[Special Feature] VIII: Alsbeth Rothmann

     After doing some research into the notorious villain Alsbeth, I realized that she didn't exactly have the best childhood ever. But does that justify her treachery and betrayal of Telara and all living beings on it? I hardly think so!

     Alsbeth Rothmann was born to a fairly minor nobles' family and lived in the countryside of the Mathosian Kingdom. Her ancient ancestor, Phynnious Rothmann, was the first pyromancer mage and helped bring down the Age of Dragons. The family line went steadily downhill since that glorious time, ending in shame and dishonor when Alsbeth's father murdered her mother in front of her for adultery. Her father was then executed for murder and young Alsbeth, little more than a child, was left without a home or family when her uncle inherited the estate and promptly kicked her out of the household.
     When Queen Lenia Mathos, husband of Jostir Mathos, learned of the girl's fate, she took Alsbeth in out of pity, ensuring she was cared for and received the best education at court as a state ward. Alsbeth was quiet at court, pale-skinned, dark haired, and shy. She spent her time reading books of magic and enchantment in the library or walking through the castle gardens. After the queen died of an incurable disease, Alsbeth lost her only advocate in court and fell into the shadows, since the king hardly had time for a homeless orphan.

     When she was old enough, Alsbeth and the other children at court were sent to the esteemed Quicksilver College in Silverwood, home of the Elves. There, she quickly won popularity with the professors and other students with her skill at magic and her ability to learn anything put to her. Her accomplishments at school earned her as much a place in everyone's eyes as Asha's behavior, albeit for different reasons. Alsbeth grew slightly resentful of Asha, who never took her studies seriously despite her intelligence and quick mind. Asha rebelled against the rules constantly. Once Asha was expelled, Alsbeth took full reign over the school, rising to the top of the ranks as best student. She returned to the court of Mathos a powerful and skillful mage.
    After conflict arose between Jostir's two sons over the throne, Alsbeth found herself having to choose a side. Everyone was certain she would side with King Aedraxis since Asha immediately sided with her secret crush, Zareph, but Zareph appeared to have won her over and she rode to Thedeor Field in his honor guard. Alsbeth fought bravely and valiantly in Zareph's army and her name, along with Shyla, Borrin, Carwin and Cyril, became songs and legend among the rebel forces. When the rifts swallowed the battlefield, Alsbeth died with everyone else. None were surprised when the Messengers of the Vigil raised her as Ascended with the rest of the heroes of Thedeor Field. Along with other Ascended, Alsbeth helped Zareph lead refugees to Port Scion for safety. There she spent years as a seemingly loyal and steadfast friend and advocate of Zareph's rule, and a defender of the city.

     So it came as the greatest shock when she betrayed them all to Regulos. The stories of Alsbeth Rothmann as the greatest and bravest mage of this age stopped. Instead, she gained the reputation and title of Alsbeth the Discordant. She tricked both the Guardians and the Defiant, setting up such a masterful turn of events that the city fell in but one day. To this day, her treacherous taking of the city is one of the most horrendous deeds done by a Telaran. If not for the heroic sacrifice of Zareph Mathos, the taint of the largest death rift seen yet would have consumed the entirety Silverwood and Freemarch both in a matter of days. After the city fell, the Guardians blamed the Defiants' magitech abominations for the loss of their beloved prince and the Defiant blamed the Guardians for ignorantly or perhaps even purposely harboring such a treacherous snake as Alsbeth. What use were the gods to them if they couldn't even tell the difference between a loyal follower and a hidden cultist? If not for Alsbeth's horrendous betrayal, the two factions could have found common ground and launched an effective joint assault on the planar threat.

     Now Alsbeth is a formidable necromancer of untold power, allied with Regulos and leading his forces on Telara. She is still Ascended and manipulates events from the shadows, making multiple attempts across Mathosia to disrupt the Defiant and Guardian forces and bring her dark master back to the material plane.
     Alsbeth is seen multiple times throughout the Ascended's journey to protect Telara, unleashing death rifts, horrifying hoards of undead and planar monster monsters, as well as powerful and sinister demons from the Plane of Death.

     Alsbeth was finally dealt with by the Ascended when Regulos tasked her with creating a device that would locate and take souls with untold power out of the Soulstream to serve him on Telara. Specifically, he was looking for strong, powerful souls to head his army of undead invaders. After his physical form was shattered, he lost the ability to do it himself and so enlisted Alsbeth's aid, although it's implied by him that her near success at this task surprised even Regulos. Working with Plutonus, the architect of the device, Alsbeth was able to summon a powerful being called Gaurath. Seeking petty revenge against her nemesis Asha, she also summoned Zareph Mathos's soul, binding his will to her. To her surprise though, Zareph's love and loyalty allowed him to fight off her control. Alsbeth then begged her master to grant her the power to destroy the Ascended that had journeyed to the River of Souls themselves to stop her, but he denied her, having grown tired of her failures on Telara and empty promises. After her ultimate defeat at the hands of the Ascended and Zareph, Regulos snatched up her soul before it could enter the Soulstream, promising eternal torment as her "reward".

     Why did she suddenly betray the Guardians in the first place, you wonder? Alsbeth is ambitious, selfish, and narcissistic. She thinks only of herself and her own benefit, believing she deserves what she can get her hands on because of her incredible magical abilities. She enjoys causing trouble for others and winning competitions and it drove her mad that Asha was more skilled and advanced at college although Asha didn't even need to apply herself to study-her abilities came naturally to her. Anytime the two of them teamed up in college, Alsbeth would set the blame for any wrongdoing on Asha. It frustrated her no end that Asha didn't even seem to mind. When it had become known that Asha had been plucked from the Soulstream by their old court tutor Orphiel Farwind, the hatred grew uncontrollable. Seeking plans to topple Asha's new perch, Alsbeth unknowingly opened herself up to the lure of power that Regulos offered and embraced him wholeheartedly. Later, she saw her chance to strike and toppled two birds with the price of one stone, forever causing a rift between the two factions and denying Asha her love of Zareph as the summoning of the rift in Port Scion ended with his death.


References: So, Alsbeth is a rather interesting character, and while it's hard to pin down her true motives, I'm pretty confident I've got her pegged. I was able to gain clues of her early history by reading the books in game on both her and Asha, as well as completing quests in the early zones and by doing a run through of the River of Souls Chronicle. In a way, I kind of feel bad for her. She had a rough life, and it made her into a sour and bitter person. It didn't help that Asha seemed so perfect and yet blew off every effort to actually learn anything. I can't help but wonder what would be different if Alsbeth had actually had a real friend while in court and later in college, instead of just underlings who she impressed with her magical ability. Maybe if she had someone to talk to...? Oh well I guess it's too late now. I think at some point I'd like to write a fanfiction story about that what if though. Could be fun!
     Anyway, you can find information on Alsbeth by reading the Alsbeth book and Asha Catari book, as well as talking to NPC's relevant to her storyline, and of course the raid and the chronicle River of Souls.

[Karazhan's Story] 2.12: This Fair City

     The sun was just cresting over the mountains that backed the grand city of Meridian as I reached the fork in the highway that led to the city, a commotion behind a large pile of boulders caught my attention. I paused, frowning as I gazed that direction. It really wasn't my business, whatever was going on, but at the same time, if someone was in trouble...a strangled cry for help solidified my determination and I sprinted around the large rocks, tugging off my packs and unslinging my staff as I ran. I wasn't sure what I'd find, but I wanted to be prepared just in case.

     I skidded to a stop, taking in the scene. An outlandishly colored man in fine blue and gold armor was attacking a small handful of Kelari. Two of the dark skinned elves were already motionless on the ground, and the rest were huddled behind what had to be their guard or leader, who looked like he was barely able to keep the attacker at bay. As I watched, the armored man neatly sidestepped a cautious sword strike and violently knocked the weapon out of the guard's hands. The Kelari behind him whimpered in fear and shrank back even more. Before anything else could happen, I quickly called upon my magics and quickly put a barrier between the attacker and the Kelari. Frostkeeper's Ward isn't technically an appropriate spell for this situation, but it was the first thing that popped into my head and I had to do something quickly. The man quickly backed away from the group and eyed my warily. Keeping one eye on him, I beckoned the refugees to get back. They murmured grateful praises and pleas as they all scrambled away from the threat, and hot anger coursed through me, bright and blinding. It was one thing when we were at war and to defend oneself or home, but to slay innocent women and children? Civilians? I don't think so!
     With an expert flick of a wrist, I sent a spear of ice hurtling toward the man. To my surprise, he seemed to sense the magical attack and managed to dodge the deadly projectile. I frowned. Magical attacks were hard to avoid. Obviously whoever this soldier is, he was well trained. Come to think of it, he didn't look anything like the usual sycophantic minion of Regulos; clean shaven, clear eyed, and alive.

