[PK - Apotheosis]A Wizard's Journey

[MarquisAlex 343]

* Albus Henrik Brian Amador *

Professor of Demonology, Wizard of Blackwell Tower.

101 - 180 S.A

 

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The air was thick with soot, the sky held no stars, the background filled with Shades of the long-deceased; Shadows wandering aimlessly, only to occasionally cast a glimpse in the direction of the strangers, only to whisper:

 

“You shall join our fate if you do not turn back.” 

 

“Turn around whence you came”

 

“The Aenguls forsake us here… Leave”

 

The Old Wizard knew such sights were to await them here:

Aegis’ long-deceased and abandoned population, the aftermath of conflict between Aenguls & Demons, of Cataclysm & Catastrophe.

Descendants’ Unresolved Tragedy. . .

They had to come here. They could not turn back. Lest Aevos be subjected to the same fate.

 

A strange stone construct stood in this desolate waste, veiled by the smog and soot with only a bright Sapphire fire raging in the centre; three corpses hung loosely upon wooden stakes, tied to the poles, decapitated and contorted. The latest prizes of an unholy hunt.

An obscured figure knelt to the flames.

Beside them rose two Paladins of Old. God-Forsaken.

 

“Why do you come here?”

Dark Times, Dark Days. 

Corruption of Deific beings & Demons Unleashed.

“Sol Invicta - Daughter of Order, We come under dire circumstances and we seek counsel.”

Weapon drawn, A grotesque item of Blackened Crystal: The Rotting Claw of the Lion.

They had found whom they sought: The Lion of the Abyss.

But no counsel was granted.

“You seek advice from one that your Lord, damned to the ruins of Aegis, where the Isles of Sheerok have no connection. No truth.”

The terrifying trio began to step forward, fanning out and flanking the doomed.

Forsworn and forsaken fighters judging the gathering: their Order.

On the hip of one, the head of a Herald. Another Trophy.

“Order is that the weak kneel and the Strong protect those who cannot wield the sword. They understand their place and know when to be dealt with. . . I am bound here. . .Bury your blades in your necks, help the fight that renders here & I shall make you part of my legion. To stand against the tide of Mordring here in the Abyss.”

 

What happened next was a chaotic scene.

Some fought. Some fled. Most died.

 

The Old Wizard had come, alongside his niece, abiding to one Mantra:

It is better to save an innocent life than to take a guilty one. It is better for the soul.

They had failed to save her, for she could not be saved. A thrall to the whims of Aenguls.

So, they ran.

 

Abyssal chain wrapped around the Old Wizard’s leg, tripping him up and landing him in the ash and soot; looking up to his kin, his student and the future hope of many, Albus shouted:

“GO!”

 

He turned about to his assailant, One of the Forsaken, Abyss-Walking Paladins of Yore.

It was a Horrifying Spectre: Ethereal Chains held in a Gauntleted fist.

“Vyr Battle Here is being fought on Aevos. Y’am an Old Man, Niet long for this world…”

“That is True - You have had a long life. The others here are Young, they do not see your wizened brow and homely face. Die Well.”

 

The ethereal chains began to whip up about his body, tightening about the neck of the Old Wizard, forcing him to gasp for air.
Flashes of Azure mist flared from the chains, the Old Wizard attempted desperately to rid himself of those chains, but to no avail. With a secondary attempt, the flash fizzled and Albus lay in the soot once more, his gaze up to the sky.

 

The Nausea set in first.

 

The pain came next.

 

Cut in twain at the waist.

 

The Wizard of the Blackwell Tower looked up towards the Blackened Sky. 

He’d spent a lifetime defending against Demons, to be felled by a Demi-Aengul’s Death Knight.

But, He would not join the Legion of the Lion of the Abyss. 

He suffered the Fate of the Shades.
 

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Within the Confines of the Old Wizard’s Tower, A large parchment with a series of sealed letters:

 

Here in lies, set forth, the Last Will & Testament of Albus Henrik Brian of the House of Amador. Son of Radmir of the House of Amador. Professor of Demonology, Chronologist, Voidal Wizard & Custodian of the Blackwell Tower within the Duchy of Brabant.

