Interview with a Necromancer

As the Guardians peered into the dark cage that held the eerily silent man, they were reminded exactly why they had decided to act first and talk later. The man was stripped naked, his gaunt form hidden behind stark shadows. It was easy to tell the man was nearly starved, likely surviving off something far different from the meals of mortals. His flesh was pale, cracking and bruised in many places but the worst was the empty sockets that may have held his eyes long ago.

As requested by Captain Aldus, the necromancer's hands were bound by some form of barkish plant that grew half-way across his arms. Blood dripped slowly from these wooden stumps, something had obviously grown where it should not have. The group was left to stare at him for some time before the local ranger, Hargin Haghammer, let out a grunt and splashed the jailed man with a bucket of chilled water.

At first, the necromancer did not move. But then there were a few twitches -- almost as if the creature in the cell had to come back to life. In an eerily slow movement, the necromancer's head tilted up to look towards the party as his sockets exploded in blue, ghastly light to allow him to see his captors.

"Can I help you gentlemen?"

Kai-Chora

The first to act among the Guardians was Kai-Chora, standing at an impressive 6'2" in height. The large man was making sure to use his towering height to his advantage to appear as intimidating as he could. But it did not take him long to realize that the necromancer had likely seen much worse things in his lifetime. In anger, Kai-Chora ripped down his mask with an angry scowl and coldly threatened the man in the cell.

"It's time for you to start talking, and it better be good if you know what's best for you."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel Shadowtail has less than serious look over his face as he silently judges his comrade's approach to getting a Necromancer, who was trying to recruit people into betraying each other half a day ago, to talk. Ishkunrel's posture is without a doubt uncomfortable, at a guess from the disturbing sight of the Necromancer's form, but his burn-scar-covered features reveal only his amusement at Kai-Chora's declaration.

Ishkunrel idly taps a fingernail on a portable metal box that he holds by the handle, clearly marked with a fresh red cross against the dull and chipped white paint. A healer's kit, though little good it or any mundane treatments will provide for an individual who is this far gone in self destruction in the pursuit of magic.

Aldus Morlane

Captain Aldus Morlan watched his comrade's interrogation techniques from the shadowy edge of the room, but more importantly, he watched the black-hearted creature inhabiting the sickly flesh of an elf. Aldus almost pittied the man as blood dripped from his caster's bindings. Yet the momentary lapse in judgement passed as Aldus' stomach churned once more with rage and disgust, flashes of the dark circle in the bowls of the mausoleum appearing in his mind once more. While his men interrogated, he would read the man and unweave his foul lies from the truth. Without eyes, with only a pair of faint glowing orbs to gaze into, Aldus was unsure if he could ever truly trust what the man said.

Though Lieutenant Chora was a little comical in his methods, he was correct about one thing: the man would talk. But he would also suffer as his victims had suffered, and then...then Adlus would follow through with his promise. He would take the Necromancer's hands.

The Necromancer

A chuckle broke through the parched lips of the undying man in the cell. His eyes glowed brighter as he searched across the room, making a visible count of the number of captors. After a while, as if waiting for something more, the Necromancer finally spoke out to the crowd.

"I believe you forgot to ask a question? Or has my hearing suffered from the violence more than I had expected?"

Grulan Graswern

Grulan Graswern adjusted his traditional parched expanse robes that he was wearing for the occasion and approached the necromancer. The robes were loosely layered by several pieces of cloth, allowing his limbs to move very freely about. Grulan also wore a red face paint that seemingly resembled tears of blood trailing from his eyes. He took a stance in front of the necromancer, signaling for the others to give him a little space.

"You live because the captain allowed it, and because I requested it. I requested it because the high shaman told me to seek you out. If being defeated those not give you cause to speak, then I will give you a different reason to speak."

