Elam’s always had wild ideas, but this “immortality” plan just sounds too far-fetched and quite frankly more than a little risky. You’d be sacrificing the original plan entirely just to what? Live forever as a brain in a tank? What kind of life is that?

Even if something were set up so you could interact with the outside world, you’d still be very limited. Never again could you lift a weapon or cast a spell and face your enemies in battle. Never again could you enjoy the company of Decena in a meaningful way. And what of other potential mates when you eventually outlive her? You can’t imagine how you could be satisfied with the existence even if you did manage to conquer the rest of the world. Who knows what the long-term effects would be. You still think you’d probably go mad eventually.

If the immortality involved your current body, you’re not even sure you’d accept it. Not with how much you ache on a regular basis. No, immortality was never in the cards for you. This “life” wasn’t even supposed to happen, so why entertain an impossible dream? You’ve achieved much in this life and if the end is coming soon then so be it.

“I’m not spending the rest of my life as a disembodied brain for any reason. We’re sticking with the original plan regardless of the consequences. However, I’m also not quite eager to shuffle off this mortal coil just yet, so we’re going to take the safety precautions and try to keep me alive. So when are we to start?”
“Uh...well, whenever you are of course my Emperor. I mean you’ll have to collect the babies for this project first, then after that’s done, we can get started.” Elam says.
“Okay then, I’ll have the Eyes gather candidates right away. In fact, given the nature of this project, I’m going to tell them to get an equal amount of males and females. As for you two I want you to gather whatever staff and equipment you need.”

Elam and Zana both acknowledge your command and leave when you dismiss them. Elam makes one last attempt at asking if you’re sure you don’t want to be immortal to which you tell him you’ve made your decision.

Now all you have to do is tell Decena which you do so later that night.

“…so that’s the process. If it succeeds spectacularly I’ll still be alive and we’ll have fertile new eternals. If it fails spectacularly then none of that will be true.” You finish explaining to her.
“And you’re sure this is what you want to do?” Decena asks.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well I wasn’t aware that Elam had found a potential way to keep you alive forever.”
“As a brain in a jar or tank or whatever? You really think I’d want to live like that? He needs more time to perfect the process anyway and who know how long that would be if ever?”
“No, I suppose you’re right. I wouldn’t like to live like that either. Who wants to live forever right? But about this other process, you’ll be putting your life in danger, are you certain it will work?”
“Elam and this Zana are both confident that it will. While Elam’s always been a bit on the eccentric side and prone to take risks, he’s always come through on his projects and Zana’s likely to err on the cautious side anyway due to being raised by gnomes. In any case I’m more than willing to take this risk if it’s going to bring about what we’ve been talking about for the last few years.”

Decena smiles at your response.

“I think that’s one of many the things that I’ve always loved about you. Your willingness to put yourself at risk for the good of the Empire. You’ve never been one of those rulers that has shied away from potential danger. There is one thing I ask though. I mean regardless of whether or not the process is successful, if you don’t survive it. I mean if this indeed it, I want to be with you during this moment.” Decena says holding your hand.
“Of course. You’ll always be by my side.” You answer and kiss her.

After a bit more discussion, it’s also agreed upon that Brenda and Warrick should probably be there as well.

Over the next few days, the Eyes acquire the Eternal candidates and soon everything is ready. You arrive at the Eternal factory with Decena, Brenda and Warrick. Elam, Zana, and several technician and physician types run around hooking up strange machinery and placing the babies in the tanks. Gregory is also here and goes up to you nervously telling you that he’s very concerned, as none of this extra equipment looks very safe.

Eventually Elam and Zana approach.

“Everything is ready my Emperor! One hundred candidates all hooked up in the tanks, all we need is to strap you in to that chair over there and we can get started.” Elam points to a chair that looks more like a torture device you’ve had used on enemies before…in fact you think it IS and Elam’s just modified it!

“I have to say you’re a braver man than I.” Warrick says clapping you on the shoulder.
“Yeah, I mean I’m just looking at that thing and it looks painful.” Brenda says.
“Well I have faith that you’ll laugh off any pain and come out of this alive.” Decena exclaims.
“Glad to hear someone that’s optimistic about this. Well no point in drawing this out, let’s do this.” You say and walk towards the chair.

Sit in the chair and get strapped in. This is followed by several painful needles being stuck in your arms, legs and chest with rubber tubes hooked up to a large machine, which in turn is hooked up to the tanks. Decena stands close by the entire time.

“Don’t worry my Emperor. I’ll make sure Elam doesn’t push the controls too hard. Unlike him, I actually was born with a sense of safety.” Zana says checking on your lines.
“Well glad to have you working on this then.” You respond.
“I’m glad just to have this chance to work on this my Emperor. You don’t know how long I’ve waited for the opportunity to work so closely on something directly involving you. It is a very great honor. One that I shall never forget for as long as I live.” Zana says and leaves smiling at you and Decena to check on what Elam is doing.

As you’re mentally attempting to prepare yourself, suddenly Decena whispers in your ear.

“I don’t trust her.” Decena says.
“What?” you answer.
“Zana. I don’t trust her. Something doesn’t feel right about her.”
“Like what? Did she say or do something? Because I rechecked her file that the Eyes had on her and she’s nothing but clean. Well maybe except a lack of judgment in sexing up Elam on occasion, but I can’t imagine there are a lot of choices in human males in New Dessel.”
“I dunno. It’s her tone. The way she’s being so eager to please. It’s almost as if she’s trying too hard and has a hidden agenda.”
“So what are you saying?”
“I don’t want her on this project. I feel you’re in direct danger with her at the helm of those controls.”

Decena is quite serious in this accusation and you have no idea how to respond.

“Decena, Zana worked on this right along side Elam.”
“Well I don’t know, maybe they’re in it together! Or just have Elam perform this procedure, I don’t care, but I DON’T want that woman involved in this procedure any longer!”

At this point Decena has made enough noise to call the attention of several people, including Zana and Elam who come over.

“What seems to be the problem my Emperor? Are you having last minute concerns? If so, we can call a halt to this…” Elam asks.
“No, Elam. I’m fine. Decena is just having I believe some last minute concerns.”
“My Empress, as I said, I will make sure that your beloved…” Zana starts to say before being interrupted.

“Silence bitch!” Decena snaps and everyone is silent.

“I don’t know what you have planned exactly, but let me make this clear. I DON’T TRUST YOU. And I don’t want YOU working on this project any longer!” Decena says.
“My Emperor, with all due respect, I need Zana to help me with this!” Elam exclaims.

At this point Zana begins to protest her innocence in a polite way, trying very hard not to sound out of line, but Decena isn’t hearing any of it and even draws her pistol.

“Decena, are you sure you’re not just scared that I’m going to die and deep down you don’t want me to go through with this because you want me around a little longer?” you ask.

Decena grabs your hand and looks straight at you.

“My love, there are many times you could’ve died and while it was always a concern, I always accepted it as a possibility. If you died in battle, then it would have purpose at least. You would have been serving the Empire. Even if you died of old age or some other natural cause I could accept it because you would have still died serving the Empire. And IF you die in this process then I can accept it, because you will be dying to secure the future of the Empire.”

Decena pauses and takes a deep breath and turns to everyone else while pointing at Zana.

“But I cannot accept you going helplessly into danger like this. THIS woman has ill intent. I FEEL it in my heart. I FEEL it in what I guess would be my soul. EVERY warning, EVERY instinct about her is telling me that she is wishing you unwell. All of us perhaps. I can’t even prove it, but I don’t need to when I FEEL it.”

Decena then turns back to you.

“My love, if you genuinely believe this woman has no ill intent then I will as always defer to your judgment, however if you trust my judgment on this matter even a little bit, then I beg of you to let me kill her where she stands.”

At this point both Zana and Elam’s eyes widen. The nearby technicians almost shuffle back as if not wishing to get caught in the fallout. Even Brenda and Warrick are a little surprised by this.

Elam at this point once again begs you not to kill Zana as he needs her for this project to work. Zana stays silent, though she probably believes that anything she’d say at this point might cause Decena to shoot her anyway.

And here you thought the only thing you were going to have to worry about today was trying to stay alive long enough to create some fertile Eternals…
> You let Zana live
As much as Decena is just trying to look out for you, you can’t imagine that if Zana was up to something you wouldn’t have caught it by now. Actually you’d be more worried if she wasn’t on this project considering that she’s been assisting Elam from day one. She’s pretty much vital.

“Decena, I tell you with absolute certainty that I trust this woman and do not believe she means any ill intent. I understand that you’re concerned about my safety, but Zana is needed for this project and has proven her dedication to it from the beginning. Honestly, I’d rather have her around if only to keep Elam’s tendency towards…overenthusiasm in check.”
“Emperor, I assure you, I will be…” Elam starts to say, but you interrupt him.
“Yes, yes, I know. But as I said, I’d still feel comfortable with Zana assisting you. In any case, that is my decision Decena.”

Decena looks very apprehensive; she probably didn’t think you’d side against her. She nearly starts to say “but…” however she stops herself and just gives you a nod.

“Very well, as I said, I will defer to your judgement on this matter, but if anything starts going wrong, you know who’s head is going to roll first.” She says looking at Zana.