 

I name as the executor of my Will: Ser Sterling Percy of the House of Whitewood-Blaxton, Duke of Brabant and Lord of Lotusgrad.

 

 

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An Accounting of my Actions, to be published to those who wish to read it:

 

Throughout my life, I have sought out the evil that stowed-away within the Amadorian Flagship from Asulon, from the Diary of Daniel Amador. The Demon that had killed my ancestors and our Great Founder, before the emaciated survivors of my House landed on Anthos, bringing along that Demon of Misfortune and Misery. I swore, on the relics of my ancestors gathered by Nataliya Amador, that I would defend my House and all Descendent-Kind from the evils of Demons.

 

Through my exploits, after a lifetime of study and research, I was ultimately able to defend the Duchy of Brabant from an Armoured Infernal Hellhound. In that great battle, when I lost my dearest Papej, I had summoned a great tornado and felt at the peak of my powers.

However, if you are reading this now, then I have been felled during a desperate expedition to the Abyss to save Aevos from the Darkness that is Here.

 

I have borne witness to the Aengul Xan, who was uncharacteristically enraged at his followers & who will descend upon Aevos, bringing about a new conflict between the Aenguls and the Demons. Azdromoth, Arch-Drakaar and Leader of the Azdrazi, Wars with the Order of the Golden Lion to the detriment of all Descendent-Kind. His Holiness, Pontiff Caius Primus, makes Crusade against Hexicanum & Gashadokuro. Darkspawn plague the Northern Kingdom of Ravenmire where King Bo I Rostova, disowned of Amador, fights to defend his people. Ser Sterling Whitewood-Blaxton leads the Silver Crusade against the tides of Moz Strimoza's Hellspawn. 

 

Descendent-Kind must Unite. Unite, or surely, you will fall and Aevos shall suffer the fate of Aegis before it.

 

I leave but one hope to Descendent-Kind, the girl who was denounced by the Sons of Horen & whomst has borne great pain for Redemption, fighting still for all.

 

 

Professor Albus Henrik Brian Amador, 

on the 9th day of The First Seed 

in the 180th Year of the Second Age.

 

A Series of Letters that I would wish delivered to their respective parties:

 

To Ailure of the Order of the Golden Lion:

 

Spoiler

My Dearest Niece, @Smol

If you are reading this, then my demise has come to pass, with you likely having stood at my side. Do not weep for this Old Man’s Death. Your Allies are now few and you must now seek fresh aid to support you. I bid you to keep correspondence with those that you have met alongside me and foster newfound resolve to keep the Darkness at bay. You were the best of my students, so then I place upon your shoulders all our hopes for a brighter future. I have put you through a harrowing experience in the past. Forgive me.

Remember always: “It is better to save an Innocent Life than to take a Guilty one. It is better for the Soul.

Your dearest Aedypapej & Teacher

 

To His Holiness, Pontiff Caius Primus:

 

Spoiler

Your Holiness, @MadOne

You stand as one of the few forces against the encroaching Darkness. For that, you have my eternal admiration and gratitude. I pray, devoutly, that you are able to banish the Hexicanum threat from Aevos, if not all Eos. However, I implore you, as the man who aided you in the medical care of your Holy Swords and as the Professor of Demonology I am, that you seek to unite the fragmented forces that seek to aid in the fight against the Dark forces. Unite the Crusades. Make Accord with the Paladins. Lift Excommunications from the North and pressure the Canonist Princes to Call the Covenant of Man. If the Sons of Horen do not Unite, they will surely fall.

Yours Faithfully, Professor Albus Amador.

