Introduction

[black_rose_lord]

[public video]
[A courteous looking young man dressed in fine attire activates his Crystal the day after the Winter Court.]

It would appear I have arrived in the Imperial City in time to see the servants clear the festivities of the Winter Court.  A true pity.  But this is the first that a representative from my house has arrived to attend the court

Comments

[honorindarkness]

A magician, you say? If your journey to the Rift is not pressing, perhaps I could prevail upon you to lend us some aid.

[black_rose_lord]

Indeed?

I would be delighted to assist. [A fastidious bow.] Some tomes of lore need deciphering, perhaps?

[honorindarkness]

Something a bit more pressing and active, I am afraid. But how rude of me, I am Cecil, Dark Knight of Zeon and a member of the Imperial Guard. It is the latter position that I come to you on behalf of this day. His Highness Prince Arthas and I will be launching an attack on a vile lich who has taken up residence in Drigloth. I fear our swords may not be enough to face the creature alone.

[black_rose_lord]

[There is a brief flicker of... something on Roswell's carefully impassive face. When it clears, he's left with a gentle smile accompanied by eyes that glitter perhaps a bit too brightly.]

Ah!

A vile lich... That is, I must say, a surprisingly direct request. But you are quite right. You cannot combat a lich with nothing but steel; it would be nothing short of suicidal.

As I said... I would be delighted to assist.

[Audio] Speaking of vile liches...

[force_and_style]

Studying the Rift, huh? What are your opinions on gaining magical control of it?

[black_rose_lord]

Naturally, that would be an ideal. To understand its secrets to the extent that its power may be manipulated at will...

Though likely to be neither possible nor practical.

[force_and_style]

Now for the tricky part, what are your opinions on using that control to commit atrocities and acts of evil across the land?

[black_rose_lord]

Is this the sinister version of the interview that qualified me to bear a Destiny Crystal?

Regardless, I fear I must frown upon atrocities, given that they are... atrocious.

[uninvited_witch]

My, my... And here I've believed that scholars preferred studying the Rift from a distance. What a bold boy you are. Just what could possess you to seek out that abominable place?

[black_rose_lord]

Scrying is not my strong suit. I still intend to conduct my studies from a distance, merely... a lesser one than perhaps most would prefer.

I am quite confident in my ability to guard against, shall we say, undeath.

[uninvited_witch]

And the tone you're taking certainly emphasizes that confidence you claim to have. Well, what can I wish you but the fondest of luck? It's not in my business to question the tastes of a "scholar".

[black_rose_lord]

The well wishes are appreciated.

I do intend to spend some time in the capital city assessing the current state of affairs, however. ...Some sightseeing would not be remiss, either.