This is but an avatar, an effigy given life, which allows me to use some power within the grounds of Sanctuary. It is, unfortunately, small, but I will not complain, for the alternative was perhaps no freedom at all."

"What of you, Evangelist? I imagine much of your days are spent in silent prayer and communion with the Angels?"

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

*Immediate flashback to looking around for ghosts in a small German town*

"A lot more so recently."

"In general, though, the hours upon hours of silence is preparation for something big."

OctaneDoctor — 03/28/2021

Condor approaches Sophia's table, noting yet perhaps misunderstanding her interest in the conversations. "Hey there," they say in what they hope is a friendly and nonthreatening way, "Interested in the Abyss but too intimidated to ask more? Cause whew, saaaame here."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Then how does an Evangelist spend their days?" Shandak appears genuinely interested, and genuinely unaware of the details of this *very common* practice. "Last I was involved with the surface, Rome had not yet risen to prominence, and very few beings dared deal with Angels. They were beings to be feared and distrusted. Only the Jews dared to regularly interact with them, and then it was frequently only their greatest prophets."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"The same principles apply, in the sense that only the greatest of Evangelists directly speak to the Architects. For the most part, Evangelists deal with smaller creations, such as Cherubim or Powers, that are themselves mindless. Still, these beings carry an immense risk attached, being that if they find you impure, they punish you. The punishment varies from being to being, but in general they turn their power on you." "I'd imagine an Evangelist spends their days much like any other Practitioner, with some caveats. In order for Evangelists to stay 'pure,' we swear oaths and restrict our Selves to keep ourselves safe."

Sir — 03/28/2021

Sir and his aide would be entering soon after, Sir isn't hiding everything while Teddy is clearly something else below his skin.

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Then you are much like Diabolists, who bargain mostly with Imps and other, smaller entities if they are wise. Of course, last I was aware, they were not bound to any such oaths, but such is the advantage of foolhardiness; it requires no promise of Rightdoing, nor gives any such thing in regards to the user's safety."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

James chokes on his water

fads68 — 03/28/2021

The Smith crosses his arms. "I remember you." Nimue covers her mouth to hide a laugh, which is completely on purpose. Upon hearing the mention of Diabolism, they both look over sharply.

Friendly Other || Weal's Chosen — 03/28/2021

Chaska's head snaps to attention at Of Deep, sickle brought out again and ethereal arms waving attempts to grab at the air where he resides.

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"Uh, I would rather not make the comparison. If you must, I would rather the similarities end there."

Sir — 03/28/2021

Sir would immediately grimace while Teddy laughs but both would start tracking the conversation.

BrokenLock — 03/28/2021

"Damn, did you really just say that?" LockBreaker says, after a moment.

Parsimonious LeGrand — 03/28/2021

Parsimonious nervously looks over as well. If one is looking closely, they may notice the rings on his hands may be glowing a bit.

MagpieNotMagpie (Sophia Parks) — 03/28/2021

Sophia suddenly realizes that Shandak exists *Wait, is that the Devil? Did someone invite the Devil to this party?* She looks at her glass of water *Did someone spike my drink?*

Friendly Other || Weal's Chosen — 03/28/2021

Chaska huffs and lets out a wet growl before calming down a bit.

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

Shandak is full aware of the attention this move grabbed, and ignores it. "Indeed, they are quite opposite forces. The Abyss, at the very least, is a thing of change, though it frequently scrapes and mashes and tears to achieve its goals. Demons are foul things, who leave swathes of nothingness in their wake. Naught can be rebuilt from such holes."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

James nods, satisfied. "Opposite forces is a good way to put it."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"You are a powerful practitioner, to be able to bring forth such as the Bearer. Your Angels are beings of creation, correct? Have you been called upon to fend off a demonic entity as of yet?"

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"They are. Fortunately, I have not yet, though sometimes I worry the day will come. Until then, at least, I do what I can when I'm called."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"Well appreciate the time before that day arrives. Demons are not always the great monsters that many would have you believe, but rather insidious snakes which hide and poison creation from behind the scenes. And never underestimate them. They are capable of inflicting far worse fates than mere death."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"...I am aware. But come, this is rather dark talk for a festive event. What would you like to experience, now that a fraction of you has left the Abyss?"

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

"What I truly desire is not what I will reasonably accomplish, given the limitations of this form, and the choices of this world. What I truly desire is to rain destruction down upon the Earth once more. To once more cause the ground to quake and the towers of some city to crumble. To tear apart with my own hands. But of course these things are not reasonable to expect. I will be content, for now. Eventually, we will continue to learn, and attempt to grow."

Evangelistener — 03/28/2021

"*AH*."

"...I'm glad you guard the Abyss from dangers that threaten our world."

Of\_Deep — 03/28/2021

Shandak laughs, almost pleased to have upset the priest so. "Do not fear, Listener. While I cannot achieve my true desire, I have become invested in the wellbeing of the forum OMO and its users. I have waited millennia for my opportunity; I will live to see it yet, be it a hundred or a thousand years from now."