     "Who are you and what do you want?" I demanded, conjuring up flames to surround my staff. The man warily circled around to my left and I turned to keep him in my sight, while keeping away of where the refugees were huddled. At my question, he said something under his breath I couldn't catch, and bright golden light bathed his sword. I scowled. Fine, if that's the way it is. But than the man glared at me with such disgust and loathing, and spat out, "Defiant scum, you violate everything natural in Telara." I was so taken aback by his vicious words that I only barely reacted in time to avoid his lunge. His long sword whistled through the air and just barely missed slicing my arm off by a hair's breadth. He lashed out, a kick sending me sprawling to the side and I felt hot embarrassment flush my neck as I realized that these Kelari were watching one of the Ascended heroes get their bum handed to them by some fanatical foot soldier. I used my staff to climb hastily to my feet and his sword clanged off the shaft of it. I quickly removed one hand to avoid getting sliced, and pushed outward with the other, shoving him away from me to buy more time.

     I was so used to the dead, mindless and incompetent minions of the Endless Court that this man was actually a real danger. To prove that, he swung at me again, and I had to admire his bravery and determination, even as I cursed it. Most would have run when they found they were up against an Ascended alone. I cautiously extended my attuned senses, trying to get a feel for the man's aura. If he was another Ascended, I really was in trouble. I blew a sigh of relief when I felt nothing but the mortal coil that kept the man on this plane. And then I finally recognized the insignia emblazoned across his tabard. A fisted gauntlet in silver with a beautiful star pattern on it. A Guardian! In our territory. A single Guardian here, so close to Meridian, meant a spy. Who even knew if he was the only one. Now I knew for sure I couldn't let him leave alive. Who knows what information he'd gathered on the city before attacking the band of Kelari. The man seemed to know when I finally recognized who I was up against and he smiled with no humor. A trained Guardian spy and assassin he might be, but I was an Ascended, augmented by sourcestone technology and he stood no chance against me as long as I kept my wits about me.

     I twisted my hand into the air and shouted out a spell key, and it seemed the sky darkened above us. Large chunks of ice hurtled down upon the man, dazing him and knocking him back. He shouted a curse as one smashed into his sword arm, knocking the weapon uselessly the ground. With the other hand, he drew a second blade and grimly pressed the attack. I sidestepped and stumbled, cursing the unfamiliar terrain and his single-mindedness. I hated direct physical attack. Not least because I could avoid thinking about the deaths I caused if I was a distance away from my target. Of course, being in range of an angry man with a sword was another downside, I thought in dismay as his sword sliced through the fine fabrics along my arm, leaving a shallow graze before I could pull back in time. I wet my lips and whispered another spell, feeling a headache come on from mana use. A bolt of lightning suddenly sizzled out of the air and struck the man dead center. He roared and charged at me, but fell several paces from my new position, a blackened husk. The sky seemed to clear as the spellcasting faded and I wiped perspiration off my forehead. Uneasily, I gazed down at the dead body and felt somewhat sick. I would much prefer to be attacking mindless cultists than a sane, Telaran citizen who's only fault was that he considered me an abomination and a heretic. Suddenly I was engulfed from behind and I quickly jerked around, spell on my lips, before I realized it was a young Kelari child, who had run up to hug me in thanks. Her dusk colored cheeks were dirty and streaked with tears but her eyes were shining with awe and admiration. Somehow, this made me feel even more uncomfortable.

     "Thank you! Thank you so much, stranger!" The guard/leader exclaimed, coming up and steering the girl away from me and back to her mother. I smiled wanly at him, and gestured to the body without looking. "What happened? How did this man come to attack you?" The leader looked downcast, and glanced at the two fallen Kelari. Already, several of the women had knelt by the bodies and were performing the Kelari rites of death as they helped the souls into the afterlife. "He just came out of nowhere, really! We didn't even have time to send for help or defend ourselves. Either he was laying in wait for us, or we ventured too close to his hiding spot. I can tell he's a spy, that's for sure." The man angrily kicked the body. I nodded absently and sighed. I'd better inspect him for any information just in case. I knelt down and the Kelari leader watched me curiously as I carefully riffled through the Guardian's pockets and pouches, being very careful not to actually touch the body. I didn't like the reminder that I could easily deal out such devastating death. In a hidden side pouch I retrieved a tiny, tightly rolled up scroll with the Guardian crest on it, as well as another crest I didn't recognize. I frowned somberly as I stood up, debating whether I should open the scroll and see what it held, or if I should just hand it to Lady Catari unopened when I saw her, since it no doubt pertained to official Defiant business and I haven't as yet considered myself an official part of their faction. But than again, if it was just nothing more than a list of flowers he was studying...I would feel distinctly foolish.

     Mind made up, I gently lifted the wax seal off the scroll and unrolled it. The Kelari leader pressed close eagerly and I gave him a look, walking a few steps away. He was hardly someone I'd let see such potentially sensitive information. The writing on the scroll was incredibly tiny and barely legible, the light scrawl of letters filling most of the parchment. It took me longer than I'd care to admit to decipher even if he was using the common Telaran language, since the writing was so horrible and my memory of the written word foggier than I was expecting. Which in itself was rather alarming. Was my slow comprehension due to death or was it some side effect of becoming this augmented magitech being? Was so much combat and defense and soul knowledge shoved into my brain that I would  begin to forget even basic things? I gripped the parchment tightly as an icy jolt of fear shivered down my spine, and I resolved that I would definitely spend some time in Meridian's famous library reintroducing myself to the many ancient languages and written word of Telara. I refuse to let go of my sense of self, of who I am, and my skill at research and study was something I'd always been proud of. I shook my head to focus back on the scroll and forced myself to understand what had been written. It was so frustrating, knowing I should be able to quickly read this, but not being able to. Maybe it was a symptom of having so many souls with all of their memories and knowledge locked inside. My mind was trying to comprehend so many different and outlandish cultures from the different beings that made up the soul matrix of my engineered body that my mind couldn't unravel one specific piece. That made me feel slightly better.

     "So? What's it say!" Demanded the Kelari, hovering just out of reach, curiosity brimming in his eyes. I rolled my own eyes. "Obviously it's highly classified information that should be kept to a limited number of individuals. But he was indeed a spy sent here to investigate us. I will give this to Lady Catari immediately." The man gaped at me at the mention of Asha Catari, looked dazed, as if his favorite celebrity had just walked into the room. "You know the General? Just who are you anyway?" His eyes slid down to the blackened husk of the Guardian spy and his face morphed through various expressions, the most telling of which was nervous fear. I felt a stab in the region of the my heart at that. I would never in a thousand years wish for anyone to fear me, and it made me feel very alone and saddened that a Kelari, a member of my own former people, would feel that way. I pursed my lips, keeping my face blank of the brief hurt I'd felt, and shrugged with affected casualness.

     "I'm one of the hand chosen Ascended created by Sylver. My name is Karazhan. I'm just glad I got here in time to help." I offered the words quietly, with respectful neutrality in an effort to assuage the man's sudden cautiousness toward me, and he nodded, still eyeing me sidelong. I sighed. Rather then call him out on it, I turned and headed back toward the highway, retrieving my packs and belongings that I'd dropped in my haste to help. It seems that no matter what I did, the barrier of being different, of being thought of as above even your average soldier, kept anyone from wanting to associate with me. Sharp loneliness twanged inside suddenly as I tied my pouches to my belt and slid my staff back into its harness. It's all well and good to have such power at one's fingertips. To know that you could rival the gods if you so desired, that if given time to gain experience and knowledge you might even be a challenge for the Blood Storm, but if you are forever alone in the world, what was the point? Then I snorted in dry amusement. Mayhap I needed a dog.

     "Thank you again...Karazhan." The Kelari leader offered hesitantly from the side and I turned to see all the refugees huddled together, watching me with wide, liquid-bright eyes. I tipped my head silently at them and headed for the city, trying to shake the melancholy thoughts that seemed to blanket my mind.

      I passed a signpost with indications on what each fork in the road traveled to and was mildly intrigued to realize that the highway leading to Meridian was called Way of Past Kings. I briefly wondered where that name might have come from before continuing on my way toward the city. The closer I got to the city, the more excited I was getting, and I felt almost like a child at Fae Yule. I could practically feel the emanations of ancient knowledge and magic rolling off the city wall in waves. In fact, I was so distracted by the imposing sight of the outer city walls that I literally didn't even see the two guards that stepped into my path and stumbled right into an upright, crossed spear that blocked my way forward. I blinked, and then smiled apologetically at the two men, who frowned at me. They didn't look overly alarmed or suspicious of my presence, and I was grateful that I was quite obviously wearing the Defiant colors, and carrying a Defiant issued battle stave.

     "Greetings traveler. What is your business in Meridian?" The soldier on the left inquired, politely but sharply. I gave a low, courteous bow and cleared my throat, lamenting yet again the loss of my soft, melodious elven voice. It was hard to accept the fact that I now had a gruff voice rough enough to rival that of a smoker of Creeperbrush root.