 

To His Royal Highness, King Ivan VIII of Haense:

 

Spoiler

Your Royal Highness, @indiana105

I have lived under Three Great Kings of the Dual-Koengzem: Karl III, Georg I, Aleksandr II. During all those years, The Dual-Koengzem of Haenseti-Ruska has known Great Perils: The Aaunic Revolution, The Mori’quesser Wars & The Battles against the Anathema. I beseech you, for the sake of the Sons of Horen & all Descendent-Kind, Call the Covenant of Man and Unite the Canonist Princes. Ibleesian Demons of Moz Strimoza, Azdrazi of the Arch-Drakaar, The Hexicanum and more will bring Aevos to Ruin if you do not stand. Great Men are forged in the fires of Adversity & it is the duty of lesser men, such as I, to light the flame.

Your humble subject, 

Professor Albus Amador

 

To His Royal Highness, Bo I Rostova, King of Ravenmire:

 

Spoiler

To His Royal Highness, my Nephew, @moosehunter123

If you are reading this, then I have come to the end of my journey and met my demise. I would have embarked upon the desolate lands of the Abyss and failed to return. As a result, I have arranged for this letter to find you. You stand as One of the Four forces currently combating the threat of the Darkness. The same fight I have been safeguarding Descendent-Kind from for nearly five decades. I have written to various Canonist Princes and even the Pontiff, requesting they make common-cause with you. Should they do so, I bid you to assist them in the wars yet to come. Be not disillusioned, the Dark Days are not to come, they are already here.

Your Aedypapej,

Albus.

 

To His Grace, Ser Sterling Whitewood-Blaxton, Duke of Brabant:

 

Spoiler

To Percival, @_RoyalCrafter_

You will likely to be the first to find the contents of these Parchments and this letter. I have named you the executor of my will. Do not fret. I have left behind little of any worth. The Custody of Blackwell Tower shall be returned to the Ducal Crown of Brabant, as is your right. I bid you to carry these letters, by bird or by hand, to their appropriate recipients. After which, I bid you to also take into your custody any item that I have left within your storage. We have spent a lifetime in friendly rivalry and, I admit, if you are reading this, I am annoyed that you won the longer life than I. But you, like other Canonist Princes, face the Darkness as much as any other. Unite the Silver Crusade behind the Pontiff and play your part within the Covenant of Man. You’re a Knight, Ser. Protect your people & Descendent-Kind.

Yours dearly, Albus.

Ps. The Last Sweet Berry Sweet is yours.

 

To The Right Honourable Henrik Amador, Vikomit of Zveslund:

 

Spoiler

Dearest Henrik, @critter

You’re so much like your dear Mamej, Nataliya. Not a day goes by where I miss her. She was exceptionally hard-working, infinitely fair-minded and, most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend. I know the pain of hearing my death will come as a great shock across the House. But that pain you will feel reminds me, and hopefully you, that whilst descendents come from different places and speak in different tongues, the Hearts of Descendent-Kind beat as one. In light of the knowledge of my death, I ask two things of you, one Selfless and another Selfish: First, Implore King Ivan VIII to call the Covenant of Man within the next session of the Duma, for the sake and safety of the House. Second, I wish you to grant me, posthumously, a Writ of Legitimization for my Daughter, Katherina Sophia. I laid with an Adunian Woman named Faeleth during the Tumult of the Regency & have never garnered the courage to speak with you of my actions. Please do this for me. If you cannot do this, then I bid you make common-cause with Bo.

Your Aedypapej, your Mentor, your kinsmen,

Albus.

 

To Faeryel & Sarah Artenin, The Grand Magister of Hohkmat & Vizier of Fire:

 

Spoiler

To the Ladies Faeryel & Sarah Artenin, @Lord_of_losers @greygre

I am sure that it will come as a great shock to you to hear of my passing. I do what I must in order to keep those I care for from the Harm’s way of Demons. Unlike most, you and the rest of the Magisters within the Chamber of the Stars are the most keenly aware of the situation Descendent-Kind now faces. I ask two things of you both: Should it be called, I ask for the pair of you to attend the Covenant of Man and persuade the other Canonist Princes to be aware of the threat to Aevos & Assist how you can. Secondly, If you are reading this, I have left two students who will be seeking a Teacher in the Arts of Translocation, so they may finish their training. Please take the honour up yourselves or find someone appropriate for them.