“Well, I guess nothing better go wrong Zana.” You say.
“Nothing will go wrong, my Emperor. Everything will go according as planned, that I promise.” Zana remarks.

With that out of the way the procedure continues and you and Decena exchange one kiss for what might be the last time.

Elam pulls the lever and the process begins. Lights, buzzing, rumbling, and all manner of machinery noises can be heard throughout the room.

The oddest thing is you’re not feeling as much pain as you thought you would. There is definitely a tingling sensation and it feels as if all your hair is standing on end, but you’ve felt things a lot more painful.

You are however feeling very tired and it is all very draining. Eventually you can’t fight it anymore and you start to fall unconscious…

Then all of a sudden you feel a surge running all through your body, which wakes you back up. Your body begins to go into convulsions and you start to foam from the mouth. Basically you’re being electrocuted.

“Zana! There’s something wrong! Turn down those dials!” Elam shouts, but Zana does nothing of the sort, instead she uses some sort of device that fries the controls and runs off pushing a technician out of the way.

“SHIT! I KNEW IT! GET HER!” Decena shouts and attempts to untie your straps, but the electric pulse running through your body is so strong that the charge knocks her down and even stuns her. Elam runs attempt to turn off the machine from another source.

Zana doesn’t get far, as Warrick and Brenda easily catch her, but it’s for naught as she reveals a bomb hidden on her person, blowing herself and them up as well. The blast also manages to destroy several tanks, machinery and kill several staff along with Elam. On the plus side, it stops the electrical current frying your body inside out, unfortunately its too late and you’re well on your way to death. Your mind isn’t even functioning anymore save for a faint sense that you’re still alive.

The secondary explosions from other machinery on fire finishes you off, along with Decena who doesn’t recover fast enough to get out of the blast, though perhaps when she saw your own condition in those moments, she didn’t want to go on.

With the death of you and all the other top Eternals, the Empire soon descends into factions of the newer third and fourth generation Eternals fighting over who is the rightful “heir.” The other races either get caught in the middle or break off into their own factions.

This massive civil war would be the final days of the Empire.


Year 67

Peace is a good thing for most people and in your elderly years you can even sort of appreciate it a little more, but the problem is, you’ve got hundreds of new Eternals who have been bred and trained for war and nobody to send them up against.

To be honest you thought maybe that Semra would make good on her claim of resurrecting the “Svelk Empire” again and perhaps invade with an armada filled with svelk warriors, but haven’t heard or seen a svelk since you last spoke to her. Then again she did say it wouldn’t happen in your lifetime.

While you haven’t put as much time and money into exploration any more, there are still efforts being made by private expeditions, but nobody has had much luck in finding any new lands worthwhile.

In any event you’re going to have to have them do something with them soon, just maybe not today. You also have to meet with Elam, since apparently he’s come up with a possible solution to the sterility problem of the eternals.

“Well, I’m sure we’ll find something for them to do, but let me just say you’ve done a fine job with them as usual.” You say to Brenda.
“Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll be able to effectively train the next batch. At least not full time. Getting sort of…”
“You don’t need to say it. Trust me, we’re all getting that way, don’t worry I’m going to have Decena training the fifth gen. Training’s definitely going to go a little differently, but then if my meeting with Elam is going to be a positive one then these next Eternals are going to be different anyway.”
“So the rumors are true? Elam’s figured out a way?”
“So he says. Trust me, I’m just as surprised as you are. In any case, I’m off to meet him.”

You bid Brenda goodbye and head to the location where new eternals are “born.” When you arrive a couple of workers and ask if the children will be arriving today to which you reply no and ask if Elam has arrived yet. They tell you that Elam has indeed arrived and is waiting in Chief Supervisor Gregory’s office. They also mention that a woman came with him. You have no idea who that could be. Girlfriend perhaps? If so, you honestly didn’t know Elam even paid any attention to anything that wasn’t scientifically related.

You enter the office just in time to see Elam criticizing Gregory’s lack of adventure in his chosen profession.

“Bah! You’ve always been too cautious Gregory! Even the gnomes with all their needless safety pre-cautions aren’t as timid! That’s why you’re still here watching tanks and I’m creating new and better things for the Empire!” Elam boasts.
“Really…I’m fine…I like it here…” Gregory says quietly and then looks in your direction and straightens up in his chair.
“See? What did I tell you Zana? Same ol’ Gregory! Hah! Oh Emperor! Didn’t see you there! Apologies.”

You tell everyone to dismiss the formalities and tell Gregory to leave as you have important business with Elam. He nods, and leaves. The woman though does not. You have no idea who she except she looks to be in her thirties, wears spectacles, has long curly red hair and is dressed in technician’s clothing similar to Elam.

“I trust this woman is somehow important to what we have to discuss, otherwise you would not have her here?” you say sitting down.
“Oh! Yes, apologies once again. This is Zana, and she’s been invaluable in helping me on not just this project, but on several others in the past.” Elam says.
“Zana? Why have I not heard of her before? I know the gnomes let Elam into their city on my insistence, but I didn’t realize we had another human inventor there.” You say.
“Oh, she was born there, Emperor.”
“What?”

At this point Zana speaks for herself.

“Actually Elam as I’ve told you once before, I wasn’t born in New Dessle I was just raised there. Sometimes I wonder how you invent so well with your memory as foggy as it is. At least our Emperor has a good reason for not remembering me. He has an entire Empire to rule.” Zana says playfully pushing his shoulder.
“Wait. We’ve met?” you ask.
“Oh yes. We briefly met when you first incorporated New Dessle into the Empire. I’m Klemto’s adopted daughter.”

That was so long ago, you barely remember, though you’re starting to now. Yes, she was only a teenager then.

“Ah yes…starting to remember. I remember you ran up to Klemto telling him that you wanted to help fix your lighting system. Klemto gave you permission, but was slightly embarrassed that you interrupted his meeting with me and then only briefly greeted me before running off.”
“Good memory. I know it’s late, but I apologize for my impetuous youthful ways.”
“None necessary. Wasn’t offended then either, in fact I remember applauding Klemto for raising such a child that wished to serve their community in a meaningful way.”
“I thank you my Emperor. And I have continued to serve the Empire in the same way.”
“I believe it, otherwise Elam wouldn’t have you here, so I’m guessing you both must have come up with a solution to our problem. So let’s discuss that, shall we?”

Elam begins to excitedly tell you about all the tests they did and a lot of scientific talk without actually getting to the point. He particularly enjoys talking about how some of the fourth generation eternals you granted him permission to take for testing years ago, managed to reproduce under the right conditions. He mentions it was only the one girl and she died in the process, but the child she gave birth too managed to actually survive for a few minutes.

When this doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence, Zana speaks up again.

“What Elam means to say, that despite the limited success, we have definitely found a way to make the next set of Eternals fertile. The magical process is what is causing the problem. At first we thought it was too much magic, but in actuality it’s too little.” Zana explains.
“Really?”
“Yes, despite enhancing many of the traits of the eternals with each generation, the magical energy has been too specific in its task. The Eternal’s body should be completely immersed in the energy while in the tank and then the appropriate chemical mixtures can be added, and then…well I won’t bore you again with technical talk. Rest assured though we both believe very strongly that it will work.
“So…what? Do we need to sacrifice an entire mage for a single fertile Eternal?” you ask.
“Well…that would work, if you had the numbers, but from what I do know, magic has been on the decline for some time now. There are…what? Like twenty mages in the whole Empire now? Most of which are old men and women and none of them particularly very powerful. Not powerful enough for our purposes even if we did completely drain them. Honestly we would need someone with at least the power that Galen had, but unfortunately as you know we used him as a test subject, which ended up helping us come to this conclusion in the first place. Not all is lost and we can still accomplish this, but…”

Zana hesitates to even speak it and even Elam who is usually in an excited state is very somber looking. You get the impression you already know where they’re going to go with this…

“Let me guess. I have to sacrifice myself.” You say.

Elam and Zana don’t answer.

“Well?”
“Yes, but we still aren’t sure about the results, I mean this isn’t an exact science… I mean…”
“Not an exact science? Then what the fuck are we talking about Elam? Zana just said she was certain it would work! Now you’re telling me it might not and I’m supposed to kill myself in the process?”
“No! That’s not what I mean! (Exhale) Look what I mean is I believe we can set it up so you’ll be able to survive the process. I mean you’re so powerful and your magical abilities are vast. I mean even for a man your age you’re in good physical condition and you can withstand more pain than most. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but…I THINK if we take the necessary safety precautions, you’ll be able to survive this process, but the downside is we’re not going to be able to do this with a thousand or even half that number of potential eternal candidates. We can do it with a hundred maximum and you will definitely lose all your magical abilities in the process.” Elam says and is beginning to sweat.

“And what do you say about this Zana? Do you believe this could be done?”
“I won’t lie. I don’t know. I mean yes it is possible if we were very careful and severely lowered the amount of Eternal candidates, you might survive, but I just don’t know. I do know that the process will still result in the desired outcome for the Eternals though.”
“However, there is another process that Zana and I have discussed that may be more desirable to you.” Elam suddenly exclaims.

Elam takes a deep breath and asks you.

