King Toal'Dius - The Albatross

[Lhandon_Nilsen]

I love a slow-burn start to a mission. I love that we take the time to build things up, crank up the tension, and set (or in this case, Zet) the stage.

Zac sets the stage with his Zet MSNPC so wonderfully here. We get a clear sense of who King Toal'Dius is, what his goals and motivations are, as well as insights into how the Zet view the Federation. We also gain a broader understanding of Zet philosophy.

Zac also does an excellent job of reintroducing the Zet, who we haven’t encountered for quite some time in our adventures.

Now, tell me—what do you think of King Toal'Dius? Can we trust him?

@Jania Nis

Quote

 

((Steam Room, Zet Royal HQ, Koreli IV)

 

 

 

The steam machine hissed as it opened, slowly revealing the resting figure of Toal’Dius. Even after it opened and the turpentine-scented steam dissipated, he remained still, silent. His long fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose, and two or four of his six eyes blinked as one, but mostly he stared at the far wall of the dark room. 

 

This had been the last ritual he and his brother enjoyed together. Most of the other ritual duties of rulership, Grend had neglected. The hard ones, those were the ones he neglected the most.

 

Although the walls were decorated with glittering metal panels showcasing Zet kings throughout time, the small room felt empty without his brother’s voice, until the door slid open and the Ephemeral chief reeve entered. 

 

Chief Reeve: My director, your marketing materials are here.

 

He tilted his tablet to allow the king to see the screen. Toal’Dius sighed and leaned forward. Bright colors, slick fonts. He read the first line. In a galaxy teeming with uncertainty, one figure rises above the rest…

 

His vibrissae bristled as he read. 

 

Dius: This is really how it’s supposed to sound? 

 

Chief Reeve: :: with a nod :: It’s precisely generated to trigger positive chemical responses in Zet brains using Krk’elian psychotags. 

 

Once more, Toal’Dius sighed, although he almost laughed. 

 

Dius: Well, I approve, if you say it’s useful. 

 

This, too, was kingship, wasn’t it? Enough of the Zet had their eyes on this little kingdom that some psychotags couldn’t be all that bad of an idea. But the real problems wouldn’t be served by psychotags. He had precious little time to correct his brother’s mismanagement before his brother's mistakes consumed them all. 

 

The Danni seemed especially hostile after his brother’s ‘deal’ with them. Although Toal'Dius's new councilors assured him they posed little threat, it was hard to see which of them was honest and which was just a yes-man left over from his brother’s administration. 

 

And the other issue…

 

Dius: Is there … something else you need from me? 

 

The reeve nervously rubbed his palms together. 

 

Chief Reeve: Yes, my director. The Federation personnel have announced they will still beam down. 

 

Toal’Dius closed all six of his eyes and shook his head. Despite the normally-calming exposure to the Gessygrass incense, he was already developing a headache. All he’d heard of these Federation people was bad. They were dangerous and disruptive. They were as likely to burn a bridge as build it. Their philosophical approach to disagreements with the Zet had been a hammer every time.

 

He had hoped they would back out. That had been his brother’s project. But he was a new monarch, which was one of the most unstable types, so he had to welcome them, and make it -seem- like he was happy to see them. 

 

Dius: Well, the Federation -is- supposed to be helpful, aren’t they? 

 

Reeve: That is what they claim, yes, my director. 

 

Dius: :: nodding :: Then get me my insignia and my regal regalia. We’ll see how they can help. 

 

Reeve :: bowing slightly :: Yes, my director. 

 

(End Scene)

 

 

 

King Toal'Dius

Supreme Director

Koreli IV

Simmed by

O240108JN2

"Let your heart guide your hand." 

 

 

 

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[Lhandon_Nilsen]

He really zet the stage...get it?...zet the stage...set the stage.

....

I'll see myself out.