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'''Inquisition of the Damned''' is a [[Lore]] book introduced in [[Shadowkeep]]. Entries are unlocked by finding and acquiring [[Hive]] scrolls located around the [[Moon]], through patrol or within the [[Pit of Heresy]] [[Dungeon]]. | [[File:LoreDamned.png|300px|thumb]] | ||
'''Inquisition of the Damned''' is a [[Lore]] book introduced in [[Shadowkeep]]. Entries are unlocked by finding and acquiring [[Hive]] scrolls located around the [[Moon]], through patrol or within the [[Pit of Heresy]] [[Dungeon]]. It details the actions of the [[Hidden Swarm]] since the the death of [[Oryx, the Taken King|Oryx]] and his son [[Crota, Son of Oryx|Crota]]. | |||
__TOC__ | |||
{{clear}} | |||
==I.I: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ==I.I: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ||
[[Malkanth, the Deceiver|MALKANTH'S]] BLASPHEMOUS DESIRE | [[Malkanth, the Deceiver|MALKANTH'S]] BLASPHEMOUS DESIRE | ||
"The bloodline is severed. | "The bloodline is severed. <br> | ||
"The remaining heirs would argue otherwise. | "The remaining heirs would argue otherwise. <br> | ||
"Their blood ties and bone-bond to the | "Their blood ties and bone-bond to the Last King of the Osmium Court mark them as candidates for Ascension, but such is not granted freely. All evolution is forced, and the [[Sword Logic|sword logic]] will not rest idle as spoiled children claw for purchase at the vacant thrones of vanquished Kings and Princes. <br> | ||
"I see them as they are. | "I see them as they are. <br> | ||
"Liars. | "Liars. <br> | ||
"Pretenders. | "Pretenders. <br> | ||
"As their King. | "As their King. <br> | ||
"As his Prince. | "As his Prince. <br> | ||
"The whole of the Court's lineage is unworthy. History would say otherwise. But history is not truth. | "The whole of the Court's lineage is unworthy. History would say otherwise. But history is not truth. <br> | ||
"That I alone see the flaw in our future is a crime for which all others shall be punished." | "That I alone see the flaw in our future is a crime for which all others shall be punished." | ||
==I.II: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ==I.II: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ||
[[Akrazul, the Severed|AKRAZUL'S]] IMPOTENT RAGE | [[Akrazul, the Severed|AKRAZUL'S]] IMPOTENT RAGE | ||
"There are none. | "There are none. <br> | ||
"Their strength is a shade of that required by the sword logic's demand for blood and pain. | "Their strength is a shade of that required by the sword logic's demand for blood and pain. <br> | ||
"They, as all, must be made to suffer for their worth to be evident, but they fear such ends. | "They, as all, must be made to suffer for their worth to be evident, but they fear such ends. <br> | ||
"I am no Inquisitor, by right or title. | "I am no Inquisitor, by right or title. <br> | ||
"Yet, I see clearly, through the sullied haze of their ambitions. | "Yet, I see clearly, through the sullied haze of their ambitions. <br> | ||
"They speak of honor and nobility. | "They speak of honor and nobility. <br> | ||
"They have none. | "They have none. <br> | ||
"They crave power. Not truth. | "They crave power. Not truth. <br> | ||
"They seek evolution but cannot comprehend its price, or meaning. | "They seek evolution but cannot comprehend its price, or meaning. <br> | ||
"They want, only because they want—these heathen 'saviors' forewarned in prophecy. | "They want, only because they want—these heathen 'saviors' forewarned in prophecy. <br> | ||
"Come from the depths to feast upon those weakened by our loss and our struggle against enemies more brutal than time. | "Come from the depths to feast upon those weakened by our loss and our struggle against enemies more brutal than time. <br> | ||
"I fear the path you court, sister, is a rebuke of more than tradition. | "I fear the path you court, sister, is a rebuke of more than tradition. <br> | ||
"You challenge Understandings mapped upon flesh, bone, and the very essence of centuries beyond knowing. | "You challenge Understandings mapped upon flesh, bone, and the very essence of centuries beyond knowing. <br> | ||
"You seek to unmake the logic, for selfish gain. | "You seek to unmake the logic, for selfish gain. <br> | ||
"Such is a treasonous affront. | "Such is a treasonous affront. <br> | ||
"Others have tried. | "Others have tried. <br> | ||
"Others have been held to account for such callous sin. | "Others have been held to account for such callous sin. <br> | ||
"Yet, I look upon the lustful offspring of our once-King, and I see cowards. | "Yet, I look upon the lustful offspring of our once-King, and I see cowards. <br> | ||
"I see our end—written in greed. | "I see our end—written in greed. <br> | ||
"The aftermath of a feeble reign. | "The aftermath of a feeble reign. <br> | ||
"Such is not how I would see us fall. | "Such is not how I would see us fall. <br> | ||
"Ridden to oblivion by spoiled heirs and would-be heroes born of the desperate throngs who only now, after the battles have been fought and our war lost, find their courage… here in the wake of our undoing." | "Ridden to oblivion by spoiled heirs and would-be heroes born of the desperate throngs who only now, after the battles have been fought and our war lost, find their courage… here in the wake of our undoing." | ||
==I.III: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ==I.III: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ||
[[ | [[Ir Airâm, Deathsinger|AZAVATH'S]] EAGER EMBRACE | ||
"You, of us all, have suffered and survived, brother. | "You, of us all, have suffered and survived, brother. <br> | ||
"To many, your severing is a mark of shame. | "To many, your severing is a mark of shame. <br> | ||
"To many, you should have fallen to dust before returning to the depths in defeat. | "To many, you should have fallen to dust before returning to the depths in defeat. <br> | ||
"My ire, as echoed by my Song, would challenge these claims. | "My ire, as echoed by my Song, would challenge these claims. <br> | ||
"Those who demean you… | "Those who demean you… <br> | ||
"Akrazul, the Severed Knight. | "Akrazul, the Severed Knight. <br> | ||
"Akrazul, the Shamed. | "Akrazul, the Shamed. <br> | ||
"The Weak. | "The Weak. <br> | ||
"The Undone. | "The Undone. | ||
"They are one and the same with those who never dared face the undying Light. | "They are one and the same with those who never dared face the undying Light. <br> | ||
"They are the enemies of our promised morrow. | "They are the enemies of our promised morrow. <br> | ||
"Those who watched from the shadows while your bone shattered and your limb was cast into the hollowed dark beneath this Moon's scarred surface. | "Those who watched from the shadows while your bone shattered and your limb was cast into the hollowed dark beneath this Moon's scarred surface. <br> | ||
"I too see the sin in our dear sister's words. | "I too see the sin in our dear sister's words. <br> | ||
"More so in her intention. | "More so in her intention. <br> | ||
"But I also see a pride in all we were meant to be—all we were promised. | "But I also see a pride in all we were meant to be—all we were promised. <br> | ||