Grulan takes a deep breath that fills his lungs and his eyes darken into inky black orbs that stared directly down at the necromancer. Two consecutive loud cracks could be heard as sprays of blood reddened back on Grulan's linen robes and two bloodied jet black wings unfolded from the layered robes and encircle Grulan like two feathered shields. The hands of Grulan burst at the fingertips and sharp talons sprouted out. His tusks seemed to grow and as the teeth grew into a onyx dark beak, his voice changed from that of a growling Greenfolk to a deeper clear voice.

"Speak now as to why the high shaman said you wanted to be sought out...."

Grulan points one off the sharp, bleeding taloned fingers at the necromancer.

"...Or I will request to shred the truth out of you."

Kai-Chora

Kai-Chora's attention is forced away from the necromancers to what the man thought was "devil wings", by first galce. And in the same movement, he rolled away from both the necromancer and the bird-monstrosity and drew his bow and an arrow just to point it at this new foe.

"Foul demon, who are you?!"

Aldus Morlane

Captain Morlan's focus is completely shattered by the orc's bloody transformation. So, he thought, this orc holds a secret as well...have all the Traitor-bloods learned to transform into Alapico? He knows now that these transformations were no fluke or work of druidry. This was something else entirely. His right hand was tightened around the handle of his greataxe as it rested against the wall beside the guard's stool. He did not brandish it so blatantly like Kai-Chora, but sat ready to strike should Grulan lose himself to this bestial form.

"Hold Lieutenant. Allow him to...finish his questioning." His voice was gruff and calm, the voice of a commander.

His eyes no longer rested on the Necromancer but were instead locked upon Grulan's back. Watching and waiting to see how he proceeded.

The Necromancer

If the necromancer was shocked by the transformation, it was impossible to discern. The glowing sockets he used for sight did not falter nor did his expression of boredom, and a bit of pain, break.

"The High Shaman wished for you to assist me, of course."

Kai-Chora

The lieutenant felt purplexed by this whole situation. His fellow Vanguard ally he just had started taking a liking to had become some sort of devilbird creature right infront of him. Kai-Chora had seen his share of grousome creatures, but they were not someone he'd let his guard down on. His early abandonment had left him with trust issues he had yet to be able to heal.

He assessed the situation and calmed his breathing. "I cannot trust this creature, but I have faith in your judgement, captain."

Releasing his arrow carefully and placing his bow on his back, Kai-Chora pulled out a vial from his pouch while approaching the captive. Popping the cork, grabbing the necromancer's upper jaw and pulling it back as much as he could and he then emptied the vial's contents into the necromancer's mouth and quickly clamped them shut until the captive swallowed it all.

The Necromancer

The necromancer seemed to barely resist any of this rough treatment, even going as far as to lick his dead lips afterwards to make sure no drops missed.

Kai-Chora

Kai-Chora looks towards this newly formed figure of Grulan with a grin, "This fluid is a special mix made from the plants from Gala's garden. It will increase his sensory abilities by about three times. Everything that feel good will feel wonderfull, and everything that hurts...well,you can guess the rest."

Walking towards a chair from the other side of the room, he turned it around and rested his arms and head on the top rail.

"The effects should kick in two minutes."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

After taking a step back, Ishkunrel turns to bear witness to the horrific transformation. With an expression of exhaustion, overwhelming stress, and utter disbelief, Ishkunrel shakes his head and remarks quietly to himself.

"It was a mistake joining the Vanguard..."

Hargin Haghammer

Standing up with a loud, Dwarvish curse the Ranger made sure to place himself between the captive and the Guardians. His gaze was that of anger, tempered by caution. He was well aware the numbers were not in his favor.

"Oi' now, you Shardholmian nixons! We told 'le lady Vae that we were to talk with the man, not tear him to shreds. I know the rules of Shardholm are a bi' lax but I will not be standin' for violence for violence. Ask him your questions, then we shall 'e talking of his punishment."

Grulan Graswern

"I am going to need a more detailed reply elf. You had nothing to say in regards to Last Words."

Grulan drew his blade and held it in front of the necromancer.

