There is a stream of thought that biblical prophesies aren't intended to inform a person about the future, so much as to prove the significance of the events after the fact. So the trope is older that dirt.
The Shyish Student (An Amethyst Apprentice in Hogwarts) [Warhammer Fantasy/Harry Potter]
- Thread starter Oksbad
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy
Xexilf
Oblivion Sempiternum Daemonis
Something created the Skaven, at least. They didnt just happen, someone came to Kavzar with a cursed bell and made it fall into darkness and start mutating the Rats. Its possible the Horned Rat came later and whatever creator just vanished, but its perhaps likelier IMO that the Horned Rat already existed, not necessarily as a god but perhaps just as some minor independent chaos thing like some unaligned greater demon, and decided to put everything he had into a gamble to create a race for himself. Which worked out beautifully, and then as the beings filled with its power grew and multiplied and worshiped and sacrificed over millennia, their creator grew from a minor power that had invested much of what it had into a bell into a major god.
16 characters
Sick and tired of being Sick and Tired
- Location
- Alta California
- Pronouns
- They/Them
This is far from universal, plenty of humans eat chimps and dolphins and I'd be overjoyed if upon my demise someone valued me enough to take in the nutrition of my otherwise mostly useless carcass at that point. You'know after shipping off any viable organs. I find the idea of letting myself go to waste to be deeply abhorrent.
Or maybe Skaven were created because of closed time loop. Because the Horned Rat would be borne with the Skaven and the Chaos God managed to retroactively make himself and the race be borne. This I believed the explanation GW is going with.
16 characters
Sick and tired of being Sick and Tired
- Location
- Alta California
- Pronouns
- They/Them
The dwarves personally believe it was a rouge ancestor god that did it. I don't see this mentioned much which is a shame given it could very easily be true.
Yeah, the lack of rifts on reality that blow a steady supply of aetheric energy to empower either daemons, or the weapons and armor crafted by them, may pose a drawback for any potential future attempts at extradimensional invasion on chaos' part.
However, chaos is nothing but resourceful and sneaky, and if there's an alternative source of power to fuel themselves with, they will surely find it.
For example, if the issue stems from an absence of enough concentration of magic in a single area to manifest themselves fully on reality, or to make their spells more deadly, then it's only a matter of taking whatever source of magic there's already in the environment, and exploiting it for their nefarious ends.
And what a coincidence, in harry potter, there's already a self sustaining and self-replicating wellspring of magic. Of course, chaos could make use of magical creatures, like hippogryphs, unicorns, or dragons, which are fairly magically powerful creatures, and whose body parts are highly regarded as being veritably potent regarding their use for many spells, but specially potions.
However, in my opinion, it would be deliciously ironic if chaos, or whatever faction decided to step their foot on earth (apart from the skaven, I mean), decided that the most disposable and cheap source of magic to empower themselves, due to the scarcity of magic available in large quantities that they are used to in warhammer fantasy (you know, because of the chaos gates that give a direct access to the realm of souls), would be the blood of wizards, and particularly the purebloods, who have spent several hundred years claiming that, because their refusal to taint their family trees with the blood of the nonmagicals, or those born of that same stock they despise (and by that, I mean the muggleborns) by intermingling with them through marriage, and therefore keeping their bloodlines pure by only intermarrying with those of a similar pedigree, then they are more magical than everyone else. Just look at the opinion Voldemort and his accolades had of the possibility of wizarding folk and muggles living alongside each other peacefully .
View: https://youtu.be/IBPs04qscJY
Personally, I think Voldemort's method of execution was both crude and unimaginative, not to mention cliché. Wouldn't have it been better, if what you wanted was to strike terror into the hearts of those that may opposed you, to paralyze completely Charity Burbage, and then to make Nagini eat her alive?
Not only she would be slowly digested by the giant snake's gastric acids, but also would have gone through the whole experience feeling every single moment of the digestion, much like the sarlacc in star wars: return of the Jedi.
View: https://youtu.be/RggHJLmQgXs
On the other hand, wouldn't be delightfully karmic, that chaos preyed on the purebloods, and specially those who belonged to Voldemort's death eaters, for the very same thing that they are so proud of? Their purely magical heritage? In order to use them as basically batteries?