“How would you like to be immortal?”
“This is a joke right?”
“No joke my Emperor. I’m very serious.” Elam says and you have no doubt that he is, though Zana looks skeptical.
“Elam, the Emperor wants to hear real solutions, not theories.”
“It’s no theory! I’m starting to get results! In fact I dare say I’m even more certain about this approach than the one with the Eternals! Emperor, if you give me a little more time to perfect the…”
“Elam, will you explain from the beginning for once?!” you shout.
“Yes. Apologies my Emperor. Okay. It’s going to sound crazy, but then I’m sure the concept of a ship that flies in the air did once too right? I believe I’ve found a way to keep a person alive long after their body has died.”

Already you’re joining Zana in your skepticism.

“Sounds like magic to me. Specifically necromancy. Last I remember you weren’t a necromancer Elam and I have no intention on being some mindless walking corpse.”
“No it’s not raising the dead, it’s science! No magic involved at all! In fact YOU wouldn’t have to do much of anything. Y’see, all I need is your brain.” Elam says with a creepy grin.

Well this conversation has taken an interesting turn.

“Elam I don’t know if you’re aware, but I sort of need that to live in the first place.”
“(Sigh) What my over zealous colleague is trying to say is he’s been doing experiments in his spare time on various human subjects. Well, not ALL human subjects, but specifically the brain. He’s managed to remove entire brains and keep the subject alive.” Zana interjects.
“WHAT?! I just said I have no intention on walking around like a mindless corpse!” you exclaim.
“No, he’s not keeping the subject’s bodies alive. He’s been able to keep the brains alive. At least for a little while…”
“I’ll be able to keep them alive indefinitely with a little more time!” Elam exclaims.

Now this conversation has just gotten weird. You rub your face and head with your hands and try to assess the situation.

“Okay wait. Let me get this straight. You’re saying you can remove my brain and keep me alive? How? Where the hell would I be? How would I do anything?”
“Well that’s why I need a little more time. However, YOU would be floating in a tank filled with certain chemicals.”
“Floating in a tank?”
“Yes, well at least temporarily. I mean I believe we could in time hook you up to a machine system so that perhaps your brain waves could control something like the automatons that we create in New Dessel. I believe with your innate magic powers you could probably tap into some sort of telepathic ability with the right jolts of electricity to the tank. You’d be able to give orders to people through their minds so communication might not be a problem…” Elam says and continues speaking, but you’re starting to get overwhelmed.

This is absolutely insane what you’re hearing. And not just the brain part, you mean all of it. Even the way to make the Eternals fertile sounds crazy. Especially given some of the experiments that were performed in order to explore the possibility in the first place. Now Elam’s telling you he’s been cutting brains out of people and keeping them alive and he’s suggesting on putting YOU in a tank. You can’t help but see the irony of being in a tank for the rest of your life.

And the strangest part about all this? You’re more than willing to entertain both ideas.

If you sacrifice yourself so that the new eternals can breed then it won’t be one in vain. Quite frankly how many more worthwhile years do you have left anyway? Maybe it would be better to die so that a legacy of sorts can live forever. Besides, there is always the possibility that you could survive the process. Of course there’s always the chance it could all fail horribly. Elam and Zana may seem very certain that it will work, but you still have your reservations.

As crazy as Elam’s idea sounds, part of it intrigues you. Immortality would give you that time you always wanted in past. Time enough to conquer the world. With immortality, you wouldn’t need to worry about some sort of legacy, you would always be. He says he needs more time to work on it though which is a concern, then there’s the fact that you’d be floating in a tank. Would you grow bored? Would you go mad? Would you even be “you?” Elam said there would be the possibility of setting something up so you could interact with the outside world, but again who knows if that will even work?

You’ve got a decision and you need to make one or the other.
> You immortality
It’s surely a mad plan that sounds impossible, but yet the appeal is there. Even you can’t believe you’re actually going for it, but deep down this is something you feel you need to do.

This idea of having fertile Eternals to “carry on” your legacy is a nice idea, but ultimately it isn’t “you.” Only you can lead the Empire to world order. Not to mention there is a risk of you dying in the process of creating said Eternals and then you’d have wait at least twelve or thirteen years just to see if the process literally produced positive results.

If you’re going to have to risk your life and wait around, you’d rather do it for the chance at immortality.

And given all the other wonders and feats you’ve seen or even done in this world who is to say this isn’t possible? Like Elam said, the concept of a machine like an airship was impossible at one time as well.

“How long would I have to wait for you to perfect this process you’re proposing?” you ask Elam, who gives a big grin at your willingness to choose his new plan.
“Not long a assure you my Emperor! As I said, I’ve already had limited success on a few test subjects already! In your case though, I will need to build a suitable containment for when…well you ascend to a higher state of being.”

Zana is shaking her head at this idea.

“My Emperor, while I know the desire for immortality is tempting, I really have to advise against this. Elam’s enthusiasm is far exceeding what is reality! While it is true he’s managed to keep a few animal brains alive for a few minutes, I’m fairly sure that that will be the extent of it. This isn’t even taking all the other risks and unforeseen problems that there will surely be. There is only so much science can do, it can’t conquer death.” Zana says.
“Your concerns are dully noted Zana. Elam, you will have any and all resources available to you for this project.” You say.
“I won’t fail you my Emperor. This will work I guarantee it!”
“Hrm. Well let’s sure hope so, because I’m putting my trust behind it and throwing away a plan that will not get the chance to be implemented again. In any event, I want to keep very close eye on this project. You said you’re going to have to build a container for me, well if I am going to spend the rest of my life in a tank, then it needs to be at my home. So I’m going to have the entire under palace cleared and open for this project to go down there. There should be more than enough room and if not, we’ll make additions. But you’ll be becoming a permanent fixture at the palace.” You say.
“I understand. Again, I thank you for this opportunity my Emperor.” Elam responds.

You tell Elam for him to get all of his equipment, staff and whatever else he currently needs together and arrangements will be made to have it hauled to the palace. Zana says she’s still skeptical of this plan, but if this is what you wish and if Elam still wants her help, then she will of course serve. Naturally Elam wants her working with him on this project.

Having settled on a new plan, all you have to do now is inform Decena…

“You’re going to have your what put in a what?” she exclaims.
“My brain would be placed in a tank of special chemicals. Elam says that due to my magic powers I could still communicate mentally with people with the proper electrical charges attached…” you don’t even get to finish, Decena is too overwhelmed by this information.

“This…this…can’t work? Can it? I mean…it sounds so impossible!”
“I know. Trust me, when Elam explained it, I thought the same thing, but…I have to try. I mean the other plan was nice and all, but really the risks were just as great and still involved an uncertain success as far as I was concerned.”
“Yeah I know you explained that plan, but…it sounded at least like they were ready to enact it. This one is going to involve more testing and who know how much more time? You’ll still have to risk your life and…”

You stop Decena.

“Decena, weren’t you the one that always believed I could find a way to be immortal?”
“Well yes, but I dunno…a brain in a tank? Is that really living?”
“Well Elam said that perhaps arrangements and improvements could be made in the future and that perhaps I could actually leave the tank via one of those automatons that we used in the Nakol and Iznac Wars. Look, the idea of being a disembodied brain isn’t exactly ideal, but at this point I’m starting to feel so much pain in my body on a daily basis that I’d almost be relieved to shed this old shell at this point. And what’s the alternative? Hope that a generation of Eternals can follow in my, or even your footsteps just because they can reproduce? Can’t do it. I have to shoulder the majority of the burden of keeping the Empire running. Nobody else. I have to attempt this plan and this is a worthwhile risk in my mind that I can take.”

“But…what about us? I mean…if this is all successful and everything goes well. How will our relationship remain as it is now?”

Decena touches your hand and then your face as if it’ll be the last time she’ll get to do it. You return her closeness, as you understand her concern.

“Decena, I know it will be difficult. Honestly if this process goes through successfully, you’re right our relationship will be very different, and perhaps you will be unable to love me in such a form, but…

Now Decena stops you.

“My glorious Emperor, don’t you know by now that I will always love you no matter what your form? That will never change. It’s just that I would miss the warmth of your body next to mine, our lips touching when we embrace. I can’t say that I am entirely sure of this plan, but I will as always defer and respect your judgment on this matter. If you believe this is possible, then I can think of nothing greater than your everlasting ruler ship over this world.”

And with this validation, you feel slightly better about your decision. Even though you never doubted that Decena wouldn’t be behind you, it’s still good to hear.

Your “siblings” on the other hand are a lot less supportive on the matter however.

“What?! I thought you were going through with the plan to create fertile Eternals!” Brenda exclaims.
“Yeah, I mean granted that plan sounded a little far fetched, but it seemed like it might be plausible. This just sounds well…insane.” Warrick adds.

The conversation doesn’t get any better from there. Brenda is probably more upset because of your plans to abandon the Eternal project entirely and place all resources into this immortality plan. You explain that for right now there isn’t any need for more Eternals due to having nowhere to really send the current fourth gens a place to fight anyway. No point in creating more super soldiers when you’ve already got more than enough right now and no war to which to send them.

Naturally Brenda sees this a sort of betrayal. She has grown attached to the younger Eternals and does see them as successors or in her case her surrogate children. You remind her though that they are neither. They are tools to the Empire just as you all were when you all were created. This doesn’t go over well with Brenda.