"Why, then, give thanks to 'heirs' come to offer salvation, when such a gift is beyond their giving? | "Why, then, give thanks to 'heirs' come to offer salvation, when such a gift is beyond their giving? <br> | ||
"I am with you, dear sister. | "I am with you, dear sister. <br> | ||
"I am with you, dear brother. | "I am with you, dear brother. <br> | ||
"Let us each suffer to ensure the path—till dust or ash or Gods standing high upon eternity, burdened by our sacrifice. | "Let us each suffer to ensure the path—till dust or ash or Gods standing high upon eternity, burdened by our sacrifice. <br> | ||
"For are we not worthy? | "For are we not worthy? <br> | ||
"If not by ancestral right, then as those wretched few who would never seek power, but to keep its disease from the hands of the corrupt?" | "If not by ancestral right, then as those wretched few who would never seek power, but to keep its disease from the hands of the corrupt?" | ||
==I.IV: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ==I.IV: Of Tattered Blood and Broken Bone== | ||
MALKANTH'S DEADLY PROMISE | MALKANTH'S DEADLY PROMISE | ||
"Then it is set. | "Then it is set. <br> | ||
"The logic will never find purchase among the unworthy. | "The logic will never find purchase among the unworthy. <br> | ||
"And be not unclear, though we revile those we seek to challenge, we are truly their kin. | "And be not unclear, though we revile those we seek to challenge, we are truly their kin. <br> | ||
"If not by marrow's tie nor blooded divinity… | "If not by marrow's tie nor blooded divinity… <br> | ||
"Then by our own failings—if not of a kind equal to their transgressions. | "Then by our own failings—if not of a kind equal to their transgressions. <br> | ||
"Yet, there is honor in the knowing… | "Yet, there is honor in the knowing… <br> | ||
"We alone recognize our lack of worth and thus stand above those who seek Ascension ignorant of their truest reflection… | "We alone recognize our lack of worth and thus stand above those who seek Ascension ignorant of their truest reflection… <br> | ||
"Ignorant of the logic's base demand. | "Ignorant of the logic's base demand. <br> | ||
"But I say now, with an unfettered mind… | "But I say now, with an unfettered mind… <br> | ||
"The sword logic is not all. | "The sword logic is not all. <br> | ||
"And the logic can be subverted—must be subverted. | "And the logic can be subverted—must be subverted. <br> | ||
"I have studied paths both honored and depraved—the might of Oryx, the strength and cunning of his sisters, the folly of Crota's pride, and the necromantic sin of the unfavored. | "I have studied paths both honored and depraved—the might of Oryx, the strength and cunning of his sisters, the folly of Crota's pride, and the necromantic sin of the unfavored. <br> | ||
"I have long since stolen knowledge from the World's Grave—known texts and secret learnings. | "I have long since stolen knowledge from the World's Grave—known texts and secret learnings. <br> | ||
"I have prepared for this day—for the time when reliance on the rule of might—the survival of the fittest—would prove to be misguided. | "I have prepared for this day—for the time when reliance on the rule of might—the survival of the fittest—would prove to be misguided. <br> | ||
"Our understanding of its meaning… flawed and open to manipulations by those willing to find strength—purpose—in heresy. | "Our understanding of its meaning… flawed and open to manipulations by those willing to find strength—purpose—in heresy. <br> | ||
"I say, we are they—the sinners, the heretics… | "I say, we are they—the sinners, the heretics… <br> | ||
"I say… let us sin. | "I say… let us sin. <br> | ||
"Let us be the liars and conspirators whose self-made truth topples stagnant, uninspired belief and births a new dynasty. | "Let us be the liars and conspirators whose self-made truth topples stagnant, uninspired belief and births a new dynasty. <br> | ||
"Dearest Akrazul. | "Dearest Akrazul. <br> | ||
"Dearest Azavath. | "Dearest Azavath. <br> | ||
"Brother. | "Brother. <br> | ||
"Sister. | "Sister. <br> | ||
"Let us reap the just affliction of our suffering's reward. | "Let us reap the just affliction of our suffering's reward. <br> | ||
"We shall claim the burden of dominion and endure the pains of such tremendous weight. | "We shall claim the burden of dominion and endure the pains of such tremendous weight. <br> | ||
"Just as all others will endure, as final, unwelcome recompense, the harsh realities of their end." | "Just as all others will endure, as final, unwelcome recompense, the harsh realities of their end." | ||
==II: An Audience with Slaughter== | ==II: An Audience with Slaughter== | ||
AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
In the circle in the pit at the bottom of damnation's well, a gathering of brutalists vies for a seat upon an eternal throne. | In the circle in [[The Pit (Pit of Heresy)|the pit]] at the bottom of [[Cradle of Damnation|damnation's well]], a gathering of brutalists vies for a seat upon an eternal throne. | ||
A thousand warriors of dust and ruin clamor for the ritual beginning to another slaughter. | A thousand warriors of dust and ruin clamor for the ritual beginning to another slaughter. | ||
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Among the murmuring lords of wicked tongues, tainted royalty glides to the fore. | Among the murmuring lords of wicked tongues, tainted royalty glides to the fore. | ||
[[Hashladûn, Daughter of Crota|Sisters of the anti-mercy]]. [[Besurith, Daughter of Crota|Sisters of doom]]. [[Kinox | [[Hashladûn, Daughter of Crota|Sisters of the anti-mercy]]. [[Besurith, Daughter of Crota|Sisters of doom]]. [[Kinox|The Daughters of Crota]]—[[Voshyr|Daughters of the Worldbreaker]]. The offspring of destruction, direct heirs to the abandoned throne, yet removed from the Pit's calling. The same privileged manipulators whose existence Malkanth and her siblings wish to challenge—wish to destroy. | ||
The Daughters have come to judge those who dare fight for claim. | The Daughters have come to judge those who dare fight for claim. | ||
They seek a warrior fit to raze the celestial heavens that mar the ebon expanse. Surely one must walk amongst the countless descendants of their | They seek a warrior fit to raze the celestial heavens that mar the ebon expanse. Surely one must walk amongst the countless descendants of their father's father. | ||
Besurith whispers her doubts. Seconded by Voshyr. | Besurith whispers her doubts. Seconded by Voshyr. | ||
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The slaughter is set to begin. | The slaughter is set to begin. | ||
==III: Ritualistic Circle Pit== | ==III: Ritualistic Circle Pit== | ||
AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
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On high, Hashladûn watches as the first sword falls and the severing begins. | On high, Hashladûn watches as the first sword falls and the severing begins. | ||
==IV: Blood Sport== | ==IV: Blood Sport== | ||
AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
