“Okay, I’ll listen to your pleas, but I doubt that you will be able to convince me of anything.” You remark.
“You seem so certain.” Batalimus says.
“Of course I am. For one I am not some scared citizen or greedy senator that can be bribed or frightened into submission. I am not an ignorant peasant either that can be merely swayed by lies.”
“Never thought you were.”
“Second and more importantly, I was not impressed with your republic when I was first dug up and I continue to be unimpressed with it now. It is an inefficient form of government that allows too much power to the people and it doesn’t even do that right, considering all the corruption.”
“Oh I wouldn’t say that. Within the last few years the people have been making demands for more security and defense and Quintus has been delivering appeasement to them. It would seem that you’ve managed make the system work for you.” Batalimus says.
“And don’t you think that’s proof that your system is broken? If YOU were the ruler of this country you wouldn’t be in the situation you are now. You’d be able to have Quintus executed along with everyone that didn’t fall in line.”
“You may be right.”
“Of course I’m right, because the masses are by and large weak-willed fools that actually desire a strong hand to rule them and do the thinking for them. Honestly I don’t know how your system lasted as long as it did.”
“Because it worked or at least it did before you came around.”
“So…you’re going to blame me for your system’s weaknesses? Seems to me it should’ve been strong enough to weather the presence of one man.”

Batalimus begins laughing.

“One man? Yes. It’s done that for quite some time. Do you think Quintus is the ONLY one who has ever wanted to bring back the so called good old days? His kind has always existed in some form or another since the infancy of the republic. Sometimes there were even whole groups of his type. The difference is, there was never any incentive for the rest of the population to actually listen to them before. There was never a living god on their side defending everyone from vicious foreign attacks like those of the orcs, let alone scaring the hell out of everyone by his mere presence.”
“I’m not a god.”
“For all intents and purposes you might as well be. The rumors alone are enough to cause most to think you are, but even without such rumors, the facts are still enough to impress what you would call the masses. Quintus isn’t the only one who has access to old Empire history at the Mol Museum. You were the right hand man of a supposedly near omnipotent emperor, you survived the cataclysm that destroyed the old empire, you’re certainly the most skilled warrior that anyone has ever seen and you command the use of magic, which is an incredibly rare thing nowadays. Other than the few exceptional svelk in Lenay, wizards just don’t exist anymore let alone any of your power. I doubt with even all the magic trinkets Quintus has dug up, he’ll be able to protect himself when you finally decide to kill him.”

Granted you haven’t given that possibility much serious thought, Batalimus is probably right about that outcome.

“While all this is very interesting, you’ve still failed to make your case and you’re beginning to waste my time.” You say.
“Yes, forgive me. I’m used to droning on in the senate, I forget that someone like you would rather get right to the point. Right then, here it is, the Republic is better in the long term for the people than your Empire.”

You’re silent.

“I certainly hope that isn’t your only argument Batalimus.”
“No, but it should be the only one that matters. Even if you succeed in all your endeavors, you have to know that this revived Empire isn’t going to last. At best it’ll last a century after your own death and given that you’re constantly walking in its shadow who knows how quick that might come.”
“Choose your next words carefully, one could perceive that as a threat.”
“A threat? No. Poorly worded, I’ll agree. Mainly because I doubt you’ll actually die violently despite your particular lifestyle. I’d almost be willing to wager that you’ll die an old man in your sleep. A great irony I suppose. Anyway, the point still remains, you have to know that your Empire will not last long after your death, it didn’t even last long during your life.”
“It only fell because of…” you nearly say because of your actions, but you stop yourself.
“Because of what?” Batalimus asks.
“Because of the cataclysm. It would’ve still been standing today if that hadn’t been the case.”
“You’re guessing. Even if the cataclysm hadn’t occurred it would’ve been something else. Despite the fact that you belonged to a repressive system, I do know that in your way you served the concept of the greater good. You believe that you’re actually helping the people by keeping them in line. And maybe you even are to a certain extent, but it’s at the cost of liberty and freedom and that is an anathema to me. I’m watching all of what was built being slowly destroyed before my eyes. We as a people came out from the chaos of cataclysm and eventually found a better way to live. One that didn’t submit to the whims of a single ruler or is at the mercy of a tyrant. No, it wasn’t a perfect system, but we were always working to fix the problems for the people and they were happy. I don’t see any joy when I look at people nowadays; all I see is fear, paranoia and suspicion. Can’t you see that all you’re doing is throwing the people to a backwards age and ultimately it will do nobody any good?”
“Good thing I’m not trying to please you then and I’d argue that I’ve already fixed a few of the major problems with the recent changes. For one, crime is down and you’re no longer a potential doormat if anyone stronger should suddenly appear. Even the pirate attacks are much lower now.” You answer.
“Yes, military strength the backbone of all proper dictators. Let me guess, after this place is completely under your thumb your next step will be to send it forth and conquer land right? How are you going to do that for the Qualan Badlands? You going to force thousands of people to settle on inhospitable land where it’s near impossible to farm? And how do your orc friends figure into all this? I know that you probably have some sort of conspiracy going on with them, because they never attacked us like they have been recently. You going to somehow force the Nalin citizens with their newfound xenophobia to live with them or are you going to just commit genocide on the orcs and chalk them up to expendable losses? Then what after? You going to waste countless lives conquering the six cities of Arat? The Usksha Emirates? The Redcap Kingdom? Where is it going to end? Tell me, what do you personally hope to gain by re-establishing an empire? A need for familiarity? A simple power grab? Is it all because of an outdated sense of duty? Whatever the reason, none of them are really good ones for what you’re doing. Your time was the PAST and you can’t recapture what you lost. Your Empire as you knew it is long dead because all things eventually end. All of this, what you’re doing is proof that you just can’t accept that fact.”