    "Hello. My name is Karazhan. I'm here with important information for La--General Catari. I am an Ascended created by Sylver. I'm also here to enjoy the sights of Meridian." I added the last part with an admiring grin as my eyes tracked back up to the impressive walls around the city. I noted the rather long stretch of flagstones and steps that led up to a landing, which then met with even more steps that disappeared from my view. I couldn't wait to actually get into the city. To be surrounded by everyday Telarans instead of soldiers, military, death, and cultists. It would be quite the welcome change. A jangle of positive emotions soared through me and I knew the other souls were in agreement. I wonder if eventually, our souls would merge into one and we'd become one individual. It was a rather alarming thought, because I didn't want to lose my individuality and sense of self, but I also felt almost as if I was missing something, each time I felt the edges of each separate soul identity that lined the soul matrix. I noticed the guards were giving me strange looks and shook my head ruefully. "Sorry, it's been a long day, and I ran across some worrying information just recently." I glanced back the way I came, and noticed that the band of Kelari refugees were slowly making their way up the highway behind me. The two legionnaires asked me a few more detailed questions to ensure I was who I claimed to be, before they were satisfied. They uncrossed their spears and watched me as I walked past.

     I glanced left and right as I finally came to a stop at the first step that led into the city itself. An interesting building had been set up to the far left, in the shade of a few large sycamore trees, and I was relieved to recognize the aura of Ascendency coming from within. I wonder if that's where the Ascended "hung out" for drinks and conversation when relaxing. It was awful tempting to head for the building instead of going up the stairs. My desire for companionship must be stronger than I thought. After my errands had been completed, I vowed to myself to come back and visit the place, which appeared to be a makeshift tavern of some sort. Perhaps erected specifically for the Ascended even, although it was rather disappointing that it was so obviously outside the city, as if the city folk wanted to distance themselves from their strange new and powerful allies, or weren't sure what to do with them. I wondered if Ascended metabolism and unique status even allowed us to become inebriated, and smirked as I imagined myself attempting that. I climbed up the multitude of steps to the first landing, distracting myself from the long climb by counting the steps. The stone was ancient and a coolness seemed to seep into my sandaled feet. It wasn't unpleasant; in fact, quite the opposite as with the sun shining directly overhead, I was beginning to feel quite warm in all this heavy fabric and armor. I couldn't wait to find some fine mage robes that were light and airy but with the same protections of armor. And I could always spell them for added enchantments and protection.

     I stopped on the landing and wiped sweat off my dark brow, taking out a waterskin and having a hefty sip. A handful of Kelari stood at the edge of the landing, talking animatedly amongst themselves. A large glowing ball of pure energy hovered at one's elbow, and I could feel the power of the being coming off it in waves and lapping at my Kelari mind. A wave of homesickness shot over me and I felt tears prick my lashes. It may not have been the most amazing of experiences, but I missed the temple in Atia where I lived. I missed being among my own kind. I even missed my own tiny little spirit that I had bonded with at a young age. Nyrtotle had been a welcoming companion on late nights as I read my way through the temple library. I tarried a moment longer and gazed longingly at the group of Kelari, but I didn't want them becoming annoyed at me for eavesdropping so eventually with a heavy sigh I continued up the last bout of steps. These were longer and steeper, and I was definitely feeling overwarm when I finally reached the top. Immediately I sought out some shade and hovered by the second wall that seemed to divide the inner workings of the city from the military aspect of it. As I cooled down, I watched as, in a large open field nearby, a group of young aspiring warriors strove to copy the moves being performed by their teacher. Several training dummies had been set up along the edge of the field, and a few archers decked out in impressive leathers were firing arrows into the targets. From this distance I couldn't tell if they were Ascended or not, and I didn't have the energy to find out magically, so I stood and watched passively. Presently I noticed the ground was shaking in a regular, gentle rhythm and glanced around. No one else seemed to be taking much notice of this, and I tried to not look so obviously concerned as I sought out the source of the thumping. A large construct lumbered into view from the inner city, followed closely by a woman in a long robe. She had on a pair of goggles similar to what I remember Sylver wearing, and carried a scroll in one hand in which she made vigorous notes, every once in a while glancing up to keep an eye on the construct. I watched them proceed past with interest.

     The city was bustling with activity, like a kicked beehive, and there were men and women dashing to and fro constantly, weaving amongst the many carts, animals, and processions of soldiers that seemed to be a constant. I could practically feel the weight of the history that Meridian had witnessed, and I hoped they had a large section on recent historical events so I could finally catch up on everything since my death and resurrection. Every once in a while I caught the tail aura of a powerful Ascended and would notice a flashy horse or other saddled beast prance by, the Ascended seated straight and majestic on its back. I was quite impressed by the diversity represented in Meridian. There were Eth, Bahmi, Kelari, even a few Dwarves and Mathosians, all mingling amongst each other with little or no outward reaction of distrust. The only stir was when an Ascended rode or walked through, and it was hardly worth noting. Meridian was quite inured to the idea of Ascended by now. This was definitely a city I could find my place in. I even spent a whimsical moment imagining myself settling into the residential area, going to the market, and plying my gifts to those in need. Which got me thinking of what my gifts actually would be, and I knew that I'd love to be able to help others as well as keep practicing my magics and Ascended powers. Definitely a healer than, although I was already thinking up ways of modifying it and augmenting it with my weather magic so I wouldn't lose the ability to defend myself if the need arose. And I'm quite sure it would, and often. Right, time to find Asha Catari and let her know of the serious happenings in the Scarred Mire, as well as my recent brush with the Guardians. This new interaction with that fanatical faction of Telara hadn't given me any more of a better opinion of them. They were just as fanatical and zealous as they had been in the future, which was rather disappointing, because I was hoping Telara would be better united and prepared to face the Blood Storm threat this second time. You'd think that we would have learned something from history during the Blood Storm Wars.
     After asking a passing centurion where Asha Catari's command center was (and having to explain to the suspicious woman why I wanted to know), I set off for one of the arched openings that sporadically interrupted the second walled edifice located past the plaza.

     "First time in Meridian, huh?" The voice, off to my right, caused me to swing around with an embarrassed expression. A man was sitting idly in the shade by a large planar porticulum. I moved closer so we weren't in the way of city traffic and chuckled.

    "I'm that obvious?" I asked ruefully. The man grinned and shrugged. He was a dark skinned Eth with fine wrinkles around his eyes and mouth and grey speckled in his hair.

     "Only to those who are paying attention, don't worry kid." I rolled my eyes at being called 'kid', but grinned back. "But hey, don't let the judgment of others get in the way of your enjoying the sights. Meridian sure is an amazing marvel and you should definitely explore around and become more familiar with her. You're entitled to, after your heroic efforts for Telara." I squinted my eyes with hesitant wariness at that last bit, wondering suddenly how he would know I was an Ascended. He waved a casual hand at my intense scrutiny. "Relax kid. You don't need to be so suspicious. After observing the Ascended in the city, I'm pretty confident I can spot one on sight now. Sorry if that freaked you out a bit though. But go, explore what the city has to offer. And hey, if you're feeling really brave, go say hello to Sylver Valis. He loves meeting the Ascended. But I will warn you, he's been known to blow up his lab on occasion." I snickered, imagining Sylver Valis deep in his natural element, excited over the smallest new invention like a child on Fae Yule.

     "Thank you sir, I shall do that." I waved at him as I wandered back into the stream of the crowd moving toward the command center, and was happy to be in out of the hot sun when I entered the cool stone archway that led downward. The command center smelled slightly of old stone and mildew, which would be expected I suppose, and the din of voices drew me around a few turns and twists until I entered a large, open room with multiple levels. A railing encircled a deeper, inner room below, and stairs led up to a hallway that encircled the room. It was lit with sourcestone lamps and constructs to the point that it hardly seemed dimmer than outside. I spotted Asha Catari immediately, as her unusual garb and the tall, strange looking beast looming over her seemed to draw the eye. As I drew closer, I slowed my step when I recognized the others standing around her as well from my time in the disastrous future timeline. Rhan Chuluun was eyeing Anthousa Mona with a jaundiced eye, while she just looked irritated. The monstrous being standing a few feet behind Lady Catari gave me a hard look before it seemed to dismiss me as no threat and went back to watching her with a strangely fond expression. How...odd.

     "Oh look, another Ascended!" Asha exclaimed with genuine pleasure when I was abreast of the group. I gave a low sweeping bow to her, and a formal nod to Rhan and Anthousa. It was disconcerting, to say the least, to look upon Anthousa Mona and have her not recognize me as even a Kelari, let alone as Karazhan Anthanos.

     "Greetings, lady." I said formally. I felt that the familiarity I'd had with her in the future wouldn't be as obvious here, as the end of the world tended to make one forget such silly things as rank and name and nobility. "I come with news from Freemarch. Specifically, the outpost in the Scarred Mire. Also, I had a worrying run in with a Guardian spy on my way to the city." As Asha's expression grew increasingly grave, I relayed all that I had seen and heard since leaving the Kelari Refuge what seems like weeks ago.

     When I finally finished my report, Asha cupped her elbow with one hand and tapped her lips, a worried frown between her large almond eyes. ""You say you took care of this scout then? Good. It worries me that others may have been able to return to Sanctum with information but at least this one in particular hasn't made it. And I must admit that while unsettling, the news about Jakub isn't new to me. I've been receiving quite a few distressing reports mentioning similar findings from other Ascended and soldiers. I fear we will need all the able bodies we can get to fight off Alsbeth and her new pet."
     She took a breath and than looked me over, with a more appraising look. "I think it's important that you familiarize yourself with our headquarters. Unfortunately, I'm much too busy myself to escort you, as much as I'd love to pick your brain over the events in that future timeline, but you are a resourceful sort and should have no trouble finding your way around Meridian. Settle yourself into the city, maybe even see if you'd care to make it a permanent residence? It would certainly be beneficial to have as many Ascended as we can living within the city walls to help bolster its defenses should the need arise." I nodded thoughtfully. I'd already planned on touring the city, and was excited to see what kind of research was being conducted by Sylver and his colleagues, and the idea of having an apartment in the city definitely appealed to me. It was better than feeling like a drifter that just moved from place to place, which is how I'd been thinking of myself of late.

