[He was expecting necromancy, so you know what, this is definitely an improvement. Look, he's a dark mage, of course he was expecting necromancy?? Anyway.]

Of course, Dist.

[But he continues and Iago frowns at that. Fomicry likely involves both Dist's area of expertise and Jade's, so if he's hit a wall on his end then Jade is really the only person who can help him finish this.]

I see.

[And he does, though he's not entirely sure what to say in response to that. If Jade went so far as to outlaw the use of Fomicry, it isn't likely he'll ever be willing to work on it again, no matter what Dist says or does. If Dist can't convince Jade to help him... then all of that work and time will be for nothing, won't it?]

I wish I could reassure you that Jade will see reason and will join you, but I don't know him and I'm certainly not one to rely on blind hope. It's possible he'll change his mind and join you, but it's also possible he won't. Coming this close only to hit a wall you can't overcome must be incredibly upsetting.

[...]

When all of this is over... let's talk about this again. I won't make any promises, but I am very interested in your world and your technology and artes. I can't say I could ever replace Jade, but perhaps a fresh set of eyes will help give you a new direction.

[He pauses, considering.]

Well, one eye.