“So what, are we ALL just your tools too then?” Brenda asks.
“Brenda, I didn’t say you…” you start to say, but are interrupted.
“No, you said we’re all just tools for the Empire. That includes all of us. Look, maybe YOU got the chance to be the right hand of our old Emperor, and you have become his successor, but YOU also started out just like Warrick and I did!”
“Brenda, I think you need to calm down, I’m sure he didn’t…” Warrick says, but she won’t hear him.
“No Warrick, this needs to be said.” She says and turns back to you. You don’t say anything you’re content on listening to her rant.

“This plan of yours is vanity, pure and simple. Is your ego such that you cannot even accept your own WIFE taking over after you die? Would you really throw away a good chance of creating fertile Eternals who will carry on the Empire for a remote chance of living forever? You may rule the Empire, but do you really consider yourself bigger than it?”

You’ve heard enough and put up your hand.

“Brenda. I’ve allowed your outburst because you’re right, we three did start out together. I even see you as siblings of a sort and of course as friends. We all trained under that sadistic svelk bitch until the two of you were lucky enough to be separated. And yes you two were the lucky ones, because quite frankly sometimes I envy your ignorance on everything you’re STILL in the dark about. But shall I tell you? Seems like a perfect time.”

You start off by telling Brenda that Roldan wasn’t killed by a simple undead shadow assassin and in fact Semra had nothing to do with it like the Emperor’s propaganda said. You explain that the Emperor had Roldan killed just like he had your wife Alison killed AND was planning to kill you.

The reveal is definitely a shock to both Brenda and Warrick.

You continue by admitting that you weren’t even meant to be an Eternal in the first place. That you were a candidate by a red tape mistake and it was that same mistake that ultimately resulted in Casimir’s death.

“So Brenda, as you can see, perhaps I’m not entirely attached to the Eternals, because I wasn’t meant to be one in the first place. Yet here I am. Perhaps I seek immortality because I took it from Casimir. Casimir ruled the Empire for centuries and what did he do with it? Nothing much. I’ve ruled it for significantly less time and look at what it’s become. THINK what I could do if I had more time. I’ve built this nation to be better than it was. I’ve expanded its glory. I’ve defended its honor. I’ve sacrificed for it. I’ve done everything short of DIE for it and if I thought it would secure its continual future, then yes I would do that too.”

You move closer to Brenda and Warrick who sit in silence listening to your speech.

“You ask if I think I’m bigger than the Empire. No, I don’t…I AM the fucking Empire.”

You stare at them both very intensely.

“And only I can live forever.”

You end your speech telling them both that this is the way things are going to be and that they are welcome to be part of it as always.

And if they aren’t willing, then they had best stay out of the way.
>
Year 72

You have to admit as the years passed by on this project, you’d wondered if you were just chasing a dream, but it looks like that dream will soon be a reality.

Research has been tested, advancements have been made, test subjects have been used and hypotheses have been confirmed. Everything is coming together; the only thing that will be needed soon is you.

Still, despite you always stating how much your body aches and how much weaker and slower you are now, there is a part of you that is a little afraid of what this procedure will entail, namely an end to your life as you know it, but still living. It’s funny but how this is a little scary to you, even if simple death is not.

In fact Elam is probably more excited to see this through than even you are.

“My Emperor, we may begin the procedure any time you wish. Just let me know when we can get started.” Elam says.
“Does it have to be right now?” you ask.
“No, of course not my Emperor. I just thought you were eager to see this through.”
“You don’t need to push our Emperor, Elam. I’m sure he’d like to take care of some affairs before going through with this.” Zana remarks.
“Is all the machinery and equipment in working order? Has everything been inspected?” you ask.
“Of course my Emperor, I inspected everything myself. I figured you’d want someone that has a background with safety procedures doing that rather than Elam here.” Zana remarks with a teasing smile at Elam.
“Bah. YOU didn’t even think this was going to be possible!” Elam exclaims.
“Well I have to admit, it did sound very unlikely, but I suppose I never should’ve doubted your genius Elam.” Zana says and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.

While Zana and Elam are engaging in playfulness, you’re involved in making a life changing choice.

“Okay. We’ll do this in three days. That will give me time to take care of a few things I need to take care of, just in case the worst should happen. No point in drawing this out any longer than that. Everyone is dismissed until that time.” you say.

Elam and Zana both acknowledge your command and soon they and their staff all begin to leave. You however continue to stick around. When you’re finally all alone, you begin to walk closer to the giant tank in the room, which is hooked up to a system of machines. As you lean against your walking stick you can’t help marvel at the work that went into all this.

Gears, cogs, wires, levers, buttons, mechanical arms …you wonder how the hell some of this works. You’ve actually tried to keep up on the research since this project started, and while you understand a lot of the basic concepts, some of it just goes over your head. Though you aren’t sure if its because you’ve got so much on your mind that you can’t retain the information or if you just don’t have a knack for the technical stuff, or maybe you just find it all well…boring.

A speaker of sorts is attached to the tank and there are three specialized automatons standing nearby. You imagine that these are intended for you to be able to interact with the outside world in some fashion. Elam has admitted though that despite the very technical nature of this project he believes that this wouldn’t be as easy without your own magical abilities that will be able to tap the power of your mind. He’s gone on to say that this will be the ultimate successful blending of science and magic as far as he’s concerned. He better be right considering that all the testing took away most of your remaining mages.

In any event, this is where you’re going to spend the rest of your life.

“So, are you ready for immortality?” a voice says behind you. It’s Decena. It’s surprising to see her down here considering she’s only made one or two visits down here before since the project got underway. She’s told you that the less she knows about the project the less likely she’s libel to get worried about your safety and try to talk you out of it hence the lack of visits.

“I guess so.” You answer.
“You guess so? That doesn’t sound like the usual certainty you’ve always had about this plan.” Decena remarks.
“Oh, I’m certain. Just trying to take all of this in and get myself used to this room I suppose. Not sure why I’m even concerned about it really, I mean Casimir spent several centuries in a room practically by himself. This very room in fact or at least part of it before I had all the remodeling and expansion done to accommodate all the machinery. Its really surreal sometimes how I’m actually starting to follow in his footsteps. I sometimes wonder if he’d be proud of what I’ve managed to accomplish or if he’d just be very jealous.”

Decena walks over and puts her arm around you while you both stare at the giant tank.

“Well, I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished and everything you will accomplish after this procedure. So when will it be?”
“In three days, then Elam and Zana will be back here to perform it.”
“Hrm, I don’t care for that woman.” Decena remarks.
“So you’ve said during the times you wandered down here.”
“I dunno. Something about her just doesn’t sit right with me in the short moments I’ve spoken with her. She seems phony at times. Even the fact that she’s been concerned with this plan from the beginning and worried about your well being doesn’t seem genuine to me. If it hadn’t already been in the middle of the project when I first met her, I probably would’ve told you to have her removed from it.”
“Didn’t realize she had gotten under your skin so much. As you know though I rechecked her file that the Eyes had on her long before she started working on this project. She’s nothing but clean except maybe for a lack of judgment in sexing up Elam on occasion, but I can’t imagine there were a lot of choices in human males when they worked together in New Dessel.”
“As I said, I can’t place my finger on it, but there is something about her that doesn’t seem right with her. Does she need to be there for this procedure?”
“Well I don’t know. I mean she’s the main one that’s been working with Elam so I imagine so to some degree. She already did an inspection on the machinery without me even needing to tell her to do so.”

Decena doesn’t immediately respond to your answer instead she just walks forward towards the tank and touches it.

“Nothing can go wrong with this plan…” she says softly then she turns around.

“Can you have someone else inspect everything again?” she asks.
“What?!” you respond.
“I just want everything to go well, don’t you? I just think it would be best if everything was given a second look.”
“But…you realize that might very well take more than three days? You realize how complex all this stuff is? I told Zana and Elam that…”
“No, I don’t want either of them to do it. Pick someone else that worked on the project.”
“Pick someone…Decena what is this all about?”
“Look I would just feel more comfortable if someone else did an inspection of the machine that’s going to be your new home okay? I already said how I feel about Zana, so I don’t want her doing it again. And as for Elam we all know he has a tendency to overlook safety protocol even under the strictest supervision. Can’t you get someone else?”
“Not really, I mean those are the main two who worked on this thing! Decena, I’m as concerned about the success of this procedure more than anyone, but I’d rather not extend my waiting period any longer than necessary. I mean I don’t think I will and I’d only admit this to you, but I don’t want to lose my nerve.”
“You won’t lose your nerve my love, but don’t you see this is why another inspection should be done? I mean I guess if you don’t think it’s necessary then I’ll of course respect your wishes and we can spend the next three days not worrying about this until the time comes.”

On one hand you suppose Decena’s just looking out for you as usual, but on the other you really don’t want to risk losing your nerve on this situation. The longer you think about it, and how it could all go wrong, or even how it can all go right, is enough to possibly change your mind on the whole situation. Then there’s the fact that Zana and Elam were the main ones involved on building the machine, they’d know it the best and if you got someone else to look at it, who is to say they won’t screw something up?
> You have a second inspection done
If Decena feels this strongly about your safety then you’re not going to deny it. Besides another way of looking at it isn’t more time to rethink the situation, but instead more time to spend with Decena.

