exsilium | two ☓ a warning (backdated to october 16th)

[Filtered from Arthas Menethil/The Lich King.]

[ The sight that fills the video is one of magnificence really. Purple and golden fabric drape along the background with various crystals floating in the air and a table centered with an intricately designed teapot (with matching cups). Oh, there's also an

orc present. He's soon joined by his

ally who presumably set up the device to record. There's a moment of hesitation between the two before the human woman turns to face the screen to address the audience. ]

Good day fellow travelers to this realm. [ Her voice is bolstered in confidence, although her gaze falters from time to time. ] There are many of you here that I have yet to meet and for that I unfortunately must ask that we postpone further pleasantries.

[Thrall isn’t quite sure where to put his hands, so he settles them on his knees and looks toward the camera. At least he thinks it’s the camera. Just when he gets used to using one form of technology, they change it out for something that’s still too small for his hands. Anyway, his expression is serious and faintly contemplative. There’s a lot to be said here, and a lot that he shouldn’t say. Not yet.] The arrival of someone from our world has made it apparent that precautions should be taken. [His brows furrow.] And so we must warn you, and decide what to do from there. This dark conqueror was once named Prince Arthas Menethil, but now he wears the armor and the title of Lich King. He is no man, but a monster.

A monster? [ Jaina cuts him off with her own intrusion and for a moment there, she appears almost as though she wants to argue that. With a gulp loud enough to be picked up by the device, she forces herself to continue. ] That's right. [ Steadily growing more strength with that single phrase alone. ] A monster that if left unattended to will purge this entire world of life. The blight will warp the land and from every living being a monstrosity will be born. Man, woman, creature or child. Living or dead. Their bodies will take up arms against those who oppose him and unlike that with a sentient mind, they will annihilate without any concern for their crimes.

[ Leaning back into her chair, her breathing slowly becomes more irregular as she forces herself to continue. ] There are a number of atrocities he's committed back in Azeroth. So many so that the brave, brave people of our world have risen to take the fight to his doorsteps. I, I was almost there. [ There's a seething edge to her tone with that phrase as she nears dangerously close to a point unlike her. ]

Jaina... [Her name escapes his lips, a soft concerned rumble, before he can stop himself. Seeing all that anger sneak into her expression, the tightness of her knuckles in the tablecloth-- it’s all he can do to keep from reaching across the table. He shakes his head slowly.] The damage he could do to this world is unthinkable, but far from impossible.

Knowing this, what are our choices? Would the Initiative assist us, knowing the danger they have brought upon their country? I have heard of a judicial system in passing, but I am not sure how effective it would be. Whatever must be done, it must be done as a group, with as much preparation and planning as possible. Do NOT engage the Lich King alone. We don’t know if he can circumvent how the Initiative deals with death.

It remains imperative that you do not approach him on your own.

[ Jaina emphasizes on this point in the hopes of drilling it into the heads of those listening in. Rising to her feet, her steps are just a bit heavier than before as her agitation weighs her down in her approach for the device. She felt there was nothing more she can say to this as she cuts the recording short. ]

(( OOC: this is a filtered joint post between thrall and jaina, so be mindful of that when replying. Also, this is backdated to BEFORE the plot! Thanks! ALSO ALSO, Arthas-mun said it was okay. :|b))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm not a fan of death metal, either, but "monster" seems a bit extreme.

[ Asinine commentary aside, Flynn's taking the message seriously. Mostly. He's already had his fair share of violent tyrants in his lifetime. ]

Death metal? [ Not quite sure what he's getting at with that. Silly old-timers. ] I assure you the label we have fitted him with was the kindest and I feel my friend here did that out of respect for my own well-being. Prior to my arrival, I had spent many weeks preparing with hundreds of men to invade his citadel.

Monster, while a cruel term, is accurate through and through.

[ "Invade his citadel", eh. ] Sounds like you had quite the operation going back home. Must be awkward to show up here and find your strings've been cut.

So how's giving orders going? People responding well to it?

I am not fit to give orders in this place; only advice in the hopes that my words will be taken seriously. Every man is allowed a second chance in this place to change their fate, would you not agree?

[ Even if she says that, her tone radiates with natural leadership. Seems she's been doing this for so long that she's forgotten to dictate her tone. ]

As for the former remark, I hope it to be a blessing to all of Azeroth. Many of those good men refused to take a break, so I pray by the Light that they may rest now while the battle rages on here.