     So off I ventured to check out the sights of Meridian. To my surprise, I bumped into the lord and lady of Todrin Estate, and had the unfortunate task of explaining to them that their beloved home had been turned into a cultist nest while they were away at the capital. Lord Olangden was so angered he swore he was going to march out there this instant and put an end to them, which wouldn't have been a smart idea. Thankfully his wife pointed that out so I didn't have to. I than spent a few minutes listening to them reminisce about their time at their sprawling estate, which then segued into a story about how they met.

     "My lady and I fell in love when we both were after the same volume of History's Greatest Wars in Meridian's fantastic library. We are both extensively schooled in military strategy you know. We advice General Catari on day to day military enquiries." I nodded along with Lord Olangden, even though he'd already mentioned this earlier.

     "Well if you will excuse me, I must go find myself some proper robes and perhaps something hot to eat." I finally said, just to get away from the chatty couple, although I realized I actually was quite hungry after I said it. "Thank you for the information, and I hope to see you again under better circumstances." I finished, and after waving goodbye, went in search of some tasty treats. There was a whole row of merchants and outdoor market stands along the wall in the shade to my delight and I lost track of time as I perused them all.

    "Oh yes thank you, this cloak looks lovely!" I exclaimed when one merchant held out a cloak of fine damask silk for me to look over. I felt along the edge and was happy to realize that the thread had been spelled for protection and endurance. "This is perfect, how much?"

     "For you Ascended, the small price of 20 platinum." The merchant responded easily, and my eyes almost popped out of my head. 20 platinum??? What did she think, that I was rich simply because I was an "Ascended hero". I managed to haggle the price down, as well as trade a few of the precious baubles I'd squirreled away from my journey so far, and came away feeling satisfied, the weight of the beautifully edged cloak a comfortable presence at my back. At other stands I tasted a roast fowl kebob that was so delicious, I was tempted to purchase more, before wisdom prevailed and I realized I had to keep a tight leash on my coin if I still wanted to purchase myself some lodgings here. I had no idea what the sale price was on apartments in the city, but I was hoping that my title would earn me some favor, despite the fact that I felt uncomfortable using it as a bargaining chip.

    After visiting a real estate agent, I came away feeling almost guilty, because I had actually been given a plot of land outside of Meridian! Something to call my very own. I was over the moon excited when handed the keys, and eager to check it out, but first I went to visit Sylver Valis and his trusty assistant Stavel in the College of Planar Studies.

     "Sylver!" I cried with genuine happiness when I entered his personal "lab" of sorts in the Planar Studies building. He started and a strange whirring noise began. I noticed Stavel off to one side and waved at him as well. Stavel turned, gave me a blank look, and then an exasperated look when he turned back to Sylver, just in time for the nalthema elf to grab me by the arm and drag my surprised self behind a crate of mechanical parts. "Wha--?" I began, before a loud bang shook the room and a cloud of red smoke wafted over me. I blinked. "Uh...was that m fault?" I offered sheepishly as we all three stood up and Sylver cheerfully dusted himself off. He cocked his head at me, and I couldn't help but grin at seeing his ridiculous goggles again and his garishly colored outlandish outfit. He certainly hadn't changed since I'd first met him in the future. Sylver contemplated me a moment silently.

     "I'm sorry lovely lady, but have we met? You seem familiar, but I'm not sure where..." he trailed off and turned to Stavel for support. The Ethian man shrugged. I slapped my forehead. "Right, I forgot! You wouldn't know me because it hasn't happened yet. Although it won't ever happen now, hopefully...I hope it doesn't anyway....I think I averted it...." I muttered as I tried to work out the confusing mess that was time travel and alternate timelines. Stavel just looked more confused, but Sylver flipped his goggles up and peered closely into my eyes. "Great sun, you're one of those Ascended I created when the world was ending, aren't you? What a beautiful specimen, fine structure, the matrix looks solid." He danced around me, sudden energy visible in his movements, while I stood still and endured his attention. It was so similar to how he behaved in the alternate timeline that I wasn't even bothered. Stavel rolled his eyes with a huff, muttered something about exploding experiments, and walked back to the giant contraption that had exploded. I spared a moment of guilty concern about the machine, and really hoped that I hadn't accidentally damaged it when I'd startled Sylver, but he didn't seem overly worried. Of course I remember that things blowing up was a common occurrence to him after all.
     "You, my dear, are a fantastic marvel of science and magic and sourcestone! Of course, so are all of the other Ascended machineborn I've supposedly created." His shoulders slumped slightly. "Alas, I just wish I had actually done it, instead of a future me. I feel like I'm being praised for someone else's work. Which is silly of course, but...oh you know what I mean!" I nodded slowly, because I actually did know what he meant. "I am working on a new way of augmenting an already existing Ascended, to further their...well your....powers and have you rival the gods themselves! I need to do something to prove myself in this timeline, after all. Can't have my alternate self showing me up!" He danced away, laughing almost crazily, and I wondered idly how often he got away from his workshop, because he could obviously do with some down time. It was obvious that the miraculous success of crafted Ascended that his alternate self performed was bothering him more than he wanted to admit, and it made me sad that he felt he needed to further prove himself. In a way, he felt almost like a father figure to me, since perversely, he was my creator, and I couldn't help but feel a familial concern. Which, when I thought about it too deeply, was incredibly creepy.

    "So, how are you enjoying our fair city, eh?" Sylver shot at me as he continued to tinker with the magitech device in the center of the room. I sidled up behind him and watched with interest as he played with sourcestone levels, gears, and panels, occasionally eliciting angry beeps and whirs from the machine.

     "It's quite the lovely city actually! So very different from home, that's for sure. Loud and busy. I'm very interested in the innovations the Defiants have added to it, like the laser guns, the construct guards, and the mechanical drones in the training fields! I haven't had much exposure to magitech and technomancy, but it definitely looks fun and exciting." Stavel gave me a long look, as if thinking 'oh great, another nutjob scholar/scientist', and I grinned impishly at him. He wrinkled his nose before Sylver's demand for a calculus wrench drew his attention back.

     "Well, if it's science and technomancy you've an interest in, you've definitely come to the right part of town." Sylver mumbled as he worked. He gestured vaguely upward, toward the upper level of the room, where the walls were lined with interesting scrolls and dozens of different, glowing gadgets. Men and women bustled to and fro, reading scrolls, checking sourcestone levels, and discussing probability figures for rifts and planes. "There are plenty of scientists and scholars who would love an assistant, if you're sincere, and I can point you to a few guilds that focus on the scientific aspects of sourcestone. Fighting back against the cultists and the dragons doesn't have to be all about the physical smash and kill that others enjoy." He straightened up, wiped glowing oily gloves on a dirty rag, and squinted at a pressure gauge set into the artifact.

     "Wow, thank you, that's exactly what I wanted to hear!" I exclaimed, feeling excitement bubble up. Already I was thinking of how I would apply to one of those guilds, and what I could bring to their order, as well as what I would like to gain from them. "I've finished most of what I meant to accomplish in Meridian actually, and was heading over to view my new lodgings before I went back to worrying what that dratted Alsbeth was up to. Lady Catari requested that I offer my aid to the Defiant legionnaires on the front lines against the Endless Court. Cursed abominations, they seem to always spring up like cockroaches whenever there's a flux in the Ward. I had heard it was all but broken this time, though. Something to do with these Guardians." I trailed off as Sylver was staring fondly off into space for several moments. "Are you okay?" I asked.

     He blinked back to himself and turned to me with a gleam. "Oh yes. You've been to see the beautiful Asha, then?" He added, and it sounded more like a statement than a question, but I nodded. His look grew even more sappy, if possible. "She is an amazing woman, no? So full of life and courage. She survived a direct brush with Regulos you know? Even came away from it with some pretty impressive powers over death magic." The awe in his voice was so thick I almost replied with something sarcastic, but I knew it wasn't a fair thing to make fun of an infatuation. We can't help who we fall in love with, although I've heard enough about Asha Catari to know she'd have no interest in Sylver. Her heart belonged to someone else. It was all very tragic actually. Stavel gave his mentor a pained look, then glanced at me, and I nodded. We both understood not to crush his hopes too harshly. It wasn't up to me to stomp on his dreams.

     "Well, you've certainly given me some promising advice, Sylver, and I appreciate it." I said finally. "I'm definitely going to see about making a name for myself here. I am proud to be chosen as a Defiant Ascended and woe our enemies who think to take Telara from us." I said, rather dramatically, but it seemed to do the trick, lightening Sylver's mood. he beamed at me with fatherly pride, and patted my hand.
     "Child, I've no doubt you will be a force to be reckoned with, and even Regulos will tremble when the time comes to face the destroyer himself."

