The Lost Primarch Quest

Lock and Key

A piece of divinity was before Jonathon Ezikeli Lockcraft. He could see it, even touch it. The Skeleton Key was proof of concept. The unknowable or unfathomable weren't so distant now. That mortal man could craft that which once belonged to the purview of only gods did not seem that unobtainable now. If Saria Alhazred could have known that mere "beasts" could've replicated the feats of the savage gods, he'd have realized that the future had entered an age of wonders and horrors. Far beyond even what the Old Federation fathomed.

Yet, for the life of him, this victory felt hollow. Lockcraft felt neither joy nor fascination, only dread. Such power. That same power was unquantified and vague, even to the Primarch or the Bonesinger who made the blasted thing. When Corvus brought it to him, there was a sense of accomplishment in the Primarch's stride and presentation of the relic to the Ravenloft leadership. Naturally, most were overjoyed at the realization that Mankind had either discovered or rediscovered the process of manufacturing miracles. If for no other reason than the knowledge alone gave them a greater understanding of divinity.

But Lockcraft had long since learned that such things came with a hefty price. He had no illusions that the Skeleton Key was beyond worthwhile. When Corvus initially commissioned its creation, Lockcraft considered it a helpful tool. However, once the divine mattered (on top of the other reagents) was added to the equation, it proceeded from being just a valuable tool and turned into a relic of untapped power. It brought new truths, realities, and potential avenues for research and development.

Along with a host of questions and dangers, each of which left Lockcraft feeling uneasy. Hadn't he told him that when the time came, he could face them? But all Lockcraft could do now was stare. His pessimism told him they had gone far too far in gaining such power. But who was Lockcraft to decide on such a thing? Perhaps he was confusing fear with hubris. Furthermore, humanity couldn't remain idle in this field. A price had to be paid for this knowledge; thankfully, it was one that he and the Primarch could stomach.

Nevertheless, Lockcraft couldn't shake this feeling of apprehension. Lockcraft knew that it was looking back at him as his sight lingered on the Skeleton Key. It might not have a mind or soul of its own, but the "concept" of the key was aware. A few times, Lockcraft swore that it turned to look directly at him, its ever-shifting surface and features molding itself into the shape of a face. Foolishness, he would tell himself, just face pareidolia. That, however, would be equally foolish of him. It had the spark of divinity in it, after all.

So who was to say it didn't realize what was happening around it?

Was he going insane? Lockcraft couldn't deny that he lived in insane, if not fantastical, times, especially in his line of work. The Director of Ravenloft had seen and learned so many little truths and iniquities. Ultimately, Lockcraft preserved and prevailed when confronted with each. And now he was afraid, not of damnation or the truth, but of the relic's potential for them all. Both for good and for ill.

---

Corvus thought the presentation and explanation of the Skeleton Key had gone over well enough. The "founders" of Ravenloft were already involved in other significant projects and were privy to most secrets. As such, explaining the details of making the relic didn't require him to be vague or withhold details. Most of the inner circle of Ravenloft understandably had questions on everything regarding the key and its creation. All save for one.

Lockcraft was quiet for the entire presentation. He was listening and attentive, but otherwise, the man's focus was squarely on the Skeleton Key. However, his eyes betrayed the man, for Corvus could see the look of grim apprehension in them. Where a weaker or greedy man would be giddy at such power or perhaps prideful over such an accomplishment, the Primarch saw neither. If anything, it reminded Corvus of those few commanders that dreaded a coming battle, fully aware of how much death and destruction would follow in due time.

There wasn't even a look of satisfaction when Corvus explained that this development would ensure greater access to the Black Library and its vast halls of ancient wisdom and secrets. Lockcraft wasn't always an expressive man but even could communicate his disdain or approval to something important to Ravenloft. Indeed, the Primarch wasn't expecting him to be jumping in joy, but the lack of positive responses was worrisome, to say the least.

As the meeting concluded and the founders slowly filed out of the room, soon it was just Corvus and Lockcraft. The Primarch saw that the Director of Ravenloft was still staring intently at the hovering Skeleton Key with the same look as before. Lockcraft, seated at the head of the table, sighed before leaning back into his seat. The grimace remained on his face as he spoke.

"A great victory for Ravenloft." Lockcraft's praise was genuine, but it also felt melancholic, "Mankind has once again proven its capabilities. Although I wish I could say it filled me with gaiety." His gaze never left the relic, "Yet I don't know what to make of this...creation of ours."

Corvus crossed his arms, "We both knew that we were creating something, not of this reality. Let it not be said that this was certainly not the riskiest endeavor we could have undertaken. Besides, it had to be done."