And how would they accomplish such a thing, you may ask? Well, I'm glad you did it. You see, there's an ancient elven artifact called "cauldrons of blood" that dates back to the long-gone days when the gods walked the earth. It is a gift from Khaine, the Lord of Murder, who bestowed them upon the Witch Elves as rewards for their single-minded dedication to his cause , and within it lies the secret of their eternal youth and beauty. A bride of Khaine may bathe in the blood-filled Cauldron, and it renews her vitality and youth. The few Cauldrons that have survived the millennia are kept at the great temple of Ghrond, guarded by the High Priestesses of the Cult. One may be brought out , but only in times of great bloodshed when when a great host of Witch Elves marches to battle. Drawn to the cauldron by the prospect of slaughter, the Lord of Murder's baleful spirit goads nearby Dark Elves to a feverish war-lust that will be spent only when there is no longer any blood to spill
A curious trait of these cauldrons is that although each one is kept filled with the blood of countless sacrificial victims, it never overflows. The cauldron always maintains the same level, no matter how many gallons of lifeblood are poured into it, as though the very metal of the cauldron thirsts.
Each Cauldron of Blood lies heavy with dark enchantments and, with the proper knowledge, a Death Hag can access these to unleash the many blessings of Khaine. Chief of these is the cauldron's ability to restore youth and vitality to those who bathe within it. As Morathi kept the innermost secrets of the cauldron to herself, all others who utilize this blessing must frequently repeat the bathing process or soon find themselves in their old and withered states once more. In this way, the Hag Sorceress ensures the Witch Elves' loyalty -- with the irresistible lure of eternal beauty.
Anyway, after finding out about these relics, I thought that they could be perfect to solve the problem that could come up I'd, for some reason, any other fighting force that was hellbent in the subjugation of earth came trashing everything on their path, without losing the advantage magic grants them.
Does either chaos or the Skaven possess any similar items, by the way?
To be fair, a dragon ogre is no joke, and I can understand perfectly why he tried his damnedest to avoid any kind of confrontation with them.
I mean, we are talking about something that is amongst the most ancient of the Known World's living creatures, that are servants of the Ruinous Powers and that resemble nothing so much as the upper torso and head of an Ogre fused with the lower body of a Dragon, with the added bonus that they They were given eternal life, and in return, the entire Dragon Ogre race put themselves at the command of the Dark Gods, thus becoming immortals who can only die in battle, monstrous beings that rouse themselves only in the name of destruction.
And the thing is, if dragon ogres canonically spend most of their years slumbering under the mountains, and it is only when terrible storms assail the crests of the mortal world that they stir and come to life, scaling mountain and glacier in order to bathe in lightning, then pray tell me, what could possibly be able to harm a monster that rejoices in the raw forces of nature?
If it is the storm that invigorates them and fills them with deadly energy for their coming battles, what modern weapon could possibly have a greater force impact than lightning.
I mean, what's the closest thing military forces have at their disposal that can match the sheer destructive power of lightning bolts? (Barring atomic and neutrons bombs, of course, at that point, resorting to them isn't really a win-win situation) given the dangers of radiation carried by the wind post-explosuon)
And regular dragon ogres are really fucking big, the young ones being on average this size
And dragon ogre shaggoths are much, much bigger. Shaggoths are on whole different league, for as a dragon Ogre ages, it becomes ever larger, growing stronger and more powerful, and as long as it can find lightning to refresh its body and revitalise its mind, there is no limit to the size one can reach.
And the eldest and most primal of their kind, who were alive before the elves had mastered the written word, before the first orks crawled out of their caves, and even before the Old Ones themselves visited the World, are truly titanic beings, each a towering mountain of muscle and fury towered over forest canopies, temples and even fortresses reinforced by the power of the raging storm, for only the mightiest of thunderstorms can awaken a Dragon Ogre Shaggoth.
And I doubt even Archaon had something in his arsenal, that was capable of scratching the scaled hide of something that big and tough.
View: https://youtu.be/EjNYWCH-fJw
Why the first movie? Because in that movie, Godzilla is big, but not as absurdly gigantic as the other ones who will appear in later movies, which is just plain ridiculous.
View: https://youtu.be/fFYP8O-YwpE
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Lurking_Badger
Cheese Enjoyer
- Location
- Wisconsin
I actually think that the lack of aetheric energy in real space isn't the actual issue for the daemonic powers. A daemon or even chaos god could just crossover and stay in the HP immaterium if they just needed aetheric energy to survive. Then they could just manipulate some hapless bunch of wizards as you've said.