     Back outside in the sunlight, I squinted and considered what else I'd like to accomplish while in the city. Oh yes, the library! How could I have forgotten? I quickly made my way to the central Foyer building, where I'd been told the library was, eager to get a peek at all that knowledge written on scrolls and tomes and parchments. I'd definitely missed the joy of a good book on a chilly evening. Inside, the building was lit with eldritch light, and many red robed scholars and acolytes scurried about the place, each with a determined air. I took a deep breath and could smell the scent of old pages. It felt like coming home, and a pang of loss hit me again. I wonder if I'd ever get over the loss of my home, my old life, and then I wondered whether that would be a good thing or not anyway. Shouldn't one remember their roots?

     "Ooooh, wow!" Was the first thing out of my mouth when I stepped inside the foyer of the main capital building. It was quite the sight. The ceiling soared high above my head, and even squinting, I couldn't make out how many floors and balconies I could see high up there. The walls were lined with row upon row of books. Many robed individuals strode around the spacious area with determined airs. A woman in a beautiful flowery dress was discussing something intently with a man and a woman holding hands, who couldn't seem to avoid giving each other sappy looks every two seconds, while a hard-looking Kelari man with scars all down his arms stood to one side and discussed a large map laid out on a table with two other Kelari. Both wore tabards and insignias in red and gold but bore marks I didn't recognize. Perhaps members of a certain guild here in the city? The smell of old parchment and sourcestone was sharp and I took deep breaths, feeling giddy. How absolutely amazing! I could literally spend hours in here reading these books! Just to prove my point, I scurried over to the wall and began reading titles: A History of the Eth, The Day the Rifts Came, Exodus, A Prison for a Dragon. Even just those few titles I read made me itch to sit down and read them all. Knowledge is power, in a mage's world, and I felt that especially applied to a mage who had been resurrected and dropped into what amounted to an unknown world with an unknown future. Hells, I didn't even have a firm grasp of past events! I went in search of a librarian or a scholar to ask about borrowing books from the library, and was delighted to find that I could indeed take books from the library as long as I returned them in a reasonable time and didn't damage them. I signed my name off on a few of the books that hinted at events of the past twenty years and ensconced myself at a sourcestone-lit table in a corner, content to sit and indulge myself in one of my favorite pastimes.

[Special Feature] IV: Asha Catari

     Asha Catari is a bit of a legend among the Defiant. She was one of the very first Ascended brought back from the Soulstream. She is the High General of the Defiant army and leads the Defiant forces against the rifts and cults. She can be found stationed in Meridian with her companion, a large troll. Asha has earned the title "Rift Walker", perhaps because of her run-in with Regulos after her death? She is Orphiel Farwind's trusted advisor and a good friend of Sylver Valis, although he'd like to deepen the relationship. Asha Catari once loved Prince Zareph Mathos deeply, as evidenced in the death chronicle.

     During the time of the powerful Eth Empire, there were numerous city states, powered by wondrous magitech and technology. One such city state was Catari, ruled by the Catari family. They were a strong family of warriors, skilled in combat and skilled in the arts of technomancy. After the fall of the Eth Empire, the Catari line continued, unlike many of the other city states. Down through the ages, the Catari line produced some of the finest warriors the Eth had known. Asha Catari and her sister Aurum Catari were no exception. Both studied at the illustrious Quicksilver College to learn about their magical potential and hone their skills. But where Aurum was the head of her class, completing each task and class with exceeding excellence and top scores, Asha distinguished herself by rebelling against the system. She didn't agree with the methods of the school and the centuries-old way of testing. She questioned the teachers, was frustrated with her classes, and was often considered the mischief maker in class. She also befriended a rather notorious mage named Alsbeth, who had been taken in by the royal court out of pity and had also been sent to Quicksilver to study and learn. Eventually, in her third year at the college, Asha was expelled due to her behavior and her determination to study the arts of a Warlock-a forbidden area of study. Furious and disappointed in his daughter, the prominent Theo Catari-High Mage and representative of the southern tribes in the Mathosian Court- disowned Asha and cut her off from the rest of the family as punishment for her dishonor. Undeterred by this, Asha packed her bags went off on her own, exploring Telara as she saw fit.

     She moved to the southern lands, visiting the vast desert of Shimmersand, where she became acquainted with and then accepted into the Dragonslayer Covenant. She was reckless, headstrong and determined, but quickly proved herself a capable warrior within the group, rising to the top with ease. Ten years later, Asha Catari was sent on a mission to warn Zareph Mathos of ties between his brother the king, Aedraxis Mathos and the evil Endless Court, said to follow Regulos. Once she realized what was actually going on in Mathosia, she stayed to help Prince Zareph fight his brother and defend Telara. When the Shade was unleashed, Asha Catari was slain. Her body can be found on the grounds of Thedeor Field to the left of the path that leads to the Death Rift.

      When her spirit crossed over into the Soulstream, Regulos spotted it and noted her vast potential. He wanted her as one of his undead commanders for his war against Telara. He brought her soul before his form and infused her with much of his death magic, promising her that and more if she would join him in the destruction of Telara. Asha was horrified by his evil but never wavered in her steadfast loyalty to Telara. She refused Regulos's offer and he was furious. He gathered up the essence of death he'd instilled in her body, preparing to unleash it back on her as agonizing pain. But before he could, she was rescued, whisked away from the Soulstream and brought back to the world of the living, leaving Regulos to howl in frustrated fury. In shock, Asha gazed up at a longtime friend, one Orphiel Farwind, who explained to her that she had been resurrected by a machine designed to make Ascended. He told her his plans to make an army of powerful Ascended to fight back against the rifts and the cults and to protect Telara since the gods seemed to have lost interest in doing so. He asked her to be his second in command in this venture and to help him accomplish this goal. Asha agreed, although stated that it was mostly due to her desire for vengeance against Regulos and the Endless Court and together they founded the Defiants. Immediately, it was noticed that Asha had changed. She wasn't the brash, headstrong girl she used to be. She was now quiet, thoughtful and focused. She planned things carefully and was filled with a vengeance against Regulos and the Endless Court. She was also covered with strange glowing runes, the source of her newfound power, given to her by Regulos.

     Unfortunately, Asha Catari was the only one of the first wave of resurrected warriors that had any potential for power. The others that were resurrected were ordinary, powerless human beings, although successfully resurrecting those who were dead was no small feat, Orphiel and Sylver were disappointed. Due to her infusion of death magic, Asha was incredibly strong and powerful. She was able to successfully wield the power of Regulos and use it against him when he confronted the last remaining Defiant forces in the end of days. She was able to hold him off, if even for a few brief seconds, allowing  the Ascended to slip through the Failsafe device and go back in time to prevent that future from happening. After the Ascended had gone back through the time machine, Regulos killed Asha and ravaged the rest of the land that had been rebelling against him. In that timeline, Telara was doomed. Thankfully, the Ascended were successful in their mission when going back in time and were able to prevent Regulos from gaining such a foothold on Telara again. Asha, being a valuable member of the Defiant faction, was given a prominent rank in Meridian, where she oversees the reports and missions that the rest of the faction undergo. You can find her in the Catari Command Center, on the right hand side when facing inward in Meridian in the Epoch Plaza. She stands next to Rhan Chuluun and Anthousa Mona and acts as a mediator between the two, who don't always get along very well. It's interesting that a large mountain troll named Murph also stands as her bodyguard behind her. When asked about him, Asha admits that she saved him from being attacked by much larger trolls in his tribe and he has attached himself to her ever since. She says that she's tried getting him to leave her, but he won't listen and now she is used to his presence. Sometimes, she ventures outside of the city to perform her own tasks, but prefers to leave the dirty work to the Faceless Man and his Unseen spies.

     * Asha also played an important role in the fall of Port Scion, earning her prestige among many people; those except her friends and closest allies. Thus, she left with Orphiel Farwind to create the Defiant and start over in the city of Meridian. She fled the destruction of Meridian at the hands of the angry Guardians in the timeline that collapsed due to the events in the Defiant intro zone and the Ascended going back in time, and helped Sylver Valis continue his work on crafting Ascended.*

     *For Defiants, after you have completed the quest "The King's Lady: Part 1", if you venture back to the Ark of the Ascended at co-ordinates 6130, 4237, there is a letter laying on the ground titled Zareph's Letter. It starts a quest called "The King's Lady: Part 2", and is a letter written by Zareph Mathos to Asha Catari. The letter reads:

So many emotions filled me when Orphiel brought you back.

So many emotions I thought had gone completely.

Apparently time can only reduce the fires of live to embers,

but on sight they can be fanned to life again...

