PANEL ONE: Once again, the champion is bound to a rack, and cloaked figures stand nearby. One holds a knife. CHAMPION: When a divine champion dies, does he go to meet his patron? CLOAKED FIGURE: I think so. Why? PANEL TWO: Close on the champion. CHAMPION: Because I'm going to have a few choice words to say to mine! PANEL THREE: Close on one of the cloaked figures. CLOAKED FIGURE: My fellows, we are, as you know, gathered here now to perform a sacrifice in honor of our master, Xak'lar, the great and powerful god of evil. PANEL FOUR: The cloaked figure holds the knife aloft. CLOAKED FIGURE: But before I begin, I ask you to join me in the ceremonial chant to bring glory to the great one. PANEL FIVE: Three cloaked figures stand together. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Praise to Xak'lar, god of evil! Praise to his unholy name! PANEL SIX: A number of cloaked figures raise their arms. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Praise to him, the lord of malice! Praise to him of basest fame! PANEL SEVEN: A number of cloaked figures engage in a synchronized performance. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Praise to him, our god, our master! PANEL EIGHT: Overhead view of the cloaked figures forming two concentric circles. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Friend of guilt but foe of shame! CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Let us... PANEL NINE: The cloaked figures' routine grows more elaborate, and now they are bathed in colored lighting and sparkles. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): ...All give acclaim to the king of sin and blame! CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Praise to him! CLOAKED FIGURES (singing): Praise to Xak'lar, god of evil! Praise! PANEL TEN: Close on the champion, looking on at the cloaked figures' performance. CHAMPION (thinking): The only thing worse than watching evil cultists perform a song-and-dance number is watching evil cultists perform the same song-and-dance number twice. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing) (off-panel): Praise to him! CHAMPION (thinking): Though I have to admit they do harmonize pretty well. CLOAKED FIGURES (singing) (off-panel): Praise to him, the lord of malice! CHAMPION (thinking): Is it just me, or does the room suddenly seem to get a lot bigger when they do this?