I think the issue is that warp entities are created and sustained by the emotions and beliefs of every sentient being in the galaxy. There might not be enough belief in them, or even too much belief against them, for them to exist for a long period of time. The only reason Morr was even really able to manifest is that there was a person the deeply believed in him, a little understood magic mirror, and a local deity/belief that he could latch onto, the Grim Reaper. Even with that he was only there for a brief moment.
As a side thought, there could be an equivalent to the Old Ones just chilling in HP. Complete masters of psychic energy that never did a War in Heaven exploring the galaxy waiting to completely destroy any hostile warp entities. You never know.
Staff Notice: Please reduce the amount of off topic and spam like behavior outside of the purview of the quests topic.
Now that you mention it, I'm actually curious about what would have happened if a small band of lizardmen comprised of mainly saurus and skinks, maybe led by a skink priest, who are the most intelligent of their kind, and whose role within their society are to act as religious figures, magic-users and important emissaries for the Slann, would have been isekaid into south America, much like the Skaven ended up in Britain, during the times of the Spanish Conquest?
Or maybe a bit earlier?
Of course, the presence of even the youngest and weakest slann would be out of the question for obvious reasons.
But considering that lizardmen are basically biologically immortal, and although saurus are mostly battle focused, with little interest in anything else, the skinks, on the other hand, were created by the Old Ones to be the workers, artisans and crafters of their society, being both physically and mentally agile, to the point they perform the mundane tasks that fits their dexterity and intelligence, such as translators, scribes, and administrators, I wonder if they would be able to uplift the ancient mesoamerican civilizations with their arcane knowledge.
Of course, that's assuming that the mesoamericans actually saw lizardmen as messengers of the gods and not as demons, therefore spreading panic among humans, but considering that they believed, at least for a while, that Hernán Cortés was basically the incarnation of one of his gods (I don't remember which), then I don't see why not.
And no, it didn't happen like the road to El Dorado.
Well, if we take whatever the conspiracionalists claim into account, then they where probably the same ones that supposedly built the southamerican ziggurats, or the ones that carve symbols in crop fields for some reason.
Although of course, I may be a bit outdated with all the paranoid conspiracy bullshit. Anyone here knows any new potential theories?
Personally, my best bet is that the old ones were the mondoshawans of the fifth element.
View: https://youtu.be/vBc-7pEtxgo
Either them, or the time lords, with their extremely advanced, to the point of esoterism, technology, are the most likely candidates to be the old ones from the Harry Potter universe.
View: https://youtu.be/YZgauG57mno
Bonus points for the time lords, given that"Doctor Who" is a British tv series, where a blatant reference to harry potter was made.
View: https://youtu.be/3UcTdsgrhTs
I am talking about western world countries, thank you very much. And even then, personally speaking, although I don't care that chimps are a delicacy in India, or at least that's what I learned in the movie "Indiana Jones and the temple of doom".
View: https://youtu.be/wAZ6dSIMivk
Because I think that chimps are ugly, grotesque and bloodthirsty creatures that don't have any business existing (I don't have anything against the bonobos, their more gentle cousins, though)
I would never eat a primate, because I'm 90% sure that I would get rabies.
As for dolphins, that's a more personal issue. In my culture in general, and in my family in particular, who were seafarers for a long time, dolphins are seen both as playful and amicable creatures that embody the best traits of the sea. They are also a symbol of good luck.
And I see anyone eating a dolphin the way they would eat a shark tail, as a rare and expensive delicacy, that is, as basically a soulless monster that should be fed to the very same sharks whose body parts they are feasting on.
I would never eat a dolphin, just like a football team wouldn't eat their mascot.
Well, I can sincerely say here, that of all responses I could be possibly expecting, I didn't see that coming.
No offense man, but that's a very disturbing way of rationalizing cannibalism.
It's a creepy comment. You creep me out.
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16 characters
Sick and tired of being Sick and Tired
- Location
- Alta California
- Pronouns
- They/Them
No offense taken, though again I bet your surprised I'm following a morrite quest given my *variety* of ''creepy''. I'm generally considered habitually unsettling in various ways which I won't detail here, both because it wouldn't help and because gut reactions like that aren't rational things.