Your Colleague and Friend,

Professor Albus Amador.

 

To Lord Karl of Falkner & Mirasul of Val'taelu:

 

Spoiler

My dear student, @najtik @Gutz

Forgive your foolish teacher, for if you are reading this, then I have met my own demise. This will hamper your training, but fear not. Though the Darkness is fast approaching and you have such little time, I have written a letter to act as provision for you both: Travel to the Academy of Hohkmat & seek out the Grand Magister Faeryel or the Vizier of Fire, Sarah Artenin. Both are experienced Magi and worthy of respect. Remember the Oath you swore before the Memory Tree. Grow strong, then do as I have bid of you. Assist however you can.

Yours faithfully,

Professor Albus Amador.

 

To Katherina Sophia:

 

Spoiler

My dear daughter, @Lirinya

Forgive your Papej. I have been a poor father during your upbringing, keeping you as a secret to be sequestered away, along with your mother. This was not done by malice, but to keep you safe from all of Aevos' ills, which you know I work so hard to safeguard you from. If you're reading this, then I have passed whilst carrying this duty. You are my daughter, and always will be. During these past few years I have been taking care of you,  you in turn, have been taking care of me. But now, you're a woman grown. I want you to make roots in Brabant and make contact with Vikomit Henrik of Zveslund. Then live normally as any woman should do. Believe me, my daughter, your future lies betwixt those two and not with a silly old duffer like me. There should be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs & prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine.
Goodbye, my dearest Katherina.
Your father,

Albus

 

To Vindyr Di Ixolar:

 

Spoiler

To my Mentor, @_Grey_W0lf_

If you are reading this, then I have come to my end. It has been many moons since we last spoke, back on the streets of Lurin. Since then, so much has happened. I wished to convey in this letter my heartfelt gratitude for having been your pupil. I was only a boy, walking up the steps of Kal'Darakaan, looking for knowledge within Da Kirkja Dverga temple. How simple those days seem now, sitting with you and working on the first of the Translocatory arts, a boy who had ran from home. You were a steady and guiding hand until my return to the Realms of Man. If the annals of history should ever write favorably of my magical prowess, may they hold you on a pedestal for being the Dwarf who made it so.
Your Student & Fellow Magi,

Albus

 

 

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OOC:

 

Spoiler

Back on the 28th November 2022, I made my return to LotC, playing as Dagmir and Albus.
I had played LoTC back in Axios, but had left to concentrate on my education and career. 

Prior to my return, my world was ripped asunder when my wife and I separated, leaving me very lonely in the world.
I want to give a personal thank you to @Lirinya @cherrybud for bringing me back home, metaphorically, to the Amadors.
I had played Albus for over a year and it has been one hell of a ride, from political intrigues to fighting demons, I can say I have few regrets for this character and his story.
I would also like to give a shoutout to @Rigorous for their good aftercare-communication follows Albus' tragic death. You're a credit to the LotC Team.
Thank you also to @squakhawk @Werew0lf @ScreamingDingo for that particular event, which was thrilling to witness.
Also a big hug for my fellow Amadors and friends I have made along the way with Albus.
Don't worry, I'll be back *very* soon with another character.

 

[Cheese 2494]

Esfir, though she had not known her great-uncle very well, still felt a pang of grief in her heart. He had been quirky, sure, but he was family, and Esfir knew the grief that accompanied the passing of kin far too well. That night she curled up in her room, holding close mementos from her departed loved ones, and cried for the deceased wizard.

[Minuvas 2977]

Razad had not passed a even a year ago, and in eternity he was fighting a thousand glorious magical battles in the heavens, in continuous Kaggath against his enemies. 

 

But he paused in his current conquests, a ripple sent across whatever real space he did exist in, pausing to think of the Old Professor. A strange interruption, he thought, that the wizard whom he had found a kindred spirit should suddenly cross his mind - was Amador trying to scry him? Truly, we must continue our conversation where we left off...