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The congregation on high all follow—their crimson temples emptied—leaving none to witness the assured disappointment in the Pit below. | The congregation on high all follow—their crimson temples emptied—leaving none to witness the assured disappointment in the Pit below. | ||
==V: A Sinister Plot== | ==V: A Sinister Plot== | ||
Across the Pit, three siblings watch from the shadows. | Across the Pit, three siblings watch from the shadows. | ||
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Her smile widens. | Her smile widens. | ||
"Zulmak is our instrument of destruction. | "Zulmak is our instrument of destruction. <br> | ||
"He is that which will shatter the logic. | "He is that which will shatter the logic. <br> | ||
"He is that which will break the cycle and prove the lie of the Court and its King, they who led us to ruin here in this dead system on this dead orb. | "He is that which will break the cycle and prove the lie of the Court and its King, they who led us to ruin here in this dead system on this dead orb. <br> | ||
"He is brave and fearsome, and there exists a time when he will have been great—sure to join the pantheons upon which future generations will build their legends. | "He is brave and fearsome, and there exists a time when he will have been great—sure to join the pantheons upon which future generations will build their legends. <br> | ||
"But for the Swarm to see its future stretch beyond eternity, he will ever be a catalyst for all to come, and nothing more. | "But for the Swarm to see its future stretch beyond eternity, he will ever be a catalyst for all to come, and nothing more. <br> | ||
"Are you ready, sister?" | "Are you ready, sister?" | ||
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"To be reborn is a gift—one I cannot repay. In return, I offer only vengeance, dear sister. And for your sacrifice? A place in an infinite graveyard, built where stars once dared to shine." | "To be reborn is a gift—one I cannot repay. In return, I offer only vengeance, dear sister. And for your sacrifice? A place in an infinite graveyard, built where stars once dared to shine." | ||
==VI: Blood Sport== | ==VI: Blood Sport== | ||
The congregation has departed. | The congregation has departed. | ||
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Reaching the bony peak of bodies living and dead, the wounded champion issues a challenge—a gut-born, ragged battle cry. | Reaching the bony peak of bodies living and dead, the wounded champion issues a challenge—a gut-born, ragged battle cry. | ||
Zulmak, the Impaled. | Zulmak, the Impaled. <br> | ||
Zulmak, the Unfelled. | Zulmak, the Unfelled. <br> | ||
Zulmak, the Destroyer. | Zulmak, the Destroyer. <br> | ||
The horde charges. | The horde charges. | ||
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But maybe—maybe—Zulmak is. | But maybe—maybe—Zulmak is. | ||
==VII: The Severed and the Unmade== | ==VII: The Severed and the Unmade== | ||
AKRAZUL'S LAMENT | AKRAZUL'S LAMENT | ||
"I am lesser of being and mind, sister. | "I am lesser of being and mind, sister. <br> | ||
"Your unmaking shall see me whole. | "Your unmaking shall see me whole. <br> | ||
"My stolen limb, lost to the Light-born in defense of our Taken King's futile reign, has made me a pariah. | "My stolen limb, lost to the Light-born in defense of our Taken King's futile reign, has made me a pariah. <br> | ||
"The dishonor of my failings has cast upon us an unwavering shame that spreads like disease, tainting not only my broken self but you and dearest Malkanth alike. I am plague. I am withering disregard. | "The dishonor of my failings has cast upon us an unwavering shame that spreads like disease, tainting not only my broken self but you and dearest Malkanth alike. I am plague. I am withering disregard. <br> | ||
"Yet, here… in your selfless gift, I find new purpose. | "Yet, here… in your selfless gift, I find new purpose. <br> | ||
"In your flesh and bone, I will find myself once again. | "In your flesh and bone, I will find myself once again. <br> | ||
"In that discovery, I will forever remember you. | "In that discovery, I will forever remember you. <br> | ||
"As you will be my vessel on this physical plane. I will be the vessel for your essence—the very core of your will shall live on in me… eternal." | "As you will be my vessel on this physical plane. I will be the vessel for your essence—the very core of your will shall live on in me… eternal." | ||
AZAVATH'S PRIDE | AZAVATH'S PRIDE | ||
"Your words are a joy, brother. | "Your words are a joy, brother. <br> | ||
"The last I shall have. | "The last I shall have. <br> | ||
"But know that such pleasures are insignificant when judged against my hatred… my anger. | "But know that such pleasures are insignificant when judged against my hatred… my anger. <br> | ||
"I choose my unmaking only because I know the power of your rage, tamed since your severing, but seething below the surface of your charcoal heart. | "I choose my unmaking only because I know the power of your rage, tamed since your severing, but seething below the surface of your charcoal heart. <br> | ||
"I give freely of myself, as did the lesser of the Pit when they offered themselves as waves to be broken against the jagged shore of Zulmak's blade. | "I give freely of myself, as did the lesser of the Pit when they offered themselves as waves to be broken against the jagged shore of Zulmak's blade. <br> | ||
"I do so, because I see clearly the path we etch. Its purpose born of heresy, but pure—like your rage. | "I do so, because I see clearly the path we etch. Its purpose born of heresy, but pure—like your rage. <br> | ||
"My sole regret is that I will not see your fury manifest. That I will not feel these hands inflict such punishment upon the unworthy—upon existence. | "My sole regret is that I will not see your fury manifest. That I will not feel these hands inflict such punishment upon the unworthy—upon existence. <br> | ||
"You will make a grand monarch, brother. Through me… | "You will make a grand monarch, brother. Through me… <br> | ||
"In my name, writ across the expanse—Azavath, the Suffer Queen of an Ever-Rising Swarm. | "In my name, writ across the expanse—Azavath, the Suffer Queen of an Ever-Rising Swarm. <br> | ||
"In my husk, the armored vessel of the one I love, my sweet, vengeful Akrazul… my broken prince no more." | "In my husk, the armored vessel of the one I love, my sweet, vengeful Akrazul… my broken prince no more." | ||
==VIII: A Sacrifice of Self== | ==VIII: A Sacrifice of Self== | ||
Akrazul rests motionless on the altar. | Akrazul rests motionless on the altar. | ||
Such wicked craft as the Inquisition of Self is a science beyond his understanding—stolen by his sister from forbidden lessons in ancient, prohibited texts. | Such wicked craft as the [[Inquisition of Self]] is a science beyond his understanding—stolen by his sister from forbidden lessons in ancient, prohibited texts. | ||
Few have earned the knowledge required to navigate the dissection of a living essence. | Few have earned the knowledge required to navigate the dissection of a living essence. | ||
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She listens to faint words of praise as Malkanth delivers the first cut. | She listens to faint words of praise as Malkanth delivers the first cut. | ||