You’ve heard enough.

“Funny that you said that Bata, because I’d say that it’s the opposite.”
“What?”
“You. Your republic is dying and this desperate attempt to try to convince me to not continue my actions is proof that YOU can’t accept that all things eventually end.”
“I know somewhere within you that you can see my side of this! I mean I won’t deny that your presence hasn’t been positive for the country in some ways. You could still have a place here in the Republic. You have so much power. Power that could be used to help people in a positive way! Wouldn’t you rather be known as a loved hero rather than a figure of fear?” Batalimus exclaims.
“I’ve known several heroes in the past. Some of them fellow Eternals and all of them were figures of fear. Look, I’ve already pointed out the weakness of your inferior system and you’ve failed to convince me otherwise. Doesn’t matter if I do or don’t see your side of things. Whatever motivations you think I’m doing this for don’t matter. I’m fairly certain whatever other arguments you may have aren’t going to convince me either, so this has just been a waste of both of our time.”

It takes a moment for Batalimus to gather his thoughts.

“I had hoped and perhaps naively thought that you were a reasonable man, but I was wrong. Apparently I did bring you here to kill me. Maybe not in the physical sense, but I see now that there will be no stopping what is to come. It’s a bitter thing seeing what you love the most die before your eyes.”
“Join the club Bata. And I’m not talking about the Empire.” You answer and take that as your cue to leave.

You half expect Batalimus to have his guards attack you in some last attempt to save his republic, but he just sits there impotently in defeat.

And that’s exactly why his republic is dying. Nobody cares enough about it to fight for it. This man is probably the only one left who does care and he used words as his weapons. Better that he should’ve tried to have you assassinated as soon as you walked in the door.

But this isn’t your problem, your problems are elsewhere and after you leave Batalimus’ home, you head back to the Qualan Badlands.

A few days later while at your patrol camp, you receive a letter from a messenger. At first you think it’s from Quintus with another request to help him with some task that is too difficult for him, but you’re surprised when you find out it’s from Batalimus.

Eternal,

By the time you read this, I will be dead. I want to thank you for I believe our little talk finally gave me the courage to just end it all. The funny thing is I had the idea to have Quintus assassinated before I spoke with you thinking that even if I couldn’t kill you, I would at least have taken away your partner on the public relations side of things, making the transition from republic to empire a little more difficult for you. Perhaps you would’ve even gotten so frustrated that you would’ve left.

Then I realized I can’t save the republic by destroying it or my ideals. And it wouldn’t have stopped you anyway. The days of the republic are indeed numbered and I’d rather remember it as it was rather than continuing to see its own death throes. It is my time that has passed. Your time is now.

Still, I can’t help being an idealist. Perhaps if your Empire can live again, then perhaps one day so will my republic. I can have faith in that as I pass on to the other world.

Good luck Eternal in your pursuit of war and conquest, though I should like to think that maybe my words still got through to you a little bit. That maybe you will realize that the people are important and not just resources to be used on a battlefield or wherever else. That a government can exist that doesn’t require repressive domestic methods or the subjugation of foreign lands.

But then as I said, I am an idealist.

Batalimus Ventis

After reading the letter you toss it in the fire. One of the soldiers asks you if it’s another order from Quintus.

“No, just news that another obstacle is no longer an issue.” You remark.

A few days pass and you have been thinking about Batalimus’ words a lot more since there isn’t much going on in the way of action in camp. While he ended up agreeing with you that the republic is coming to an end no matter what, you’re still struggling with the idea that what is going to replace it, since it won’t truly be the Empire as you knew it. Ol’ Batty was right even you did change his mind. Your time is STILL the past.

You’ve had five years to get “used” to the changes and while you have and are even thriving, you’re never going to feel comfortable. Even if you kill Quintus and seize power and everything goes well with that, you still have to go through the process of reconquering everything again. Something you really shouldn’t have to do.

You should’ve had a your “birthright” over five hundred years ago. Now you feel like you’re having to play catch up for a much lesser prize. Most of the old lands are indeed ruined to a degree that you can’t imagine anyone wanting to live there even if you did conquer it. Pushing people into doing so is libel to cause a revolt at worst or just flat out attrition at best…ugh…shit you don’t want to even ponder yet.

And what’s the alternative? Not killing Quintus and serving as his loyal right hand goon? Continuing to watch that fool take ALL the credit for stuff you will no doubt have a hand in? No, you did that already and at least with the Emperor you didn’t have to put up with any sort of dysfunctional family every time you visited him.

You think back to when you spent time in the museum with Jennifer talking about that past. That’s still the happiest you’ve been since you woke up. You even wonder if you shouldn’t just abandon all these desires and ambitions. What has it really gotten you in the scheme of things? You made the big gamble the first time and it didn’t work out maybe that was a sign.

You wonder if you shouldn’t just settle down with Jennifer and try to live a normal life.
> You go to Jennifer
You may have lost your mind thinking that you can even attempt living a normal life, but then you’re the same guy who actually listened to a twisted abusive svelk bitch that convinced you it was a good idea to attack the Emperor too.

And what’s this decision compare to something like that?