That is as far as the letter goes, as the quest implies that you, the Ascended, shouldn't be nosing into other people's personal affairs. When you turn in this letter to Asha she admits that she loved Zareph very much and only ever realized it until too late, although it is a painful reminder of who she was before the war began, and of what we are all fighting for. There is a very important reward for this quest as well. You gain the book "Asha Catari" to read and add to your collection of lore books.*

References: The first half of this information was gathered from the in game book titled "Asha Catari" which can be obtained by a Defiant in Freemarch, as well as reading the old backstory Trion had on their old website about Asha which is gone now. The rest of it was stuff I learned from watching the events in Terminus and from talking to Asha and doing quests for her. The article I read about Asha in the dev journal mentioned that she'd been resurrected by Orphiel. She'd gone to help at Port Scion AFTER her resurrection. Which I guess means that after quitting the school, she'd eventually ended up slain at Thedeor Field on the side of the Guardians. She was dead for about 35-40 years, before being resurrected in the Defiant future as one of the first Defiant with the power of Ascendance, although it was immediately proved that she was the only one with that power and it actually came from Regulos instead. But if we go back in time to make sure the future didn't happen...wouldn't we be erasing the time where she was resurrected? Unless Orphiel resurrected her immediately after the Shade War, which I suppose could happen. Ugh, Rift lore is so confusing sometimes!

[Karazhan's Story] 1.2: The Town of Lastlight

    The town of Lastlight wasn't really much of a town. It looked more like the last hope for refugees wanting to escape the madness and destruction of Regulos and his Endless Court. I was beginning to loathe these creatures and cultists. I've never felt hatred and vengeance toward anyone or anything to any level before, but I think I'll make an exception here. I paused on the well worn path leading down the hill toward Lastlight, glancing around me. Standing here, at the crest of the hill, one could appreciate the scope and magnitude of the evil choking Telara. I'd been raised to respect the land and the other denizens of the world, to live quietly and thoughtfully and strive my utmost to make my family proud of me. Wanton death and destruction just for the sake of it was rather sickening and I found myself actually looking forward to putting an end to Regulos's destructive plans.

     Ahead, past the meager defense that is Lastlight, far off in the distance, I could see black clouds and even blacker skies. Where the sky meets land, a giant explosion of black rock and red lava warred with each other. A volcano. If I squinted my eyes just so, I could even make out a more vibrant red path that led down the side of the volcano. A molten lava trail, no doubt. Everywhere one looked, signs of the planet's death were visible. Far distant winged beasts soared on the air, a sight that raised the hairs on my arms.

     A sharp yearning to be back at among the dusty libraries of home, attending to my duties and performing new spells as I trained to become a mage suddenly washed over me. An image came to my mind, unbidden, of a quite, sun dappled ledge overlooking a valley. I could imagine I could even smell the distinctive dry scent that clung to the desert canyons. Despite my wariness with these souls I seem to have absorbed, I was grateful for the shared memory I'd just had, even though I was pretty sure it was from the soul of a Bahmi. The meaning was still clear. Hoisting my staff onto my back, I plodded down the dusty path toward Lastlight.

     The closer I became to the outskirts of the little village, the more I realized that it was in just as much trouble as Koke's hold, or the Life Factory. Savage cultists were harrying the sentries, trying to get into the town. Thankfully, the defenses seemed more solid here, and the defenders were quite capable of dealing with the threat. But you could sense from the atmosphere that everyone knew it was only a matter of time. The same taste of death and despair hung thickly in the air here. A couple sentries stood straighter and made as if to block my path, but one look at me had them both going pale. Instead, they allowed me passage, watching me with widened, hope-starved eyes.

     The denizens of Lastlight were a myriad variety of many races and cultures. A large, dark skinned Bahmi stood, discussing strategy with a red robed Ethian, while a beautiful Kelari in ceremonial dress lounged, coldly eyeing all who passed. I stared at her a few moment's longer then necessary. She looks familiar. A dark skinned, dark eyed man swathed from head to toe in white desert garb paced around a magitech contraption in the center of the little village, while a woman with strange swirling tattoos along her arm and leg made animated gestures to one of the sentries. The strange woman had short-cut auburn hair and carried an exotic looking wickedly sharp sword. At her back stood two more guards, both alert and watchful. Seeing as she was the only one who appeared to warrant guards, I assumed she had to be Asha Catari, the woman I was supposed to meet up with to discuss my plans with the Failsafe. Hopefully she could help enlighten me more on what was going on here, as so far I've only been able to make guesses and suppositions. I preferred facts and proof.

     "Ah, welcome to Lastlight, Ascended." Even as I approached her, Asha had turned and noticed me. She gave me a genuine smile, lighting her face up. It made her look younger than she no doubt was. I gave her a polite inclination of the head, pleased to meet someone who spoke warmly and with sincerity. I was quite used to the fact that everyone knew me on sight, but it was still a bit distracting to be singled out for Ascended before I'd even opened my mouth.

     "And you must be general Asha Catari, of the Defiant." I responded smoothly, coming to a stop a few feet to the left of the woman. The sentry she had been talking to saluted and curtly walked off. Asha nodded, pleased that I'd recognized her.

     Off to my far right, I caught the tail end of a conversation that made me feel uncomfortable. "Lastlight is all we have left. I hope Sylver's plans are a success." I couldn't see the speaker, but I could feel the emotion in the words, and it was like a blow to me. The scholarly, inexperienced side of me cringed while the tough new Ascended part of me wanted to go out and smite some bad guys. I bit my lip, turning back to regard Asha.

     "Times have been a bit tough here. It is good to finally meet you in person," Asha waved a hand at me. "Karazhan, was it? I believe that is what Sylver's report said your name was. Unless you would prefer a different name?" She waited a beat, and I shrugged and shook my head. I didn't feel much like the young Kelari girl who had earned the name Karazhan anymore and I definitely didn't even look like her anymore, but it was a familiar name to me and the last remnant I had of my past life.
     Asha nodded again. "I have heard tales on the wind of your great power. Sylver finally engineered a masterpiece when he made you." As she spoke that last sentence, her eyes tightened, as if in pain. I was curious. Was there more like me? Perhaps...earlier trials? I know that when conducting experiments and tests, there's always the initial failures and false starts. I wonder what happened to the others of my kind, the ones that came before me. I dared not ask however. Some things are better left unknown.
     "Yes, well, I only do what duty requires. I owe my new life and existence to Sylver Valis and the Defiant. I would do anything in my power to make it up to him. And I would never let such an evil creature take my home." My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn't mind. I meant it. Only just now, as I said it, I realized it really was true. I would die for the newly created Defiant. What I had been before my rebirth was washed away now. I was a different person. All that I am now is because of Sylver and this new order and I was quite ready to attach myself to the Defiant as my new family and community. I had been taught to embrace the changes that time brought and to make do with circumstances beyond my control and this seemed the perfect example of that.

     "It is time you know exactly what is in store for you here, Karazhan." Asha's words brought my focus back to her and I stood straighter. Finally, some real answers! I nodded eagerly. "There is nothing we can do for Telara here, as much as it pains me to say this. Nothing lies beyond these canyon walls but oblivion. Nothing. The only hope we have left is to send as many Ascended back in time, before this disaster, so that this, all of this, never happens." I didn't even blink, riveted, trying to absorb this information. "Fortunately, Orphiel built a Failsafe. It has the capacity to send you back to the moment in time that it was installed. As far as we can tell, that appears to be twenty years ago. Unfortunately, you will need to travel into areas held by the Endless Court and undead-filthy minions of Regulos-to activate all of its components and make it ready for you."

     Okay. Regulos has literally destroyed Telara. Nothing beyond this canyon? I reflexively glanced around, spotting the distant volcano. For there to be nothing...it was shocking. No Atia. No Ember Isle No more vast, mysterious jungles. No more dreams of visiting the farthest shores. No more curious desire to dance in the sun at some of the hidden pools I found. I admit, I was a bit shell shocked. Only the presence of the other souls inside me, a now-familiar weight upon my own soul, kept me from feeling ill with shock. I felt a soothing blanket cover my thoughts and took a deep breath, sending a prayer to the Spirits for clarity of thought. Distantly, I wondered who this Orphiel was, but it seemed insignificant among the greater situation.

     "I..I understand." It took quite an effort to keep my voice to its usual, measured tones. I paused thoughtfully. "You say I need to activate the components before I can access this Failsafe device? Where are the components? I'd better get started immediately. Who knows when Regulos will get around to squashing us." I meant it as a joke, but Asha's grim expression wiped any hint of levity from my own face.

     "You first need to activate the temporal flux in the sinkhole to begin the process of powering up the Failsafe. Unfortunately, at the time that the Failsafe and all its components were installed, this dire threat wasn't so widespread. The sinkhole is now crawling with undead. I would send men down with you, but truthfully, I cannot spare even one and truth be told, from the explanations I've gotten from Sylver's letter, it seems you won't need them anyway. I'm sorry and wish you the best of luck." She looked genuinely distressed and I offered a lopsided smile.

     "It's fine. I'm Ascended, remember? I should be able to handle a few undead cronies. If I can't, how would I ever be able to tackle Regulos?" Although, I realize now that they never intended for me to battle Regulos in some titanic and dramatic last battle. Thank the Spirits. I just had to go back in time and...what? Warn everyone? Find a way to divert this path? I'd have to make sure I kept on my toes in the past. I'd have to get as much information on the cults, and the Blood Storm gods as I could. I couldn't let them succeed.

