You don’t have much else to do at this point. You might as well go to Nalin. If you decide you don’t like it there, you can always leave.

“Okay, okay, I’ll go with you. Just both of you stop going on about it!”
“You will? That’s wonderful! Hey would you…”
“Calvin, I told you to shut up already!” you snap.

Calvin shuts up and backs away. He starts telling his daughter that he has to stay here with most of the crew because there is still a lot of digging that needs to be done, but that he wants her to take you to Quintus right away. She nods and tells a few of the expedition crew to start loading up a few wagons to leave soon.

Jennifer herself on the other hand starts walking along side you and staring a lot.

“Shouldn’t you be helping load up the wagons?” you say implying that you’d like her to leave you be.
“No, they got it. Hey, so how well did you know my ancestor?” she asks ignoring or oblivious to your wishes.
“Not as well as I thought, considering he never mentioned having a family to me.”
“Oh I do not believe he had one of his own. But from what I’ve seen of my father’s family tree diagrams, Jacob had a couple of brothers that were just normal civil servants. Record keepers, that sort of thing. Obviously they had families though, otherwise my father and I wouldn’t be here. He never mentioned siblings?”
“Nope. Perhaps he wasn’t on good terms with them. I dunno. I only interacted with him on things concerning important Empire business. He was pretty immersed in his work most the time. I suppose I can say, he was a dedicated servant of the Empire.”

This remark makes Jennifer display a big grin.

“Hah, I knew it. We Mols have always been patriots to our nations!”
“Hm, well he definitely would do anything to save his nation. Unfortunately that seems to have been for naught given that it no longer exists.”

“So…um, why were you in that magic shell?” Jennifer asks changing her line of questioning.
“Why do you ask so many questions?”
“Because we could’ve never believed that we’d discover a living person from the old Empire, yet here you are! I mean we know about the Empire only from a few tattered incomplete writings or mostly oral stories. Now we’ve finally got someone who lived during those glorious times! Someone who can give us the truth about what happened. I mean the cataclysm for example. All anyone knows is it was a great disaster of a magical nature that occurred five centuries ago. Nobody really knows how or why it happened. You had to have been there for that. Do you know what happened?”
“Oh…I have an idea…” You say.
“And?!” Jennifer asks.
“And I’m not going to tell you.” You remark.
“What?!” Jennifer exclaims in total disbelief. She actually is at a loss for words, but unfortunately not for long.

“But why aren’t you going to tell me?!”
“Don’t take it personal. I’m not planning to tell anyone. It’s very apparent that you folks want something from me, which I can provide. History, information, and the truth. If I just give all that shit away, who’s to say you won’t just toss me aside and try to have me killed after you’ve milked me for all of it?”
“That…that wouldn’t happen! How could you even think we’d do such a thing?”
“How could I NOT think such a thing? Besides, I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t want the real truth anyway.”
“Of course we want the truth!”
“No, I don’t believe you do. Not really, I think you just want to hear what you want to hear. You want the truth? Here’s one for you. The Empire existed, and then it didn’t. End of history lesson.”

This cynical comment causes Jennifer to again briefly shut up which you hope will send her away, but she’s not going to be deterred so easily.

“Look, I realize you’re probably a little upset about your situation. I get that, but you don’t need to take it out on me. I’m just saying you’re living history. And more specifically you’re a very important part of my nation’s past. You could fill in so many blanks. You’re more than just some old magical weapon that we found in the dirt.”

You snort at that last statement.

“No. That’s exactly what you found, an old magical weapon that was buried in the dirt. Not even buried, but sealed away. And like most old magical weapons found sealed away and buried for centuries, sometimes the smartest thing you can do is leave them alone. I would think the dead bodies of two of your crew would be a good example of that.”

Jennifer perceives your comment as a threat, as well she should. She makes no smart comment back; she just shuts up like her father and continues walks along side of you. Glad to see these Mols have as much sense as their ancestor did.

Eventually you make it out of this dig site and into the open air. And what you see before you is severely different from what you remember.

Where you once knew a great city once stood is gone. These explorers have uncovered a few pieces of it, but by and large it’s gone. Even the surrounding area where you once knew farmland and even lush fields would’ve been is gone. Everything has been replaced by sickly undergrowth. A wasteland.

Jennifer remarks to everyone needing to keep an extra eye out for orc raiders. Jennifer looks over at you briefly again, but casts her eyes down and tries to get on with packing up the front wagon. You shake your head and walk over to Jennifer.

“Look, Jennifer is it? I apologize for my remarks earlier, but as you said all of this IS a shock to me. I’ve seen a lot during my time, but I don’t think anything could’ve prepared me for this.”
“I can only imagine. I guess overwhelming you with questions was inconsiderate of us.”
“Well I suppose your curiosity is natural, but let’s just say I’m not quite ready to discuss everything. At least not yet.”
“I understand. Your last memories of the Empire were during the cataclysm and you’re only just now seeing the results. It must’ve been a terrible time!”
“Yes, you could say that it was.”

Jennifer nods and you help her with loading the last bags on the head wagon. When you step aboard it, you’re on your way. For a while there’s silence between the pair of you as you ride through the wasteland, but you decide to be social and break the silence.

“So orcs huh? They’re a threat? I would’ve thought they’d all be extinct by now. There weren’t even many left in the Empire during my time.” you say.
“Sadly, that is no longer the case. I imagine without the Empire around, they reverted back to their chaotic natures and they bred unchecked. Now they’re all over the Qualan Badlands and elsewhere too. They probably were one of the few races to thrive during the dark ages. I’m not too worried about that happening today though now that we’ve got powerful Eternal travelling with us!”
“You shouldn’t be too overconfident of that. Under the right circumstances, anyone, no matter how powerful they appear to be can be brought down sometime by the humblest of things. Still, I see the reputation of the Eternals has still survived. So are there any in Nalin?”
“Ha ha ha ha! No, of course not! Before we found you, the last one died over four hundred years ago. First Matriarch Brenda of the Nalin Dominion. She was probably the main one responsible for keeping the fledging remnants of the Empire together during the cataclysm.”
“Glad to know someone was trying to uphold order. Good for her.”
“Did you know her well?”
‘Not excessively, but we did have dealings on a few matters, like during the taming of the lands east of Nalin for example. There was another major event too, but I’d care not to discuss that at this time.”
“Understood…well anyway that was back then. Things have changed a lot since her time, our government being just one of those things, but for all intents and purposes she sort of laid the foundations for the Nalin Republic by keeping the country safe in the first place.”
“You’re going to have to explain what the hell a republic is. Never heard of it before.” You say causing Jennifer to smile a bit.

“Well, nowadays a single leader doesn’t rule our government. It’s run by a senate, which consists of a group of politicians that are chosen by the people. They ultimately decide on the laws and such by discussing and debating them.”

You are completely baffled by this concept.

“That sounds like an inefficient way of running things. How does anything get accomplished?”
“Well, sometimes things do take time, but the citizens are a lot freer and happier by choosing their leaders.”

Now you’re really lost.

“Why the hell would people want to be free and happy? They should just be grateful for the protection and order that the government provides for their miserable lives! One strong leader to rule over them with an iron fist is only thing the citizens really need. And if they grumble too much they get executed, problem solved. Hell, it’s not like slaves cost that much if they need an extra hand in the fields.”

Jennifer chuckles at your totalitarian views.

“Yes, I imagine that it would be a bit strange to you. I’m sure it might also surprise you that we don’t have slavery anymore either; it actually became less cost effective. Still, you’ll see that it isn’t all bad. In fact you’ll probably get along with Quintus, he’s a very big admirer of old Empire history and culture. He’s the one been privately funding all these expeditions.”

Just as you’re about to ask Jennifer who this Quintus is, you hear war cries and howling in the distance. It might have been five hundred years, but you know the sounds of orcs when you hear them.

