Z-SOB05 (Jun 22, 2023)
Puzzle
“Higher than a Prince.”
Knowledge | 1 Word
Clue
Hover over the clues if you require!
Clue 1: What would be above a Prince in terms of authority?
Clue 2: Or, y'know, on the family tree?
Answer and Explanation
Answer: King
Explanation: Higher than a prince on the family tree would be the king.
Summary of Receipt
The Kings' influence over the Planes grows. The Planes' blood is still draining, and the regents of the Planes have even begun losing their control over the outer regions and the Cusps. To make matters worse, Haagenti, another King, has become ruler of the Mammonsoleum and is poised to reclaim all of the Infernus. So they need another way into the Valley of Gilded Thorns to even try to use a soul replacement - no guarantee if that will work, by the way. Still, even attempting it might incapacitate Rune long enough for Kikimora to dump her in the Freezer or the Black Thorn.
Transcript
Receipt: Z-SOB05
Author: Pathologist
Status: Secret
Subject: Kings Cult
Unfortunately, my strange little orange demon is as bad as it seems. Possibly worse. More than likely, much worse. The Blood of the Planes is continuing to drain at an alarming rate, and the consequences have started to manifest in the regents of the Planes’ powers waning. So far, it seems that only their control of the outer Planes and Cusp regions has deteriorated, but I doubt it will be long before a total loss of control occurs. I fear it is now or never to take down Rune and the Kings of Roses.
Of course, I am still more than happy to attempt a soul replacement. In fact, I would feel rather disappointed if we didn’t after all this work and experimentation. Despite Dover’s fears, his research and theories are impeccable and built upon the work of some of the greatest Soul Workers alive and dead. Science, my dear bulbous friend, is often messy and requires practical application to make progress. Though with the control of the Cusps regions faltering, reaching the Valley of Gilded Thorns to actually confront the Kings of Roses and Rune will prove rather challenging.
Worse, Zagan’s influence over the Vile City has only grown with the weakening of Cain’s influence over the rest of the Hauntaurskald. And it seems that Haagenti, another King, has taken control of the Mammonsoleum. Though the caverns of Infernus remain ungoverned, Haagenti’s position gives him unsurpassed control of the Infernus. So, now we must find a safe passage into the Valley of Gilded Thorns to attempt Rune’s soul replacement. On the bright side, should the replacement not work, I believe even attempting it will cause Rune to be temporarily incapacitated. Hopefully long enough for Kikimora to secure her body and move her to the Freezer or Thorn.