You tell your second to take command of the camp, when he asks for how long, you just tell him until further notice. He’s at a loss of how to respond as you leave.

When you arrive back at the museum, you find that Calvin, Jennifer and several others are packing up a lot of equipment.

“Hey, what’re you doing here?” Jennifer asks.
“I had to talk to you…what’s all this?”
“Another expedition! After all these years, Quintus is funding another one.”
“What? He’s sending you to dig around in Quala again?”
“No, we’re going to Rask!” Jennifer says excitedly.
“Rask!?”
“Yes! Remember when I mentioned there were rumors of a warrior’s guild up there? Well over the years I’ve been studying old maps and the newer charts created by the few adventurers that came back alive from there and I think I’ve managed to pin point the location. See?”

Jennifer suddenly unfolds a map and points to a circled spot on it. You know a lot of time has passed, but if your knowledge of Rask geography is still remotely relevant at all, that looks like where Fort Defiance would’ve been located.

“That looks like where Fort Defiance was located.” You remark.
“There was a fort there?” Jennifer says.
“Yeah, it was the furthest military outpost in the north of the Empire, well save for one other, but that was more like a small watchtower.” You answer.
“I didn’t know you served in Rask.”
“I didn’t actually, but I did carry out one personal favor there for a fellow Eternal, the one manning that watch tower I just mentioned actually.”
“Oh. Well still, this would be one of those times I wish you could come with us. Your knowledge of the area even if it is out of date would probably be useful.”
“Believe me, I’m tempted to. I can’t believe Quintus is just sending you out there like this. The dangerous journey TO Rask is bad enough, but the weather in Rask is just as treacherous as the inhabitants and I can only imagine after centuries without any order there its probably only gotten worse since.”
“Well he probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t went to him about the information I found. Plus he was in a good mood about senator’s Batalimus’ recent suicide. Did you hear about that?”
“Uh, yeah another lucky break for our side, look I better go with you.” You say.
“But don’t you have orcs to slay or defending our borders or…”
“All of that can be done without me, I think the army is competent enough now that I don’t need to hold their hands and if they still do then you’re REALLY going to need me to come with you because that means the soldiers you are taking won’t be worth shit in a fight. In fact if you even want to get to Rask, you’re going to need me to negotiate with the Flogger tribe. Not to mention there’s much worse things in Rask than ogres and giants.”
“What about Quintus? Don’t you have to report this to him?”
“Fuck Quintus, he’s not my master. He could stand without me holding his hand every five minutes too. Nobody tells me what to do.”

Jennifer takes a pause from your remark, before continuing.

“Well, alright then, as long as you don’t think it’s going to cause any problems I’d be very happy for you to join us. So what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Huh? Oh…that. Uh, nevermind now.”
“Oh come on, you obviously had something pretty important if you left your post in Quala to tell me.

This expedition to Rask business sort of distracted you from your original intent of coming here in the first place, but nevertheless you haven’t really abandoned your previous thoughts of settling down with Jennifer so you take her to one side and tell her. Her reaction is mixed though not one of any negativity.

“Sounds like you’ve given this some thought and this decision couldn’t have just been on a whim for you.” Jennifer says.
“It wasn’t, that’s why I had to see you. I mean I know there’s something between us and why shouldn’t I focus on that?” you reply.
“What about reviving the Empire?”
“Yeah, originally after I woke up and got a bit more of my bearings, the concept of doing that did sound appealing and move me into the direction I’ve been currently going in, but that’s been my whole life! I mean my original purpose is gone. MY Empire is gone. Why shouldn’t I try something else? What could it hurt?”
“Nothing I suppose, but have you thought about what else you would do with your time? I mean no offense, but battle and war are pretty much your best skills.”
“Yes, I know. I wasn’t talking about abandoning such things completely though, I mean I could go with you on expeditions and guard your museum.”
“Guard the museum?!” Jennifer says followed by laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“The idea that we’d need a warrior mage to guard my father’s museum is hilarious to me. I think the word overkill comes to mind. While the expedition protection would no doubt be of help, it isn’t like that’s what we do all the time as you well know. We’re in the museum most of the time and you’d get bored. Very bored. Besides, it isn’t like we get people trying to steal anything on a regular basis. The last time was ten years ago and the thief in question only managed to grab the tooth of an old Usksha sand worm before he was apprehended.”
“Well I could talk about the old Empire when people come through or something…”
“So you want to be part of the tour? Yeah, I don’t see that working in the long term either. Look I think you’re just feeling home sick or time sick or something again. Why don’t you think about this decision more after our trip to Rask, and if you still feel the same way when we come back, we can make arrangements for your future plans I suppose.”

You agree to Jennifer’s proposal since she does have some good points and now you’re a little less worried about your future so much as you’re more concerned with this expedition. When Calvin hears that you’re accompanying the expedition he looks relieved. He mentions that he actually tried to talk his daughter out of going on this thing, but she wouldn’t be swayed so he was going to go with her knowing that he’d probably die in the process. Since you’re going now, he’s going to stay at the museum stating that he’s completely confident that she’ll come back alive now.

Along the way to Rask you warn everyone about the wendigo. Other than Jennifer nobody else seems to know anything about them and she’s only heard stories. Apparently they’re just “myths” nowadays, but you assure everyone that they’re very real and if anyone begins to feel like an unnatural force trying to gain control over their mind, they need to see you immediately and fight the mental attack as if they’re life depended on it because it does. This information probably makes everyone a bit more paranoid and on edge, but quite frankly they should be.