"The captain has informed me that you most likely LIED when you said you worked with the high shaman, so I would choose my words carefully."

Chloe

Peering out from behind Aldus large frame, Chloe whisper-shouted in the direction of Grulan.

"If I remember Gru, he mentioned something of an Archangle of Necromancy named Blackcoller, what is his goal here, what was the ritual in the crypt for, who are the victems of said ritual?"

The Necromancer

In an attempt to adjust himself to see past the dwarf, the necromancer pulled on his chains a bit and craned his neck forward. All this rewarded him with was a harsh cough-like noise and a bit of "poison" to dribble down the front of him.

"Show me this Last Breath then. Perhaps I do know of this High Shaman you speak of." Another cough hit the unliving elf tried to the wall. "I know a lot of powerful people. It would not surprise me."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

A few odd flicks and twitches came from the Peak Elven Artificer's ears, before his eyes focused back in on the freak that stood center of the scene. His gaze narrowed slightly, suspicions in his mind connecting to the stereotypical distrust of all things that Ishkunrel's people are known for.

With the single press of his will, Ishkunrel's body began to react to his demands for Glow. It was slower now, causing a dull aching of pain that became a reminder of how little his strength in the Arcane was in comparison to his sister. Ishkunrel pressed his will through the pain slowly, forcing his heart to quicken it's pace. The veins along his skin began to bulge outward, slowly beginning to shine much like the pearlescent mist that slowly swirled and built around him. His breathing was forced to become faster, as the blood rushing through his body demanded more oxygen so it could carry out it's duty of channeling the Glow through Ishkunrel.

The sound of a boot along the wooden floor sounded as the Necromancer finished speaking. Ishkunrel was moving slowly to the right, circling around the freak and Hagrin Haghammer until he stood off to Hagrin's left. His focus steeled as he looked upon the blade that the freak held forward. Ishkunrel's gaze grew sharper, eyes quickly darting to keep watch over any movement the freak began to do. The Artificer held his channeling of the Glow steady, as even though he was not dressed for combat this day, he was willing to sling a few Rays of Frost into this freak's large targets of wings. Ishkunrel spoke between breaths.

"Just a.. Reminder, freak.. You have lost.. A lot of blood.. In the past.. Day or so.. Don't make us.. Knock you out.. For stepping.. Out of line.."

Aldus Morlane

Aldus' voiced called out like a calming wind, "Peace friends. We do not need to raise arms against one another. We all wish for the same thing: truth and answers."

His gaze was stern and cold like hammered iron, looking into the eyes of each of his men within the room. He released his grip from his axe, gesturing for everyone to relax.

"Ranger Haghammer is right, we are here to talk nit to torture. The Lady Ambassador made it clear how far our jurisdiction stretched within her Shard. Your questions Grulan stray farther and farther from our course, be done with your personal matters so we may move on to interrogating this wretch about his true purpose in the ruin."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel's focus over his Glow drops for a moment, and a moment later he scowls at the subconscious action. In a heavy sigh the pearlescent mist that built up around him begins to dissipate. Though his will slowly relaxes, a harsh and silent judgement is clear from his rosey pink eyes on the horrid form of Grulan.

Ishkunrel wants the freak gone.

Pale Predator

Pale emerges from the door way, tired of all the nonsense he heard from the hallway, and approaches the Necromancer.

"What was your goal in that tomb, what was the circle for, and how did you end up in the bodily state?"

Grulan Graswern

Grulan Graswern gave a firm nod to his captain that indicated he understood the situation. The mission came first, but there was seemingly something about this elvish necromancer.

"Understood captain. We have the necromancer under control, so I will let him inspect the blade before we continue our primary interrogation."

Grulan held the blade as close as the dwarf would allow him.

Hargin Haghammer

Watching the group with steady eyes and a hand at his waist, Hargin let both the large reptile and the freakish bird get closer to the Necromancer. He did not look very pleased about doing so, but he understood their need for answers.