     But first, I needed to outfit myself in some proper mage gear. Obviously those scientists meant well, but this shimmery armor they created for me, while effective for helping conduct my spells, wasn't exactly the best armor for all out combat. I needed to find a sturdy pair of gloves, a heavy pair of boots, and a few other things. I should also acquire nourishment and a few water skins. Just because my body can't be killed in combat didn't mean I still couldn't starve to death apparently; I was feeling just the tiniest bit hungry. Or at least, I hope I couldn't be killed. I was quite terrified of what would happen of my soul were severed from this engineered body.

     A large husk of a building had the feel of an Inn to it so I walked inside, hoping I could find some supplies within. Sure enough, there were plenty of refugees and displaced citizens huddling in the dim interior. I thought it would take a few minutes for my eyes to adjust, but it was like being outside. The lighting didn't change inside the building, even though I'm sure it should have, considering how dark and dreary it was inside. A small fire burned in the hearth, hardly giving off enough light to see the people crowded around the tables and broken bar, and yet, I could see normally. Another perk of being Ascended, no doubt. I made a mental note to conduct some experiments with my abilities when I had the time, and grinned to myself.

     Conversation seemed to stop as I entered and all heads swiveled to eye the newcomer. Used to the stares and silent awe since my recent resurrection, I ignored them and strode up to the harried looking woman behind the bar. A large cauldron beside the fireplace gave off tantalizing smells and I gestured to it.

     "May I?" I asked after offering her a respectful bow. The woman gave me a wide-eyed, awed glance and nodded.

     After I'd eaten, I found a nice old gentleman who called himself Welk the Bearded. A merchant by trade, he happened to carry quite a few odds and ends that I traded some coin I'd gotten off the cultists for, including a second pack since my first one was becoming filled a little too quickly. Thankfully, my strength and stamina had increased, making it no problem to tote around as much gear as I was. I also purchased some water and some preserved fruit. Who knows when I'd next get a meal.

     I rearranged my bags and discarded things I really didn't need to have with me, making sure everything was economical and sensible for the next leg of my mission. And that's when I came across the sourcestone chunks and remembered the elf woman...Vexa her name was? I remembered her mentioning something about how valuable sourcestone was to the Defiant's defenses. Perhaps I can give it someone here who will know what to do with it. I fished out the sourcestone I'd harvested on the field and considered it. After making some inquiries of one of the sentries standing just outside the Inn, I found the perfect candidate to pawn my sourcestone cache off on. A man named Kain Sunsworn seemed to have quite the extensive knowledge base on sourcestone and its properties and had designed quite a few of the Defiant's defensive machines. Perfect.

     "Excuse me, where might I find Kain Sunsworn?" I asked the nearest random citizen I could snag, keeping my voice soft and polite as I'd been taught. The young woman, clothed in rags, paused and glanced around distractedly. She than pointed out the man dressed in the white desert garb I'd seen pacing earlier. I nodded my thanks and walked over to him.

     "Hello, Kain Sunsworn? I was told--" I was interrupted as he turned swiftly to me and began mumbling. "I'm Sorry?" I asked hesitantly, still holding out the sourcestone.

     "Every time I see those hulking phantasms, I'm haunted by the memory of everyone we have lost in this death and misery. They have taken over everything. The blight on this land is so strong. But it reminds me of what we fight for, even when all seems hopeless. Oh beautiful Enqyeke." He turned to me and his expression was lost and haunted. I shifted uneasily. I don't deal with emotion well. I'd learned to keep my emotions in check, as they affected my spells. And yet I've seen so much emotion since my resurrection. So much pain and misery and hurt. It was becoming harder to stay above it all.

    "Pardon me, I apologize for my outburst." Kain waved a white clad arm. I shrugged, not sure what to say to that. "You said you had something for me?" He continued, a spark of curiosity forming in his eyes. Being Eth, he was shorter than me, and had to glance up to meet my eyes. Idly I wondered what color they were now.

     I nodded and held out the sourcestone again. "I was told this would benefit the war effort." Kain took the proffered sourcestone gems and studied them, breaking into a smile.

     "Excellent! We are going to need this sourcestone to power the generator and possibly even the Failsafe device. I'm glad it is out of Regulos's hands and into ours." He walked away, continuing to mutter, leaving me standing there. What an odd man. I shook my head.

     All tasks completed and feeling ready, I turned and faced toward where this sinkhole was supposed to be. It was a sharp drop off in land, into a deep impression, where I could make out the shadow of a cave entrance. That must be where the temporal flux is. I only had to get across that sinkhole and find a way to activate the temporal flux. I couldn't prevent the shiver of anxiety that washed over me as I stared.
   When a stiff breeze teased hair across my eyes I realized that I had different colored hair as well. It was thick and coarse, and deep black, a color quite different than my blue-silver of before. I dug in my pack and took out a leather cord, quickly and expertly twisting my new hair into a tight tail at the back of my head. Thoughtfully I considered the changes in me, wondering if it was something I approved of or not. Not that I had a choice though. I am who I am now. There's no going back...well, not back to my old life anyway. I was apparently going back in time though.

A large male Bahmi caught my attention as I prepared to head into the Sinkhole and I wandered over curiously. "Yes?" I asked.
     "I am Rahn Chuluun of the Red Sun Tribe. I am all that is left of my tribe now, and there are few Bahmi left at this, the end of all things. My own daughter, may the ancestors watch over her, was slain." He choked on that last sentence and I felt my heart clench in response. Family was everything these people. He was alone now, like myself. He cleared his throat, as if to rid himself of the sadness of the memory, and continued, "as you know, we Bahmi tell our stories and connect to our ancestors through our sefir tattoos." Actually, I didn't know that, but it seemed like an interesting tidbit that I stored away in my mind for later. I wonder if I have these tattoos on my engineered body.
        Rahn continued, "They remind us of who we are and of the great strength that comes from our ancient brethren. During the chaos that was the attack on Telara, after Meridian fell, many of my people were slaughtered. I am afraid that their souls, their very essence, is now trapped in Regulos's control. He keeps our people trapped, their souls tethered to this world by corrupted magitech devices created by the Defiant."

     I gasped, horrified. Bahmi, trapped? Their souls tethered to some device to eternally serve the Destroyer? I shook my head. No soul should endure that kind of pain, no matter their origins. "We must free them!" I demanded sharply. Rahn Chuluun smiled sadly at me.

     "Yes. I would ask this of you Ascended. You are the mightiest of us now, and we rely on you to go back in time and make sure this future does not come about. Alas, it is too late for the ones who have already died here. Their souls can never be recovered except by the magic of the Ascension process. They must be freed to rest eternally along the Soulstream. Please, free our brethren from this enslavement!" I grasped his clenched fist and looked him in the eye, giving a determined jerk of the chin.

     "I will rescue every single tormented soul that I can find out there, I swear it on the souls of my ancestors." I said solemnly. To swear on one's own ancestors was a serious oath to the Bahmi, I knew. Satisfied, Rahn bid me farewell and I relaxed slightly. Keeping up appearances was exhausting. Perhaps I should just tell him. But that would just require even more explaining.

      "May the ancestors forever guide your steps, child, no matter your journey." His words warmed my heart and lifted my own spirit. I took a deep breath.

     And off I ventured, heading down the steep, rocky incline that led to the "sinkhole". My new sourcestone engineered body was quite agile, more so than I was used to, and took to the climb with ease. I quickly reached the bottom of the impression and glanced around warily. There was the cave that I needed to enter to switch on the temporal flux. Brilliant of them to leave important devices unprotected in enemy territory. The priestesses and leaders of Atia would never have done something so foolish with such an important element. But than again, I did seem to have arrived late to this party so maybe there's more to it than the obvious. The sinkhole happened to be crawling with giant ghostly undead types carrying-well more like dragging-large heavy transparent chains. Those must be those hulking phantasms that the man Kain had been ranting about in Lastlight. I shuddered. They didn't look very friendly.

      The chains, despite being transparent, did the same amount of damage that any real chains would do. I found that out the hard way. I tried to sneak by one of the phantasms and a chain lashed out of seeming nowhere, almost snapping my wrist in half, which is saying something. I have discovered that I have a heavy bone structure. I couldn't help the small yelp of pain that escaped my lips as I was yanked backwards, almost off my feet. And that would have been the end of my savior days if not for having quick reflexes. The moment I felt the chain tug my wrist back, I concentrated, casting an absorption shield around myself to protect against damage. It didn't completely ward off the effects of the chain, but it did blunt the pain somewhat. When the second chain flashed, it bounced off the shield, doing me no harm and I stumbled back, trying to keep out of range. I needed to unwrap that chain from my wrist. I could feel the metal biting into my flesh, the links so cold that they burned. Using my bound wrist, I swung around so I was facing the creature sideways and threw a flame bolt at it. The burning magical flame struck between the eyes, causing the large, gray phantasm to roar with pain and anger. At least I could wound it.

     To my magic-trained sight, the Phantasm seemed to be eaten alive from the inside by the magical fire I'd cast. At least my fire-based spells had quite the effect on undead creatures. Thank the ancestors for that, since there were quite a few undead monsters around these parts. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be slowing the creature down any.