Eventually you get to the Flogger tribe territory, which seems to have moved further south from when you last remember. Apparently Trog has indeed been taking advantage of uniting the other tribes under his banner. The decor hasn’t changed though; they’re still favoring the hundreds of dead bodies stretched across various wooden frames with their backs completely flayed of all skin to mark their turf.

Naturally everyone (especially the soldiers) are expecting a fight given that you’re technically at war with the orcs in general, but you tell them you can handle this and tell them to stay put.

“Oy! Youz that Ternal man!” an orc shouts from the crude watchtower. Not that you’re an expert, but this orc is familiar, if only because of his great fat belly.
“Fatbelly wasn’t it? Where’s your comrade?”

It takes awhile for Fatbelly to process this question at first, but he eventually he knows who you’re talking about.

“Oh, youz must mean Bilge. He dead. Idjit got ‘imself killed by gettin’ into scrap wit an ogre. ‘Ead got popped off an lived for awhile. Won bet on how long! Hah! Anywayz Trog spectin’ you again. ‘Ead on in.”
“He knew I was coming?”
“Geez, maybe youz powerful, but yooz stooped as Bilge. Trog Shaman! He haz vishuns member?”
“Hmm, how could I forget.” You say ignoring the rest of Fatbelly’s insult and heading past the dead bodies. Trog isn’t far ahead.”

“So once again the Eternal visits Trog. And once again Trog see that you come, but not know the reason. Is our arrangement going as planned?”
“Yes, in fact while I’m here I might as well address that too. We’ve gotten what we need from the war. You no longer have to play any role in it, that is stirring up the other orc tribes.”
“Trog see. Very well we did have an agreement and the Floggers have benefitted greatly from this arrangement, so it is done for now. However, Trog cannot promise that other minor tribes will not still attack. Can only promise that Floggers will no longer play any part in such attacks.”
“That’s fine, probably for the best that we still get a few attacks. The other reason that brings me here, is that I and my group need to get through to Rask.”
“Trog see. Can you not just go around us?”
“From what I can tell Trog, that isn’t even possible anymore. Your territory was probably blocking the easiest route to Rask to begin with, now it looks like you’re blocking it entirely. We have to go through your territory.”

Trog doesn’t look enthused by your suggestion, but ponders it a bit.

“Very well, but you cannot just pass for free. Need to extract some sort of payment or security of goodwill.”
“We aren’t really carrying any valuables Trog.”
“Do not want things. Want people. Give us two. One for your passage through and one for the return trip.”
“Okay…so what are you going to do with them?”
“Nothing. Just keep here so you do not pull any tricks.”
“What tricks would I play, I’ve always dealt straight with you. And you do realize that if I was going to play any sort of trick, I’d be more than willing sacrifice whoever I did leave behind and do it anyway?”
“Hmm, true. But still, cannot just let you pass for free. Tribe would perceive as weakness. Those are the terms. More than fair.”

Trog IS being more than fair. He’s downright civilized compared to most humans you’ve known. Under normal circumstances you’d do it without a blink, but you’re fairly certain the group is going to be VERY resistant to this idea and you can’t say you’d blame them.

It’s this or just pushing your way through.
> You make the deal
“Alright, you’ll have your two Trog, I need to go back and speak with my people about which two though.”

Trog nods and you return to the group to explain the situation, it goes about as well as you expected.

“You can’t expect us to stay with these savages! They’ll kill us!” one of the workers exclaims.
“We’re at war with these monsters!” a soldier remarks.
“I’d have to agree that leaving anyone here is tantamount to leaving them to die.” Jennifer adds.
“Look, this is the ONLY way we’re getting into Rask without a fight. And I guarantee we’re in no position to be fighting hundreds of orcs.” You remark and then point at the soldiers in the group. “Now you lot are soldiers which technically puts you under my command and if I order any of you to stay you better damn well do it or else you’re going to have me to deal with and I assure you if that happens you’d rather have orcs.”

“That being said, I’d rather NOT leave any soldiers behind, because we’re going to need every competent fighter we can get when we do get in Rask.” You say and then point to the civvies in the group. “You lot on the other hand, I can afford to leave any one of you behind.”

This remark is met with more protest and exclamations of how which one of them is a valuable member of the group. You’re unimpressed and simply say if there’s any digging or carrying to be done, anyone can do that and if its for some intellectual purpose, Jennifer is still going to be the most knowledgeable one on whatever it is you do find in Rask, so again the rest are superfluous.

This statement is met with more protests until Jennifer suddenly tells them all to shut up.

“I don’t like this, but he’s right. I’ll take volunteers first.” Jennifer remarks.

Predictably more begging, protests and threats follow, which Jennifer addresses that it’s either stay with the orcs or try to head back to Nalin without any escort protection. Eventually one brave soul volunteers, muttering that if he’s lucky maybe they won’t eat him and he can learn more about their culture. The second one loses a lot draw. She’s not happy about her bad luck and the situation, but resigns herself to her fate.

“I’m glad you backed me up.” You say.
“I didn’t really want to and I’m sure I’m going to get a lot of backlash from my workers, but the potential for this discovery is too important and I trust you. I just hope you trust this orc as much.” Jennifer remarks.
“I don’t, but he’s been reliable on matters much greater than this one. The worst that could happen is that he plans on killing us on the return trip when we’re exhausted from the dangers of Rask, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes.” You answer.
“Well I guess this is all worth it then.”