The Necromancer

Masking his pain by giving the bird-thing a cold grin, the Necromancer made a serious of raspy noises with his lips and tongue before emitting a noise that could not have come from a normal humanoid. It was deep enough that those with sensitive ears almost felt it like a wave of pressure. Then, after some time, he spoke.

"You see, dear captor. I cannot cast spells with my hands bound like this. How am I to search the blade for hidden runes known only to my kind? I doubt many of your companions know much of Gutterspeech or its hidden ways. Perhaps the Saheel could assist me?"

As he ended his sentence, the Necromancer rattled his iron and wood bindings towards the giant Saheel, but somewhat ignored his questions.

"I have the answers you seek, I just can't show you bound up like this......"

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel's eyes flicked between the interactions of the freak and the Necromancer, and the blade itself. His scowl remained as his ears felt the pressure of some form of magical phenomena that reverberated through the air.

The Artificer mumbled out some form of statement, but it came out as more of mixed phrases between his native tongue and Verd. Relief that the bindings worked, but begrudging understanding that the Necromancer needed to cast to ascertain any knowledge.

Chloe

"That seems suspicious, surely you can answer verbally what you were doing and why?"

The Necromancer

The poison was starting to weigh the Necromancer down, his pain was visible on his face.

"I was bringing back an old friend... Not my old friend, my Guides old friend. I do believe one of you still have his soul somewhere."

Aldus Morlane

Aldus could do nothing to hold back his dejected laughter, the utterly ludicrous demand clearly piercing through his commanders veneer. Taking a shuddering breath to calm himself he looked around at those in the room.

"By the Queen and Fates, this one really does have some brass ones on him doesn't he. You really must think we are downright stupid, or born yesterday, to give a dark caster like yourself back the tools of his trade. Any fool worth his wizardry robes should be able to recognize the craftsmanship of their own kind. I certainly can't cast any spells and yet I can recognize a genuine set of Holm Plate from any museum replica."

"Sounds to me like you're just looking for a chance to slither your way out of this cage, like the venomous serpent you are."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

"Well, counter point. It's a blade from a greenskin freak. Just because the freak says he needs a necromancer to look it over, does not mean that the blade has anything to do with what our captive knows."

Ishkunrel huffed slightly, giving a side glance to Aldus.

"Just... Putting it out there. Mystical relics from cultures unknown to the casters are the reason why identification and some divination spells were created." After a moment, he adds, "I am not attempting to put favor in with our captive. I'm just.." before coming to a stop and seemingly losing all trace of his thoughts.

Aldus Morlane

"He talks of tongues and runes Ish not the intricate workings of the magic. Of it was simple as spellcasting we would not need him."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel gives a half nod, half shrug, before returning his attention to the freak and the blade.

Pale Predator

Pale grins as the Necromancer asks for his bindings to be removed.

"If you just need the bindings to no longer be attached to your person I COULD make that happen, although I can't speak much for how you would fair after they were removed."

Pale then gives lets out a malicious chuckle.

The Necromancer

The Necromancer's gaze was staring past anyone or thing in the room, his mind had quitly escaped from the pain before being brought back by the Saheel's threats.

"Go ahead!", the necromancer said a bit too loudly as he swung his arms what little movement they could toward the Saheel. "I can work wihtout hands. It's the damn growths digging into my flesh I worry about. I have so little left."

Pale Predator

Pale looked towards Aldus with a reptilian grin. Or at least Aldus thought it was a grin.

"May I?"

Aldus Morlane

"No, we will not mutilate him here while he dwells under the Lady Ambassador's protection. Guardian Grulan, finish this line of questioning."

Kai-Chora

"He's not going to talk, and unless someone can read his mind I suggest we start speaking the only language he understands. His presence sickens me".

The Necromancer

Turning away from the bird-man and his blade who had long gone silent, the Necromancer chimed in.