I really do want to make clear it's less that I think everyone should eat everyone and more that I personally empathize with those sort of accounts of honoring someone in that way, like because it takes a hell of a lot of trust and planning and admiration to do right.
I also wouldn't be that upset if it was vultures instead but IDK Sky Burial is all about location and might be more expensive than I'd think. Being eaten by sealife is always fairly easy.
But that's really what it comes down to a deep abhorrence of waste. Like I find embalming probably as shudder inducing an idea as anything you've mentioned. Becoming fertilizer for a tree or one of those bone candelabras from eastern European monasteries would be acceptable if all the other ideas were unobtainable.
But back on topic, since we are both too good at losing the thread I am confused as to why cauldrons of blood are even something your worrying about chaos worshippers having, khaine isn't a chaos god, khaine is sometimes confused with khorne, but like khorne never favors assasins and khaine never favors berserkers and...I'll just link to this good essay on the topic because I am tired:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb9anTJnrVA&list=PLLirTPpZVUFknle-YAhWvQVM-S2jEAfax
As for the Skaven having artifacts of similar potency it depends on what one means. I mean they produce Skalm which might be what keeps the counsel of 13 forever young, but as far as mental manipulation they have something almost as ludicrous Pipes of Piebald
I really do want to make clear it's less that I think everyone should eat everyone and more that I personally empathize with those sort of accounts of honoring someone in that way, like because it takes a hell of a lot of trust and planning and admiration to do right.
I also wouldn't be that upset if it was vultures instead but IDK Sky Burial is all about location and might be more expensive than I'd think. Being eaten by sealife is always fairly easy.
But that's really what it comes down to a deep abhorrence of waste. Like I find embalming probably as shudder inducing an idea as anything you've mentioned. Becoming fertilizer for a tree or one of those bone candelabras from eastern European monasteries would be acceptable if all the other ideas were unobtainable.
But back on topic, since we are both too good at losing the thread I am confused as to why cauldrons of blood are even something your worrying about chaos worshippers having, khaine isn't a chaos god, khaine is sometimes confused with khorne, but like khorne never favors assasins and khaine never favors berserkers and...I'll just link to this good essay on the topic because I am tired:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb9anTJnrVA&list=PLLirTPpZVUFknle-YAhWvQVM-S2jEAfax
As for the Skaven having artifacts of similar potency it depends on what one means. I mean they produce Skalm which might be what keeps the counsel of 13 forever young, but as far as mental manipulation they have something almost as ludicrous Pipes of Piebald
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I am hardly one to talk about writing a lot when I get excited, but is it possible that the essays be kept for things directly on topic to the thread?
We don't need three videos in every other post to prove a point. Khaine is barely even relevant to the thread. We don't need posts discussing cannibalism.
We've barely discussed the actual happenings in the updates for the past I don't even know how many updates. It's all just been drowned out in noise.
We don't need three videos in every other post to prove a point. Khaine is barely even relevant to the thread. We don't need posts discussing cannibalism.
We've barely discussed the actual happenings in the updates for the past I don't even know how many updates. It's all just been drowned out in noise.
Au contraire , I think that Khaine is actually a very relevant topic to discuss about for the following reason: Khaine is the arch enemy of the god our protagonist worships, Morr, god of the dead. What's more, for anyone from Harry Potter, Who aren't acquainted with the subtle idiosincrasies and symbolism that set one god's sphere of influence apart from another, It would be very easy to mistake the god of the dead with the god of murder, which could put Zagreus in a compromise eventually, specially among those who would want to discredit him *cough*Malfoy*cough*RitaSkeeter*cough*.
That would be an interesting conversation Zagreus would have with Dumbledore about how his culture distinguishes between two god's of bloodshed, Whose names sound too similar to one another, but which apparently are completely different.
And what about the skaven, Who I am almost sure they indeed do practice cannibalism?
The thread is about the adventures of a kid Who has been raised in warhammer fantasy, and that also explores the many cultural differences between the society in the empire and the civilizations from earth, along with the few and far between nuggets of societal similarities he occasionally stumbles across, right?
So why should be wrong to post hypothetical situations that Zagreus would find himself in, that delved a bit into things Zagreus would see as either nostalgic, or just a little piece of home on a foreign land? If only in orden to imagine his reactions.
Yes, It wouldn't be directly related to the main quest of the philosopher's Stone, but I think It would be worth It, noise aside.