     Thinking quickly, with my heart beating fast and frantic, I searched my mind for another effective spell. Being in mortal danger is not something I've grown accustomed to yet, I mused to myself. I murmured the key phrases to my favorite air spell, forked lightning. The familiar static energy crawled over my skin and slithered outward, charging the air with energy. I flung my hand out, palm facing the phantasm, fingers splayed. The lightning left me in a surge of vibrant lights. The manifestation sank into the phantasm just as it reared back its arm to lash the chain at me again. This time, the phantasm stumbled forward. I backed up uncertainly and realized that the blasted chain was still around my wrist. While the undead was occupied trying to fight off the effects of the lightning, I quickly dug my fingers under the burning cold chain and tried unhooking it from my wrist. It was harder done than said. The chain seemed to be wanting to greedily suck my life out and I shivered thinking that.

     Finally I was able to unwrap the foul chain and I flung it from me with disgust, immediately backing up. I didn't want to move too far away because I didn't want to draw the attention of any more of those horrid hulking phantasms, but I did want distance between this one and me in case my lightning spell wasn't enough. Thankfully, after a few moments, the phantasm succumbed to my deadly spell and collapsed onto its front. I gave a sharp nod at the corpse, rubbing my raw wrist. Already, the pain was receding as my Ascended cells repaired themselves, but I could feel phantom pain still-no pun intended. I chuckled to myself.

     I had been carefully making my way across the open sinkhole in front of the cave, avoiding those undead minions, when I came across a strange mechanical device set into the ground. It was a small metal disc with a revolving band on the top. At first I thought it must be some kind of land mine or bomb, but when I looked closer I could see a shimmery white ball floating within the band and gasped at my sudden realization. Here was one of those corrupted devices that Rahn Chuluun said kept the spirits of the Bahmi people captive. I glared darkly at it. To do something so dark and twisted to innocent people. Evil and dark magic indeed. That is why magitech needs to be watched and carefully administered, so that the ability and the weaponry does not fall into the wrong hands. Now I needed to see about freeing this poor tormented soul.

     I crouched down, glancing around cautiously. Now would be the perfect time for one of those phantasms to ambush me. The other souls I housed assured me they would stay alert for any incoming threat, so I focused on the device. It was definitely to my benefit to share this body with several different souls, at least it was when they weren't fighting me for control of said body. I shook my head and concentrated on the device. It looked simple enough, but deadly effective, capable of keeping a soul trapped for many years, drawing strength and knowledge from the soul unwillingly. After a few silent moments of studying the device, I noticed a small latch and a depressed section on the side. Flipping the latch and clicking the depression in the other direction turned out to the proper sequence and the revolving band quickly snapped to one side. The shining ball of light immediately soared out of the device and hovered in the air in front of me. It bobbed back and forth a few times, before dissolving into a shadowy form in the shape of a young Bahmi girl. The girl glanced down at herself, than at me, looking delighted.

     "Thank you for releasing me! May the strength of my ancestors aid you in your quest!" The Bahmi soul than slowly faded out of existence, no doubt on her way to the Soulstream. My heart soared with happiness and pride. I had finally done something that I thought was truly effective.
     I bent to similarly free a second trapped soul not far from the first, and thus narrowly missed being decapitated by another one of those hulking phantasms. I left the corrupted device where it was for the moment, instead instantly rolling to the side and coming up to face the creature, staff across my chest. It flicked one ghostly arm and the chains went flying in my direction. My wrist still ached from the last encounter with those accursed chains and I couldn't help an instinctive flinch at seeing the chains coming toward me. But I held my ground; bracing my feet, and setting my staff at an intercepting angle. The chains wrapped around my staff rather harmlessly and I yanked on it to make sure they held.

     The phantasm was furious and confused, tugging on the chains and being too far gone to realize that they were wrapped around my staff. I transferred my staff to my off hand and thrust out my casting hand, pelting the undead minion with wave after wave of fire and air magic. I could feel its essence weakening and finished it off with a well placed fireball. I bent down to inspect the gruesome creature, wrinkling my nose in disgust. Moving forward, I found myself in front of the cave that housed the flux.

      The cave was fairly well lit thankfully. I'd hate to run into one of those buggers and their chains alone in the dark. Speak of the devil, one of the fetid undead things popped out of a side passage moments after I'd walked by. I had been cautiously making my way toward the back of the natural-lit cavern, where I could make out a large magitech device of some sort.

     After I'd ended the creature's existence (I was getting quicker on the draw, if I do say so myself), I was again surprised when a haggard looking woman darted from the shadows behind it, face grubby and darkened with bruises. She was dragging a chipped and dull pickaxe and looked, in my opinion, quite mad.

     "Hey, thanks! I thought I was done for!" She exclaimed to me before dashing out of the cave.

     "Just doing my duty." I called after her, though truthfully, I had no idea she'd even been there. I blinked a couple of times as the woman disappeared from sight, vaguely concerned. I hope she didn't run afoul of those things outside. There was nothing I could do in any case. I had my mission.

     Facing forward again, I stumbled along the uneven ground, nerves on end as I strained for any sense of danger. It was lit, was the cave, but dark shadows seemed to swallow the crevices and recesses of the cavern and I had no idea what might else be lurking here.

     At the back of the cave was the device I'd spied earlier. To be honest, I didn't really know what I was looking for, but the device was the only technological machine in the cavern. I could sense it. It was a large machine, standing nearly to the high cavern ceiling. Cylinders and containers ringed a central rod. At the base were several pods containing blue-white stones. Sourcestone chunks, I'm sure.

     As I crouched before the machine, studying it's complex exterior and keeping an eye out for more phantasms, a miniature hologram suddenly flickered into existence, appearing on a small pedestal attached to the machine. It was so abrupt that I almost died of fright. Stifling a shriek, eyes wide in shock, I glanced around before glaring at the tiny hologram of a Kelari.

     "Greetings Ascended. Are you here to reactive the sourcestone generator and temporal flux?" The hologram, what looked strangely enough to be a replica of Sylver Valis, had a distant, metallic voice, like a recorder. I waved my hand in front of it, wondering if it was indeed a recorded message. No reaction to my hand. It must be keyed to sense a body kneeling in front of it? Or perhaps I'd stepped on a pressure pad. The hologram seemed to be regarding me.

     "Uh, sure, I'm here to start the temporal flux, please." I said with a reflexive bow of the head, feeling foolish talking to a recorded message and glancing around nervously. Hopefully my voice was low enough that I didn't garner any more unwanted attention from my friends the phantasms.

     "Wonderful," the hologram responded in that strange smooth tone. "Simply use the device at my feet and the rest should be a snap. Have a nice day!" With that last comment, the hologram winked out, leaving me blinking as the cavern seemed to suddenly become darker. I hadn't realized that the hologram had made it brighter. I waited a beat, but nothing else happened. And than I felt offended. By the unholy planes! Have a nice day? What kind of nonsense was that? I was expecting instructions, hints, some step by step guidance. An instant start button. Something! I stared at the machine, feeling frustrated. The spirits we made pacts with usually helped us gain whatever we needed and set up all the glorious things we required within Atia, so while I had read quite a bit on the application of magitech, I hadn't had much opportunity to learn about it hands on and how it worked. Looking at the machine now, I saw nothing but a mess of metal parts, magical parts, and tubes and wires. It was nothing like those defense consoles that I knew instantly how to activate.

     "Riiiight...." I muttered irritably, than whispered a curse. The more I stared at the magitech device, the more confusing and foreign it looked. I closed my eyes and tried to recall anything useful that Asha Catari might have said to me back in Lastlight.

     It took several moments, but I eventually became aware of something strange. There was...a presence in my mind, not unlike the feeling of being touched at the nape of the neck, or feeling fingers run lightly down your arm. At the same time, it felt like I was being hailed from a distance. I focused my mind inward, similar to the meditation techniques I'd been taught by the healers. In my mind's eye, a young Eth woman appeared. I could see her clearly, despite knowing that it was all in my head. The scholars back home would love to get ahold of me, I thought with amusement.

     Even though I knew this was one of those foreign souls implanted in my mind, I didn't feel alarmed or threatened like before. I felt...peaceful. Right. Like this was another part of me. Like we shared something so intimate and deep that there was no words for it. The woman smiled at me and her thoughts, memories, emotions, touched mine. With sudden clarity I knew how to turn on the flux. The woman's thoughts and knowledge became like mine and our souls twined together even closer than before. Not only did she know how to activate the temporal flux, but she had such extensive knowledge of history, culture and a different array of magical castings that I've never even tried before. I am definitely going to have to investigate the potential here when I'm finished saving the world, I thought.

     Looking at the machine now, my new knowledge let me know that some parts could use an upgrade. Some places had sourcestone leaks. Aha, there was the switch to power up the device. Seizing upon that last bit of information, I eagerly leaned forward. Focusing on that one thing allowed me to not be overwhelmed and dragged along on the current of knowledge streaming into my consciousness from that other soul.

     When I hit the last button on the panel, all the lights suddenly glowed blue and the machine emitted a whirring motorized noise. Rings of sourcestone material began spinning and long siphon tubes that snaked off into the darkness began filling up with the ghostly blue sourcestone energy. I reached into the recess of my mind where I knew those other beings resided to thank the familiar stranger. I received the sensation of a warm smile in return. Well, I suppose it's on now?