"I have done nothing illegal under Shardholm law nor have I violated any tennants of any faith. The only thing that should sicken you--", he was suddenly interupted by Ishkunrel.

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel scoffs loudly immediately after Kai-Chora speaks.

"Says the individual who has not even tried anything beyond vague threats to his wellbeing, and forcing him to digest poison. You could just try conversing like a normal, polite, and reasonable person, but that conflicts with your childhood lessons of being far-from-society, raised on berries and pisswater, doesn't it? Shut up over there, unless you have something worthwhile to add."

Ishkunrel huffs in complete annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose in some attempt to calm himself before he begins to drop into full insult mode.

"Chloe has added more worthwhile noise to the conversation, and she seems as lost as a pup in a capital most of the time. Atleast she has attempted to steer the conversation in a direction for information's sake."

After a moment, Ishkunrel returns to the interrogation at hand, releasing his nose and looking back towards the center of the scene.

"What we can understand is that this Necromancer fellow was minding his own business out in those ruins, trying to raise an acquaintance of his 'Guide'. That explains what the ritual was for, but what was going to happen after? Who is the 'Guide', and what was the plan after this 'Friend of the Guide' was raised?"

Grulan Graswern

Graswern could do nothing but nod at his captain. The necromancer was not willing to work with him and Thus his questioning had ended.

" I still request to put him to death captain. Maybe that is what the High Shaman required."

Aldus Morlane

Aldus raised an appraising eyebrow towards Ish, clearly the strain of the last few weeks was beginning to unravel the poor City-Elf.

"His justice will come in due time Grulan, first he will be of some use to our cause. As Ishkunrel has made clear, we have more questions than answers. I myself wish to know whose corpse sits beneath the Grovetender's Lodge and what purpose his necklace serves this creature."

Aldus gestured to the Necromancer, "More importantly is the question: did he truly work alone. Is he merely following out a self imposed crusade or under the orders of someone else? Perhaps this Blackcaller, anything with the title of Angel of Death promotes little trust with me."

Kai-Chora

Kai-Chora's bored expression had turned more annoyed than anything. He lifts his resting head from the top rail of the chair and gets up. With heavy, yet slow steps, he moved towards Ish.

"As he walks towards him he says: Unless my senses decieve me, I've yet to see any results from you, scarred one, on this matter. And last time I checked, this individual is neither normal, polite or reasonable."

Standing a few Inches from Ish now, Kai-Chora glared into his eyes with a now more angry expression, he followed up with: "And as for you, Elf.."

"You better start treating your commanding officer and fellow Vanguard with more respect, or I will assure you I will make your life much more difficult than it has to be."

He bumped his shoulder hard against Ish as he turned away. Walking towards his chair, he picked it up and turned around and sat down facing forward with his right arm resting on the top rail.

Kai-Choras attention seemed to be more focused on Ish right now.

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel stumbles some, his elven frame not strong enough to resist a shoulder check from a martial-built man like Kai-Chora. His metal Healer's Kit makes a few clinking sounds, from metallic tools being rattled with some force. The Peak Elf rights himself, straightening out his clothes with a satisfied grin.

"Tsk. Seems I've touched a nerve on the poor man."

Ishkunrel gives a mocking tough-guy face to Kai-Chora, gesturing towards the doorway out of the backroom that this "prison" is held in.

"Perhaps you would like to meet me outside, and we can discuss just how much I give a shit about your supposed position of power, Kai-Chora of Restbrook. You will find I am much more agreeable in regarding you as a member of the Vanguard, but a superior, no."

"And perhaps I can give you a few pointers on how to intimidate and interrogate properly."

The Necromancer

A harsh, raspy noise burst from the Necromancer's face as the skeletal man went from annoyance to laughing loudly at the show before him.

"Has Shardholm rounded up all the school yard bullies and given them official titles before sending them off into the world? The most painful part of these last few hours is knowing that this foolery managed to beat me down. I guess numbers do count for something."