Not long after the general warning, you soon see them coming from the far left and the far right. They look every bit as big, mean and green as you remember them. No heavy armor, but the giant boar creatures they’re riding and the willingness to use bows are new.

Jennifer orders everyone to ride faster and ready their firearms. While readying the firearms is always a good idea, there is no way you’re going to outpace the orcs at the speed you’re going, the wagons are just not fast enough and are weighed down by equipment. There are also enough orcs that some of them are going reach you before they get shot off their pigs and that’s assuming everyone in this caravan is a crack shot that can hit them in the head.

Meanwhile you feel like you’re a sitting kobold on your own wagon. Part of you would rather just get on one of the horses and unhook the wagon, so you’ve got a little more maneuverability. Of course you could just start flinging magic spells at the orcs.
> You get on one of the horses
While it’s entirely possibly that you’d come out of this thing alive, (You’ve certainly been through worse) there’s little guarantee that anyone else will. If you’re going to keep your “rescuers” alive, you’ll need to be unhindered.

“What’re you doing?!” Jennifer asks as you leap on a horse.
“I’m getting off this thing, and I suggest if you don’t want to be a big target you will too, there’s another horse here, jump on it and we’ll unhitch the wagon!”

Sensing that you’re going to do this whether she likes it or not, she realizes that she doesn’t really have a choice. She jumps on a horse and you take your sword and cut the harness. You tell Jennifer that she should order everyone else to concentrate their gunfire to the left.

“Where are you going now?!”
“I’m going to take care of the ones on the right!” you shout and ride in their direction.

The orcs are so agitated about you heading directly towards them, they practically stop focusing on the caravan and begin firing arrows at you. Of course you anticipated such a thing and cast a shield to protect you and your horse. With your other hand you spray a cone of cold on the orcs closest to you, freezing them quite literally in their tracks.

This feat of magic is enough to cause the orcs to attempt to rear up their boars and change direction back towards attacking the caravan. Others are undeterred and continue to head toward you with large weapons in hand. You aim your next spell at their boars, which consists of a couple fire blasts. The pigs go up in a blaze and soon so do their riders who end up dropping their weapons in an attempt to beat out the flames.

You turn your attention at the orcs who decided to attack the caravan instead. At first glance the expedition crew have held their own fairly well considering none of them seem to be warriors and they seem to have fended off most of the orcs on the left side. However you see orcs getting the best of a couple of them when they close the gap and begin jumping onto the wagons.

You ride back to the caravan and put your own combat skills good use. Orcs may be fierce and unrelenting fighters sometimes, but without the heavy armor that you remember they used to wear for the Empire, they get killed as easily as anyone else if you’re skilled enough, and you’re more than skilled enough. As you battle the orcs, the remaining expedition crew tries to help, though you’re nearly shot a couple of times in the process. You end up yelling at them to stop “helping” you before you start firing at them with something a lot more accurate.

Soon after you’ve killed your last orc after hopping from wagon to wagon, you hear Jennifer shouts to everyone that you’ve won and the rest have rode off. The caravan stops for a moment to take some time to clean up dead bodies on the wagons, and gather up any equipment that fell off during the fight.

Jennifer comes up to you as you’re cleaning off your own sword.

“Well that was exciting to see a real Eternal in action! I knew we were going to be safe with you!”
“Hmm, yeah well I almost wasn’t safe with your people, because I nearly got shot a couple times!”
“Yeah, sorry about that. Fear of the orcs actually on the wagons was probably causing higher nervousness than usual.”
“You should get some soldiers on these trips. Then at least you’d have some people who actually know how to fight when things get a little close.”
“We do have soldiers, can’t you tell by the uniforms?”

Honestly you hadn’t really paid much attention to the fact that several of the people on this expedition crew do have similar outfits. It’s just regular clothing though, none of it is proper armor, light or heavy. You also now notice that the firearms are much different too, namely they can fire multiple shots before being reloaded. A very handy improvement indeed.

You realize that time has definitely marched on, it would seem that shooting someone with a rifle or pistol is the order of the day. Not much use for the old armor if that’s indeed the case. Still, you’re also reminded of the Felkans and their over reliance of such weapons. It would seem the Nalin Republic has the same technological disease. And these people are the supposed “successors” of the Empire.

“Guns.” You say shaking your head.
“What’s wrong with guns? You don’t think they’re honorable or something?” Jennifer asks.
“No, I believe they are very useful and it would be foolish to not employ such weapons of fantastic destruction during battle and war. I just have a problem with the reliance of them in place of natural combat skill, because one day you’re going to run out of bullets and then you see who the real soldier is.”
“How is using a gun any different from casting down lightning from your fingers or throwing fireballs around?”
“It isn’t in the scheme of things. I just said I don’t have a problem with gunpowder weapons. However you also noticed I didn’t just toss around magic like I had unlimited energy either. I used it when it was needed and engaged in close combat for the rest of them. I could’ve easily just rained down a firestorm and wiped out all of the orcs, but that would’ve taken out the caravan too. Something I’m sure nobody wanted. The Empire used firearms AND magic during the Felkan War, but individually the soldiers were still some of the toughest warriors you’d ever want to face. The Felkans soon learned that fatal fact. Perhaps if their soldiers still had the formidable close combat skills of an Empire soldier, they might not have lost so many battle when physical prowess was needed.”

Jennifer doesn’t debate your views or experience, she just thanks you again for your help and you’re soon underway. The rest of the journey is relatively silent.

Eventually you arrive in the Nalin Republic. The landscape here is more like you remember, though it isn’t until you get towards the capital of Dalt that you start seeing a resemblance to civilization, but even that’s different when it comes to the architecture and such. You get a few stares from passing citizens.

Jennifer and you disembark from the wagons when you arrive at Quintus’ house, or rather his very large mansion, which has guards posted at the gates. Honestly it’s the closest thing resembling the Empire you’ve seen since you got here.

“You wait here, I’ll have to speak with Quintus about all this first. While I’m sure he’ll really want to see you, there is protocol to follow.”
“Sure, do whatever it is you have to do, I’m not going anywhere, but who is this Quintus anyway?”
“Quintus Arillicus is one of the most influential leaders in the senate and as I’ve already mentioned an admirer of old Empire history, but he’ll tell you more when you meet him.”

As Jennifer walks through the gates, you’re left standing around with a few guards who give you the stares that you’ve come to expect from everyone. You wait for about ten minutes before you begin to wonder why you’re even entertaining this again.

Then you remember, it’s because you don’t have much else to do right now. Though you’re wondering what place you’re going to have in this new world. You imagine that maybe you could be a soldier again though it doesn’t look like there’s a war going on. Doesn’t even look like this place is suffering from any discontent from the citizens, but then looks can be deceiving.

Jennifer eventually comes back to the front gate and waves to come with her.

“You can come in now. Quintus is very excited to see you!”

At this point this Quintus better be just as impressive, because from what little you know of this guy, you’re not nearly as excited to see him.

You and Jennifer walk into the mansion and while it’s certainly fancy and has a design style similar to Empire architecture, it isn’t nearly as extraordinary as the first time you saw the Emperor’s palace. Of course you’re a harder sell from those old days. Jennifer and you enter what is apparently a conference room. She says that he shouldn’t be long and you both take a seat at the table.

Soon a middle-aged man walks into the room with some guards, but he dismisses them at the door so that you three can be alone. He’s dressed in an older style suit that looks more like those you remember Empire bureaucrats wearing and carries a staff of some sort with him. He also wears several rings. You sense that they all might be magical.

Either way you fail to be impressed, just as you suspected you would be. Quintus on the other hand, now that he sees you in person, he’s very impressed.

“I never believed in all these years…all the digging…all the research…everything. And none of what I’ve found compares to this! Yes! This is indeed a glorious day! A real live Eternal! Not just any Eternal either, but the one who served the Emperor himself!” Quintus exclaims as he sits down across from you.