==IX.I: The Unmaking== | ==IX.I: The Unmaking== | ||
SING, O SISTER… OF DEATH AND ITS MANY GIFTS | SING, O SISTER… OF DEATH AND ITS MANY GIFTS | ||
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Centuries passed. The Song remained untamed. Life moved on. | Centuries passed. The Song remained untamed. Life moved on. | ||
SONG OF DEATH | [[Deathsong|SONG OF DEATH]] | ||
The Choir formed in celebration of the Song. Performances marked the passage of seasons. But the Song's lie eventually began to corrupt the spirit of those who heard its tune. The melody was a reminder. The orb was a catalyst. And the Song was of the orb. Yet, those who embraced the Song were merely instruments and nothing more. Life remained beyond their grasp, while they remained ever in death's. Those of the Choir had given all of themselves. All was not enough. | The Choir formed in celebration of the Song. Performances marked the passage of seasons. But the Song's lie eventually began to corrupt the spirit of those who heard its tune. The melody was a reminder. The orb was a catalyst. And the Song was of the orb. Yet, those who embraced the Song were merely instruments and nothing more. Life remained beyond their grasp, while they remained ever in death's. Those of the Choir had given all of themselves. All was not enough. | ||
The First Conductor was assassinated by one who sang an Aria of her own making. She, whose name has been stricken, had found notes hidden in the frequencies. Reversed and mirrored in pitch, she weaved them together and sang her beautiful abomination, until the Conductor wept and bled and screamed and fell. The Stricken fled, fearful of her crime. But others found promise anew in her art. The Stricken was captured and subjected to inquisition so that her song might be understood. This was before Understandings—before most things—when the first notes of a new Song were written. | The First Conductor was assassinated by one who sang an Aria of her own making. She, whose name has been stricken, had found notes hidden in the frequencies. Reversed and mirrored in pitch, she weaved them together and sang her beautiful abomination, until the Conductor wept and bled and screamed and fell. The Stricken fled, fearful of her crime. But others found promise anew in her art. The Stricken was captured and subjected to inquisition so that her song might be understood. This was before Understandings—before most things—when the first notes of a new Song were written. | ||
==IX.II: The Unmaking== | ==IX.II: The Unmaking== | ||
IN THESE NOTES, BEAUTIFUL OBLIVION | IN THESE NOTES, BEAUTIFUL OBLIVION | ||
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The war had raged for centuries. One of many. Just another. As irrelevant as the next. The stories of the Choir and their Deathsong were thought to be nothing more than folklore—wholly untrue at best, vastly exaggerated at worst… They were demons who'd sought life's gift, only to corrupt its beauty. | The war had raged for centuries. One of many. Just another. As irrelevant as the next. The stories of the Choir and their Deathsong were thought to be nothing more than folklore—wholly untrue at best, vastly exaggerated at worst… They were demons who'd sought life's gift, only to corrupt its beauty. | ||
The homeworld of a species no longer on record—erased from the World's Grave, and thus from memory, as punishment for their transgressions—had kept itself safely removed from the battles being waged on the far side of their system. The location was safeguarded to protect the homeworld from the Hive's wrath. Its orbit was defended by an array of advanced offensive mechanics—cannons, mobile suits, mines, gravity slings, and more. They were protected. They were safe. | The homeworld of a species no longer on record—erased from [[the World's Grave]], and thus from memory, as punishment for their transgressions—had kept itself safely removed from the battles being waged on the far side of their system. The location was safeguarded to protect the homeworld from the Hive's wrath. Its orbit was defended by an array of advanced offensive mechanics—cannons, mobile suits, mines, gravity slings, and more. They were protected. They were safe. | ||
They never noticed the small crafts slip through their defenses. Twenty in total, landing in sequence at set coordinates along the planet's equator. Four trillions souls were about their days and nights as an unknown melody caught the breeze. It was beautiful—an ethereal gift and the end of all things. The Choir sang. Only twenty strong. As their voices grew in volume, the people started to scream. The planet's crust shifted and cracked. The seas roiled and spilled out over the land. The core shook. The ground shattered. Defenses scrambled. It was too late. Less than an hour after the Song began, the hidden homeworld of a forgotten people split in twain. These are the Song's powers, its gifts—anti-life and oblivion. | They never noticed the small crafts slip through their defenses. Twenty in total, landing in sequence at set coordinates along the planet's equator. Four trillions souls were about their days and nights as an unknown melody caught the breeze. It was beautiful—an ethereal gift and the end of all things. The Choir sang. Only twenty strong. As their voices grew in volume, the people started to scream. The planet's crust shifted and cracked. The seas roiled and spilled out over the land. The core shook. The ground shattered. Defenses scrambled. It was too late. Less than an hour after the Song began, the hidden homeworld of a forgotten people split in twain. These are the Song's powers, its gifts—anti-life and oblivion. | ||
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Azavath's being was tied intimately to her purpose—to learn the Song, perfect her notes, write her own Aria, and become death. That she held so tightly to legends of the Song's true power surprised Malkanth. | Azavath's being was tied intimately to her purpose—to learn the Song, perfect her notes, write her own Aria, and become death. That she held so tightly to legends of the Song's true power surprised Malkanth. | ||
Even Ir Yût, one of the Crota's most cherished, had long since given up on rebuilding the Choir, yet Azavath was driven by this desire. | Even [[Ir Yût, the Deathsinger|Ir Yût]], one of the Crota's most cherished, had long since given up on rebuilding the Choir, yet Azavath was driven by this desire. | ||
Malkanth feels pride well up. | Malkanth feels pride well up. | ||
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Now come the consequences. | Now come the consequences. | ||
==X: Faith in Bone== | ==X: Faith in Bone== | ||
All have gathered. | All have gathered. | ||
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Should he be anointed as a champion of the Pit… Should he be crowned… the Daughters' plots will be threatened before they ever truly begin. | Should he be anointed as a champion of the Pit… Should he be crowned… the Daughters' plots will be threatened before they ever truly begin. | ||
==XI: The Anti-Logic== | ==XI: The Anti-Logic== | ||