After the two “sacrificial lambs” are presented to Trog, he promises once again that no harm will come to them and the rest of you cautiously pass through Flogger territory, which actually overlaps partially into Rask. In fact you pass by an area where you believe Fort Destiny once stood. There’s no evidence of it anymore though, it’s just wilderness now. You wonder if was destroyed during the cataclysm or if it was time that ultimately took it over.

Eventually you clear Flogger territory and you’re in the true wilderness of Rask.

You, Jennifer and a couple of others go over the maps deciding which way would be the best. Using your memory, you point out that despite the long passage of time, there are still evidence of old Empire roads and that you should use those as a basic guide to head north. If you’re lucky, it may very well take you all the way to Fort Defiance, or at least where the fort used to stand.

The journey north is as miserable as you remember when you first came to this unforgiving land. If anything it seems worse now that it’s no longer tamed by the Empire. Still, you travel quite a distance before you catch sight of figures moving about in the surrounding forests.

“Stop. We’re being watched and we’re going to be attacked soon. In fact, we’re probably surrounded, I suggest everyone prepare themselves.” You say.

The group forms a protective circle as best they can while you try to keep an eye on all the possible directions of attack.

Eventually a few orcs and ogres emerge from the trees. However, something doesn’t look quite right about them. They’re savage looking like you’d expect, but even for their kind they’re moving a fashion that isn’t typical. It’s more like how an animal would move. They don’t make any usual taunts or threats either, but you do hear some loud guttural growling sounds.

It probably isn’t surprising that some of the soldiers decide they aren’t going to wait around to be attacked and go ahead and fire. Two or three of the attackers are wounded, but then the rest make a horrible wailing sound which causes everyone to clutch their ears in pain.

Then they move in for the attack, but it’s more like a loping gait rather than running. Ogres don’t typically run either…

“Oh shit, WENDIGOS!” you shout and start casting your mind shield spell, but before you can complete it a possessed orc is already upon you.

“Meat!” the orc hisses with its fang filled mouth right in front of your face. You feel a claw dig through your armor and puncture your skin just before you stab the monster through the neck with your dagger. Blood spurts all over you before manage to get the thing off of you and stomp it repeatedly in the throat, crushing it completely.

You then hear a voice in your mind.

“Sssssss! I sense power…great power…you’re an Eye! Hated Eye! Eyes! Away! Away my fellows! Before this they destroy us all!” the voice exclaims.

Before you know it, the possessed orcs and ogres cease their attack and begin backing away. Everyone is a bit confused and quite frankly you are too.

“Why’d they stop attacking?” Jennifer asks.
“Because we were kicking their asses! Hah! So much for the dreaded wendigos!” a soldier remarks, several of the other soldiers cheer in agreement and press forward to attack the retreating wendigos.

You aren’t exactly sure what’s going on, but apparently this wendigo knows you have the capability to destroy it. However, nobody else here can and if the wendigos figure that out, you’re going to be in trouble when the spirits are released from their dead hosts.

You’re not about to give away the fact that everyone else is defenseless by shouting verbal commands to stop attacking, so the best thing you can do is cast your spell. Which is going to be a brand new experience for you since you’ve never actually cast a mind shield spell over other people before.

Ignoring the sounds of gunshots and shouting around you, you concentrate on your spell and try to focus it on the group. It takes a lot more energy than you anticipated. Meanwhile you’re getting questions on what you’re doing.

“Shut up! All of you! I’m trying to protect our lives and it’s taking all my concentration! Now does anyone hear any voices? And I’m not taking about my own right now. I’m taking about raspy sounding voices going on about giving up or something similar.”

This question is followed by the group all-stating that they don’t hear anything like that. You breathe a sigh of relief and while you still can’t sense any wendigo spirits lurking about, you’re not going to take your guard down yet.

“Okay, good. Like I said before we got here, if anyone does hear voices let me know immediately. I heard one of them in my head and it thought we were eyes, or they thought I was. It got scared and told the rest to retreat before I destroyed them all.”
“An eye? What does that mean?” someone asks.
“If I had to guess? They thought I was part of an elite military branch force of the old Empire.” You say.
“We’ve only found a bit of information on the Eyes, but I didn’t know they actively hunted wendigos.” Jennifer says.
“They didn’t. In fact other than some stealth operations during the Felkan War their primary function was internal security after the shadows were disposed of. They didn’t have any magic abilities to destroy creatures like wendigos.”
“Something must’ve changed then.”
“I’ll say. The only time I’ve ever heard fear in a wendigo’s voice is just before I banished it. I’m guessing it sensed I had that ability and figured I was an eye, which leads me to believe that this mythical warrior’s guild we’re trying to find must be run by the eyes or decendents of them. Heh. Glad you held something together ol’ friend.” You say with a smile.
“What’s that?” Jennifer asks not knowing what you’re thinking about.
“Warrick. He was head of the Eyes. A Sightmaster. I can only imagine that if the Eyes did survive to this day, he must’ve had a hand in it somehow. Come on, I’m actually just as anxious as you to find this place now.”

After patching up some of the wounded you’re soon on your way again. You hate dispelling the protection, but if you keep it going constantly, you’ll be running out of stamina when you might need it for more physical foes. You just hope that the wendigos continue to believe that you’re all Eyes.

As it turns out, the rest of your journey is plagued by horrible weather conditions instead. There’s also debate on which way to go when the remnants of the Empire roads disappear to wilderness and can no longer provide a base guideline of where to travel.

