A very powerful, very well-educated mage, [ says Richard, who successfully remembers to sip his drink before setting it aside on a flat stretch of floor. ] In lieu of that, there are pacts with devils, divine interventions, certain rites fueled by ritual sacrifice.

Naturally any of the latter might have unforeseen consequences.

[ He pauses again. Buffering. Then he chuckles, low in his throat.

It’s too self-deprecating to be wholly sinister. ]