AS ABOVE… | AS ABOVE… | ||
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AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
A voice calls from the Pit. | A [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen|voice]] calls from the Pit. | ||
Azavath pauses her massacre. | Azavath pauses her massacre. | ||
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And, as it was before it all began, all that remains are failed sword logic and the unknown promise of nightmares. | And, as it was before it all began, all that remains are failed sword logic and the unknown promise of nightmares. | ||
==VIII.X: Apocrypha== | ==VIII.X: Apocrypha== | ||
WHISPERS OF DISSENT | WHISPERS OF DISSENT | ||
"Listen close, o Sister of the Song, o Singer of Despair, o Bringer of Death! | "Listen close, o Sister of the Song, o Singer of Despair, o Bringer of Death! <br> | ||
"Your Song is not yet sung. | "Your Song is not yet sung. <br> | ||
"Your purpose, yet seized. | "Your purpose, yet seized. <br> | ||
"Are you violence? Or are you Death? | "Are you violence? Or are you Death? <br> | ||
"Two of a kind—mothers of fear—yet not one and the same. | "Two of a kind—mothers of fear—yet not one and the same. <br> | ||
"One is promise. | "One is promise. <br> | ||
"The other certainty. | "The other certainty. <br> | ||
"But promises can remain unfulfilled, making liars even of those with the purest intent. | "But promises can remain unfulfilled, making liars even of those with the purest intent. <br> | ||
"Why then be anything but certain?" | "Why then be anything but certain?" | ||
The first of the whispers caught Azavath's ear in the instant before her sister made the first cut. Even as her agony filled the chamber, the hushed words echoed in her mind. | The first of the whispers caught Azavath's ear in the instant before her sister made the first cut. Even as her agony filled the chamber, the hushed words echoed in her mind. | ||
"Your sister is cunning and pure in her sacrilege. | "Your sister is cunning and pure in her sacrilege. <br> | ||
"She sees the sword logic as broken, and her sight is clear and true. | "She sees the sword logic as broken, and her sight is clear and true. <br> | ||
"But the path you carve is folly. | "But the path you carve is folly. <br> | ||
"You seek destruction of the weak—annihilation of the cowards who would claim the vacant throne. | "You seek destruction of the weak—annihilation of the cowards who would claim the vacant throne. <br> | ||
"There are none so Princely among you. | "There are none so Princely among you. <br> | ||
"No Kings. | "No Kings. <br> | ||
"No Queens. | "No Queens. <br> | ||
"And so you surrender yourself—a brave sacrifice meant to birth slaughter. | "And so you surrender yourself—a brave sacrifice meant to birth slaughter. <br> | ||
"What then, o Azavath, she of the Orphaned Swarm, she of the Broken Choir? | "What then, o Azavath, she of the Orphaned Swarm, she of the Broken Choir? <br> | ||
"Your husk will be remanded to an existence of violence—and nothing more. | "Your husk will be remanded to an existence of violence—and nothing more. <br> | ||
"You give of yourself for a promise. | "You give of yourself for a promise. <br> | ||
"Death shall follow. | "Death shall follow. <br> | ||
"But only as collateral in the wake of the rage you and poor, misguided Malkanth seek to unleash. | "But only as collateral in the wake of the rage you and poor, misguided Malkanth seek to unleash. <br> | ||
"And that, child, is all your brother has to offer—his rage. | "And that, child, is all your brother has to offer—his rage. <br> | ||
"You see it as earned. | "You see it as earned. <br> | ||
"You are not wrong. | "You are not wrong. <br> | ||
"Poor, foolish Akrazul. How long has he wallowed, lost to despair as the consequence of his own failings? | "Poor, foolish Akrazul. How long has he wallowed, lost to despair as the consequence of his own failings? <br> | ||
"Now, to sate his fury and see him whole of body and spirit, you would surrender what is yours—body, spirit, and worse… | "Now, to sate his fury and see him whole of body and spirit, you would surrender what is yours—body, spirit, and worse… <br> | ||
"Your precious gift. | "Your precious gift. <br> | ||
"Your Song." | "Your Song." | ||
==IX.X: Apocrypha== | ==IX.X: Apocrypha== | ||
CONSEQUENCE OF SIN | CONSEQUENCE OF SIN | ||
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The coming slaughter would end only in dust—hers or all others'. | The coming slaughter would end only in dust—hers or all others'. | ||
==IX.X.I: Apocrypha== | ==IX.X.I: Apocrypha== | ||
NO GODS, ONLY DEVILS | NO GODS, ONLY DEVILS | ||
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Then come the whispers… | Then come the whispers… | ||
"I stoked your brother's fire—riled him that he might strike. | "I stoked your brother's fire—riled him that he might strike. <br> | ||
"I needed only the wound to tear you free. | "I needed only the wound to tear you free. <br> | ||
"The piercing of your heart will take some mending, but your vessel is fit for what is to come. | "The piercing of your heart will take some mending, but your vessel is fit for what is to come. <br> | ||
"I know this comes as a shock, but trust that my actions were such that you felt only the briefest pain as the edge broke through, and now this… | "I know this comes as a shock, but trust that my actions were such that you felt only the briefest pain as the edge broke through, and now this… <br> | ||
"Now, peace." | "Now, peace." | ||
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"You know this voice?" | "You know this voice?" | ||
"I know you have many. | "I know you have many. <br> | ||
"I have heard their faint temptations since I was a child. | "I have heard their faint temptations since I was a child. <br> | ||
"Never have I sought their counsel." | "Never have I sought their counsel." | ||
"You have asked for nothing, this is true. | "You have asked for nothing, this is true. <br> | ||
"You sought only to take. | "You sought only to take. <br> | ||
"You are a willful, treacherous thing. | "You are a willful, treacherous thing. <br> | ||
"I quite like you. | "I quite like you. <br> | ||
"Make no mistake, I see no fault in your desires, nor the attempt to see them realized. | "Make no mistake, I see no fault in your desires, nor the attempt to see them realized. <br> | ||
"Your only sin, in the eyes of those who matter, was that you were not yet positioned to achieve the full extent of your potential. | "Your only sin, in the eyes of those who matter, was that you were not yet positioned to achieve the full extent of your potential. <br> | ||
"You saw a moment and you moved to act, like countless others before you. | "You saw a moment and you moved to act, like countless others before you. <br> | ||
"But your action was not enough. | "But your action was not enough. <br> | ||
"Worse—it was limited in its view of the power hidden so plainly within your grasp." | "Worse—it was limited in its view of the power hidden so plainly within your grasp." | ||
"Akrazul is a force worthy of change. His fury will—" | "Akrazul is a force worthy of change. His fury will—" | ||
