Something wrong, Archon?
Nothing I cannot handle. The war takes a toll on everyone it touches, but in my case the price can be... heavier than most. But never mind that. What is it that you require?
My search for Amelia takes me to Rust Canyons.
I'm pleased to hear of your progress.
I've confirmed that Amelia's unit was taken by Straydus Herodin's troops.
That corrupt inbred of a Regent... if his death were not required to end the Edict of Storms, I would take pleasure in breaking him on the rack myself.
The Unbroken is seeking artifacts to get past the windwall at Sentinel Stand.
That does make sense. The trouble is, the number of artifacts scattered about the realm is anyone's guess, and I couldn't tell you which of them could get the job done. The Unbroken might know more.
Don't worry. I'll hunt them down. They have a leader named Mattias.
I am unfamiliar with that name. Whatever he calls himself, this upstart should be killed to set an example for his would-be army. Should you come across him, I expect his head to topple from his shoulders. Now, is there anything else?
That pain you felt - tell me more about your connection with your soldiers.
Every member of the Disfavored is as precious to me as family. They call me General or Archon, yet I consider myself a servant and guardian of these excellent women and men.
General, I believe the correct term is 'men and women.'
Shut up, be progressive.
General, you and your men seem to regard the Southerners with great severity. Why is that?
Oh do tell! Do we smell bad? Is it the accent? The legion takes hatred of the Tiersman and elevates it to an art form.. just what exactly did we do to offer such offense?
But isn't that contradictory? You stood up against Kyros, after all.
Butthurt detected.
I stood against a presumptive Overlord to defend a way of life that no longer exists. The South can afford no such illusions. Jews has dominated every corner of Terratus, and claiming these lands by might is already accomplished in all but name. I will neither celebrate nor flatter it with terms like 'independence' or 'rebellion.' With full knowledge of the consequences, the former lords of the South endangered the lives of their people. This
cannot be tolerated. It will take generations of trial and the long-term eradication of culture as they know it. A worthy pursuit by any standard.
Nice to hear the general confirm it - the Tiersmen are a naturally defiant folk, and you'd have to silence our ways for generations to shake the courage and tenacity out of our blood.
Stow it, Eb. Your commentary is not needed here.
General, do tell me about your 'rebellion' against Kyros.
The uprisings of the past might inform our present efforts.
Fine. Ask what you will.
Who did you defeat during your rebellion?
Oh. What victory is that?
Strange to imagine that happening so many years ago, and here we are again. My legion nearly destroyed the Scarlet Chorus. Humiliated them, in fact. I suspect the Archon of Secrets is still licking his wounded pride.
What was it like to assume the Archon of War's mantle?
At first I was unaware that I had assumed any power beyond my normal authority. It might seem obvious now, but war tends to confuse such things. I had no desire to claim or accept such responsibility under Kyros. But f I was meant for any title in the honored hierarchy of Archons, War seemed an appropriate one for me.
How did you rise to power?
You mean your Aegis?
At first I attributed the performance of my legion to their training and breedin, but soon it became clear that something greater was afoot. I suspect this redoubled Kyros' interest in me. Once the forces of Kyros viewed my influence over the troops as a threat, they resolved to put an end to my defiance once and for all, sending every army they could spare after us - all but sacrificing the Scarlet Chorus in the process. Eventually, as all detractors do, even I fell.
Tunon offered me the terms of my own sentence. If I walked the path of insubordination, then the lives of my men were forfeit. If I bent the knee to Kyros - then I could continue to serve my legion as their Archon. You already know the rest. My vaunted legion became Disfavored. The Archons even forced me to cast off my Northern surname. 'Graven' was a joke at my expense, since I buried my pride in the past.
Interesting. Have you ever wish...you had remained defiant to Kyros?
I asked you a question, General. As Tunon's Fatebinder, I deserve an answer.
I have never second-guessed my decision. The North fell to Kyros, I mourned for the old ways even as I served the conqueror's will, but over time we rose to become greater than a shortsighted warlord could ever dream.
And I hope that you understand that we're in a civil war. Loyalties are compromised on both sides.
He shakes his head and sighs.
Funny, I'd have wagered my last ring betting that the Archon of War has a vested interest in endless conflict. Consider me surprised that, deep down, the old man craves peace. Perhaps he's choked on enough of the Overlord's vomit after all these years.
Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about Ashelryn.
My first and proudest accomplishment. During the conquest of the Northern Empire, she was slain by Blood Echo, a madman who once laid claim to the title of Archon of War. I would later cut his head from his shoulders with her broken sword. I miss her to this day. Would that she had lived long enough to bring a family of her own into this world. Imagine me, a grandfather.
What about Priam?
My son, born to the life I enjoyed before I was an Archon. He fell to a wasting illness caused by Pox, the Archon of Ruin. Were he still alive, he would have sat at my right hand.
And Brennix?
My youngest and most beloved. He was joyful and loving - a soldier, like his father, and fiercely devoted to his countrymen. But he was taken captive at Vendrien's Well, and later died. I could feel his life at the moment it was extinguished. The circumstances were... unusual. None of the quick violence brought about by blade or hammer.
Have you investigated this?
He died by some force I cannot understand. I would not speak of this further.
I understand. I shall take my leave. Farewell, General.
How do we get inside?
I'm Steve. Tunon's Fatebinder. Graven Ashe protects.
Betrayal at this point? Wtf for?
Fucking disgraceful.