“Now let me stop you right there. I know you’re all excited and shit, but for me this is going into unknown territory. Possibly even enemy territory. I have no idea WHAT exactly you want with me. I’m going to tell you right now though if you’re thinking of putting me in some sort of museum or some weird aristocratic version of a sideshow like they have at the fairs peasants go to you better get that idea out of your head right now.”

Jennifer tries to temper your words, but Quintus raises his hands as if no offense was taken.

“It’s alright. Our Eternal friend is quite right to be suspicious of me, but I can honestly tell him there is no reason for him to be because I think my goals will fit his honorable ideals. I’m still sure there is much he wants to know and questions that he has, but I will say that it is my hope that he and I will change history together!”

Quintus and Jennifer try to get you fully up to speed on everything first…
> You time passes...
After sitting here for about an hour or so listening to the sorry state the republic is in, let alone the rest of the area that used to be part of the old Empire, you’ve had enough of it all.

“Stop. I’ve heard enough about your wretched country. I can already tell what YOU want. You want the Empire back.”
“Yes! I want to resurrect the Empire!” Quintus exclaims.
“And that’s a lovely thought, but sorry to tell you this, it’s dead. Long buried and resigned to the trash heap of history.” You remark.

This comment is definitely not what Quintus expected. Jennifer on the other hand isn’t quite surprised you’d say such a thing given your own cynical remarks to her.

“But…you’re here now…a symbol! A symbol of the old ways! Proof of honor! Proof of strength! Proof of power! You’re an Eternal!”
“And? I obviously couldn’t prevent the destruction of the Empire. Am I supposed to just resurrect it with my mere presence? Am I to just kill the entire senate and establish perhaps you as an emperor? Do you think the people would accept that?”
“Well maybe not so direct…” Quintus remarks.
“No? Because that might be the only way to get things done around here. And what makes YOU think you’d even be a good emperor? You do not even have the support of the people.”
“I do have the support of my constituents! I even have a few allies in the senate!” Quintus protests.
“Well you still don’t have enough for what you desire. I’d say that I’d have a better chance of being accepted as an emperor before you would just due to the fear factor and raw power, and I’d still have to be looking over my shoulder constantly before I finally got run out by a complete rebellion or I destroyed so much of Nalin in the process of maintaining order. Given what you’ve told me of the average citizen it sounds like they’re perfectly happy with the way things are. Happy with their hedonistic freedom. Do you really think they’re going to listen to a relic of a time when the strong just ruled over the weak and the weak not only accepted it as a way of life, but some were even happy about it? The sheep have been let out of their pens and do not wish to return. Do you believe your people, even those that apparently keep voting for you to represent them are ready to accept a more restrictive and harsher culture? Do you believe you can foster such an environment?”

Quintus remains silent and you throw up your hands at his inability to answer.

“Well you see my problem with your plan. You probably thought when you dug me up; you’d have a powerful tool that would be your key to reforming a parody of the old Empire. And it would be a parody, because even if you were successful, it would NEVER be like the old Empire. You can read all the lore and books you want about the old days and nothing is stopping you from holding fantasies about such days. But make no mistake those good old days aren’t EVER coming back. You’re about five hundred years too late. I haven’t been awake one complete day yet, and even I’ve come to accept that hard truth…but then I’ve had to accept so many hard truths. This is just another one to me.”

Quintus nods solemnly. The spark that was in him is gone, but you can tell he isn’t completely defeated. Jennifer just tries to look away from both of you and shuffles some papers she has with her.

“You…you aren’t how I expected you to be…” Quintus says.
“Nobody ever is. Another hard truth I learned a long time ago.” You answer.
“Mm…well I seem to be at a loss of what to say. Which is rare considering they often complain that I never shut up in the senate.”

“Look, Quintus. I won’t deny that your ideals and goals aren’t admirable ones. However, I had to drag you back to reality. You still have a long way to go before even bringing something resembling the Empire back. As much as it might be fun to send me to just kill the senate with a firestorm and then establish martial law across the land, it’s not going to be that simple. At least not yet.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right. It’s just I’ve read about some of your deeds, scraps of parchments really and I guess when I found out you were alive and in my house I just figured all of my country’s problem were solved.”
“Well, they may still be eventually. Now despite what I’ve said, I will help you. Because personally, I’d like to see you succeed if only so I could live in a place that didn’t seem so damn strange and it’s not like I have anywhere else to go.”
“So you are going to help bring back the Empire?”
“Well, something like it anyway. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try. Now then, with me on your side, you shouldn’t worry about the military side of things. I can take care of those matters when they arise, and they most certainly will. You’re going to have to take the lead on the political matters obviously, but I can still advise you in this capacity. All my years of working side by side with the Emperor contributed to such skills despite being on the battlefield most of the time.”

Quintus seems to have that spark of life again when you agree to help him after all. He happily asks where you should get started. Jennifer at this point is glad to also see things have worked out and says she should leave you two alone to talk more and get back to the dig site. Before she leaves Quintus calls out to thank her.

“And tell your father he has my thanks as well! If it weren’t for you two, we would not be in the better position we are now. Expect a bonus in pay this week.” Quintus says.
“Thank you senator. I was wondering though and I hate to ask, but it just came to me. Do you think our new friend here could come back up to the dig site when he has the time? It’s just that he was buried there and it might be of great help if he could at least perhaps give us a good indication on where it might be beneficial to dig.”
“Well we’ve got a lot to go over first, but afterwards if he wants to, I have no objections.”

Doesn’t take you long to agree. You briefly remark that where they were digging was near the Emperor’s main chambers and you’d like to see if anything survived yourself. This new revelation causes a bit of excitement from Jennifer and Quintus wondering what other magical treasures that might be of use in the coming days of change or even some scraps of history that can enlighten them more about such glorious days.

You just wonder if you can find the remains of Semra. Call it curiosity; call it a sense of closure.

The first thing you and Quintus talk about is the military. You explain that it is of vital importance to get them to support him the most, but it’s also of great importance to get them be more vicious warriors. You say you understand that battles are probably fought a little differently nowadays, but the intense training isn’t necessarily just to make them expert fighters. It’s also to instill discipline and hopefully a warrior’s mindset. Make it so that they want to go to war, that they long for it.

Quintus says that he does already have some pull with the military. A little more than most find comfortable, but of course it’s nowhere near absolute. You’re glad since that cuts down on a little extra work.

You tell him to track down the most spirited and skilled warriors that are in the military and have them gather somewhere secluded just outside the northern borders of Nalin. You say you need to get started on training as soon as possible, you just hope you don’t have too many wash outs (or casualties). You then say you also need to get started on an outside threat.

“What do you mean?”
“I mean you need an outside threat that genuinely scares people. Makes it so people are more supportive of a strong military. Makes it so eventually people prioritize their safety so much that they’re willing to give up their freedom just to be safe. I mean I know you’ve been warning the senate and the people about all the scary things out there and you’re right, but people don’t believe it until its beating down their door with a battle axe.”
“Yes, but how exactly are we going to do that?”
“Well YOU aren’t going to do anything except going about your usual business. I on the other hand am going to incite one of those threats you’ve told me about. Obviously one of the closest ones.”
“The usksha immigrants?” Quintus asks.
“Heh, well maybe in due time, but that’s bit more on the…political side. Plus its not a large enough threat and the follow through of invading the desert is a logistics nightmare that we are nowhere near in a position to carry out at this time. No, I was thinking something much simpler. Something much easier to incite violence in and a lot easier to get people to fear, namely orcs.”
“Oh, do you think you can do it?”
“Encouraging an orc to attack isn’t a challenge at all. Herding them to all attack in a specific direction takes a little more skill, but I can do it. It’ll just take a little time and we have to make a balancing act of it. Going to have to let the orcs win a few major battles in the beginning at least. It won’t be pretty, but it’ll also serve to purge some of the less than skilled soldiers you have around here. Some villages on the borders are going to have to burn as well.”
“Villages? Are you sure?”
“The problem with the Nalinites is they’ve never really been under a true threat for a very long time. When the people experience the loss of a couple border villages and see the bloody aftermath, trust me they’ll be begging for more protection. When they see the brutality of what an orc horde can do they’ll be screaming for justice and for us to march into the Quala Badlands to wipe out every last green skin. The first steps to expansion and the first steps to resurrecting the Empire.”