His words were broken up by a few laughs, but by the time he had stopped talking he was a bit more somber. If his face had not been so mangled, his grin might have been comical but as it stood now it was just morbid.

Aldus Morlane

Aldus grinds his teeth and snaps out a sharp order, "Both of you, co trol yourselves or find your way out that door before I find a stockade to lock you both up in. You are Guardians not bickering housewives or whiney children."

Turning back towards the Necromancer it was impossible to miss the Captains grumbling about untrained and undisciplined recruits.

Kai-Chora

Kai-Chora whispered towards the captain: "With all due respect captain, he is comprimising this interrigation by lashing out on me instead of the prisoner, making us look like fools. It's unprofessional."

Aldus Morlane

Aldus raised a stern hand without turning towards the man, neither desiring or requesting his excuses and explanations.

"We have long past the point of looking professional Lieutenant. I expect my officers to hold to decorum. At all times. Even when in the face of insubordination."

As soon as he had finished, Captain Morlan stepped towards the cage and knelt down to look the Necromancer in the eyes.

"Tell me plainly, dark wizard, do you have any plans to be forthcoming or is this all a fruitless endeavor? There is no reality where I allow your bonds to be severed, nor one where you leave here free. Tell us who you are serving, whose life to seek to restore, what is the purpose of all of this? Answer these questions and I promise to listen, to hear your side and enact fair justice in return. If you were led astray by a God or their ilk I can find penance for you to serve out. To balance the scales of justice and make this right. No more vieled words or cryptic answers."

Ishkunrel Shadowtail

Ishkunrel rolls his eyes, obvious in the distaste for the man running with his tail between his legs, metaphorically. After what has happened today, who knows who is just a beast in a flesh mask.

With the so-called "Captain" focused in on the Necromancer, Ishkunrel gives a disgusted look towards the "Lieutenant". An unspoken challenge burns behind his rosey-pink eyes as he stares down at the manling. He begins to make his way out of the room, moving his best to keep his steps quieter to not distract from the onslaught of questions for the Necromancer.

His eyes are locked onto Kai-Chora until he passes through the doorway, mocking the manling with contempt.

With this, Ishkunrel Shadowtail leaves the scene, to go better spend his time somewhere else.

Kai-Chora

With a thoughtfull expression looking to the side, Kai-Chora realized he had acted out of character. He knew he was better than this. What a fool he'd been to let his pride drag him down to the elfs level.

Not wanting to disturb the interrigation any further, he simply did a Vanguard Salute to show his understanding, and retreated back to his chair.

Thegist Hollow

Now with Aldus inches from his face, the Necromancer's expression turned from cruel mockery to a somber expression. From this distance, Aldus could feel the maismic cold that hung around the Necromancer in a thick cloud. Even the blue, flaming eyes gave off a chill.

"Captain Aldus, I have broken no laws nor any tennants of any Faith. I have permission to perform my work by both your government and Lady Death herself. Justice would require you to give your bumbling servants to me as laborers for my effort."

Adjusting himself slightly, he flesh tore slightly from the wooden gauntlets only to ooze thick fluid that may once have been the man's lifeblood. His expression hardened."

"I was known as Thegist Hollow in life and I serve Luimen Blackcaller in death. I practice the art the Archangel of the Unliving taught me to serve him, and his Goddess, better. My purpose here was to return a fragment of Luimen's ancient Eldic teacher to life so that we can find the others. My task has been anointed to me by beings higher than us both, Captain. I would not wish to be the cause of my failure."

Aldus Morlane

Aldus' expression only grew more displease with each passing sentence, the explanation clearly everything he had feared it would be.

"I had truly hoped you were more than the servant of a Divine, a slave to a creature who cares very little for you."

He tapped lightly on the vars that surrounded him, looking around at the cage as if it was some strange wonder.