 

Zzzrack! The thunderous crack of an enemy  lightning bolt crashes near his feet, sundering the rock near and interrupts his thoughts. Razad would begin to discharge projectiles of sharpened stone across the battlefield slaying the charging enemy contingency... and...

[moosehunter123 390]

As the letter reaches Ravenmire, a servant hands Bo the letter. With a quick and simple nod they retreat away as he looks onward to the Icy cold Northern sea. As he opens the letter a pain coming over him as he stands upon the walls, the icy chilled winds of the northern sea coming over him. A couple tears could be seen coming from Bo's face as he murmurs to himself looking out upon the northern sea

 

"Vy Uncle... I still remember when I was young and you told me to follow where my heart desired... You were the only family that saw me wed and passed on Vy blessing.. Vy uncle dearest you shall nae be forgotten as I shall carry on the burden passed onto me and carry on with what you have left in my hands. I shall nae listen to what other wish to think of me as Vy thoughts of me never changed. Rest well dear Uncle I hope to see Vy when the time is right."

 

The clashing of hammers against anvils can be heard ringing out throughout Ravenmire. Soldiers litter the streets baring Blackworth, Rhosmark and the Crown colours as they prepare their march upon the Mystic lair and other darkspawn nests within the North that have been forgotten by the rest of the realms.

 

"We shall answer the call for that is my promise to Vy."

 

 

[cherrybud 307]

"Oh Albus," sighed the deceased Baroness, her voice soft as she gazed at the aged man before her. Nataliya scarcely recognised him beneath the weight of years; once youthful, now weathered, yet still possessing that familiar wisdom. "You owe me as many stories as you have to offer, my dear cousin. It has been agony watching you and Sterly have all the fun without me!" Her jest carried a hint of longing, her smile only growing as she spoke. Then, breaking her usual fierce demeanour, the Phoenix of Amador pulled him in to a tight embrace, evident in how proud she was of her cousin, Albus Amador.

[Smol 847]

Ailure had indeed been by his side that fateful encounter. She did run, she could not deny this fact but if she had not what fate would have truly befell her at the hands of Sol Invicta and their Legion of the Abyss? Even now, sitting beside the familiar birch tree, her mind raced. His last words echoed so clearly within her mind, the only words she permitted to be his last words to her.  The last words of his echoing so clearly within her barely quiet mind, the only words she permitted to be his last words to her.

"It is better to save an Innocent Life than to take a Guilty one. It is better for the Soul."

 

 

She utters this to herself once more as she moves to stand once more, realizing what she had to do.

[Lord_of_losers 1036]

Spoiler

44 minutes ago, Minuvas said:

Razad had not passed a even a year ago, and in eternity he was fighting a thousand glorious magical battles in the heavens, in continuous Kaggath against his enemies. 

 

But he paused in his current conquests, a ripple sent across whatever real space he did exist in, pausing to think of the Old Professor. A strange interruption, he thought, that the wizard whom he had found a kindred spirit should suddenly cross his mind - was Amador trying to scry him? Truly, we must continue our conversation where we left off...

 

Zzzrack! The thunderous crack of an enemy  lightning bolt crashes near his feet, sundering the rock near and interrupts his thoughts. Razad would begin to discharge projectiles of sharpened stone across the battlefield slaying the charging enemy contingency... and...

 

 

THEY SAY HE WAS GRAND.

[lalo 309]

Theodosya von Augusten remained glued to the pew seat of Rikardsburg's church. For hours, she rhythmically signed the Lorraine across her body, muttering an array of prayers thereafter.

A rigid cycle for the viscountess-consort.

 

[Lirinya 2725]

15 hours ago, MarquisAlex said:

Goodbye, my dearest Katherina.

 

"What do vy mean?"  Cried Katherina as she received the letter. 

 

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Diligently she worked away in the forge of Brabant- hammer upon molten metal came to a swift halt as a courier met her at the door, who then thrust the letter forward.

 

"From you father," the courier spoke solemnly. 

 

Heavy leather gloves were removed and discarded aside. Odd, her father lived in the same town. Why would he send a letter?

Kat took the letter, and tipped the courier a few mina before she sent them on their way. 