Quintus understands and says it sounds like a good plan. You and he talk a little more about some of the specifics before he eventually says he has a big day tomorrow of arguing against some silly law that one of his opponents is trying to have passed and needs to get some sleep. He says that you may have a bed in one of his spare rooms, as it isn’t like the rest of his family is going to complain about you being here. You agree but say that you intend on heading back to the dig site like you promised Jennifer tomorrow and also to get started on that orc situation you spoke on. Quintus remarks that you can take one of his horses and says he hopes to see you within a weeks time.

The next day you ride off to your destination and you feel somewhat calmer than you did when you first woke up. You also feel like you have a worthy purpose now. You know you’re going to have a big task ahead of you trying to reform the Empire, but at least it gives you something to do. Who knows, you might even be successful.

Or you might be instrumental in the downfall of yet another nation…
>
Year 537

“Ah, there’s nothing better than when a plan comes together! Your actions of stirring up the orcs have been paying off and I’ve finally managed to get the public to become in favor of a strong army and your training has been producing much tougher and disciplined soldiers to create that stronger army.” Quintus remarks to you while he sips his wine.
“I’m certainly glad someone you finally found someone more competent than yourself. Makes all your years of failure totally worth it.” Quintus’ wife Nalia remarks in a bored tone lying on a couch. She’s already on her second bottle of wine and it’s not even the afternoon yet.

While Quintus dismisses his wife’s usual emasculating remarks, you’re wondering why you’re here when you could be doing something more important to keep this plan in motion because its nowhere near coming together like Quintus seems to think it is. The orcs haven’t even made a major attack yet. They’ve just been harassing a few patrols, but it’s just as well since you’re still trying to whip the paltry number of spirited soldiers you do have into shape so that they the orcs do attack they’ll be ready for them.

You can’t really complain, because you are doing something you’re familiar with and good at, but the main thing that’s been nagging at you is Quintus himself. You don’t respect him and it’s starting to become a problem sometimes.

It’s not anything he’s done to you either. He’s practically bent over backwards to accommodate you in anyway he can. You wondered at first if it’s his overly smarmy demeanor with you which at times seems fake, but that isn’t it. Part of that is that he’s a politician and he probably can’t help but be that way as part of his personality, not to mention you’ve become quite a good judge of character and you believe his admiration for you is genuine.

Regardless of what his wife claims, Quintus is extremely ambitious and a hard worker which you can appreciate. He’s just been hampered by the social and political climate. If he’d been born during the time of the Empire, he would’ve fit right in. Might’ve even been one of the Emperor’s advisors.

Despite all this, you’ve been developing an increasing lack of respect for the man. Not to the point that you’re ready to kill him or anything, but taking orders from him has got you questioning why? Of course you know the reasons why, because the republic is still a pussy whipped place that has long since abandoned the ideals of people like yourself and trying to take power like a strong man would ultimately only result in chaos and collapse. Ironically, you’d probably be more at home in one of the city-states in Arat where they still favor a single ruler.

What it all comes down to you think is Quintus’ family. Something about Quintus’ lack of admiration from his own family bothers you. If he can’t reach the people that are supposed to be closest to him, how the hell can you respect him? Gets harder to when you have to be subjected to these meetings and see his family walk over him first hand. They all either criticize him or belittle him even though he’s been trying to make life better for them.

His wife is a slothful alcoholic that has never a word of encouragement for him. She looks much older than she actually is mainly due to hitting the bottle so much. She’s never truly addressed you directly, but her attitude seems apathetic at best.

His teenage daughter Yollanda is a red headed trollop that routinely sleeps with the sons of his senate rivals and in some cases the rivals themselves. And those are the “classier” encounters. Quintus once complained that if there was a good purpose for her bed hopping like say for gathering important information on his enemies it could be acceptable, but she has no higher purpose other than the pleasure of her girl parts. You try to stay away from her as her outright sexual advances that’s she’s made towards you in the past is a complication you don’t desire or need. Makes Jennifer’s obvious minor crush on you downright subtle by comparison.

Then there’s his younger son Gelo who is an idiot. Not in the traditional sense that he does stupid things without thinking them through, no he’s a dyed in the wool, born and bred moron. You imagine that his mother might’ve drank while she was carrying him, but who knows? By and large he’s harmless, but extremely annoying. He yells a lot, breaks things and is generally obnoxious mainly because he doesn’t even have a stable structure to mold him into something at least somewhat useful. You don’t understand why he wasn’t killed at birth. Such defective babies were usually either put to death by the family or at least sold into slavery so that they could be productive to the Empire on a minor level. It was a good policy. The only positive thing is he seems to be afraid of you and thus stays away (Often screaming his head off and runs away if you’re ever in the same room.)

And that’s just Quintus’ immediate family, it’s not even counting the other in laws and extended family that basically mooch off of him. For a man that has ruthless ideals he’s a doormat when it comes to his family. Fortunately for Quintus, he seems to have a lot more luck with the general population and has been getting more support just like he’s been bragging about lately. If you were Quintus, you might crave the respect of strangers as well.

“Quintus, why am I here? I’d like to get back to my job.” You remark.
“But that’s precisely why you’re here my Eternal friend! Your job! Since the army problem is well on its way to being taken care of, I think its time to move on to our navy.”
“Navy?”
“Yes, you do remember we have one such as it is. I’d like you to have a hand in making it stronger as well.”
“And just how the hell am I supposed to do that?”
“I dunno, you told me you were the military expert. Just do it the same way you did with our army I suppose. Stir up the pirates of the Delerg islands so they start attacking our costal towns en masse and the people demand a stronger navy.”
“Quintus, I’m glad you’re excited about the plan, but the first part of it isn’t even ready yet. I don’t feel the soldiers are even ready yet. They’ve been in a few skirmishes, but nothing that is really going to test them. And there’s still the matter of the orcs. They’re riled and I have noticed large tribal gatherings as if they’re preparing for a large attack against a bigger foe, but by and large they’re still disorganized and in some cases still attacking one another.”
“But surely you’ve trained some of the soldiers enough that they can perform these duties in your stead? Delegate responsibility to the more talented ones?”
“I have, but its a slow process from them to train their fellows as well as I trained them and I still wouldn’t trust any of them to do what I’m doing with the orcs, or at least not do it and live. Quite frankly I need more time with them and diverting my attention to your navy is just a distraction.”
“But the senate is going to dismantle it!” Quintus exclaims.

“Oh please will you stop whining in front of the help Quintus. It is soooo undignified. You don’t have to try to impress me anyway; I always knew you weren’t man enough to help my brother out with his shipyard. If the senate does dismantle the navy and his shipyard goes under because of less business, well he can always live here. No big deal.” Nalia remarks taking another long swig out of her wine bottle.

Quintus has no words he just throws his hands up and looks to you for help, but what can you do short of killing his wife? And you’re fairly certain he doesn’t want that no matter how much she gives him grief.

You suppose you could see what you could do with the naval situation, but the main problem is you have practically no experience in such seafaring things. You dare say the average sailor has much more experience than you do about such matters. Sure you’ll be assisted, but without the actual experience you’ll still have a disadvantage that you don’t feel comfortable with.

On the other hand what exactly does the republic need with a powerful navy anyway? As far as you know they don’t have an enemy trying to invade them from sea and they don’t have contact with a big nautical trading partner. They just send merchant ships to travel along the southern coast to the Usksha Emirates. If the pirates got too out of control, they could just send large shipments through the desert.
> You focus on the land military
You’re not going to change the plan just because Quintus is trying to please his drunken bitch of a wife. If he really wants this to happen he’s going to have to follow your lead.