"I do not argue that last point," Lockcraft nodded and finally turned away from the key, "I do, however, believe that we might not have totally understood what we have just done or have unleashed."

"You make it sound like we created a daemon weapon of some kind." As he approached the Skeleton Key, Corvus idly remarked, "I can assure you, the relic isn't corrupting or profane."

Lockcraft scoffed, "A dangerous assumption for either of us to make." He stood up from his seat, "Besides, it need not have the taint of Chaos or some such to cause corruption. Power is often the most corrosive of influences upon a man's soul." The Director approached and stood next to Corvus. The two now looking at the newborn relic in silence now.

After a brief moment, Lockcraft spoke again, "I can't help but wonder what scientists thought when they unleashed the power of the atom for the first time. Did their hearts fill with despair? Maybe joy? Perhaps both even? I can say with absolute certainty that once such knowledge was gained, it was impossible to ever put it away again."

"And we should be grateful they never did." Corvus countered, "Thanks to their efforts, humanity was able to reach the stars. True, it wasn't only just fusion engines that helped us. But we owe them a debt nonetheless. Even if the atomic wars of the past caused...setbacks."

Lockcraft sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "That's all it is in the end; progress and setbacks." Corvus could see that Lockcraft was trying his hardest to not stare at the relics before them. "I thought after everything, Dawnstar, Revenant, Discordia, and everything else the galaxy had thrown at us, that I would be ready to take this next leap forward. So why then am I filed with only dread?"

"I'm wondering that as well." Corvus voiced his concern, "Something is troubling you, specifically because of the Skeleton Key, yes?"

The Director said nothing. Instead, he reached his hand out as if to touch the relic. To Corvus's surprise, the Skeleton Key seemed to morph and reduce its size before gently floating towards Lockcrafts open hand. It sat down, ever-changing and shifting. Rather than be impressed or in awe, Lockcraft looked ready to throw the relic away in disgust.

"Look how it casually flies in the face of realities laws," Lockcraft uttered, "It fits in the palm of your hand or pocket, but in the wrong hands..." It looked so innocuous in his grasp. One could've easily mistaken it as nothing more than a trunk or house key. "Can either of us fathom what it can do? What destruction could it bring upon us or all of humanity?"

Such thoughts had crossed the Primarchs mind. Even so, Corvus refused to entertain them, "That won't happen. Not on our watch." Looking down at the Skeleton Key resting in Lockcraft's hands, the Raven Lord frowned deeply, "I understand your concerns, Ezikeli. But so far, we've done a good job of ensuring that nothing goes wrong, even with minor setbacks. Nevertheless, what you're holding right now is proof enough that we are on the right track. We are making progress towards handling such powers."

"Are we?" Lockcraft watched as the key floated in his hand, as if by some unspoken command, "This key...it is a manifestation of a concept. But which one? And if that is the case, it has its own objectives and rules."

"Then we have to determine them." Corvus wasn't arrogant. Obtaining the powers and knowledge of the gods remained a distant and likely impossible prospect. That said, Ravenloft had already done the unthinkable. And Corvus now realized why that seemed to worry Lockcraft. What did Corvus honestly know of the Skeleton Key?

No, he would not allow such doubt to cloud his judgment. "We cannot ignore the edge the key gives us now," Corvus would not deny humanity such a boon. "We've come too far to turn back, now. Especially as forces beyond our control are at work." The gods were returning, the galaxy shifted and turned, and enemies were everywhere. The Imperium needed every advantage possible, save for only the most damning and profane of powers.

Lockcraft shook his head, "I fear this relic might be beyond our control as well, especially if we do not grant it the respect it deserves. This blasted thing...I swear it looks at us. It is taking stock of what is around it. Perhaps just a flicker of life exists inside it? How then do we hope to control it?"

Ullánta claimed that the key embodied a concept, and given that it had the blood, flesh, and spark of divinity, could that same concept become an individual entity with its own goals and desires? Neither the Laughing God nor Lord of Gears hinted that such a thing wasn't impossible, yet neither confirmed that such a thing could happen. Corvus saw in those brief visions that the Skeleton Key would play a crucial role in events to come, far beyond its initial purpose for creation. But what did one expect? Only a fool would deny the power before them and not use it.

Corvus stopped himself. Such a pitfall of arrogance in such a thought. How many had fallen prey to such thinking? "I can control it, the power is mine to use, I can use it for good," and so on. Who was the bigger fool, in that case, the man who felt himself above the danger or who refused to use such a tool? Try as he might, Corvus did not have an answer.