"—be of little consequence. | "—be of little consequence. <br> | ||
"Kill the ineffectual priests. | "Kill the ineffectual priests. <br> | ||
"Murder the Daughters of a failed Prince. | "Murder the Daughters of a failed Prince. <br> | ||
"Sully the sword logic and crown a new ruler. | "Sully the sword logic and crown a new ruler. <br> | ||
"Still the Swarm will be nothing more than a faint flicker when the time comes for the cosmos and all its intentions to be weighed and judged by those who sit on thrones beyond our imagination." | "Still the Swarm will be nothing more than a faint flicker when the time comes for the cosmos and all its intentions to be weighed and judged by those who sit on thrones beyond our imagination." | ||
"You speak of unseen gods for whom I give no consideration. | "You speak of unseen gods for whom I give no consideration. <br> | ||
"My path… The sacrifice made here… will serve to carve my intentions upon concerns more immediate than those that await at the end of all things." | "My path… The sacrifice made here… will serve to carve my intentions upon concerns more immediate than those that await at the end of all things." | ||
"Then we agree. My dismissal of the Swarm's legacy is not a plea for you to consider gods wholly removed from the here and now. Quite the opposite… | "Then we agree. My dismissal of the Swarm's legacy is not a plea for you to consider gods wholly removed from the here and now. Quite the opposite… <br> | ||
"The Dragon and the Worm. | "The Dragon and the Worm. <br> | ||
"The Larva and the Queen. | "The Larva and the Queen. <br> | ||
"The peasant and the god. | "The peasant and the god. <br> | ||
"So many deities. So many rules. | "So many deities. So many rules. <br> | ||
"There are endless myths etched into the plague called life. They are not hope or promise or power. They are exaggerations born of misunderstandings. | "There are endless myths etched into the plague called life. They are not hope or promise or power. They are exaggerations born of misunderstandings. <br> | ||
"Yet they govern so much—your actions and mine. | "Yet they govern so much—your actions and mine. <br> | ||
"Day-to-day. Cycle-to-cycle. Evolution-to-evolution. | "Day-to-day. Cycle-to-cycle. Evolution-to-evolution. <br> | ||
"Always idols to guide and punish and love and destroy. | "Always idols to guide and punish and love and destroy. <br> | ||
"But are any true? | "But are any true? <br> | ||
"Whom must we placate with worship and reverence? | "Whom must we placate with worship and reverence? <br> | ||
"With offerings and sacrifice? | "With offerings and sacrifice? <br> | ||
"With praise as armor for their frail egos? | "With praise as armor for their frail egos? <br> | ||
"The truth is, dear child… | "The truth is, dear child… <br> | ||
"There are no gods. | "There are no gods. <br> | ||
"Only absolutes. | "Only absolutes. <br> | ||
"Yet, here we sit on the edge of the greatest unmaking. | "Yet, here we sit on the edge of the greatest unmaking. <br> | ||
"Time is no longer time when the radiolaria dance upon history gone and yet to be. | "Time is no longer time when the radiolaria dance upon history gone and yet to be. <br> | ||
"Space is no longer space when we have torn reality to carve out our own secret planes of being. | "Space is no longer space when we have torn reality to carve out our own secret planes of being. <br> | ||
"Death is no longer death when the Champions of the Light rise and fall, never backing down, never truly knowing defeat. | "Death is no longer death when the Champions of the Light rise and fall, never backing down, never truly knowing defeat. <br> | ||
"All that remains is ignorance—the last absolute, the final unassailable truth. | "All that remains is ignorance—the last absolute, the final unassailable truth. <br> | ||
"Time can be bent and broken—redirected to the whims of those with the knowledge and the will. | "Time can be bent and broken—redirected to the whims of those with the knowledge and the will. <br> | ||
"Space can be shredded asunder—excavated to discover new and ancient realms not chained to understanding. | "Space can be shredded asunder—excavated to discover new and ancient realms not chained to understanding. <br> | ||
"Death can be ignored—through impossible energies and advanced technologies both physical and indistinguishable from magic. | "Death can be ignored—through impossible energies and advanced technologies both physical and indistinguishable from magic. <br> | ||
"But ignorance is the unconquerable constant. | "But ignorance is the unconquerable constant. <br> | ||
"One can learn more, but none can learn all." | "One can learn more, but none can learn all." | ||
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Her last thought is of her sister… | Her last thought is of her sister… | ||
==IX.X.II: Apocrypha== | ==IX.X.II: Apocrypha== | ||
THY SONG SHALL BECOME DEATH | THY SONG SHALL BECOME DEATH | ||
"Breathe through new lungs, and consider… | "Breathe through new lungs, and consider… <br> | ||
"Your sister birthed her own end, which was sired by her wicked ambitions—to subvert the logic and to raze the remainder of the House of Crota, the line of Oryx, that the Swarm might find a path beyond the impossible—beyond ascension. | "Your sister birthed her own end, which was sired by her wicked ambitions—to subvert the logic and to raze the remainder of the House of Crota, the line of Oryx, that the Swarm might find a path beyond the impossible—beyond ascension. <br> | ||
"As always—across time and space—there was a flaw in her grand design. As with Oryx. As with Crota. As with the whole of existence, whenever one seeks to challenge their station. | "As always—across time and space—there was a flaw in her grand design. As with Oryx. As with Crota. As with the whole of existence, whenever one seeks to challenge their station. <br> | ||
"You, sweetest Azavath, were that flaw. | "You, sweetest Azavath, were that flaw. <br> | ||
"Your sister never fully considered the connection between yourself and your brother, never fully considered the blinding hate of his rage, nor how it would manifest in the first moments of its new life. | "Your sister never fully considered the connection between yourself and your brother, never fully considered the blinding hate of his rage, nor how it would manifest in the first moments of its new life. <br> | ||
"And that rage? It has betrayed you as well. The faith you placed in Akrazul—that, once given a new form in your old skin, he would find purpose beyond his fury—was thrown away the instant he was reborn, and his blade, in your hand, punctured Malkanth's heart. | "And that rage? It has betrayed you as well. The faith you placed in Akrazul—that, once given a new form in your old skin, he would find purpose beyond his fury—was thrown away the instant he was reborn, and his blade, in your hand, punctured Malkanth's heart. <br> | ||
"The wound still aches. Can you feel it? | "The wound still aches. Can you feel it? <br> | ||
"Yet, the heart still beats. | "Yet, the heart still beats. <br> | ||
"Weaker now, but it will heal, if you allow it." | "Weaker now, but it will heal, if you allow it." | ||
