Shadows over Sigil - The Deva Spark

The Briefing

"Portals are the only way into and out of the city of Sigil. They are therefore considered a public and common good, and no one may privately own a portal.

Blocking access to a portal is punishable by branding. Charging a fee for using a portal is also punishable by branding or public flogging.

Destroying portals, experimenting with portals or manipulating portals carries the death penalty with no possibility of appeal or pardon."

point 3 of 'The Five Major Violations in Sigil', as enacted - 496 HR

First Clerk Day of Tithing, 126 HR

Sarin sat at the long conference table in his office with his two legates, two men who couldn't be more different. Tonat Shar, of medium height but sturdily built with short, reddish-blond hair and beard, was usually serious, correct and rather reserved in his dealings with subordinates, but nevertheless highly respected for his sense of justice. The half-elf Killeen Caine, on the other hand, tall and muscular with long black hair, was close to the troops, informal and fun-loving. For a high-ranking Harmonium officer, he had a surprisingly relaxed manner, which had often gotten him into trouble in the past, but made him very popular with his people. But it was precisely these differences that complemented each other so well and, together with the factol's own personality, made the three men such an excellent unit. They had been friends for many years and had not only served together under Lady Juliana, but had also formed a unit long before that. Tonat and Killeen were very close to Sarin, more like brothers, and each would go through hell and high water for the other. So it was understandable that Killeen's violet eyes now sparkled with a mixture of disbelief and irritation.

"And you're only telling me about all of this now ?"

Tonat grinned a little, because it was exactly the remark he had predicted. The factol could understand Killeen's reaction, but he had had good reason for only now calling the half-elf to Sigil and letting him in on the matter.

"Your mission for Nemausus was very important and demanding," he explained calmly. "I didn't want anything to distract you from it."

The mention of Arcadia's third layer made Killeen slump a little, eliciting a sigh from him. "I wish the mission had been as successful as it was important."

He looked visibly dejected, and it pained Sarin to see his friend take the matter so much to heart.

"We knew there was very little chance of success," he said, consolingly. "But we had to try." When Killeen only nodded, avoiding his gaze, the paladin frowned. "You don't think it's your personal failure, do you?"

The half-elf raised his shoulders in resignation. "Well ... of course I'm thinking about whether I made a mistake somewhere."

"Did you ignore or overlook any information you had at the beginning of the mission?" Tonat asked calmly. "Did you act rashly during the mission or give orders that were too risky? Were you reckless or careless at any time?"

Killeen looked over at his friend and colleague, thought about his questions for a moment and then shook his head. "No."

"Then it's not your fault, Killeen," Tonat stated matter-of-factly, and Sarin nodded affirmatively at his words.

When Killeen only acknowledged this remark with another sigh, Sarin fixed his eyes on him more firmly. "You don't think I'd blame you for it, do you?"

"Not really," the half-elf replied, looking him in the eye again. "I just didn't want to let you down, that's all."

The paladin leaned forward, grabbed his legate's forearm and looked at him seriously. "Killeen," he said emphatically. "I can assure you of one thing: Since I set foot in this city over twenty years ago, you have never, never, not once disappointed me."