"What would you have us do with it then, Lockcraft?"

Lockcraft's hand reached up and grasped the floating key and held it tightly, "Bury it in the deepest vault."

Corvus was taken aback by such an answer, "You can't be serious. You'd wish to hide it away?" After everything that happened, Corvus and Ravenloft had gone through just to procure the divine materials, and Lockcraft wanted it gone. "I understand the prospect of this thing concerns you..."

"It terrifies me, Lord Corax." Lockcraft admitted, although his tone and face did not betray such emotion, "But while I wish to bury it, I am not recommending it as Director of Ravenloft." He held the Skeleton Key towards Corvus, "If I had the chance, I'd want to spend years testing and researching the relic. If not that, just loan it out to the perfidious Eldar and their Polaris group for their own use in exchange for more favors."

The Skeleton Key resized itself for the Primarch's hands and floated into Corvus's right palm, "However, you are right in that we need every advantage possible. To that end, all I can do is trust that you will keep it safe and use it responsibly." Lockcraft sighed once more, but he looked absolved now. "I've said my piece on the matter. All we can do now is hope that the fates are kind to us."

"Lockcraft," Corvus tried one last time to assuage his concerns, "I promise you I will not misuse such power. Even so, we can only learn now from experimentation and practice with the key. There is no guidebook for how we can conduct ourselves in such trials. If anything, it will be Ravenloft that will create such a template. Throne and Gods willing, we shall succeed in an endeavor that not even the ancients could accomplish."

"I do hope you are right, Corvus." Lockcraft glanced at the relic before turning around, "In any case, I leave it in your hands."

Corvus watched as Lockcraft left the meeting room, leaving the Primarch alone with the Skeleton Key. As the Primarch scrutinized it further, a part of him wondered if something inside the relic was watching and staring back at him. Waiting for a command...or an opportunity. Lockcraft called it a "flicker of flame," and Corvus thought of a spark. Each had the possibility of starting an inferno if left unchecked. Lockcraft was wrong about one thing; this wasn't like when man first discovered the power of the atom. Those men understood the risks and had an inkling of what could or could not have happened.

Instead, Corvus felt like a feral or primitive that had just discovered fire, bringing light, safety, and possibilities. Yet if he failed to respect the fire, Corvus risked burning himself, his home, his family, and maybe even his entire "world" in one uncontrollable blaze.

Perhaps one of the savages, beasts or predators would come for him, seeing the fire and wanting fresh meat or brought to attention by his own misguided steps, which brought about the inferno. The more Corvus thought about it, the more he recognized that he now had taken a greater responsibility than he initially thought. Not just with the Skeleton Key or Ravenloft, but with seeking and replicating such knowledge. Mayhaps such things needed to be taken under more serious consideration and placed under lock and key for the galaxy's safety.

However...if Mankind was to understand and harness this power, he would need to take risks and experiment.

"So be it..." Corvus muttered one last time before willing the Skeleton Key back into his soul, "Though the shadows welcome me, I shall not let us cower in the dark."

---

@Daemon Hunter Okay, just wanted to get this written out because it wouldn't leave me alone.

"I think I am," Kesar said after several moments of consideration, "and I'll have something for him."

"What do I need to do, to get you to stop?" Omegon asked, "there's no point to this anymore, why bother continuing?"

The Hydra was worried, more so than at any time in their life. A level of stress that made Kesar feel guilty, and perhaps that was why he answered as he did. "It's a flaw of mine, I cannot just stand by, I need to take action, to do whatever I can."

"You're lying," Omegon stated with surprising bluntness, "if you did as you claimed, you'd tell me to lie. So once again, why?"

That threw Kesar off, forcing him to analyze his own self. Why did he do this? Because he must, for if the Emperor had lost his humanity, then it must be regained. So why then, didn't he lie to Omegon? "Because I love you more than I worry for him." The words seemed almost painful to say, as if he had difficulty admitting as such to himself, "that's why I am not asking you to suffer with me, so that you may live as you do."

The Twin Hydra stood still for several seconds, his face contorting through many emotions in a flash, "you're too kind," he said exasperatedly yet seriously. "And I mean it, too much kindness is a flaw, especially if it's unwanted."

"I wish I could disagree," Kesar quietly muttered, "perhaps one day it will be the death of me."

"It might even be today," Omegon's voice was notably lacking any joviality, the entire tone laden with the seriousness of his statement. "Your plan will not work if Malcador knows of it, are you prepared for it?"

With the same tone of voice he asked to take 35 ritual sites during the Maelstrom War, Kesar spoke grimly, "I will have to be."