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"Why have I returned?" she ponders to no one but the unseen whispers. | "Why have I returned?" she ponders to no one but the unseen whispers. | ||
"To see the truth of your sin. | "To see the truth of your sin. <br> | ||
"Not in its blasphemy, but in its folly. | "Not in its blasphemy, but in its folly. <br> | ||
"More, to reconsider your gift and the worthiness of the Songs you have yet to sing." | "More, to reconsider your gift and the worthiness of the Songs you have yet to sing." | ||
"Why am I cloaked in my sister's bone?" | "Why am I cloaked in my sister's bone?" | ||
"Your brother's anger—the seething doom that has festered in him—has been unleashed. As planned, but it is beyond controlling. | "Your brother's anger—the seething doom that has festered in him—has been unleashed. As planned, but it is beyond controlling. <br> | ||
"He hates all who are not you. | "He hates all who are not you. <br> | ||
"He hates them for their failures, for their mockery… for creating a present that required your sacrifice to secure an unknown future." | "He hates them for their failures, for their mockery… for creating a present that required your sacrifice to secure an unknown future." | ||
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"You would see it rebuilt?" | "You would see it rebuilt?" | ||
"I would see its notes become death—final and true. | "I would see its notes become death—final and true. <br> | ||
"Your inquisition showed you the promise of the melody's power. | "Your inquisition showed you the promise of the melody's power. <br> | ||
"You are tied to its history. | "You are tied to its history. <br> | ||
"Your unmaking showed you all that hides within. | "Your unmaking showed you all that hides within. <br> | ||
"You had to see to understand. | "You had to see to understand. <br> | ||
"You had to understand to act." | "You had to understand to act." | ||
"You would have me end my brother?" | "You would have me end my brother?" | ||
"I would have you consider possibilities beyond your sister's manipulation and your brother's petulance. | "I would have you consider possibilities beyond your sister's manipulation and your brother's petulance. <br> | ||
"You are the prize. | "You are the prize. <br> | ||
"You are the key that will unlock a new chorus." | "You are the key that will unlock a new chorus." | ||
"I am incomplete. | "I am incomplete. <br> | ||
"This maw is uncarved, untrained. | "This maw is uncarved, untrained. <br> | ||
"The Conductor will never accept Malkanth. Even if the notes are the same, my pitch, in this body, will never join with the Aria's to create the notes you wish to conjure." | "The Conductor will never accept Malkanth. Even if the notes are the same, my pitch, in this body, will never join with the Aria's to create the notes you wish to conjure." | ||
"Malkanth is dead, you are other. | "Malkanth is dead, you are other. <br> | ||
"Azavath is dead, you are other. | "Azavath is dead, you are other. <br> | ||
"Soon Akrazul will be dead. And you will be other. | "Soon Akrazul will be dead. And you will be other. <br> | ||
"You will be whole—the A'Airâm reborn…" | "You will be whole—the A'Airâm reborn…" | ||
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"And for this honor—for all you have done—what do you require in return?" | "And for this honor—for all you have done—what do you require in return?" | ||
"I seek no praise. | "I seek no praise. <br> | ||
"I need only for your Song to become that which I desire." | "I need only for your Song to become that which I desire." | ||
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"And nothing more." | "And nothing more." | ||
==XI.X: Apocrypha== | ==XI.X: Apocrypha== | ||
TO FORGE AN ANVIL | TO FORGE AN ANVIL | ||
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AS ABOVE… | AS ABOVE… | ||
The chaos rises from the Pit. | The chaos rises from the Pit. <br> | ||
The self-made puppet masters clamor and flinch as Akrazul, cloaked in Azavath's bone, limb, flesh, and grace, ascends to greet them. | The self-made puppet masters clamor and flinch as Akrazul, cloaked in Azavath's bone, limb, flesh, and grace, ascends to greet them. <br> | ||
The Daughters move to escape before the gathered clergy can block their path. | The Daughters move to escape before the gathered clergy can block their path. <br> | ||
As they turn, a voice scrapes through Besurith's mind. | As they turn, a voice scrapes through Besurith's mind. | ||
"As much as the Gardener's children, those gathered near you are your antithesis. | "As much as the Gardener's children, those gathered near you are your antithesis. <br> | ||
"They would see you cast out. | "They would see you cast out. <br> | ||
"They would put you to the lash. | "They would put you to the lash. <br> | ||
"Should the moment come, they would turn your line to ash—end the blood of Crota and reshape the Swarm in their feeble, conniving image. | "Should the moment come, they would turn your line to ash—end the blood of Crota and reshape the Swarm in their feeble, conniving image. <br> | ||
"Unless the Daughters of the Worldbreaker show they are more than coddled heirs… | "Unless the Daughters of the Worldbreaker show they are more than coddled heirs… <br> | ||
"Unless the Daughters of the Destroyer are willing to remove the cancer from their brood… | "Unless the Daughters of the Destroyer are willing to remove the cancer from their brood… <br> | ||
"The slaughter is set. | "The slaughter is set. <br> | ||
"Many will die by the hand of the enraged 'Singer. | "Many will die by the hand of the enraged 'Singer. <br> | ||
"Many could be most. | "Many could be most. <br> | ||
"If you are daring. | "If you are daring. <br> | ||
"If you are willing to harvest a future of your own making from those few, precious moments—such as this—when opportunity is gifted by the actions of another." | "If you are willing to harvest a future of your own making from those few, precious moments—such as this—when opportunity is gifted by the actions of another." | ||
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AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
Akrazul has lost himself in his new being. | Akrazul has lost himself in his new being. <br> | ||
But here, as his sister Malkanth floats toward him, confusion takes hold. | But here, as his sister Malkanth floats toward him, confusion takes hold. <br> | ||
His sister is dead. | His sister is dead. <br> | ||
By his own hand—his new hand. | By his own hand—his new hand. <br> | ||
Through new eyes, he takes in all of her—the tattered elegance of her gown, the wound in her chest left by his blade—but he lingers on her eyes. | Through new eyes, he takes in all of her—the tattered elegance of her gown, the wound in her chest left by his blade—but he lingers on her eyes. <br> | ||
There is a caring in them beyond any Malkanth has ever shown. | There is a caring in them beyond any Malkanth has ever shown. <br> | ||
Then, the hushed voice returns, tearing into the corners of this being… | Then, the hushed voice returns, tearing into the corners of this being… | ||
"See her for what she truly is. | "See her for what she truly is. <br> | ||