"Or the cages you are put in. If even a single one of the poor souls you were sold died unnaturally you are no better than the one who killed them. I find it difficult to believe Her Lady would permit such desecration of the dead or a divine to place a foothold in her dominion. Any representative foolish enough to do so on their own accord is unlikely to escape her wrath. But please, do tell me of this Eldic teacher. Perhaps we can even come to an accord, if you swear you did no wrong then give us the name of a man who did. Who was the corpse seller you purchased the bodies from?"

Thegist Hollow

Thegist's face twisted to that of a sick beast, his jaw nearly unhinging as he spit out the words towards the captain. A nerve had been struck.

"OUR Lady does not permit such things Captain. She DEMANDS them. The corpses do not matter, their souls have been given greater purpose long before your mother even opened her legs. Every dark crevice; every forgotten catacomb; every stinking tomb will soon be crawling with my ilk. OUR Lady hungers for vengence. OUR Lady will show the Faithless why even the Gods bow their heads in fear in her presence."

Aldus Morlane

"Cleary you need some time to ruminate on the state of things and calm your fraying nerves."

Aldus stands, taking a few steps back from his rancid breath.

"Sadly you have only strengthened my convictions, what you speak of is not the act of a benevolent God but the work of a cruel despot. One Lady Holm will undoubtedly stand defiantly against."

Thegist Hollow

Calming himself with obvious strain, Thegist would whisper out towards the Captain.

"Your Queen is of the same breed, Captain. The First Men only know conquest. It's in their blood. From the smell of it, it's in your blood. Can't you feel it? Can't you feel the CALL. Have you told the Elves you sit with how your very blood cries for their pain? There is a war coming Captain, I hope you know which side you and your friends wish to die for."

"But it isn't too late, Aldus. Together, we can bring back the Empire. Why follow a Queen when an Empress is rising in the East?"

Aldus Morlane

Aldus faltered for a brief moment, glancing between those that remained in the room before staring back at the Necromancer.

"What war comes Hollow? War with the Marble City? War with the Udirkith? You whisper of a looming evil but offer no true answers. You call for me to break oaths of blood and honor, if you truly knew my kind you would know that I would never recover from such a betrayal. Loyalty even in the face of despair, that is the mark of a true Solmite."

He gave a sweeping gesture to the room around them, "your Empress spent close to a century torturing the living with her undead children. Why should I trust she would not turn against us again."

Thegist Hollow

Thegist's gaze followed the gestures of the Captain slowly, his body becoming less responsive under the stress it was being forced to endure.

"Are you saying you are blind to the world, Captain? When was the last time you left your green pastures and rolling hills? Has Shardholm forgotten the City of Marble wages war against the Lords of Scourge. How does your Queen feel about Grinwalde's growing army? Or perhaps the gateways Ravenpeak has carefully placed across our wonderful Haven."

"Your blood knows a war is coming. You can feel that much. But what it does not say is how many wars are coming. Your Queen knows it, why else would she be making new armies and new friends? Luimen told me that he was allowed within Bastion again because Our Lady needs a new army. An army he will gladly supply."

The necromancer looked around the room again at the concerned faces both inside and outside his cage.

"You all know I am right. The wind smells of blood and the future is no longer written in the stones of Isaac Shard. War is coming. Have you all decided to die alongside your Captain? Have you told your family members what to do with your corpses?"

Pale Predator

Pale kneels down to meet Thegist's eyes.

"Your threats do not scare me, this world is always in turmoil, all we can do is survive, and we will. One day this world might finally settle, but until then we shall fight, and we shall hold our ground from any we deem foe until the last."

With that Pale stands and heads for the doorway.

Thegist Hollow

Calling out to the Saheel leaving the backroom that held his prison.

"I have raised your kind before! Your ancestors knew these days would come! Tell me your oracle's have not fortold that the rivers would run dry and your people would find the next Grand Oracle! Listen to me as I say this, she has been found. And she cries for blood."

Pale Predator

Pale stops, and turns half way.