“Very well, if you feel a second inspection should be done, then that’s what will be done. (Sigh) I’m just wondering who had as much experience as Zana and Elam did with the machine that they could inspect it without wondering what certain parts did or accidently make things worse.” You respond
“What about that nervous fellow I saw sometimes in the palace? Didn’t he work on the Eternal Project?” Decena asks.
“Oh…you mean Gregory? Yeah, he did. I transferred him over here as a general supervisor when that project got shut down. Sometimes I even forget he’s here, since he’s such a wallflower sometimes. Still you’re probably on to something, because if anyone is a stickler for safety and thoroughness its him and while he wasn’t involved in the building process, he has familiarized himself with the machine probably just as much due to being a safety supervisor for the rst of the technical staff. He’s probably annoyed the hell out of Elam on several occasions because of it.”
“Good, he’s sounds perfect.”

The next day you summon Gregory to the palace, when he arrives he’s nervous as usual. The man must think you’re going to have him executed, but then he thinks that any time you look at him. You tell him that you just need another inspection done on the tank and the machine (It’s really going to have to be given a better name at some point). He of course complies.

While he gets started you plan on informing Elam and Zana that there may be a slight delay in the project, but you figure it can wait until tomorrow and you spend some quality time with Decena for the rest of the day.

On the second day, Kivan tells you that Gregory really needs to speak with you and says it’s incredibly important. When you go to speak with him, he’s very apologetic, but explains that he’s already found some possible problems with the machine.

“Apologies my Emperor as I know you want to get this procedure underway as soons as possible, but well I just think I found some possible problems. I mean they seem very minor, but they aren’t. In time some vital parts could break down. In fact I’m very surprised that Zana did not catch the worn tubing and slightly frayed wires on the inside. Besides myself, she’s the only one that has a good eye for that detail.”

Decena who happens to be with you, immediately exclaims about this being proof that she knew that something wasn’t on the up and up with Zana.

“She tried to make her assassination attempt look like an accident! I KNEW there wasn’t something right about her!”

You tell Gregory to keep doing his inspection to see if there are any more flaws he can find. While it’s very possible Zana didn’t see these potential dangers, you’re still not pleased with her right now and plan on having the Eyes bring her in. Elam will have to be brought in too.

When you arrive at the Eye headquarters, Warrick tells you that they haven’t interrogated to any great length yet, but the pair of them don’t know why they’ve been brought in by the Eyes.

Your main concern is Zana at first so you personally go to see her with the Eye interrogators. What is surprising is that when you see her she’s completely calm. Most people (including Elam) when brought in by the Eyes are scared shitless.

And that’s what starts to make you suspicious. You’ve found that the people who are the most calm under pressure are probably the most capable of ruthlessness and plots…

Zana explains her inspection step by step and steadily asserts her dedication to the Empire and her loyalty. It probably would’ve been better had she just not spoken at all, because the more you hear the more your own suspicion rises. If Decena was here, she probably would’ve just shot her for lying, and while her fate is definitely sealed as far as you’re concerned, you still want to know the reason.

“Zana, I’ll admit, you had even me fooled, but the problem is the more you talk the worse it gets for you. Gregory has already found more flaws in the machine since you were brought in. He’s even said that even he doesn’t think that they could be anything other than sabotage. Even if I assume you’re telling the truth, it displays a gross amount of incompetence on your part. So either you were trying to kill me on purpose or you’re a lot less competent than I believed. And quite honestly I do not believe that from your past experience that YOU are capable of that level of incompetence.”

Zana’s calm demeanor begins to change to one of uncertainty. It’s hitting her that she might not make it out of here.

“So tell me why Zana. Was this something you just came up with, had you been planning this for years? Who else is involved? Did someone put you up to this…did a svelk woman by the name of Semra put you up to this?” you ask.

Zana’s face now has dropped to one of fear. She looks like she’s about to cry.

“Zana, you know how this is going to end for you. If you ever had any loyalty toward the Empire then at least tell me everything. If you do, I can at least promise you a quick execution.” You say.

Zana’s expression now changes to one of absolute rage.

“Like the same quick death you’ve given so many others? The fact is I’ve NEVER had ANY loyalty to the Empire let alone you, murderer. Tyrant. But I’ll tell you everything anyway, because you don’t know shit about me. You think I’m upset because I’m about to die? I’m upset because I won’t get to kill you and spare the world of your future domination and cruelty!”

This outburst causes the Eyes nearby to move closer towards Zana and grab her wrists just in case she attempts something, though at this point there isn’t much she could do to you now.

“Who are you? I mean who are you really?”
“I’m nobody. Nobody of importance at least not until YOU came around and killed my entire family!” Zana says.
“Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down?” you ask.
“I was going to be a princess! I would’ve ruled a kingdom one day! YOU and YOUR EMPIRE destroyed all that before I even had a chance to enjoy a taste of such a life! Klemto didn’t just save a random Felkan baby, he saved an HEIR TO THE FELKAN FUCKING KINGDOM!” Zana shouts.

It was a very long time ago. Almost a different life even, but you vaguely remember seeing a crib in the Felkan royal palace, yet no baby or even signs of a dead one. You never thought too much of it at the time, but apparently even though Zana was just an infant, Klemto must’ve told her about her real heritage. He probably lied to you thinking that you would’ve had her killed.

“Because of YOU, I’ve had to live a miserable existence working on machinery surrounded by fucking GNOMES! You know what that’s like? Being the only human in community of damn gnomes? It SUCKS! Then when some humans do fucking arrive, they’re from the same nation that destroyed my birthright! It almost sickened me to even sleep with that crazy fool Elam!”

You continue to listen to Zana’s rant.

“When I heard of your plan to create a fertile version of those abominations called Eternals I already saw my opportunity to get my revenge. Imagine my surprise when you actually took Elam up on his insane plan. To be quite honest I thought it would be a failure and I wouldn’t need to do anything except watch you eventually die of old age having missed your opportunity to carry on some monstrous legacy in the quest for immortality instead.”
“So why didn’t you attempt to sabotage the attempt long before now? Hell, why not even go the direct route and try to kill me? Not like you didn’t have plenty of opportunity.” You ask.
“Hah, kill you? The Eternal Emperor? I wouldn’t have stood a chance. No matter how quick, clever or young I might be, even I know that you have more lives than a cat. No, I would’ve never been able to kill you myself. As for sabotage, that might’ve been an option had you not been lingering around as much or Gregory not constantly doing inspections after every new part had been added. I knew I should’ve had him killed. I nearly thought about killing Elam when he started making progress with the project…but what can I say, I’d grown to like the old fool too much. Weakness on my part and a fatal one obviously.”

Zana’s confession now has a tone of regret, not because of what she did, but more of what she failed to do. Right now you can see her thinking about the methods she could’ve went through with this plan a better way. So close, yet so far.

“Okay, since you’re in a talkative mood, did Klemto or any gnome put you up to this?” you ask.
“What? So you’ll have an excuse to round them all up and destroy their souls again? I heard about what you did to them. And maybe I might find them to be timid, tiresome unattractive little know it alls, I find it deplorable what the Empire did to them. I can’t believe they allowed themselves to be dominated by a nation that systematically exterminated them from not just this life, but the next as well!”
“So did they help or not?” you ask again.
“No! No they did not! My father would’ve probably had me jailed if he knew what I was planning. Those cowards wouldn’t dare stand against the Empire, but I fucking would! And did! Not that this will save them. After you’re done killing me, you’ll probably have them all killed as well for any excuse will serve a tyrant!”
“It’s amusing that you keep calling me that. What did you think your parents were? They were a KING and QUEEN. You think they ruled by popular decision? Do you think YOU would have if you became queen? My actions that day weren’t even personal. I was just following orders like a soldier. Your actions however today are misguided and as you already admitted, fatal. Such a waste. Even had I known your origins, I would not have had you killed if you had remained true to serving the Empire. Your quest for vengeance was as pointless as your entire life. But I am a man of my word and I believe everything you’ve told me.”

Without another word, you nod at the Eyes restraining her who back off. You then raise your hand and flash of lightning emanates from your fingers blasting Zana directly in the heart. She shakes for a few seconds and then slumps forward dead on the table.

“Funny. She’ll probably be the last person I’ll ever kill directly. Well in this body anyway. Who’s to say what the future will bring? Anyway, I’ll need to speak with Warrick again.”

You tell Warrick that you want the Eyes to purge New Dessel. Despite the fact that Zana most likely worked alone, you can’t take that chance. Maybe Klemto anticipated she’d eventually seek revenge and just took a hands off approach so that he couldn’t be directly implemented. Maybe they’re all genuinely innocent. Doesn’t matter. You’re trying to secure the future of the Empire and its obvious the gnomes are a potential threat.

You chuckle to yourself realizing that you’re even more like Casimir than you ever thought. You have to believe even if he would be jealous of all your other accomplishments, he’d definitely be proud of this one.

“Very well, we’ve already got a large number of Eyes positioned in that city. All we have to do is send in another large group, telling the gnomes that it’s a routine changing of the guard and when they’re in, they’ll purge the city. What about Elam?” Warrick asks.
“Oh, him I need. Besides I’m fairly certain the only thing he’s guilty of is thinking with his dick. Catch him up to speed on the situation and release him. Also let him know that the project will have to be set back until I’m satisfied with the machine’s replacement parts and Gregory’s inspection of every little detail.”
“Understood. Long live the Empire.” Warrick says.