[ Wow, it's weirdly unsatisfying to mock people when they don't rise to the bait - or miss it entirely. That combined with the regal air is enough for him to back off marginally and actually engage in the conversation seriously.

Besides, she seems keen on talking. Might as well try to get some useful information. ]

So this Azeroth you're from - same as Koltira, right? Don't suppose he's got any reputations worth knowing.

[ Jaina's often considered too kind for her own good. While it's all too easy to match wits with someone, there's something about good first impressions fresh on her mind. ]

Koltira... [ A pause as she considers the name. ] Deathweaver?

[ He's going through the wrong source for information regarding that man sadly. Jaina's part of the Alliance, whereas Koltira is from the Horde. Both of which are often at war with each other although she takes no part of it. ]

[ Flynn hasn't actually gotten Koltira's last name - or if he has, he wasn't really listening - but that sounds appropriately melodramatic. ]

Yeah, that's the one. [ As far as Flynn is concerned, all of these sword and sorcery types came from the same Medieval Times. ]

I do not know him personally enough to give good judgment. [ So in short, he's a nobody to her. That's just how the Alliance and Horde are though. ] So far from what I do know, he is a good man.

[ He narrowly avoids laughing at that, but he can't help a grin from slipping through. ] I don't know about that; could certainly use some help in the sense of humor department.

So what's the plan for your Lich King if the Initiative hasn't got anything for you?

Many warriors face that kind of trouble. [ A nod. ]

As for the plan, I have yet to conjure one. I am new to these lands and his arrival has kind of crippled me further. Hopefully not for long, but there will be a bit of reluctance on action. So long as he refuses to lash out, I will work on plans in the dark.

If you need any eyes in the dark to keep you apprised of the King's position, let me know. I might know a few professionals who could lend a hand. [ A beat, then- ] Not on charity, of course. [ Got any of that gold Koltira brought with him? ]

Tell me just how much these eyes may cost and I will see if I can accommodate for such an arrangement.

[ Spying on Arthas? Guess the ex-girlfriend can't get over it. ]

[ To be fair, it is kind of hard to get over it when your ex keeps murdering people all up in your face. ]

Consider it open to negotiation; start a tab of favors owed. To be cashed in only at your discretion, of course. [ He's a bit light on real allies here, and she seems like the type to make good on deals - within reason. ]

[ Soon he's going to start leaving her dead bodies at her doorstep like a cat. ]

If that is all you ask, then consider it done. [ Jaina is the type to be good on her word. Normally a negotiation of this manner might take a bit more coaxing, but it's Arthas. Completely different circumstances to her. ] You can call upon me personally should you need anything and I will do all in my power to provide.

[ Ew bad Arthas ]

Much appreciated. I'll get back to you if anything seems rotten in Denmark. [ Because surely she'll get Shakespeare references. For once, Flynn is dealing on the level - he's got no ulterior motives. Arthas is clearly bad news, and for once he'd like to end up on the right side of a fight. ]

[... oh, Flynn. Thrall is very linefaced about this.]

He commands a vast army of undead that has done more to corrupt and poison my world than any other before the Shattering. I would not use the term if I believed he was even remotely capable of atoning for his actions.

[A pause.]

Koltira was under my leadership for a time. He acts with noble intentions, brash as he may seem.

[ Talking to an orc, nbd. Somehow this is even weirder than the elves. ]

Army of undead, eh? Same make as Koltira?

[ And, because he's willing to give credit where it's due, if only sarcastically- ] And you don't have to pad his CV for me, mate. He's in the business of saving strangers, as far as I'm concerned he's got noble intentions coming out his ears.

[It's not easy being green.]

Most of them are mere footsoldiers, possessing sheer numbers and unholy strength. And then there are the commanders, people who were slain and forced into his service... or fearful, brainwashed servants who see him as their savior. They all have one thing in common: they bow only to the Lich King, and will stop at nothing to see his will carried out.

[He doesn't know what 'padding a CV' is, and 'mate' means something else ENTIRELY in his culture, but he takes it for what it sounds like: a sarcastic way of telling him he doesn't need to tell people to play nice with Koltira.]

I'm glad that you understand. The people of my world are not so eager to forgive. [And Koltira is eager to condemn himself as a result.]

Right, so Lich King - a big deal, very scary. And here I thought Koltira was just making a fuss.

Appreciate the heads-up; I'll take care not to swear any oaths of loyalty.

[ Doesn't mean he won't approach him from the safe distance of the network, though. ]

two ☓ a warning (backdated to october 16th)

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