 

Besides the anvil she sat, besides her pride and her work to read the letter.. and so she crumbled.

Each word she read, she shook further. Tears welled in her eyes and she, this otherwise stern and guarded woman, sobbed.

 

"There has to be a mistake." - "Is this a cruel joke?" - "Papej.."

 

[Rigorous 1769]

 

(Diablo Art, Blizzard)

 

The Forsworn Diante stood afterward and as the remains of the honorable Wizard lay strewn about the field, the age-old Eidolon of the Wastes carried them to the brazier and then burned them alongside those of the fallen Aurae who pledged the Forlorn Legion her eternal service. The Paladin of Sol Invicta considered his role in the carnage and then alongside other members of the Damned Host resumed his patrols to pursue more interlopers. The wraith-like entity passed through the air away from the wanton carnage and corpses to resume his duties with mechanical and unthinking gestures. This would surely not be the last time that their border was penetrated by foreign vessels. Trapped and accursed, the Wizard had left a lasting impression. He was the only one among the fallen apart from the Paladin Aurae to be burned.

 

It was a small gesture of kindness that could not erase the lives taken. But the long-dead tell no tales, for as long as there were interlopers in the Abyss, so too would there be Diante the Cometstruck to damn them to the terrible curse of wandering the Wastes.

[Samler 1056]

The blonde elf Seth ventured to the aviary, once more checking up on when his construct was to be commanded by the human he had sent upon the journey of learning the arcane, once more no bird with his name marked upon it, he took in the sight of the nature around him, a gentle wind brushed against him as he focused down on his companion, Rameethar the black leopard. "I am starting to think the servants of Xan disregarded my offer of aid. Yet curious Albus wouldn't pen that." The panther simply looked up at Seth, a moment of silenced passed. "Rameethar, we go down." Of course these words needed not to be spoken, yet the great act regarding the panther must continue and the construct never to aid Albus in battle.

The great mage was one of many names that Seth had met, yet one which would be remembered for at least a century unlike many others.

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3468]

The letter would reach the Duke, who was on a pilgrimage, as he read it he wiped the tears from his one remaining eye. Now he was the only one who could remember the good times of the old realm, he was alone. He made his way home.

[Gutz 400]

A veiled mali'ker found solace beneath the ancient boughs of the memory tree, its canopy concealing the night sky above. Yet, his gaze still managed to find the minor crevasses in the foliage the moon managed to pierce through - and with a tender gesture, he'd lay a hand upon his chest and mumur a hushed invocation into the tranquil air about the sacred space. A beat would pass thereafter the prayer, the ker staring quietly at a lit candle- which flickered in tandem with the incense that burned beside it. 

 

Turning with a measured demeanor- which had been done with thought as to not disrupt the serene space- he collected a handful of the sacred water that pooled at the tree's roots. As it would pass his lips, the veil of time parted before him, unfurling the tapestry of life he had seen previously first hand. Fifty years gone by in a fleeting moment, yet within that brief expanse he measured certain memories with careful exprobation. 

 

He'd peer then at the missive he had been clutching throughout the duration of this mournful ritual- one that had been penned to a Mirasul of Clan Val'taelu. The 'ker would break the silence only then, speaking aloud: 

"Koltira continue to guide me. I have another stop to make before returning home."

[Frostdrop1 900]

Ser Audo "The Colander"  - in one of his pausings from fishing and hunting with his family, in Sierra - took a moment to take in the loss of a familiar old friend from the mortal realm. Although, in his death, he had learnt secrets he cared not for in his living counterparts, he still held a deep respect for the doctor-turned-wizard. There were many souls he still watched, and even those he never met of his own blood that he would watch for many eyars to come. And, of course, too, the long-lived friends he made along the way.

Taking a breath, and stretching up a hand to run through his raven-hair, he huffed out a sigh before a somber smirk crossed him. He owed the doctor the life he got to live. "A noble soul," He paused on that thought, "Ea hope we fight tgether auwn day - side by side - whatever realm it may be..."