Role

Chapter 8

My ascent through the imperial ranks has been a fairly smooth affair to
date. The Emperor himself promoted me to black magician in recognition of
my contributions, and thus I have become a full member of the black sect.

So what of my associates?

The Emperor is a dangerous man. Personable, certainly, and perhaps even
gregarious at times; and yet I am never in doubt of our difference in
station. That is real power, and it is a thing to be observed and studied
for the cultivation of it in myself. Perhaps it would be preferable if the
Emperor had been weak and lacking for my ambitions, but this is an
opportunity not to be squandered.

The Dread Lord is a fellow diabolist, though one that I have mixed
impressions of so far. I find his mental acuity to be rather lacking,
though such is the way of his race. Doubtless his arm is strong where the
mind is not, and that has its place. Perhaps he can be directed with a
delicate touch, though caution is required. The way of brutes is to use a
hammer when a scalpel would suffice, and so if he feels I am overreaching
his reaction may prove extreme.

The one elite of the black I have encountered is one of these newly
emerged vampyres. Laisren by name, and a creature of few words. Of him I
worry little, for though he is poised in better position to take the Dread
Lord's seat I also do not believe he will be difficult to cast down when
the time comes, for even among the newly rising imperials he seems
distinctly unpopular for some reason. Perhaps it is his nature, or his
indifference to imperial matters at large, but even rising blades have
mentioned there disdain to me in private. I will cultivate the Emperor's
favour, and monitor this particular situation carefully.

Murrezk is a young blade performing a rather meteoric rise. Highly capable
and an impressive combatant, we have formed a good working relationship.
This has proved to my benefit, as he sells me wands at reasonable prices;
but more to the point I strongly suspect he shall be the next War Master if
he continues as he is. Perhaps he will stumble and fail as so many seem to
do, but if not: the seeds of a potent political ally have been planted. He
has expressed his dislike for Laisren to me in private, which is only
better for my ambitions.

Of the Shadow I have seen little, though the Shadow Lord seems like an
efficient man. The divine I find unimpressive as of this time; none of
their rising priests have struck me as particularly noteworthy. The lone
acolyte that abides at the height of his training is a priest of that
thieving adventurer, so must be watched carefully. No doubt there is some
plot a foot, for all the smiles and offer of prayers.

And so I move to the last subject. The matter of religion.