A sense of palpable malice thrills you as the implacable Will of Fain turns to
cast His shadow once more upon mortal things.


(Order): Fain says, "Shaddus, you are confused."


(Order): Fain says, "You find yourself unable to follow My commands as I have
given them."


Spasms of acute pain suddenly wrack your body, twisting your insides in vicious
knots. Your flesh rips painfully apart, revealing mounds of disgusting,
disease-ridden maggots which burst from your skin as the world seems to grow
larger and larger. The mocking laughter of (Fain, of the Red Masque) rings in
your ears as your transformation into a filthy maggot is complete.
Your race is now that of Maggot.


Your stomach churns and your mouth dries as a sense of tension fills you.

(Order): Fain says, "You are a fool."


(Jhagar): Vathael says, "Maggooooooooots."


(Order): Fain says, "Make your way to My fulcrux. Now."

(Order): You say, "As you command, master."

-walking to the Fulcrux spam, nothing to see here-

north
Chamber of obsidian.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A swirling cloud of
crimson mist hangs heavily over the area.
You see exits leading east, southeast, and south.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2054en, 3375w esSilrxk-
enter mist
The world evaporates before your eyes, and you feel tiny cold fingers all over
your body as you pass through the horrifying scarlet mist.
The Fulcrux of Fain.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A swirling cloud of crimson
mist hangs heavily over the area. Thick red mists swathe an altar of polished
black marble, swirling rhythmically to the distant throb of a waltz.
There are no obvious exits.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2062en, 3375w esSilrk-

You have recovered balance on all limbs.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2062en, 3375w esSilrxk-
grovel
You grovel in the dirt.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2062en, 3375w esSilrxk-

A strange sensation of being in the wrong place overtakes you before the area
before you parts suddenly, and you are pulled into a swirling mass of colour and
twisting shapes. A brief moment passes before your incomprehensible surroundings
peel away to reveal you standing before Fain.
A golden vestibule.
Resting upon a gilded table, a twilight blue booklet lies open. A black direwolf
stands here, eyes smoldering with crimson flame. Fain, of the Red Masque stands
here surrounded by a crimson miasma of wailing souls. He wields a sleek katana
forged of blackened steel and wreathed in flames with both hands.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and west.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-
grovel fain
You grovel in the dirt before Fain.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-

The crimson miasma of souls about Fain's shrouded figure churns with sudden
vehemence.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Idiot Maggot."
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-

Fain thwaps you on the head.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-
slump
You slump down dejectedly.
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-



Coldly, Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Simple Shaddus."
820h, 1065m, 1065e, 10p, 2100en, 3375w esSilrxk-

Your race is now that of Illithoid.
Fain's curse of the revolting form of a maggot upon you ends, and you return to
your normal form.
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "You are a pathetic mortal, but your heart is Mine
and you do as I command."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Know this."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
say aye, Lord
You say, "Aye, Lord."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "You amuse Me, and I tolerate your failings."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

A black direwolf pants, and thick steam hisses from his fanged maw.
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Your rise and fall is an irrelevance."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Your rank is but an outward sign of My regard for
you, which remains unaltered no matter how high you climb or how low you fall."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Without warning the waltzers stop midstep, the music gone. You shudder in the
silence as you feel His presence light upon your soul, and then the waltz
returns, the dancers tred once more.
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "For I know you Shaddus."
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque reaches forward and punches an iron gauntlet into your
chest, you gasp as His etheral fingers push icily into your skin.
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
wince
You wince in pain.
4735h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

With a heavy overhand stroke, Fain slams a sleek katana forged of blackened
steel and wreathed in flames down upon you. You are hacked in the chest for a
small surface wound.
2182h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 51 health.
2131h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 39 health.
2092h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 27 health.
2065h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque picks you up with one gauntlet and casts you painfully
across the chamber.
2065h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You collapse in a heap on the floor, unwilling to bear the pain any longer.
2065h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 19 health.
2046h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 11 health.
2035h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque strides toward you, fiery footsteps blazing in His wake.
2035h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You bleed 2 health.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Rise, fool."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
stand
You stand straight up.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

A black direwolf stalks northeastwards, eyes aglow with bloody flame.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

The earth itself shudders as Fain utters a deep, booming laugh.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-


QL
A golden vestibule.
Resting upon a gilded table, a twilight blue booklet lies open. Fain, of the Red
Masque stands here surrounded by a crimson miasma of wailing souls. He wields a
sleek katana forged of blackened steel and wreathed in flames with both hands.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and west.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Celina wails within My fulcrux."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
smirk
You smirk.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "You have done well."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Thrown down, humiliated, you have not renounced
Me."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "And you have grown stronger for it."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "She has failed this test."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-


It is now the 13th of Vestian, 223 years after the Coming of Estarra.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
Bowing deeply, you say, "I merely wish to serve, Lord. It has always been so."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Remember, Shaddus, that life is not fair, no less
for Gods than for mortality."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You nod your head slowly in understanding.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Was I not cast into the void by My peers?"
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You say, "Aye, Lord. And made stronger for it."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "So you."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "...are."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-
softsmile
You smile softly.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

The disfavour of Fain has worn off.
Fain, of the Red Masque lifts His strongdisfavour from you.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21225en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Restore Celina to My order."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21235en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Fain, of the Red Masque says, "Go now. She stands within My fulcrux."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21255en, 19950w esSilrxk-
say as you command, My Liege.
You say, "As you command, My Liege."
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21255en, 19950w esSilrxk-

grovel fain
You grovel in the dirt before Fain.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21265en, 19950w esSilrxk-


2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21265en, 19950w esSilrxk-
stand
You stand straight up.
2033h, 4380m, 2595e, 10p, 21265en, 19950w esSilrxk-
teleport celina
You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to
Celina.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 7p, 21275en, 19950w sSilrxk-