“Quintus the navy isn’t important at this time, we need land strength if we’re going to get anywhere. We’ll need it to fight the orcs, we’ll need it to keep the unhappy citizens in line when we finally get rid of this damn republic and we’re going to really need it when we have to expand and annex more territory. Now I understand you’ve got a pirate problem, but really other than trade with the usksha we don’t even need to send many ships out anyway other than small fishing boats for food. Start sending trade caravans directly through the desert. The usksha do it all the time.”
“Yeah because the sand savages are used to it! The merchant’s guild is going to pitch a fit.”
“Well fuck, I dunno what to tell you. The merchants are either going to have to tough it out in the desert or risk getting attacked by pirates. Shit’s tough all over. Come to think of it, you don’t even like the damn usksha and want them out of the country anyway. Seems to me you could start working on that policy now that you’ve been getting a little more of the public on your side. If all goes well, Nalin won’t have to trade with the usksha at all in the future. No trade with the usksha, no need for merchant ships. No merchant ships, no pirates, unless they get crazy desperate and start attacking the coastal towns, but that’s why we’ve going to protect against such invasions.”

Quintus thinks about your proposal for a moment and of course he sees the wisdom in it.

“Yes, and the funds that are being spent on the navy can be used for other things. Hm, I suppose if I support the senate majority to dismantle the navy anyway I’ll look a little more agreeable, I imagine that’ll be good too. The question is where all the displaced sailors are going to do and go. I suppose some will just become fishers.”
“Yes, and if not, well there’s always more room in the army. I’ll let you worry about that, I need to get back to it.”

Quintus bids you goodbye and you’re glad to leave his mansion before you run into his slutty daughter. You’re in no mood for her tiresome attempts at seduction right now.

Over the next few months you continue getting Nalin’s “best” into shape and start launching your own raids into known orc territory. You always make sure not to do too much damage of course, but you’re not yielding the results you want. You’re not getting orc counter raids or attacks. In fact you think they’ve lessened!

This is somewhat discouraging, because while you’re succeeding in creating a stronger army, you’re failing in the second half of your plan. You think you might have to do something else.

On you way back from a raid, you and your men stop off at Calvin’s excavation site to rest. Two years have passed since you got dug up and they’re still digging through the ruins of the old capital. It’s actually impressive how much they have managed to find. Calvin even found a few of the flattened broken bones of his ancestor Jacob. (Never did find Semra’s though)

Calvin and his crew are always glad to have more soldiers around so you’re naturally awarded all the hospitality they have to offer. While you sit by yourself pondering your next move with this situation, Jennifer suddenly pops up to speak with you.

“I see you’re your usual brooding self.” Jennifer says coming up to you.
“Hm, that took awhile. Usually when I make stops here, you’re here a lot sooner. I was beginning to worry.” You remark.
“Well you did looked worried, but I doubt if it was about me hovering around you. So what’s wrong this time?”

Over the years Jennifer has probably become the closest thing you have to a friend. Granted you never had many before in your old life, but you at least had a few people to speak with about your own troubles. So far Jennifer is about the only one you feel comfortable with speaking about your own private concerns.

“It’s just the orcs. I thought for sure they’d be attacking en mass by now.”
“And an orc horde would be a good thing?”
“If we want Quintus’ dreams of reviving the Empire it would be. Guess I’m going to have to redouble my efforts on antagonizing the orcs.”
“Have you ever considered that you’re scaring them more than you’re angering them?”
“That seems unlikely. Orcs are nearly immune to fear. Most of them are too stupid and the rest are too bold.”
“Maybe that was true during your time, but I’m sure you’ve noticed things have changed.”
“They’re orcs Jennifer, how much could they have changed? Well besides the war paint I mean.”
“Surely you’ve noticed on your raids and travels that these orcs are still very different than the ones you knew. They’re tribal for one, but not just that, they’re also superstitious. Tends to come with tribal societies.”
“So?”
“So, over the centuries they’ve probably built their own tales, taboos and lore based on the ruins of the old Empire alone. That’s a lot of symbols and icons that they’ve probably incorporated into their society. Then you pop up and you’re still dressed in your old Empire armor and who know what stories that might cause because of the similar symbols and insignia on them. Think about it, for about two years now you’ve been mostly acting alone in attacking them. You’re shooting lightning and fire from your fingers as if it was nothing and you’ve probably slain more of them with your sword than the whole Nalin army ever has with bullets. They probably think you’re some immortal warrior spirit of old.” Jennifer explains.
“Well, I was dug up from a kind of grave.”
“Exactly, so in the scheme of things orcs have every reason in the world to fear you just like most people with a lick of sense do.”
“Heh, you don’t fear me.”
“Of course I don’t. I’m your friend.” Jennifer says and grabs your hand. You clasp your other hand on top of hers.
“Yes. Yes you are. Well I guess I need to find out if I am indeed something special to these orcs or not.”
“What’re you going to do?”
“Well I know the biggest tribe in the Quala Badlands is the Floggers. Maybe if I can bring them under heel, I can just make them DO what I want. I probably should go alone.”
“Hold on, the Floggers are pretty damn big and are positioned near Rask which is monster haven, you sure you shouldn’t have some sort of back up? I know you’re a big tough Eternal and all, but maybe you should take some of the soldiers you’ve been training.”
“Nah, I’d be better off doing this by myself.” You say.

“Ever the loner eh? Well I figured as much. I know it’s silly to worry after all you’ve survived, but just be careful okay?” Jennifer says and she briefly moves her face closer to yours, but then stops and then awkwardly excuses herself.

You tell your soldiers that they can either stay here or return to their posts and say you have your own business to take care of. Since they’re used to you going off by yourself, they acknowledge your orders and you think no more of it.

Just as you’re about to leave you get a surprising visit from Calvin.

“Hey, I’m glad I caught you before you left.” He says.
“Calvin? You don’t normally want to speak with me.”
“Well, as my daughter has probably no doubt told you I’m a little afraid of you, but I’m having one of those infamous brave Mol moments. It’s actually about my daughter.”
“What about her?”
“You are aware that she’s fond of you right?”
“Yeeeah…I think she just tried to kiss me but stopped herself from doing so. It was sort of uncomfortable.”
“I see…so I trust you do not feel the same way.”
“Well…(Sigh) it’s not that, its just…look it’s not my area of expertise and I’ve got a lot else on my mind right now.”
“Hm, understandable.” Calvin remarks.
“There are also some other feelings that involve the past that I don’t wish to discuss right now. That being said, I can honestly say I enjoy her company. She’s the only real friend I have.”
“That’s good. That’s good. I only bring this up because I know that great change is ever looming and most likely that change is going to be violent no matter how you and Quintus are going to go about it. I’d just like to make sure my daughter’s safe and I figure if she was with you then that safety is guaranteed, along with her happiness of course.”
“Hm, don’t be so sure of that. I imagine I’ll be drawing a lot of fire no matter what happens.”
“Better that she be with a strong shield that draws a lot of fire than with no shield at all.”
“Ha ha ha! So I’m a shield am I?” you chuckle.
“Aren’t we all before the chaos?” Calvin remarks and tells you to just think about your own feelings towards his daughter.

You’ve never had someone trying to pair you up with their daughter before. Something about it makes you feel a little strange. You decide to get on with your task to intimidate some orcs into submission, at least that’s more familiar to you.

You make your way north. You haven’t had too many run ins with the Flogger tribe, due to their far away location, but you did ambush a few of their kind a couple times. You don’t know how the survivors have described you, hopefully it is as Jennifer suggested, and it’s with awe.

Along the way you don’t encounter much trouble, you get attacked by a few half mad bandits, but that’s about it. Eventually you know you’re coming to the Flogger territory since you see the dead bodies of other orcs, humans, and even a few elves and ogres stretched across various wooden frames with their backs completely flayed of all skin. Down to the bone actually. Crows and other scavenger types gnaw at the rotting carcasses. The gruesome sight stretches from east to west as far as your eyes can see.