The project is set back at least a couple of months. The purging of New Dessel takes awhile due to the gnomes locking themselves in hard to reach sections of the city, but eventually the entire city is purged. You at last finished what Casimir started though really you wish it hadn’t been necessary. You never hated them. Klemto just saved the wrong baby and brought death on them all because of it.

In any event, mostly technicians, inventors and other human families with members that have similar mechanical or scientific skills will resettle New Dessel.

Eventually Elam and Gregory have all the equipment fixed and ready again and you return with Decena to complete the task you originally set out to do.

You’re strapped to a table. Elam is remarkably subdued. You’re guessing he’s still taking Zana’s betrayal hard. Still, perhaps its good, it will give him more focus on what is important, serving the Empire.

As you are prepared, you and Decena exchange one kiss for what will be the last time.

“Know that whatever happens, I’ll always love you.” She says.
“And I will always love you.” You respond.

Elam injects you with a powerful reagent that knocks you out and the process begins.

The blackness takes you experience absolute nothingness…

Hours later you wake up or at least you believe you’re “awake.” All around you, you feel as if you’re floating and every so often a tingling electrical charge can be felt. Your mind…or rather “you” are in the tank. The procedure worked.

It’s a very strange sensation, you can “see” though you don’t have eyes. It’s almost as if the images you see outside the tank are being displayed directly into your brain. Though it isn’t like proper vision. You can only “see” them as blurs in your mind, however you can fill in those gaps due to your real memories of said people.

Elam was right, the magic energy within you has allowed you vision, and it has also allowed you to speak. You focus on the female image…on Decena who still stands near your now empty shell of a body on a table.

“Decena…do not cry…it worked…I am…alive.” You say with a bit of effort.

This statement is followed by some shouts of joy from Decena who starts speaking out loud asking if its really you. When Elam sees what’s going on, he begins to jump up and down exclaiming that the process worked.

“Decena, speak to me with your mind. It is the best way to directly communicate with me now.” You say to which she does so.
“My love, I’m so happy to see that this has worked! I was about to have Elam killed if it didn’t! So how is it? How do you feel?”
“It is an odd sensation, though not an unpleasant one. Indeed I do not feel the pain I once did any more. Perhaps, I shall get used to this form after all.”

At this point you hear Elam’s mind and he’s asking you five hundred questions, all of which you will get to in time, but you tell him for now you just want to rest and converse with Decena alone.

He gets it and says he’ll be back in an hour to check on you since there are still many tests that need to be done, such as the ability to move the automaton bodies and such.

After Elam and his staff leave, Decena sits next to the tank touching the glass and looking in on you. It’s the closest she’ll ever be with you ever again, and she begins to sniffle and sob a bit. At first you think its out of sadness, but then you sense her thoughts and its due to happiness.

“You’ll live forever and so will the Empire now. You did it, my love I always knew you would.”

You are filled with a sense of bliss that seems stronger than you’ve ever felt before. You wonder if it’s due to your new form. Perhaps without a body, emotions and senses are stronger in some way?

In any case you know now that this is just the beginning. You’ll have to make special arrangements due to your new form, but that’s all part of running an Empire. Now with your immortality secured, you can get back to expansion and possibly even get the Eternal project back up and running with alterations. Your plans to unite the entire world under Empire world has not changed and you know there are still places out there left to conquer.

Still, when you look on at Decena’s hand on the glass you wish you could just touch her again. If only for a moment.


Year 72

You have to admit as the years passed by on this project, you’d wondered if you were just chasing a dream, but it looks like that dream will soon be a reality.

Research has been tested, advancements have been made, test subjects have been used and hypotheses have been confirmed. Everything is coming together; the only thing that will be needed soon is you.

Still, despite you always stating how much your body aches and how much weaker and slower you are now, there is a part of you that is a little afraid of what this procedure will entail, namely an end to your life as you know it, but still living. It’s funny but how this is a little scary to you, even if simple death is not.

In fact Elam is probably more excited to see this through than even you are.

“My Emperor, we may begin the procedure any time you wish. Just let me know when we can get started.” Elam says.
“Does it have to be right now?” you ask.
“No, of course not my Emperor. I just thought you were eager to see this through.”
“You don’t need to push our Emperor, Elam. I’m sure he’d like to take care of some affairs before going through with this.” Zana remarks.
“Is all the machinery and equipment in working order? Has everything been inspected?” you ask.
“Of course my Emperor, I inspected everything myself. I figured you’d want someone that has a background with safety procedures doing that rather than Elam here.” Zana remarks with a teasing smile at Elam.
“Bah. YOU didn’t even think this was going to be possible!” Elam exclaims.
“Well I have to admit, it did sound very unlikely, but I suppose I never should’ve doubted your genius Elam.” Zana says and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.

While Zana and Elam are engaging in playfulness, you’re involved in making a life changing choice.

“Okay. We’ll do this in three days. That will give me time to take care of a few things I need to take care of, just in case the worst should happen. No point in drawing this out any longer than that. Everyone is dismissed until that time.” you say.

Elam and Zana both acknowledge your command and soon they and their staff all begin to leave. You however continue to stick around. When you’re finally all alone, you begin to walk closer to the giant tank in the room, which is hooked up to a system of machines. As you lean against your walking stick you can’t help marvel at the work that went into all this.

Gears, cogs, wires, levers, buttons, mechanical arms …you wonder how the hell some of this works. You’ve actually tried to keep up on the research since this project started, and while you understand a lot of the basic concepts, some of it just goes over your head. Though you aren’t sure if its because you’ve got so much on your mind that you can’t retain the information or if you just don’t have a knack for the technical stuff, or maybe you just find it all well…boring.

A speaker of sorts is attached to the tank and there are three specialized automatons standing nearby. You imagine that these are intended for you to be able to interact with the outside world in some fashion. Elam has admitted though that despite the very technical nature of this project he believes that this wouldn’t be as easy without your own magical abilities that will be able to tap the power of your mind. He’s gone on to say that this will be the ultimate successful blending of science and magic as far as he’s concerned. He better be right considering that all the testing took away most of your remaining mages.

In any event, this is where you’re going to spend the rest of your life.

“So, are you ready for immortality?” a voice says behind you. It’s Decena. It’s surprising to see her down here considering she’s only made one or two visits down here before since the project got underway. She’s told you that the less she knows about the project the less likely she’s libel to get worried about your safety and try to talk you out of it hence the lack of visits.

“I guess so.” You answer.
“You guess so? That doesn’t sound like the usual certainty you’ve always had about this plan.” Decena remarks.
“Oh, I’m certain. Just trying to take all of this in and get myself used to this room I suppose. Not sure why I’m even concerned about it really, I mean Casimir spent several centuries in a room practically by himself. This very room in fact or at least part of it before I had all the remodeling and expansion done to accommodate all the machinery. Its really surreal sometimes how I’m actually starting to follow in his footsteps. I sometimes wonder if he’d be proud of what I’ve managed to accomplish or if he’d just be very jealous.”

Decena walks over and puts her arm around you while you both stare at the giant tank.

“Well, I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished and everything you will accomplish after this procedure. So when will it be?”
“In three days, then Elam and Zana will be back here to perform it.”
“Hrm, I don’t care for that woman.” Decena remarks.
“So you’ve said during the times you wandered down here.”
“I dunno. Something about her just doesn’t sit right with me in the short moments I’ve spoken with her. She seems phony at times. Even the fact that she’s been concerned with this plan from the beginning and worried about your well being doesn’t seem genuine to me. If it hadn’t already been in the middle of the project when I first met her, I probably would’ve told you to have her removed from it.”
“Didn’t realize she had gotten under your skin so much. As you know though I rechecked her file that the Eyes had on her long before she started working on this project. She’s nothing but clean except maybe for a lack of judgment in sexing up Elam on occasion, but I can’t imagine there were a lot of choices in human males when they worked together in New Dessel.”
“As I said, I can’t place my finger on it, but there is something about her that doesn’t seem right with her. Does she need to be there for this procedure?”
“Well I don’t know. I mean she’s the main one that’s been working with Elam so I imagine so to some degree. She already did an inspection on the machinery without me even needing to tell her to do so.”

Decena doesn’t immediately respond to your answer instead she just walks forward towards the tank and touches it.

“Nothing can go wrong with this plan…” she says softly then she turns around.

“Can you have someone else inspect everything again?” she asks.
“What?!” you respond.
“I just want everything to go well, don’t you? I just think it would be best if everything was given a second look.”
“But…you realize that might very well take more than three days? You realize how complex all this stuff is? I told Zana and Elam that…”
“No, I don’t want either of them to do it. Pick someone else that worked on the project.”
“Pick someone…Decena what is this all about?”
“Look I would just feel more comfortable if someone else did an inspection of the machine that’s going to be your new home okay? I already said how I feel about Zana, so I don’t want her doing it again. And as for Elam we all know he has a tendency to overlook safety protocol even under the strictest supervision. Can’t you get someone else?”
“Not really, I mean those are the main two who worked on this thing! Decena, I’m as concerned about the success of this procedure more than anyone, but I’d rather not extend my waiting period any longer than necessary. I mean I don’t think I will and I’d only admit this to you, but I don’t want to lose my nerve.”
“You won’t lose your nerve my love, but don’t you see this is why another inspection should be done? I mean I guess if you don’t think it’s necessary then I’ll of course respect your wishes and we can spend the next three days not worrying about this until the time comes.”