Jennifer and most of her workers want to follow the maps, but you’re convinced that you should continue in the direction of where you last remember Fort Defiance to stand.
> You follow the maps
As much as you hate to go against your instincts, you were only here once and it was over five hundred years ago. Your memory of things isn’t going to be correct due to the changes in the landscape alone. Even if the maps aren’t giving the exact location, they’re at least a more reliable guideline brought back by people who managed to survive this land.

“Okay, we’ll use the maps. We’re going to have to endure this weather either way I suppose and we’ll be less likely to get lost.” You remark.

You continue your journey using the maps. It turns out to be a good idea, but nothing is stopping the cold and freezing ice storm that hits hard within a couple hours.

What remaining horses and other pack animals you had left end up either panicking or outright collapse from the exhaustion. Your group ends up having to dig out a shelter and hunker down for the storm to pass. Food isn’t much of a problem since you just butcher the animals that are dying any way. Fire isn’t either since you can conjure it up. Still, it’s not an ideal situation and others in the group are starting to experience minor frostbite and argue with one another.

You tell everyone to shut up and listen when you hear a rumbling sound approaching close by. Some think it’s just the sounds of the storm, but you point out that it must be something else since the ground is vibrating a bit.

“Giant! Get the hell up and move!” you exclaim and the group scrambles to run out of the make shift shelter. Some of you even make it out before a large foot crushes it.

Now the term giant has never been used lightly, they’re called that for a reason. However, this one is certainly larger than average. In fact, you don’t even think it noticed you when it squashed some of your group. Well it didn’t at first at least, when it feel the gushiness of flattened humans on its foot along with seeing several scattering about the snow, it comes to the conclusion that a giant could only logically come to, namely flatten the rest of you as well.

“Spread out! Spread out! He’s going to swing that damn club!” you shout. Meanwhile, the giant successfully crushes a couple of the soldiers with his club and at this point you don’t know where the hell anyone else is because their fear has caused them to run out of your line of sight which is small enough with the ice storm hindering long range viewing.

You roll out of the way of a club slam and run up to the giant’s foot and begin hacking at the back tendon. It isn’t easy since the giant’s skin is calloused to the point where it acts like armor. You only manage to cause a superficial wound before He nearly crushes you again. Realizing you aren’t getting anywhere with that approach, you resort to magic and literally give the giant a hot foot, burning the skin enough to cause a roar of pain. The giant starts moving his foot to sooth the injury in the cold snow.

You look up and can barely make out the top half of this monster through the storm. You aren’t sure if it’s going to work with the storm being as bad as it is, but you’re going to try anyway. You cast more fire at the giant, not at his foot though, but at his loincloth which is undoubtedly made of some sort of fur. You don’t stop flinging fire until you’re confident that the flames aren’t going out any time soon.

Predictably the giant starts beating its own flaming crotch in an effort to stop the burning sensation, bellowing so loudly that you image all of Rask can hear. The giant runs away from the combat area grabbing snow and ice around it and throwing it on the still burning fur loincloth.

“Sheesh, that brings a whole new meaning to the term fireballs.” A voice shouts behind you. You turn around and see a figure completely bundled up in snow gear standing with others dressed in a similar manner. Naturally you’re ready for a fight, but the one who spoke holds up his hands.

“Hold on there! Are you part of the expedition group? We just bumped into a few of them running from the giant. Said one of you was actually insane enough to fight the damn thing.”
“Yes, what have you done with them?!”
“Nothing! We were on patrol, got caught in the storm and then we heard all the screaming and came to investigate. Your people are right over this small hill here with some more of us. Normally, we’d just send you all on your way and tell you that you were fools to come to Rask in the first place, but now that we’ve seen you in action, I can’t help but think the Vision Lord would want to meet you.”

Vision Lord?

“Are you the Eyes?” you ask.
“We are from the Order of the Eye and I’m Sightmaster Crowley but if we’re going to talk, I’d prefer it if we’d do it at Fort Everwatch. You and the others can rest up there.”
“And if we don’t want to go with you?”
“Then you don’t go and you all can return to wherever it is you came from. We’re not holding anyone prisoner, though the lady of your group, a Miss Mol I believe, says you’ve been looking for us. As I said normally we try to keep to ourselves and turn away most visitors, but given that we’re inviting you in with open arms I should think you wouldn’t turn down this opportunity. Besides, I’m fairly certain that none of us here wants to tangle with the guy that just chased away ol’ Snowtop single handedly.”
“What, that giant?”
“If you hadn’t noticed, he’s not just any giant, if he was, he’d be dead by now. He’s probably the oldest living frost giant that we know of and he’s tougher than a troll steak and almost taller than some of the smaller mountains in this area. Fortunately he seems to only wander about during these bad ice storms that usually no idiot would be caught in, but then here we are.”

And here you are. You insist that you want to see Jennifer before going anywhere. Crowley takes you to see her and the few survivors. She’s glad to see you’re alive and hugs you. Her enthusiasm for this trip hasn’t diminished and she definitely wants to go see the Eyes’ home, despite the fact that you all were nearly crushed to death by a giant, though that can’t be said for some of her employees. You’re just glad she’s all right and you’re within reach of your destination.

It doesn’t take too long to get to Fort Everwatch. It wasn’t anywhere near Fort Defiance once stood though so its just as well that you didn’t go that way. Everwatch isn’t particularly large or fancy, but it does look like it was built to stand the test of time. The interior is just as utilitarian Other than symbols of an eye adorning various parts of the fort, it actually reminds you of an old Empire fort. You can’t help but feel at home here despite only just entering the place.