---

The letter Kesar wrote was lengthy, yet he felt every part of it needed to be said. He described what he had learned, the details surrounding the Emperor that had revealed themselves to him. Then he went on to explain why he did this, recounting every thought and emotion that led him to take this course of action. He apologized for it, noting that if he saw a less disruptive path forward, he would have taken it. Kesar even asked Malcador for a better solution, one which would return the Emperor's soul to him.

But the majority of the letter was spent on more philosophical takes rather than the logical argument on how half a man could not rule mankind. It was both an emotional argument and an ethical one, built on a framework of the level of deception it entailed. And then it segued into Kesar's decision to take the Maelstrom.

Kesar doubted that he managed to hide how nervous that made him. It was one thing to go against Malcador's unstated desires, it was another to do so twice in a single year. And Kesar said as much, on how if there was another way, he would have taken it, but he saw no path forward for Vulkan and Konrad. And this was what he wanted to do, he wanted to kill daemons. Killing daemons was easy and rewarding, at times even fun. But for another Legion, it would have been a nightmarish slog, even for the Wardens it would be a challenge. Yet, it had to be done.

He sent it with Omegon not expecting a reply, perhaps the Tribunal would be delayed, perhaps even cancelled. Perhaps he would be intercepted by Custodes, but he did not believe Malcador would bother responding to him.

The Tribunal was delayed by 15 years, with the Emperor's decree explaining that several Primarchs had issues with the short timeframe, and sought to gather further evidence. And so, he would grant them the time they desired.

And then Kesar received a letter addressed to him, one that bore the Sigillite's seal.

---

I find myself in the rare, but irritating position of having to admit my surprise. While your actions have caused several long-term issues to reemerge, your openness with other actions has helped alleviate some of the problems. I truly thought that I had your measure, but it seems that I underestimated how audacious you are.

It is unfortunate that your audacity was stronger than your loyalty. Prior to this, you were one of the few individuals in history that I trusted. Now, it is clear that I cannot rely on you as I once did. A shame really, one that will cause me several more issues.

I do not begrudge you for disagreeing with the actions of the Emperor and I. Diversity of thought is critical for higher government officials. What I do disagree with, is your emotional overreaction. Had you come to me with your concerns, we could have had a discussion. Had you boycotted the Tribunal, we may have been able to reach a compromise. But staging a walkout would have signaled to the Imperium that the Primarchs and Emperor are at odds.

I don't believe you understand the mindset of the common guardsman. They would consider this to be an act of war between you and the Emperor. And considering how little trust the Imperial Army has with the Imperium, you would have caused no end of issues for me.

As it is I will have to begin several projects decades before they are ready, I could provide an estimate of how costly this is, but that would be in poor taste. What I will do is ask you a question that you may ask yourself.

What could the walkout have done that a discussion with me could not?

Think about it, truly ask yourself this. I suspect I know what your answer would be, but I will ask nonetheless.

For that matter, why did you take over Vulkan's duties within the Maelstrom? Your Legion is ill-prepared and wounded, and the task was assigned to Vulkan specifically. Yet, you took the task anyways. I made the decision of who would be assigned to tame the Maelstrom after spending weeks performing calculations and consultations. And yet, you did not even assume you knew better, no, you did something worse.

You went against my wishes without thinking of the larger picture.

If you were not a Primarch, I would have taken action, as it is, I will be forced to accept it. I will wish your endeavors help humanity.

As it is, while I do not believe further conversation would be fruitful for either of us, the low but existent chance it proves beneficial necessitates that I ask it anyways. Would you care to join me on Terra for a day? I believe there is much to discuss.

[] The Sigillite - Join Malcador for a meal, you have been invited.
[] The Primarchs - Mortarion has sent a letter demanding a number of Primarchs gather, claiming that time cannot be wasted.
[] The Lord Commander - The meeting with the Lord Commander of Obsurus was scheduled years ago, committing to it is only proper.
[] Write-in

Interlude Options. Pick 1
[] The Shadow War - The Sigillte begins to purge the Xenos within the Imperium's borders
[] The Imperial Few - A trusted few Primarchs are brought to a discussion with the Emperor.
[] Dishonorable Discharge - The Lord Commander of Ultima is stripped of her post, and given a new position.
[] The Beggar King - In Commorragh, Vect the Beggar King networks with the wider galaxy
[] Cogs in the Machine - Kelbor-Hal takes his next steps, his plan may have stumbled, yet there are more
[] Letter of Resignation - The Lord Commander Militant attempts to resign, he does not succeed
[] The Melting Pot - With the safety of the Webway, the Eldar plot