You notice two orcs standing look out on a crude watchtower just behind the wall of bodies. When you get closer they call out to you and raise their bows.

“Oi! What you doin’ ‘ere ‘uman?” one of them asks. You didn’t expect such civility, let alone coherence.
“I’m here to see your chieftain!” you answer.
“Wez gots no chieftain! Wez stronger than dat! Wez got shaman! Other tribes jealous! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!”
“Great, so let me see your shaman. I have something to discuss with him.”

The two orcs look at you and then whisper to each other a bit. This is all a bit strange, you fully expected to get attacked when you arrived or failing that the orcs running away in fear. They haven’t done either yet.

“Mm, yeah youz look like him, but need to be sure…um Bilge what waz we spose to ask again?” one orc asks the other.
“Youz forgot? Youz an idjit Fatbelly! You said youz remember! Me dunno either!” Bilge says.
“Okay, okay, shaddup! Me member now. Are youz dah ‘ternal man?” Fatbelly asks you.
“Yes.” You answer assuming he means eternal.
“Okay, youz can go troo, Shaman Trog been ‘spectin you. Just keep goin straight ahead an’ he should meet youz.”
“Wait, expecting me? How?” you ask.
“Dreams. Vishuns. Sumthin. Dunno, he magik. Ugh, brain hurt thinkin’ bout it. Go away now.”

There doesn’t seem to be much else to do, so you proceed to follow Fatbelly’s instructions. You pass through the line of flayed corpses and the watchtower. In the distance you see what looks to be enough simple huts to be considered a village. However you aren’t going to have to walk that far because a single orc dressed in tribal garb stands between you and it. He holds a decorated staff in hand and looks old for an orc. This must be Shaman Trog.

You aren’t sure what to expect, but you draw your weapon just in case.

“Ah, you here finally. Trog saw that you come and Trog’s visions always right…well most of time.”
“You can see into the future eh? Well then I suppose you know why I’m here then.” You remark.
“No Trog not know. Cannot predict future. Just see that Eternal man come. The last true remnant of the long dead Empire that enslaved all within its shadow. So why you here? You here to finally kill us all?”
“Well, that’s up to you Trog. I have a proposal.”
“Huh, can’t be good if you here. Very well, Trog shall hear your proposal.”

You explain to Trog what the situation is though at first you wonder if he’s going to understand all of it, but it would seem he’s one of the smart ones, then again he is a shaman so he can’t be entirely dim in the first place.

“Trog see…so it’s worse than Trog feared, you seek to make slaves of all of us again.”
“No, I just need you to attack the Nalin Republic.”
“Yes, you seek to manipulate us into doing your dirty work. How is that not slavery? Worse, your plan seeks to bring back the power that nearly lead us all into extinction. Only after centuries we are strong and free again.”
“You know, orcs didn’t fare so badly under the Empire. They were some of the best soldiers.”
“They were used as expendable shields for the weaker human troops.”
“And how do you know all this?”
“Ha ha! Writings! You think orcs not write, but we do! Maybe just pictures, but we do! We also tell stories! After Empire fall to big bang, orcs of old pass down tales. Tribe’s founder and my great ancestor, Flog pass down first stories. We never forget. That’s why we orcs know you. You wear the mark of the old days. Not know how you still alive. Maybe you really eternal, but if we are to die, then we die free, not die slow as slaves.”

You can’t believe it. You’re arguing with an orc about civil liberties! Still, if he is up on the history as he says then there is surely mention of one orc in particular and it might just convince him to change his mind.

“Captain Gruz did not consider himself to be a slave.” You remark, which causes Trog’s eyes to widen.
“You…you knew the Warmaster?” Trog asks.
“Oh yes, I met him and he even gave me a little insight to be a better soldier during my first assignment. I only regret I didn’t get to serve with him during the Felkan War. I heard of his many magnificent deeds though.”
“He slew many enemies on the day of his death. The entire story of that day is a glorious tale.”
“Yes, and he was hailed as one of the greatest heroes of the Empire. He did his duty as a soldier of the Empire and had no shame about it. He was no slave, let me tell you. He was a proud soldier who loved that he served the Empire. His only wish was to die a glorious death in its service and he did. Because he served the Empire with distinction even now the knowledge of his deeds are still known. Help me bring it back and your deeds may become as well known as his own, possibly even more so.”

Trog studies you as if to determine if you’re just trying to sweet talk him. He looks tired though, as if he doesn’t really want to fight you even if you are lying to him.

“Trog…cannot completely determine your ultimate intentions Eternal, however Trog sense your words about the Warmaster to be respectful and truthful. Trog suppose if great Warmaster Gruz taught you to be a better warrior then you would not speak lies about him. (Sigh) Very well, Trog shall do what Trog can to help you, but Trog can’t promise that Trog will be able to unite all of the tribes in the Quala Badlands.”
“Don’t need them all, just enough to cause a lot of damage.”
“Hm, well if there’s anything we’re good at, it’s that. Trog suppose a lot of my people are going to die in the process of this scheme, Trog only hope that in the long run we will be in a better position.”
“I promise you that your people will always remember what you have done today.”
“Trog not sure if that good yet.” Trog remarks and shuffles off towards the village in the distance.

You guess your work is done here. Now only time will tell if this is going to be successful or not.
>
Year 540

It’s not there yet, but the political and social climate in the republic is finally getting to a point that’s a little more recognizable to you. Thanks to Trog’s actions the orcs have been attacking the Nalin just like you wanted. After a couple of burned down massacred villages, the Nalinites are a lot more supportive of military endeavors (Kobold citizens especially, but that’s hardly surprising given their nature).

The citizens are also becoming more fearful and suspicious of other “foreign threats” like the usksha. Highlighting the sandman drug epidemic and the crime due to it, Quintus has managed to get restrictions on the southern borders of Nalin. The usksha that used to live within Nalin are starting to go back to their desert due to the increasingly hostile population. Trade hasn’t completely stopped, but the relationship between the republic and the emirates is very strained now.

Of course some of this still wouldn’t be possible without senate support, however that’s become more in Quintus’ favor due to a combination of several factors. Some are just like the peasants, they’re getting scared because their comfortable lifestyle are at risk and want to protect themselves. Some were weak from the start and vote depending on which way the majority is heading.

There are still holdouts that don’t agree with the more militant policies however. Even the “will of the people” does not sway them to fall in line. The most vocal of these is Senator Batalimus Ventis who has been a long time rival of Quintus. He’s stated that this trend towards militarism is going lead back to the dark days of when Matriarch Tarna ruled the land. He has also stated quite openly that Quintus is a warmongering fool that is only a puppet for his “mysterious Eternal” advisor.

Quintus hates the man more than he hates the usksha and feels he’s the main cause of all his woes. Apparently he’s also decided that even if it isn’t quite time to dismantle the senate, it is time to get rid of Batalimus and has tried to have the man assassinated on a few occasions. All attempts have failed so far though and all it’s done is served to make Batalimus more cautious and legitimize his accusations about Quintus (Even if he can’t quite connect Quintus to the actual assassins).

You’re going to have to speak with Trog soon about the attacks having served their purpose and that he needs to ease up. Trog is under the impression that after all this is over; he or at least his people will have a place within the new order when it finally comes about. In truth, you’d like to have a few orc legions if only for the intimidation factor of keeping the citizenry in line. However, you aren’t exactly sure how likely that’s going to be since orcs are increasingly becoming hated by the average citizen and are unlikely to want them to be incorporated into the new order no matter what. Let alone as soldiers.

Another problem for another day you suppose. Right now though you’re on your way back from another visit with Quintus (who basically did nothing but bitch about Bartalimus) and on your way back to Quala. You’re a lot better known now and as you pass through you mostly get a lot of respectful nods from the military and worried glances from citizens. Your reputation within the republic has grown and it’s much like it was back in the old Empire days. There’s a certain familiar comfort in that.