On one hand you suppose Decena’s just looking out for you as usual, but on the other you really don’t want to risk losing your nerve on this situation. The longer you think about it, and how it could all go wrong, or even how it can all go right, is enough to possibly change your mind on the whole situation. Then there’s the fact that Zana and Elam were the main ones involved on building the machine, they’d know it the best and if you got someone else to look at it, who is to say they won’t screw something up?
> You leave it alone
Decena’s heart is in the right place, but you’d rather not waste anymore time. You can’t imagine that if Zana was up to something sinister that you wouldn’t have caught it by now, let alone that she wouldn’t have acted by now. There are countless times she probably could’ve made an attempt on your life since she’s been here.

However you do agree to Decena’s insistence that she at least not be involved in the final process. If it’ll make her a little less worried about the situation then you don’t see the harm.

While Elam tells you up and down that he can’t perform the procedure without Zana’s assistance, Zana is actually fine with not being there and tells you that she understands that the Empress is just concerned for her husband’s well being. Zana also says that despite Elam’s insistence, she isn’t excessively needed for the procedure. She says that for the final procedure; her main job was going to be reading gauges, monitoring dials and such. She says that the other safety supervisor Gregory can take over for her since he should be familiar with everything as well.

With everything settled, you spend your remaining two days enjoying your time with Decena who seems a little more at ease with the upcoming procedure due to your compromise about Zana. The time you spend with Decena, puts you in a more relaxed mood as well and you’re definitely feeling more positive about it. You almost don’t even know why you were concerned to begin with.

Eventually the day comes and Elam has everything ready (With Gregory standing by to monitor the machine and you return with Decena to complete the task you originally set out to do.

You’re strapped to a table. Elam still says he’d feel more comfortable with Zana helping him, but reassures you that everything will go smoothly.

As you are prepared, you and Decena exchange one kiss for what will be the last time.

“Know that whatever happens, I’ll always love you.” She says.
“And I will always love you.” You respond.

Elam injects you with a powerful reagent that knocks you out and the process begins.

The blackness takes you experience absolute nothingness…

And that is the last thing you ever experience for you never wake up from the procedure, which was successful at least for a moment.

When your brain was transferred everything was going well at first and steps were being taken to gradually wake you back up, but unfortunately it was during this process that the machine began to fail, break down and eventually explode.

The initial explosion killed Gregory who was already freaking out when the machine started acting outside the safety parameters. It also killed most of the supporting staff; including Elam who was desperately attempting to fix what he thought was wrong.

Decena survived the initial explosion, but only at a great cost. She ended up losing a part of her arm, a foot and most of her body and face heavily injured. She managed to hang on long enough to declare that Warrick and Brenda were officially in charge of the Empire when Kivan and others found her dying.

With her last breath to Kivan she told him:

“Have that…(cough wheeze) bitch Zana executed…I know…(wheeze) she did this…”

Warrick and Brenda’s first course of action was to indeed track down Zana, who by this time had long escaped. Klemto and all the other gnomes insisted they knew nothing of this plan, but someone had to pay and unfortunately it was them.

The gnomes of New Dessel didn’t go without a fight however and it took months before the mountain city was finally taken and even then groups of gnomes had managed to escape or even lock themselves in secret passages within the mountain to conduct guerilla attacks. Eventually Warrick had the airship fleet continually blast the mountain until it collapsed on itself making it useless to all and killing anyone still hiding inside.

As for Zana, she never was caught, but that was the least of the Empire’s problems.

Her success of killing you (and Decena) along with New Dessel’s extended siege inspired another rebellion. Warrick and Brenda might’ve been up to the task had they been a little younger, but when Warrick died of natural causes suddenly a few years later, it was a great blow to both the Empire and Brenda who took the death of a second husband hard. She eventually joined him a year later via suicide.

From there the downward spiral of the Empire was inevitable and in time records of the old regime were erased from history.


Probably one of the crazier things you’ve done and its entirely possible you’re either trying to prove something to yourself or you just want this battle to be over with win or lose because you’re getting very tired. Probably a little bit of both.

“Okay, you fucking overgrown flying lizard, it’s either going to be me or you today.” You say and expend more energy to reinforce your barrier.

For a brief moment you see the dragon’s face get closer and closer and then…

There’s a great smashing force that causes you to fly off the battlements.

You don’t actually fall straight to the ground, but instead you actually sail backwards in the air for a moment and into one of the many decimated tree trunks of the nearby jungle. You feel a cracking sound as your back and head slams hard into the solid wood of the tree and then you begin to fall straight down. Even if you weren’t completely knocked senseless by this terrific force you don’t have anything that could slow your decent. The best you can do is shield your face with your forearms as you crash to the ground.

Another cracking sound is heard when you hit the ground and you’re in more physical pain than you’ve been in awhile. You’re not dead, but when you try to move, you find that you’re unable. At least not your legs, which are completely numb. You’ve broken your back and the bones in your arms are probably broken too, though you’re definitely feeling the pain from that injury.

While you’re lying half paralyzed away from the fort, you can hear the audible sounds of battle coming from it. You aren’t sure what happened to the dragon, but apparently it didn’t manage to ram straight through you and keep going. It’s in the fort thrashing about and roaring in pain. Pieces of stone from the fort go flying in different directions; you just hope one of those stone blocks doesn’t hit you since you’re in no position to move right now.

There’s nothing you can do save for one thing. Heal yourself with magic. You focus all the magic you got on mending your spine first and then your other wounds next. The dragon, gunfire, clanging of weapons and shouting can all be heard while you do this.

By the time you’re finished, you can barely stand up. You don’t know if it’s due to your drained state or if the magic still needs time to take affect completely. In any case you start to limp back to the fort, which has started to become much quieter.

When you enter, the fort is practically destroyed, several Eternals lie dead (or in pieces) and right in the center lays the dragon with severe wounds all over its body, exposed bones, torn wings and bleeding profusely.

“Emperor! You’re alive!” one of the eternals shouts when he sees you.
“Glory to the Empire! We feared the worst when we saw you fall from the battlements. It was a great show of bravery on your part to face down the dragon in the way you did! Never before have I seen something so inspiring! It also caused the creature to crash to the ground where upon all of us took advantage of the situation. As you can see we have brought honor in your name by finishing off the beast!” another boasts.

“Oh really? Is that why it’s still breathing?” you point out causing the eternals standing around to back off suddenly.

The dragon is indeed still breathing, but it’s very weak. It’s dying. Your eternals go to strike, but you tell them to hold and shake your head at them not being observant enough to see that the dragon is still alive in the first place. You walk towards the dragon’s head and grab a nearby axe on the ground.

The beast manages to look at you with one eye and does nothing. You wonder if it still actually has some strength left in it, but is just too tired and old to continue fighting. Maybe it’s ready for it all to end. To join its fellows.

You have no idea what dragon’s think or even if they do think in such complex terms, but when you take a look at this creature you can’t help but think how old it probably is. What has it seen? Did it once have its own civilization of sorts? What was it like at its peak? What caused it to ally with the Iznac? Was the arrangement some sort of compromise to avoid possible extinction?

Extinction that has come anyway at your hands.

You get closer to the dragon and ready your axe. The dragon still makes no move. It just closes its one good eye.

“Y’know… sometimes I feel like you. Old and broken down, just wanting to lie down and let the sleep take me. Perhaps, I’ll even find myself in the same position one day…(sigh) anyway, on your way dragon. Looks like it was you today.” You say and swing the axe at the dragon’s neck.

You have to hack away several times before you manage to sever its head. A cheer goes up from the eternals who survived the battle.

“No cheering yet. This was barely a victory given all of our casualties and the condition of this fort. We also still have no word on Flevas’ company or how my wife is doing at Fort Tangle. Now let’s get organized and find out.” You say.

The next few days still see a lot of combat. Decena was a lot more successful at Fort Tangle, but then she didn’t have a dragon attacking it. She congratulates you on your victory though and is glad to see you’re still alive from your ordeal.

Eventually her and Snilkez’ka’s troops push forward and attack Iznac cities. Without their dragons anymore, it’s a lot easier to go faster on the attack.

Unfortunately Flevas’ suffered an ignoble fate. He was killed fighting off a mixture of Glip and Iznac troops in the jungles and he was unlucky to be felled by several poisonous darts that the Glip love to use. His company fought on and won, but you’ve lost a good commander. Such are the ways of war. You and those who served under him will at least remember Flevas’ deeds. He certainly proved that elves could be an asset to the Empire rather than just whine all the time.

It is truly the beginning of the end for the Iznac civilization and it is now in sight. You predict perhaps at least one more year of heavy fighting maximum, then maybe three more years of random raiding from the hold outs and survivors.

After that? The Iznac will either be hiding in the farthest reaches of wilderness, will have completely submitted to your rule (Unlikely) or completely exterminated. You’re betting on that last one, as it seems to be the way of things.

In any case you’ll soon be ruler of two continents. What comes next is unknown, but you know that you’re going to have some downtime to think about it. In fact you have somewhat of an idea of what to pursue next.