For example, I think that, should Zagreus have to do somethimg during the summer, in case he got money to afford It, he should definitely travel to the portuguese city of Evora.
Why? Because Zagreus is a worshipper of a god Whose temples are decorated with the remains of those that passed away, and what a coincidence, in Evora there's a chapel with the same penchant for the morbid and the macabre that Zagreus would find delightful, and that would probably make him homesick.
Also, jk rowling spent a time on Portugal, teaching English and writing her books of Harry Potter, if I remember her biographic movie correctly, which I think that qualifies as related topic to the main thread, since harry potter was, well, written by Rowling.
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The problem I have with that is that, for what I've seen in warhammer fantasy general, it's almost always something related to "who would win among those two?" or similar. And this is a very specific quest that delves into the cultural dichotomy between two diametrically opposed civilizations with very different worldviews. Besides, there's almost nothing of Harry Potter there.
So I think if it's much issue, then a separate, but private thread, should be created for those who would want to talk about hypothetical situations in which other characters from warhammer fantasy, not just skaven or our main protagonist, would find themselves in the world of Harry Potter, or how would the characters from Harry Potter react to some of the most outlandish examples of magic in warhammer fantasy.
For example, what would happen if Voldemort got his hands on one of Nagash books? What would happen if the dark elves found a way to earth to spread chaos and terror amidst the shadows? What would happen if Tzeentch possessed Rita Skeeter? The public has a right to know.
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Please, she doesn't need more eyes to sneak into where she doesn't belong.
Just read this quest through in far too many sleepless hours. I now know a lot more about Warhammer lore than I did previously, so that's wonderful. I've never before read a work that respects the Harry Potter canon so well while also shoring up its lore and worldbuilding in sensible, intelligent ways, and I'm thoroughly impressed. It's been very fun, very well-written, and I'm excited to see where it goes next!
- Location
- A Pit Of My Own Making
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I ONLY JUST FECKING GOT THAT THIS WAS MATHILDE! I thought it was a Wednesday character I hadn't heard about yet!
On Dreams and Death
- Location
- California
Your mind lingers on the subject of dreams and visions – often one and the same in your faith – so you consult the Book of Doorways. In it you find much wisdom but no easy answers. Portents are rarely absolutely clear, and Morr relies on the intelligence of His disciples to unravel their mysteries.
It is known that the same visions can be interpreted differently in different lands. Wolves are considered a good omen in much of the Empire, from Ulric's influence, less so elsewhere. If a dream requires action only by the dreamer, then priests, even initiates, are permitted and expected to act on them. Actions that require cooperation from other priests or which could endanger them are assessed more rigorously, and involve debate and the consideration of the other priests' dreams.
Not that there are any other Morrite priests you can consult.
Practices surrounding cooperation with those outside the cult are not set in stone. Members of the cult have enlisted the aid of other cults, secular authorities, foreigners, and members of other races – either openly or with some amount of misdirection and guile. While a certain degree of prudence is expected, the cult has even worked with unsavoury individuals if needed – Strigany, criminals and Ranaldians, pirates, corpse-burners from Kislev, and even physicians.
A common dilemma faced by Morrites is when it is appropriate to prevent an imminent death. Soldiers tell tales of Morrite priests moving from corpse to corpse after a battle, ignoring those still breathing until they stop. There are also stories of bands of Doomsayers that wander the land like knights errant, hoping to avert the disasters they see in their dreams.
It is accepted doctrine that dreams are ways for Morr to warn the living of grave threats. However, death in itself is not considered a threat – a portent of death is often not a warning to prevent it, but a sign to get one's affairs in order. It is often considered improper, if not outright heretical, for a priest to avert a portent of his own death.
There are, of course, caveats. Many enemies of men have no respect for the dead, be they greenskins, the undead, Druchii, daemons, servants of the Ruinous Powers, or beastmen. Murder empowers Khaine. Disasters such as plague, earthquake, and storm often strike down the priests as easily as the local populace and kill more than the local cult can properly bury.
None of this serves the interests of Morr. Thus, while it is unwise to be too tethered to the affairs of the living, to delay the death of others can be a virtuous act – as seen in the examples of Brothers Shawl and von Alxber.