Before you leave Dalt you decide to pay a visit to Calvin’s museum to see Jennifer. Since the orc war, expeditions to the Quala Badland have been put on hold so Calvin and Jennifer have returned to work at their museum to study what they have found in more detail and ultimately put it on display.

When you enter, you see a sign that tells people to be sure to visit their brand new Empire exhibits. Naturally you wander over to where these displays are, so you can see how much they actually got right.

When you get to the exhibit its currently empty of visitors. You’re impressed with what you see though. They’ve managed to recreate a small portion of the Emperor’s palace and fill it with the old stuff they found. Some of the things are just replicas, but they’re very good replicas and in the correct locations. They even managed to restore one of the Emperor’s big black statues.

Just looking at all this stuff makes you feel like you’re back where you should be. When you close your eyes you can almost imagine that you are where you WANT to be. If only things had been different, you wouldn’t have to be starting all over again…

“We tried to make it look like what we thought it looked like in the past and based on writings we found.” You hear Jennifer’s voice say and you open your eyes to see her stand to the right of you.
“You did a good job, almost feels like home. That big ass black statue wasn’t in the throne room though. In fact the Emperor never even used the throne room when I knew him.” You say.
“Yeah, but we did have any place else to put it. I think its impressive looking where we did put it though. Should draw in a lot of people. So did you come here to revisit old memories?”
“Not at first, but this is was a nice distraction.”
“Glad to hear it, well I’ll leave you to your thoughts.” Jennifer says and begins to leave.
“No, stay here with me, I came here to see you in first place. Besides, no point in reliving past glories when I don’t have anyone to share said glories with.” You say and grab her hand.

Jennifer’s reaction is a positive one in that she doesn’t let go and moves closer to you.

“So since you’ve got the time, how about you tell me about some of those old glories?” Jennifer asks.

You gladly do so.

You talk with Jennifer for hours until it starts getting late at which point you say you have to get back to your mission in Quala. Jennifer understands and wishes you luck on it.

“If you’re going wish me luck, how about you do it with a kiss?” you ask which takes Jennifer by surprise.
“That’s certainly new. What brought this on?”
“I thought you liked me. You do don’t you?”
“Of course, I’m sure I was pretty obvious about it.”
“Well why ask why? I’m fond of you as well. I like your company and you’re the only person I’ve ever considered my friend since I got dug up. You’re independent, you’re physically attractive and you listen to all my stories. What’s not to like?” You say which causes a small chuckle from Jennifer.
“Okay…we’ll talk more about this later, but for right now, here’s that kiss.”

Jennifer moves in to kiss you and the pair of you embrace.

After your minor amorous interlude, you take your leave of the museum. You briefly wonder if pursuing a relationship with Jennifer is a good idea, but what’s done is done and you’ll just have to figure it out. Once again, another problem for another day you suppose.

Just as you get out of the gates of Dalt, two guards approach you. They’re not military or domestic security, they look like private guards, probably those of a senator.

“You the Eternal?” one of them asks.
“Yes.” You answer.
“Senator Batalimus wants to see you. If you would accompany us to his home please, it’s just a few miles west of this city.”

Well this is an interesting turn of events, though perhaps not entirely unexpected. If you had to guess, Batalimus either plans to have you killed when you arrive to meet him or he’s going to try to convince you to be on his side. You doubt he has the means to do either.

You don’t know if you should even bother entertaining him at all, but then you think if he does try to kill you, then you’ll have eliminated the need to kill him later. Hell, even if he doesn’t try to kill you, maybe you should just do it anyway.

You agree to follow the guards and eventually you reach Batalimus’ estate. His home isn’t much bigger than Quintus’ home, though there are a lot more trees and gardens on his grounds. As you expect there are a lot of guards patrolling about. When you step through the front door you feel like you’ve stepped into a barracks rather than a senator’s mansion due to all the guards standing around.

Soon an older balding man dressed in a purple robe comes down the grandiose staircase. It’s Batalimus.

“Ah the Eternal, at last we meet face to face.” Batalimus says.
“Yes, I’m surprised that you didn’t confiscate my weapons though.” You answer.
“Whatever for? We all know you can just incinerate or fry everyone in the room with the snap of your fingers. It’s not like you actually need a sword or even a pistol. You’re a walking weapon without such things.”
“So? Why risk bringing me here then?”
“Because I have nothing to lose. Your associate, Quintus seems quite determined to have me killed. Granted he always has harbored ill feelings, but now that the little reprobate has the advantage his confidence has reached an all time high. I suppose the fool has to have his fun though given the family he has. In any case I figure its only a matter of time before he sends you to do the deed and while I could increase my security even further, I quite frankly doubt if it would stop the likes of you. At best you might get mad.”

You have to appreciate someone who knows exactly where they stand.

“So…you brought me here to kill you?”
“Hah, I hope not, but I suppose that is a strong possibility. No, what I’d like to do is try to convince you to perhaps not kill the republic because that is what you and Quintus are striving to do, though I believe I actually have a shot with getting through to you. You aren’t saddled with any emotions of hatred towards me. To you, I’m just another potential obstacle in your goals. If I have to be killed then you will, but if it isn’t necessary you won’t.”

Well it looks like Batalimus has opted to try to get you on his side, just like you thought he might. He is over estimating your willingness to kill him though. True you don’t have any hatred for the man and quite honestly you probably already respect him more than Quintus within the short time you’ve met him, but you’ve been known to kill folks even if you believe that they will be potential obstacles in the future.

Still, killing Batalimus right now isn’t exactly part of the plan, so you’ll most likely just leave unless he tries to stop you. Then again you did come all this way so there is no harm in hearing him out.
> You stay
“Okay, I’ll listen to your pleas, but I doubt that you will be able to convince me of anything.” You remark.
“You seem so certain.” Batalimus says.
“Of course I am. For one I am not some scared citizen or greedy senator that can be bribed or frightened into submission. I am not an ignorant peasant either that can be merely swayed by lies.”
“Never thought you were.”
“Second and more importantly, I was not impressed with your republic when I was first dug up and I continue to be unimpressed with it now. It is an inefficient form of government that allows too much power to the people and it doesn’t even do that right, considering all the corruption.”
“Oh I wouldn’t say that. Within the last few years the people have been making demands for more security and defense and Quintus has been delivering appeasement to them. It would seem that you’ve managed make the system work for you.” Batalimus says.
“And don’t you think that’s proof that your system is broken? If YOU were the ruler of this country you wouldn’t be in the situation you are now. You’d be able to have Quintus executed along with everyone that didn’t fall in line.”
“You may be right.”
“Of course I’m right, because the masses are by and large weak-willed fools that actually desire a strong hand to rule them and do the thinking for them. Honestly I don’t know how your system lasted as long as it did.”
“Because it worked or at least it did before you came around.”
“So…you’re going to blame me for your system’s weaknesses? Seems to me it should’ve been strong enough to weather the presence of one man.”

Batalimus begins laughing.

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

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

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

You’re silent.

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

You’ve heard enough.

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

It takes a moment for Batalimus to gather his thoughts.

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

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

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

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

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

Eternal,

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

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

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

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

But then as I said, I am an idealist.

Batalimus Ventis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You wonder if you shouldn’t just settle down with Jennifer and try to live a normal life.
> You dismiss such thoughts
This is silly, here you are with the Empire so close to resurrection and you’re sitting here wondering if it’s all worth it. Of course it’s worth it! It’s what your whole life has been about and it doesn’t matter what time period it is.

Whether you’re ruling it, or someone else is, it doesn’t matter. The Empire must live on. If you just give up now, then what was the point of any of it? And as for Jennifer, you probably should just put an end to that disaster waiting to happen as soon as you can.