You are brought to a great hall area and Crowley says he’s going to fetch the Vision Lord. In the meantime he’s tells you all to stay here, but feel free to look around.

“This is pretty exciting, I hope they’ll let us take something back from this place.” Jennifer says while looking at the various plaques.
“Anything’s possible I suppose, but they don’t look like they’re much into luxuries. The only decorations here seem to be dedicated to their fallen like these plaques or those eye symbols…oh wait, they seem to have battle trophies as well, check out that giant’s skull hanging high on the left wall.” You remark still feeling a little wary of things.

Eventually Crowley comes back with who you guess to be the Vision Lord. The Vision Lord doesn’t look particularly impressive despite his name though it is certain by the scars on his face he is no stranger to battle. You were expecting him to be a lot older though as it stands he looks about your age…well not counting your five-century nap of course.

He stares at you, Jennifer and the rest for a moment and then he points to Jennifer.

“I’m guessing you and this lot come from the Nalin Republic.”
“How did you know?” Jennifer asks.
“Where else would you come from? You’re certainly not from one of the six cities of Arat. They’re too busy with their petty squabbles. Besides, we’ve come across some of your type before wandering up here. A few of them even joined our group rather than head back down.”
“You recruited our explorers?!” Jennifer says.
“Yes, if they showed promise and desired to join. I’m sure you might even bump into a couple of them in this place assuming you haven’t already. Now you on the other hand…you are very interesting. Your armor looks as if it comes from another time, you can cast magic with ease and I heard you fended off Snowtop all by yourself. That’s a feat so impressive I can’t imagine you are native to the Republic.” the Vision Lord remarks and points to you.
“What I find interesting is this place and from what I can tell by your commemorations of the your fallen, you feel keeping history is important. So tell me, did Warrick have this fort built or was it sometime after his death?” you say causing some eyebrows to raise.
“You know of Vision Lord Warrick then? Not many outside our order know our founder. How did you come across this information?”
“Easy. We were practically siblings. He was an Eternal, just like I am. He wasn’t a Vision Lord back then, just a Sightmaster, though I guess he felt the need to assign himself a higher title. Doesn’t matter. I’m just glad to see another piece of the old Empire still alive, even if it has taken a very different form.”

With this response the Vision Lord steps back and the other Eyes now begin whispering amongst themselves.

“So, the rumors are true. An Eternal does walk the earth again and it is indeed the one Vision Lord Warrick mentions in his writings. As you might expect we don’t get much news this way and we don’t venture too far from here, let alone Rask. In fact the few recruits we manage to get are probably our biggest source of new information. Tell me, how is it that you live?”

You explain the exact situation as vaguely as you did to Jennifer and Quintus. The cataclysm struck suddenly, you were encased in a magic shell, etc. etc. and eventually Jennifer’s crew dug you up.

“I see. How unfortunate that you came in contact with the Republic first, but then I suppose it’s better than being stuck in a magic coffin. Still, you’re here now and I believe you will find a better home here.” The Vision Lord remarks.
“What?”
“I’m inviting you to stay with us. Come now. This Order was founded by an Eternal I’m somewhat familiar with their mindset based on the writings of Vision Lord Warrick. I can only imagine the dull tedium you’ve endured in the Republic. How have you managed to occupy your time?”
“Do not presume you know me based on the writings of Warrick. Truth be told, he didn’t exactly create the Eyes, at least not in their original form. The Eyes were originally created by this woman’s great ancestor Jacob Mol.” You say pointing to Jennifer.

The Vision Lord nods his head a bit.

“Apologies. I did not mean to offend. And if as you say this lady’s ancestor had a hand in creating the Eyes then we’ve been doubly blessed by the presence of her as well. However, I do believe that you were and still are a man of battle and war. And again I can’t imagine those things being in great supply in the Republic. Surely you would enjoy living here instead. You would be great asset in our own war of extermination of the wendigo. We could certainly use the help.”

This is a sudden offer and certainly one you weren’t expecting. The strange thing is it isn’t out of the question either. A few days ago you were just going on about to Jennifer about how you were restless in the Republic even with your efforts to help restructure it into a new empire. A glorious undertaking to be sure, but one you’ve had doubts about recently.

Now this opportunity is certainly less impressive, but there’s something alluring about its simplicity. All you would have to concern yourself with is the battle. The war. The victories over your enemies in melee combat. You’d even live in a place that’s much comfortable to you.

Of course there’s also Jennifer to think about, but while your relationship with her is blooming into something more romantic what future do you have with her really? She’s not even like Alison in that she’s a warrior and can truly connect with you on some level even if she does make the attempts.

There’s also the fact that you’ve been worried about her the whole trip. Will you continue to worry about her and allow that to be a weakness to be exploited? If she’s killed will you go through the same emotional ruin you did when Alison was murdered? Do you even want to deal with any of that again?

You tell the Vision Lord that you and he are going to have to discuss this all in more detailed before you make a decision. Jennifer looks concerned when you say this, but doesn’t say anything. The Vision Lord says that while you and he talk, the rest of your group can rest up or feel free to explore as there is nothing of major value and he trusts nobody would be foolish enough to steal anything.