"You were selfish in your quest for slaughter. | "You were selfish in your quest for slaughter. <br> | ||
"Still, she forgives you. | "Still, she forgives you. <br> | ||
"She simply asks that you afford her the same courtesy." | "She simply asks that you afford her the same courtesy." | ||
A lullaby hits the ear of Akrazul who is now Azavath. | A lullaby hits the ear of Akrazul who is now Azavath. <br> | ||
As it shatters his essence, a tear crusts and clumps in the corner of his eye. | As it shatters his essence, a tear crusts and clumps in the corner of his eye. <br> | ||
It felt good to let loose his wrath, but standing on the pile of his broken adversaries, he feels only relief, and love—and then he is gone. | It felt good to let loose his wrath, but standing on the pile of his broken adversaries, he feels only relief, and love—and then he is gone. | ||
AS BELOW… | AS BELOW… | ||
His defeat was swift and anguished. | His defeat was swift and anguished. <br> | ||
Zulmak, the conquering champion, was certain he would stand victorious and earn the right to be crowned the Swarm's new Prince—if not in blood, then in title. | Zulmak, the conquering champion, was certain he would stand victorious and earn the right to be crowned the Swarm's new Prince—if not in blood, then in title. <br> | ||
But none had counted on Azavath and the full force of her true, brutal nature. | But none had counted on Azavath and the full force of her true, brutal nature. <br> | ||
As the 'Singer's twin blades massacre all who dared enter the Pit, the gasps from the congregation echo off the darkened edges of the sheer cliffs, as if the ancient rock were cheering the relentless carnage. | As the 'Singer's twin blades massacre all who dared enter the Pit, the gasps from the congregation echo off the darkened edges of the sheer cliffs, as if the ancient rock were cheering the relentless carnage. <br> | ||
As the bodies pile up one on top of another, there comes a calling only Zulmak can hear… | As the bodies pile up one on top of another, there comes a calling only Zulmak can hear… | ||
"This is your end, champion. | "This is your end, champion. <br> | ||
"But it needn't be. | "But it needn't be. <br> | ||
"Give yourself to me, and I will see that you are made whole again." | "Give yourself to me, and I will see that you are made whole again." | ||
Zulmak screams, defiant. | Zulmak screams, defiant. | ||
"I could take you and rend you over centuries in dark places where every moment is an eternity and all eternity is a fresh new hell born with each new scream. | "I could take you and rend you over centuries in dark places where every moment is an eternity and all eternity is a fresh new hell born with each new scream. <br> | ||
"But I would prefer to see you rise once more. | "But I would prefer to see you rise once more. <br> | ||
"Let go and be freed. | "Let go and be freed. <br> | ||
"Let go and be transformed, that your rage might dwarf even that of the strange witch who cut you down. | "Let go and be transformed, that your rage might dwarf even that of the strange witch who cut you down. <br> | ||
"Let go and become a true and mighty weapon capable of extinguishing Light." | "Let go and become a true and mighty weapon capable of extinguishing Light." | ||
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A whisper came to her ear. | A whisper came to her ear. | ||
"Are they power? | "Are they power? <br> | ||
"Or are they a curse? | "Or are they a curse? <br> | ||
"Seek your forebears in those ethereal shapes. | "Seek your forebears in those ethereal shapes. <br> | ||
"For, while I could tell you such a path leads to disappointment, you must see for yourselves. | "For, while I could tell you such a path leads to disappointment, you must see for yourselves. <br> | ||
"Such is the need of Daughters desperate to impress their fathers. | "Such is the need of Daughters desperate to impress their fathers. <br> | ||
"But do not lose yourself to despair when you discover Crota and Oryx are truly gone, o poor, lost child. | "But do not lose yourself to despair when you discover Crota and Oryx are truly gone, o poor, lost child. <br> | ||
"For on the far end of that truth is another… | "For on the far end of that truth is another… <br> | ||
"It is time you and your siblings stood on your own. | "It is time you and your siblings stood on your own. <br> | ||
"The Swarm—the Hive—need no Prince, no King. | "The Swarm—the Hive—need no Prince, no King. <br> | ||
"They need strength. Be that strength. | "They need strength. Be that strength. <br> | ||
"Rise the Crimson Spire. | "Rise the Crimson Spire. <br> | ||
"Signal your coming. | "Signal your coming. <br> | ||
"Challenge the Light. | "Challenge the Light. <br> | ||
"And when the 'heroes' come to condemn your proclamation of sovereignty and conquest, I offer this gift—the essence of your fallen champion. | "And when the 'heroes' come to condemn your proclamation of sovereignty and conquest, I offer this gift—the essence of your fallen champion. <br> | ||
"I know you question my motives, but we are sisters of a kind and bound by blood. | "I know you question my motives, but we are sisters of a kind and bound by blood. <br> | ||
"And this gift will be one of many… | "And this gift will be one of many… <br> | ||
"Use it—birth a ravager to protect all you hope to build." | "Use it—birth a ravager to protect all you hope to build." | ||
"What of the treacherous witch below? She and her siblings cost us much with their sinful games." | "What of the treacherous witch below? She and her siblings cost us much with their sinful games." | ||
"That witch, in all her forms, is the patron saint of both your gifts. | "That witch, in all her forms, is the patron saint of both your gifts. <br> | ||
"Her actions freed mighty Zulmak, that he might be remade and bound to your will." | "Her actions freed mighty Zulmak, that he might be remade and bound to your will." | ||
"And the second offering?" | "And the second offering?" | ||
"The Choir of the Deathsong will rise from the failures of the Pit. | "The Choir of the Deathsong will rise from the failures of the Pit. <br> | ||
"Failures made possible by the siblings' ambitions. | "Failures made possible by the siblings' ambitions. <br> | ||
"Ambitions that have granted you a champion and the Choir. | "Ambitions that have granted you a champion and the Choir. <br> | ||
"Do with them all your fathers could not." | "Do with them all your fathers could not." | ||
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The luminous conquerors will come once more—they, the bringers of death. And the final, desperate gasp of a dead King's legacy will serve as an anvil upon which a new sword will be hammered, strengthened, and forged for wars yet to come—the purest extension of the logic's intent. | The luminous conquerors will come once more—they, the bringers of death. And the final, desperate gasp of a dead King's legacy will serve as an anvil upon which a new sword will be hammered, strengthened, and forged for wars yet to come—the purest extension of the logic's intent. | ||
[[Category:Articles with verbatim transcripts of official documents]] | |||
[[Category:Lore]] | |||