The Portal of Fate flashes as Kalumryn steps through, now ready to begin a fresh
life in Lusternia.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 7p, 21285en, 19950w sSilrxk-
tell celina stand still
You tell Malefactor Celina d'Murani, the Iniquitous, "Stand still."
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 7p, 21285en, 19950w sSilrxk-

You have recovered equilibrium.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 7p, 21285en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You teleport along the aether strands to Celina.
The Fulcrux of Fain.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A swirling cloud of crimson
mist hangs heavily over the area. Thick red mists swathe an altar of polished
black marble, swirling rhythmically to the distant throb of a waltz. A
disgusting, disease-ridden maggot is scuttling along the ground. She wields a
twisted staff in her left hand and an iron shield in her right.
There are no obvious exits.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 7p, 21295en, 19950w esSilrxk-
sniff celina
You sniff Celina, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 8p, 21305en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Celina peers at you unscrupulously.

baptise celina
You baptise Celina into the Supplicants of the Divine Order of Fain, of the Red
Masque.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 9p, 21345en, 19950w esSilrxk-
ot it is done, Liege.
(Order): You say, "It is done, Liege."
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 9p, 21355en, 19950w esSilrxk-

(Order): Fain says, "With her consent?"
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 10p, 21375en, 19950w esSilrxk-

(Newbie): Jasted says, "Thanks!"
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 10p, 21375en, 19950w esSilrxk-

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 10p, 21385en, 19950w esSilrxk-

Malefactor Celina d'Murani, the Iniquitous says, "I would question what exactly
she has done. She has broken Your rules, she has failed You numerous times. She
has grown fat and lazy on Her throne."
2033h, 4130m, 2595e, 10p, 21395en, 19950w esSilrxk-
look
The Fulcrux of Fain.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Piles of skulls and other
crude and vile offerings are strewn about the black obsidian flooring, which
shines with a pale sheen. A ring of half melted red candles encircle the shrine
to the god Fain, glorifying His existence. The walls of this temple are flat and
cold, and when the firelight hits them on occasion, shadows of unnameable
terrors awaken within their murky depths. A swirling cloud of crimson mist hangs
heavily over the area. Thick red mists swathe an altar of polished black marble,
swirling rhythmically to the distant throb of a waltz. A disgusting,
disease-ridden maggot is scuttling along the ground. She wields a twisted staff
in her left hand and an iron shield in her right.
There are no obvious exits.

By popular request.. the majesty that is Fain. I swear, every time he pisses me off, he reels me back in.

Celina peers at you unscrupulously.

You baptise Celina into the Supplicants of the Divine Order of Fain, of the Red
Masque.

(Order): You say, "It is done, Liege."

(Order): Fain says, "With her consent?"

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.

Psh, test. This is like test number 57. Why do tests always result in me dropping ranks.

Because you never study before exam day?

That might be true...if dropping ranks wasn't considered to be the "test."

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIN

That might be true...if dropping ranks wasn't considered to be the "test."

The thing that sucks in Fain's order, is the inactive people get promoted. For intance, I me a Kayde, but she just got promoted and she doesn't DO anything. She wakes up, checks on her city duties, and then usually leaves.

Marcalo also just got promoted. W T F.
Maybe I should QQ for a month, so I can be a high priest.

Morgfyre is so much better than Fain! Hmph.

Maybe that's what the test is because Fain knows it gets a negative response from you and is trying to make you stop giving that negative response. It is his Order, it's his decision where to place you in it, and you're really just something he can use to reach his own ends. Just take the demotion in your stride and maybe he'll think you've "grown stronger"

The thing that sucks in Fain's order, is the inactive people get promoted. For intance, I me a Kayde, but she just got promoted and she doesn't DO anything. She wakes up, checks on her city duties, and then usually leaves.

Marcalo also just got promoted. W T F.


Maybe I should QQ for a month, so I can be a high priest.

Kayde's actually been doing tasks within the Order. Individual work within the Order isn't applauded loudly, and you're not necessarily going to see large, flashy displays from folks. You also have to make sure, at the same time, that the people doing the promoting are aware of your work without having to be too hands on. For example, the less work I have to put into tasks I've assigned to people to get done, the better - if someone comes to me with a prayer or ritual, for example, having it spell-checked and sanity-checked counts with a lot more than stuff that's a first draft and crappy, but given to me quickly. Or if somebody dumps a shitload of angel corpses at my feet, gives me an after-action report, corrupts someone and then reports to me... all this shows initiative.

Jigan, for example basically got his position by being a crafty and driven person. I was pelted with Fain designs, given examples of plotting, blackmailed... all this and tasks completed too. Melville convinced an underestimated Priest to produce a good ritual, and quietly delivers some damn exceptional work without the appearance of effort on his part. Kashchei amused the heck out of me and Fain, and took the initiative to do work and hunt me down for interviews and to ensure I knew his work was getting done. Celina herself as actually risen pretty high and quickly on the strength of tasks done and creative improvising independent of what I asked her for.

Also, nothing succeeds like excess. It's possible to advance through the lower Order by offering SHITLOADS but not doing any tasks. Being effective at whatever you do is the best way to advance.

Basically? Initiative is rewarded. Creativity is rewarded. I'm rarely going to stand over someone to get work done. At the point where I have to do that, it's almost like having to do the work myself. I'd rather be able to assign important tasks out and leave someone to take care of it. I like to delegate. People who show they can be trusted to get work done with a minimum of muss and fuss are my absolute favorite people.

Fain is such a bastard. He made me completely unable to talk. Rawr.
But I'm so scared of him IC that I would die if I was even in the same room as him.
Though I did invade his Fulcrux..