You speak with the Vision Lord (who reveals his name is Kells) for quite awhile on the current situation of his order as well as the history of this place and Rask in general. He also remarks about how the Eyes are so hated and feared by the wendigo. As you might’ve guessed magic is in play, but only to a minor degree. Over the centuries the Eyes have managed to focus their minds to create shields against wendigo mental attacks along with being able to banish them to oblivion. (Still vulnerable to normal death through wendigo hosts obviously though)

After your discussion he tells you that he’ll leave you to your decision, but that he hopes you’ll stay. You then speak with Jennifer about your situation; naturally she wants you to return with her and explains all reasons why. You end up sleeping on the offer and pondering everything some more, but ultimately the decision is up to you.
> You stay at Fort Everwatch
Since you’ve been dug up, you’ve been trying to make a go of your new life and while it hasn’t been all bad, you feel like ultimately you’re just living a shell of your old life that’s been gone a long time.

You don’t belong to this time, even the new “empire” you’re trying to help re-establish isn’t going to be the one you knew. Maybe some things should just stay in the past.

If you stayed here at least you’d be doing something you actually felt somewhat connected to. Really the only thing you’re going to possibly miss is Jennifer, but she’s not enough for you to stay and she’ll be better off without you in her life anyway.

No point in second guessing your decision. You’re going to stay. You go tell Vision Lord Kells immediately. He’s very happy.

“Excellent! Your presence here will be a great asset to the Eyes! Together we’ll wipe out the wendigo completely from this land!” Kells exclaims.
“I’m sure. However, I’ve got one more thing to do before I join. I have to explain all this to my companion Jennifer and escort her back to Quala.”
“Of course, I understand. Your official ceremony will begin when you return.”

You approach Jennifer who is already packed and ready to go, but when she sees your face she already knows what you’ve chosen to do.

“No…no, you’re not really staying are you?” she asks.
“I’m sorry Jennifer, but I just can’t deal with your time anymore. I don’t know maybe it’s all the complicated politics or the new technology or I just feel constantly out of place, or a combination of several things, but I feel more at home here than I ever did at Nalin.”
“But what about the Empire?! You’re helping it live again! How can you leave now?”
“It’s not my Empire and it never will be. I believe I have helped Quintus enough in getting the foundations in place if he really wants to go forth with the plan he has. If anything I’m doing him a favor by bowing out now. I probably would’ve only ended up killing him anyway.”
“But…but…what about…”
“Us? (Sigh) I think you’d be better off with someone…well more your age for one thing, but also someone with similar interests as you. I believe you’re more enamored by the idea of me.”
“I’m not some idiot with a school girl crush you know! I have genuine feelings for you!” Jennifer exclaims.
“Look, I know and I have feelings for you as well, but it’s just not enough and you’ll be better off in the long run anyway.”

Jennifer looks at you with a mixture of sadness, frustration and anger.

“…fine. You’ve obviously made up your mind about this. And I know how stubborn your Eternal mind works, so let’s not argue about this any longer. You might be right anyway, but I think this decision of yours sucks and is ultimately selling yourself out of a good future. And I’m not talking about just us. I’m talking about all the work you put into trying to resurrect the Empire and now just walking away from it all. I thought you were a man of greatness, but I see now that you are just a man…just like the rest.”

You try to tell Jennifer that you’ll escort her out of Rask, but she tells you she’ll be fine. Seeing that you aren’t going to take no for an answer she reluctantly agrees.

Your journey out of Rask is a quiet and uneventful one. If you weren’t already feeling the cold from the weather, you’d most certainly be feeling it from Jennifer who says nothing to you the whole time.

When you eventually get to the Flogger tribe borders, you part company with Jennifer and the rest. You tell your soldiers to let command know that you won’t be returning and not to bother to come find you.

You try to say goodbye to Jennifer one last time, but she’s already walking towards Quala with her crew. Having nothing else to do, you return to Everwatch to begin your new life.

The Eyes have a big ceremony for you and you’re appointed as a Sightmaster immediately due to your vast years of experience and magic. Kells catches you up on all the procedures and a little more history, but for the most part you’re still wondering if you have made the right decision.

After a month of slaying creatures and banishing wendigos you get in the swing of things and your thoughts about anything connected to Nalin start to lessen.

Within the year, you feel completely at home with only the occasional fleeting thoughts of concerns outside of Rask. Sometimes you half expect someone from Nalin to come, but nobody does. You imagine Quintus is glad to have you conveniently out of his life now (assuming he succeeded with his Empire idea without you) and Jennifer has gotten over you.

Just proves that you weren’t really missed or wanted after all and you did make the right decision. At least here you feel genuinely respected and wanted.

Years go by and you settle into your routine. It’s a very simple one and in time when Vision Lord Kells dies of natural causes, it’s very evident that you are the one to take up the mantle.

Years become decades and Rask continues to remain fairly isolated. You sometimes wonder if Quintus was ever successful and if he’s still emperor or if he failed and Nalin is still a republic. You sometimes also wonder what Jennifer is doing. One time you walked all the way to the Rask borders only to turn back, resisting the sudden urge to revisit that life.

This is your life now and you’re going to stick with this one.

You do begin to have some concerns about the potential future of the Eyes. You’re essentially an isolated “monk” order dedicated to wiping out dangerous monsters. Attrition through combat is not only taking its toll, but age is as well. A discussion about a potential remedy like say actively trying to go outside Rask to recruit new members is held, but ultimately nothing is done.

So ultimately you continue until eventually all that’s left of the order is a few old men and yourself, also of old age by that time.

You all go out one day and never come back.