"Yet again you speak half of your knowledge, if they are found where are they, who are they, and why have my people not flocked to them for all their prophecies to refill our soon approaching end? Answer these, and your current setting just might change."

Thegist Hollow

Though his voice was hoarse and he had to peer past the well-armored Solmite, bloody bird-person, and a dwarf of to the side, Thegist attempted to make eye contact with Pale.

"Such a shame those are your requirements. I know not of why your people have yet to flock to this supposed Oracle, my guess would be that of Oul's doing. But I can say this, I can bring you to someone who knows. The dead speak loudly to those who know their ways."

Pale Predator

Pale walks towards the cage, paying no mind to the others in the room, rests his arm on the cage and says.

"I have just 2 questions. What is this prophet's name, and how far is the person with more information? I don't need location, just distance."

Thegist Hollow

Thegist raises his hairless eyebrows in curiosity and slight amusement, the anger that his face once held long given way to interest.

"Do you have a map?"

Pale Predator

Pale goes and collects the Vanguard's map from Ren's mount. Though he is quick, it still leaves an awkward silence in his wake. After he returns, he unfurls it and holds it towards Thegist.

"I have just 2 questions. What is this prophet's name, and how far is the person with more information? I don't need location, just distance."

Thegist Hollow

Thegist gazes up and down the map, admiring the quality for a bit and begins searching for a spot.

"You will have to bear with me. This skull is rather empty and my memories were kept on my person. But I believe she was found around..."

Thegist would gesture with his face with a small lunge to an area known as the Forgotten Plains.

"I was told by a reliable source, the dead cannot lie, that Star-Watcher was raised by a growing tribe of hidden Saheel within a marsh in that region. Your people have been intentionally breeding Oracles for several years after the Fall. But you likely knew this already. Star-Watcher knows where the Grand Oracle is hidden."

"Now, will someone let me go so I can expect the bird's blade?"

Pale Predator

Pale marks the map and looks to Aldus and Hargin.

"He has given information, I believe that is due compensation, can we not oblige at least one of his requests. He has also answered the other questions so must he be kept in this manner? I say give him at least some reprieve if not release from his current form."

Hargin Haghammer

By now the Dwarvish Ranger had placed himself back to a storny corner or the room. His eyes were locked on the group so when the giant Saheel looked towards him he quickly retorted.

"He 'e not my prisoner."

Grulan Graswern

Grulan was calm now. The thegist spoke with conviction, influence and heart.

"Permission to remove the bonds and let Hollow inspect my blade captain. I do not fear him or his actions. I more fear us not learning all he knows."

Aldus Morlane

Captain Morlan pinched the bridge of his nose muttering about needing to get people's ears checked.

"We are not releasing him. He has done little more than spout doom and gloom while bribing you with potential falsehoods. I gave him his price for an accord, the name of his seller and how he got in contact with him and we can come to an arrangement."

Aldus stared plainly at each man in the room.

"Your personal desires and quests do not come before our duty to protect the Shardlands. We have only his word that he broke no laws and that is simply not enough. Do you forget him and his servants nearly killed the lot of us? That he tried to turn us against one another? He is no friend, he serves his own agenda. Always remember that."

Thegist Hollow

Thegist gaze dropped, his neck giving way to the weight of his own head. He had little in the way of recovery time from the beating he had suffered only a day before.

Muttering more to himself than the group, "Hard to name one... ...been so many."

Pale Predator

"I did not say to free him, but to ease his situation, and make him more comfortable."

---

---

Notables Present:

• The Necromancer
• Hargin Haghammer

Characters Present:

• Aldus Morlan
• Grulan Graswern
• Ishkunrel Shadowtail (Absent)
• Rendilli Pyrehart
• Kai-Chora
• Chloe
• Pale Predator

Scene

The purpose of this scene is to properly transform play-by-post roleplay into an article. The scene's focus is on the interrogation of an unkown necromancer pulled out of the Hillgrove Mausoleum. If this works out well, I will likely be doing plenty more of these in the future.