I. Embraced by the duplicitous, shrouded in a haze of fear

Gasp and sputter the acrid air, Hands which twist and pluck at spirit. Muscle and sinew, the feast of giants. The sum of our labors: a gilded platter. Invocation of material gods, Earthbound and ephemeral megaliths. The right hand: beasts imbued with vile cruelty, Sentinels hollowed and preserved by avarice. The left hand: the chattering teeth of power, Whispered promises which keep their favor. Be embraced by the smell of foul smoke.