Hieronymous reveals death masque plot to Priest

Hieronymous unveils Mandragora’s apocalyptic design from his elevated throne in the now-empty temple. With a calm air of inevitability he decrees the simultaneous annihilation of every noble and scholar gathered under Duke Giuliano’s roof, framing the masque as cosmic judgment. He instructs the Priest to summon ten unwitting Brethren, destined not only to die but to serve as the instruments of this sacred slaughter, binding them to irrevocable ruin before the night is out. The scheme cements the Doctor’s ticking deadline to dismantle the Helix energizer and neutralize Mandragora before the masque’s opening fanfare. key_dialogue: [ HIERONYMOUS: The plan of Mandragora. I am but a vessel for those who hold dominion over the cosmos. HIERONYMOUS: This time and place were well chosen. Assembled in the palace are many scholars, many rulers and nobles. Tonight they are to be destroyed. All of them. In this way shall be established the power and supremacy of those masters we serve. HIERONYMOUS: Tonight there is a masque in the Duke's honour. We will provide the entertainers. ]