Its something Brenda and Decena mentioned the day you got married. The Eternals and their inability to reproduce. You’re thinking that will be your next goal. You nearly died in your battle with the dragon and by healing yourself in the way you did, you probably just shortened your life span anyway. It’s time to start thinking about your potential legacy and future of the Empire.

The current eternals have proven their worth and then some, but they could still be better. The next generation that Brenda is training will undoubtedly be better still, but the fifth…that’s the group you want to break the mold with.

There’s got to be a way. Maybe you, Elam and possibly Galen can figure it out if you put your heads together. Hell, maybe even the gnomes might have some insight on the science side of things.

The time for simple conquest of territory is coming to an end at least perhaps for now.
> You test Subjects (Year 63)
Year 63

“And you’re sure this is the only way?” you ask.
“My Emperor if I thought there was another, I wouldn’t even be bothering you with this. I’m going to need these test subjects if I am going to pursue these theories.” Elam remarks.

Elam’s request really isn’t unreasonable and it is for a good cause, its just one part of it isn’t exactly going to be nice for Brenda to hear.

“Alright, I’ll talk to Brenda and I’ll get some of the Eternals that she’s been training. She’s probably not going to be happy about it though.” You say.
“I do not understand my Emperor, does she not see some of them die in training?”
“Surprisingly not as many as you think. It’s not like the old days back when I was an Eternal and only a few us survived the process. These kids today have several natural advantages along with accelerated healing abilities. They’re hard to kill even when they’re shooting each other in vital organs.” You say.
“I didn’t realize this new group was so resilient. That’s good to hear though. I need them to survive this process, at least until they reach the age of puberty when I can see if they can reproduce.”
“Hrm. Well in any case, Brenda’s also gotten a bit too attached to our younger Eternal generations in her years of training. Sort of sees them as her children in a way. It won’t be a problem of course because ultimately she doesn’t have a choice in the matter and she’ll see that this is best for the Empire anyway.”

Just before you leave to break the news to Brenda, Elam asks another question.

“Before you leave my Emperor. What about the other test subject?”
“Oh, right. The magic source you need. Well despite Galen’s whining, he’s been a valuable asset to the Empire many times. This time shall be no different. So if you need him incapacitated, I’ll see to that business as well.”
“I thank you my Emperor.”
“Don’t thank me, just get me positive results.” You remark before leaving.


Year 60

Eighteen years ago the Children of Tor launched an all out assault on you and while it was a fierce battle, it was the beginning of the end for them as an effective fighting force.

You hope that the Iznac are going to suffer a similar situation here today, because if not, it’s going to be the beginning of the end for the Empire. Only one civilization is going to come out of this alive from this conflict.

You’re currently holding the line at Fort Canopy, but it isn’t the only major battle going on right now. You know only a few miles away Decena is undoubtedly doing his best to defend Fort Tangle and General Flevas is taking the fight to the Iznac in the jungles.

High in the air through the rain and in the near distance you see a multi-colored dragon unleash a gout of flame from its mouth, which engulfs the Tornado. Already heavily damaged the flying fortress can’t take anymore and begins to explode. Minor ones at first, then one large one. Flaming pieces of the machine fall from the sky.

The Storm II fires another volley of cannon fire at the dragon wounding the great beast, but it isn’t enough to kill it. The dragon bellows and turns its great body around to focus its attack on the Storm II. It isn’t going to die easy like its two siblings did over the past few years. It’s going to fight with everything it has.

You look over the battlements and see several Iznacs climbing the walls of the fort like an army of ants. They aren’t even using ladders, they’re just scaling the fort with their bare hands. It’s actually rather impressive, until you unleash a chain of lightning to zap all of them. The shock is enough to at least cause most of them to fall off if not outright kill them immediately.

“Slaughter the four armed spider eyed bastards! Make them realize that their domination of this continent has passed! This is the time of the Empire!” you shout to the Eternals defending the fort.

Your people are doing their best though they can’t stop every Iznac from scaling the fort. Soon the gunfire is replaced by sounds of close combat weaponry. No matter how far the advances in technology, it always eventually comes down to looking your opponent in the eye and feeling their blood splatter as you end their life.

While you’re busy hacking off the limbs of an Iznac warrior, another loud explosion in the distance is heard followed by a bright flash in the sky. It’s not lightning from the storm, but rather the demise of your Storm. The Storm II joins the Tornado in crashing to the ground after losing its skirmish with the dragon. Hopefully the rain is making the jungle wet enough or else the flames from the wreckage of these downed airships are going to cause an inferno throughout the jungle.

Several small frog like beings eventually make their way in by scaling the walls with their masters. They’re generally just referred to as “frogs” but their formal name is the Glip. The Glip almost remind you of the kobolds. Despite being under the harsh dominion of the Iznac for who knows how long, none of the villages ever joined the Empire when the war broke out. Didn’t matter that the Iznac used to (and probably still do) sacrifice and eat the Glip, they ultimately still remained loyal to them.

While they’ve certainly had their moments, mostly due to ambushes with blowguns and poisonous darts and their camouflage abilities. The Glip are not close combat warriors by any means. It isn’t surprising that you’ve not had to fight many of them. Even the Iznac know their skills are better suited elsewhere. The fact that you’ve started to face a lot of them does give you an indication of how desperate the Iznac have become.

A group of orcs smash through the barricades of the fort. You sometimes shake your head at the stupidity of that situation. You have no idea how the Iznac managed to come to accept the rebellious orcs as allies, but you guarantee it wasn’t for any reasons other than convenience. Did the greenskins actually believe that Iznac saw them as anything than handy fodder for this conflict? If they broke away from the Empire because they didn’t like being used in such a way, then they completely missed the point.

Then again being orcs they probably didn’t think that far ahead or perhaps they just wanted to fight the Empire and didn’t care about the reasons. In any case, no matter who wins this conflict, the orcs lose. The Iznac have a habit of ritually sacrificing their “neighbors and allies” to their gods.

It doesn’t matter in the scheme of things because even with overwhelming odds, your Eternals are still holding their own against all attackers. The only thing that concerns you slightly is…

You hear a roaring sound getting closer to your position and the sounds of great wings flapping.

It would appear your concerns will be arriving soon. You just hope that the Storm II and the Tornado did enough damage to it before they both went down. You don’t have the advantage of Decena helping you take it down like you did with the last two dragons.

You shout a general command for the still working cannons to be pointed towards the dragon and to prepare to fire when the beast is in range. In the meantime you try to keep that side of the fort relatively free of invading forces.

The dragon gets closer and you give the order to fire and unleash your own magic bolts at the creature. It’s definitely wounded from its ordeal with the two airships, but given your experience with the other two dragons, you know it’s far from being out the fight.

In fact it’s so determined that it doesn’t distinguish friend from foe when it blasts its flame breath on the fort. You manage to protect most of your people with a magic barrier, but for those outside its protection, most are set on fire if not incinerated immediately. On the positive side, it reduces your enemies, on the negative it ignites the gunpowder barrels for the cannons causing a massive explosion and completely destroying one side of the fort.

While the barrier still protects you and everyone within initially, its still a lot of strain on your energy and you begin to feel the fatigue setting in.

“No! Damnit! Fight through it!” you mutter to yourself hating your weakness.

When the dragon passes you temporarily put down the barrier to take a small breather seeing as you aren’t immediately being attacked by Iznac ground forces anymore (Which have mostly been killed or broke and run by this point)

Several soldiers point up and announce that the dragon is slowly turning around for a second pass.

“Everyone spread out and find your own cover! Shoot the overgrown lizard when in range!” you shout and make your way back up to the battlements (Those that are still intact that is).

You stand on top of the battlements and see the dragon coming straight at you. Almost as if it was personal and who knows maybe it is. This creature may very well want you dead for killing its only two companions. Or perhaps it’s just intelligent enough to recognize you as a genuine threat.

You summon up all your energy and unleash a stream of lightning at the dragon just as it’s beginning to open its mouth to breath fire. It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t even slow down despite the fact that you’ve undoubtedly just shocked the hell of its brain.

A gout of flame comes directly at you.

“Shit!” you shout and put up your own personal barrier to block the flames. Which succeeds, but it does nothing to stop the dragon’s approach. It’s fully intent on ramming you at this point.

You no idea what would happen if you just stood there with your barrier up. It’s possible the dragon would severely smash its own face in from the force, maybe even breaking its neck, however its also possible that it would hit with enough force that it could actually move you. In this case, right off the battlements on to the ground several feet behind you.

Your Eternals unleash gunfire as the dragon gets closer and you’re left to wonder if this high-risk plan could potentially end this dragon threat once and for all.
> You get out of the way
Even behind a barrier there is no way you’re going to withstand the full force of a dragon flying directly at you, you need to get the hell out of the way.

As the dragon approaches you run to one of the battlement towers, unfortunately in your haste, you temporarily drop your barrier and that’s all the time the dragon needs to sense your vulnerability, even worse your expended fatigue doesn’t allow you to react quick enough to get to the shelter you need.

The dragon unleashes another great blast of fire, which completely envelops the top of the battlements and you along with it. The fire causes your flesh to burn, bubble and literally melt off your bones. You’re already dead by the time the dragon’s open maw swallows you whole as it continue to glide in your direction.