She’s a nice girl and everything, but she’s not Alison and she never will be. Not to mention with you by her side she’s likely to wind up dead just like Alison. You have no doubt that you’ll eventually acquire some powerful enemies looking to take advantage of any possible weakness you might have.

You return to your duties without another thought.

After about a couple of weeks of your regular rounds in Quala, you decide its time to go visit Trog about your arrangement and how it needs to be altered. With Batalimus’ suicide, Quintus’ larger influence and the army now stronger than it ever has been, you don’t really need orcs as a terror distraction anymore, especially if you want to incorporate them into this new Empire one day. Of course that plan may still fail, but your current deal is a deal and you and Trog have dealt straight with each other so far.

You travel the Flogger tribe’s territory and just like last time, Trog was already expecting your visit.

“So once again the Eternal visits Trog. Is our arrangement going as planned?”
“Yes, but that’s why I’m here. We’ve gotten what we need from the war. You no longer have to play any role in it, that is stirring up the other orc tribes.”
“Trog see. Very well we did have an agreement and the Floggers have benefitted greatly from this arrangement, so it is done for now. However, Trog cannot promise that other minor tribes will not still attack. Can only promise that Floggers will no longer play any part in such attacks.”
“That’s fine, probably for the best that we still get a few attacks. Well that was all I had to say, I’ll see you around…”

You’re about to leave, but Trog speaks up.

“Are you not also here about your people that went up to explore Rask?” Trog asks.
“No. What people?”
“Trog surprised that you did not know. Two weeks ago a group came here attempting to seek passage through Flogger territory. They were lead by a woman with black hair. Trog assumed you knew about this because the woman certainly knew enough about our arrangement to attempt such a thing in the first place.”
“Wait, was this woman’s name Jennifer Mol?”
“Trog believe that it was. Said she was trying to explore Rask for some warrior’s guild or something. Even Trog not sure if it exists, just heard the rumors at times.”
“So did you let her through?”
“No. She refused to pay the toll which was to leave a couple of her people here for good will.”
“So she went back home then.”
“No. She said she’d go around, but then she attempted to sneak through our territory at a weakly guarded area during the night instead.”

You almost don’t want to hear what is going to come next.

“Trog see that this woman is someone important to you? If it helps, Floggers did not kill her. She managed to hide and escape before we could. Floggers did however capture and kill some of her crew though. Floggers cannot just have people coming through territory without permission. Cannot show weakness. Trog hopes you understand this. Trog even had guards that were supposed to be watching that area killed for their lack of attention.”

Strangely enough you do understand. You can’t really be angry at Trog and the rest of his tribe for being territorial. It was actually pretty civilized of them to offer a toll option in the first place. Really you can’t believe Jennifer would be so foolhardy to attempt something like this, but then she has been braving the dangers of Quala long before you even showed up, so maybe this isn’t too out of character for her, especially when she’s got her mind set on an expedition.

“So…do you know where she went?”
“North, past Flogger territory. That was two weeks ago though, Trog doubts that she still alive. Rask is very harsh, even more than Quala, also the dreaded wendigo live there. She has not tried to sneak back through Flogger territory and Flogger’s would know because we’ve increased the guards since her break through.”

Part of you almost wants to go try to find her; despite the fact you just recently believed that the two of you shouldn’t attempts any sort of relationship. Now you start to wonder if you could’ve prevented all this if you HAD gone to see her two weeks ago. You resist the urge though. For one thing, it’s been two weeks. Any way of tracking her is going to be poor at best given all the snowstorms Rask endures. Second, her group isn’t the most battle ready. They’re going to mostly consist of scholar types that can’t fight worth shit. While she probably took a few soldiers with her, even they’re going to be fucked when they encounter something like a wendigo or even a giant.

She’s dead and that’s it. Just eliminates the need for you to worry about one more decision. It doesn’t put you in the best of moods though.

It’s that mood that has you return to Nalin and the capital where you see Quintus.

“Good, I’m glad you’re back, we need to…” Quintus begins to say when you come through the front door of his house and then he notices the fresh blood on your sword and his guards nowhere to be seen. His eyes widen when you raise your hand up to cast a lightning bolt to his face.

You find however that the spell fails to work on him and one of his rings glows brightly.

“I figured one of those rings protected you from magic. Pity, I was trying to give you a quick and less painful death.” You say and advance upon him with your sword in hand.
“No! What’re you doing?! We’re on the same side! We were going to revive the Empire!” Quintus exclaims backing up on the stairway and attempts to rub one of his rings. You aren’t exactly sure what he’s attempting to do, but you’re not going to let him do it.

You making a lunging rush at him and he nearly disappears before you, but you’ve already stuck him like a pig. His brief attempt at invisibility fades as his dying face stares at you.

“Wh…why? I…helped…I…was going…to be…emperor…”
“Plans change.” you say and throw Quintus over the stair railing where his body falls to the floor in a bloody heap.

Afterwards you take care of Quintus’ family. As dysfunctional as they all are, the last thing you need is for any of them to attempt revenge for whatever reason.

The day after, you gather as many soldiers as you can, march into the senate and officially dissolve it in a very violent way. Every senator is killed and the floors of the senate hall run red with blood that day. Most beg for mercy, but you’re not in a mercy-giving mood.

A few days later and it’s official. You make your announcement that the Republic is dead and that the Empire now lives again. The general public doesn’t know quite what to make of everything. You’re sure that there will be some sort of misguided rebellion, but with the military behind you’re confident that you won’t have too much trouble.

Year 542

You’re so damn tired you don’t even know when the last time you had any proper sleep. It’s just been one rebellion after another and ongoing strife. You haven’t even had thoughts of expansion mainly because you’ve been attempting to maintain order on what you do have.

You have attempted to recreate a secret police in a similar style of the Emperor’s Eyes, but efforts haven’t proved too successful mainly because you’re too busy using the military to keep direct order.

It isn’t that the people don’t fear you, it’s that they hate you more than they fear. Even after you’ve destroyed entire towns that have dared defy you, you still get pockets of resistance running off into the wilderness to cause ongoing problems.

Your methods in the beginning months were probably too harsh in retrospect, but your mind wasn’t in the best place then due to Jennifer’s death, which you took a little harder than you imagined you would. Killing everyone in the senate certainly didn’t help as perhaps some of those experienced fools might’ve still been useful in swaying public opinion and dealing with the more mundane issues of running the government. Combine this with the fact that the idea of things like “liberty” still lingered within the people, your brutal actions only proved to them what happens when a single tyrant takes power. Instead of cowing them into submission, you ended up lighting a fire of freedom that you still haven’t put out yet and at this point you wonder if you ever will.

Even portions of your military have turned against you, if not outright treason then desertion. Some have fled to find work within the six cities of Arat or even joined up with the pirate groups in Delerg.

Between the steady attrition of loyal soldiers, the ongoing defiance of the people, external threats like the Flogger tribe hearing of your struggles and taking advantage of your lightly defended outposts in Quala (And certainly have no intention of joining your Empire now) you are pushed to the brink and beyond.

You decide if the fools won’t submit to your rule, you’ll burn the whole damn thing down. You unleash a terrible force of magic the likes most have never seen. You begin destroying entire cities and farmland. It gets to the point where even the most loyal won’t even follow you into destroying their homeland.

Your reign of terror eventually comes to an end through a combined effort of the citizens of Nalin. Even your powerful magic can’t stop an entire nation out for your blood and near the end you’re exhausted and half crazed from bloodlust anyway.

“Bah, I don’t need magic to do my work!” are your last words before you slaughter a few dozen men and women and are shot with several bullets and stabbed repeatedly by a mob.

You might’ve still went down in history as reminder to the people of Nalin of why they should value freedom and never submit to a totalitarian state…

But then the Flogger tribe rampaged through the decimated nation, which had practically depleted all of its resources in its war against you. The orcs leave no evidence of an Empire or a Republic ever having existed.