=====================
You don't see Nikhil Singh much outside your tabletop gaming sessions. He's in a different house, spends most of his time with his fellow fourth years, and doesn't spend much time in the library. One day, you spot him in the courtyard, talking to a slender fourth-year Gryffindor girl with wavy brown hair – Angelica Dugnutt. Nikhil gives you a nod as you approach, but before you can say anything Angelica turns around and scowls.
"You!" she shouts. You stop in your tracks.
"Me?" you rasp, confused.
"Yes, you! I'm in detention because of you," she says.
You blink.
"What?" you ask.
"Professor Binns gave me detention!" hisses the girl.
"To be fair," cuts in Nikhil, "You were playing Exploding Snap in the back of his class."
Angelica looks affronted.
"It never was an issue before crypt keeper over there had his little chat with dear old Professor Binns," she huffs, "Why are you bothering us?"
You frown.
"I was just…" you start.
"Looking for bones for your creepy shrine? Well you can't have mine," interrupts Angelica.
"They'd be useless anyway," you say, "Still alive."
Living bone is useless for an Amethyst Wizard or a Morrite Priest.
Angelica recoils.
"You're touched in the head, you know that right?" she says, with an expression of disgust. Nikhil opens his mouth to say something but thinks better of it. The girl whispers something in his ear and he snorts in amusement.
You sigh and walk away. You know better than to linger where you're not wanted.
==================================
Fortunately, Justin Finch-Fletchley is more welcoming and you strike up a conversation with him over dinner. Like you, he grew up outside of the big cities – though it quickly becomes apparent, from his references to servants, the many rooms of his manor, and the stables full of horses, that he had a more luxurious upbringing than you. You observe the measured and deliberate way he uses his cutlery and a napkin, almost as if he were practising his spellwork.
"Are you a noble?" you ask him.
Wealth by itself doesn't indicate nobility of course, but combined with rural living and odd rules of etiquette it can be a safe bet.
"Not really," he answers, "I'm related to the Earl of Winchilsea and they've visited us for tea a few times. But father says he's more likely to get bitten by a shark and struck by lightning on the same day than to inherit the title."
Earl. It's not an Imperial title, but you've heard it somewhere. Norscan? No. It takes you a few moments to remember it's Bretonnian – and British, apparently.
"You came from a boarding school, didn't you?" asks Justin, "What was it like?"
"Stricter than here. Less free time, more chores…" you rasp, "I was young for a student, so almost everyone was older than me."
"Ah, skipped a grade or two, eh? No wonder you're a top student," says Justin, not noticing your confusion.
"My name was down for Eton, you know – like my father and his father, and his father…" continues Justin, a mocking tone entering his voice, "I can't tell you how glad I came here instead. Mother was against it at first, she was worried it would affect my future, but thankfully Professor McGonagall convinced her."
You wonder how much of a choice Justin's parents truly had, but remain silent.
"I know wizards who had to leave behind wealth, titles, and… family" you say, hesitating, "Some handle it better than others."
Justin nods.
"I miss home sometimes," he says, "But my family already has many politicians, businessmen, lawyers, and doctors. A wizard? I'd be the first."
========================
"Auntie's asked about you," says Susan Bones one day, as the two of you leave Hagrid after some tea.
You blink. You remember that Amelia Bones is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"As part of her duties, or…?" you ask, a touch nervous. Essential they may be, but not many wizards would be comforted by a Master Vigilant taking an interest in them.
"I don't think so. She just remembered you from King's Cross and asked how you were settling in."
You nod, not quite convinced. You're not sure you could give a simple answer to that yourself.
"What did you say?" you ask.
"That you didn't seem too lonely and were doing really well at your classes," she says, before dropping her voice to a whisper, "Well, except Flying…"
Flying was indeed your worst subject by far. You had yet to get off the ground since the first lesson accident. You'd spent a good deal of your time on the ground examining the spellwork that animated the broom. With some luck and work, perhaps you could finally get the hang of it.
"It's alright," says Susan, in a comforting voice, "Lots of wizards aren't great on a broom."
"Thestrals are better anyway," you grumble.
The two of you continue on, talking about Herbology and Potions.
"What's Professor Dumbledore like?" asks Susan, changing the subject.
You turn to Susan and give her a quizzical look.
"I think you see him more than any other student," continues Susan, "Even the Head Boy and Girl. I know I haven't talked to Professor Dumbledore since he visited Auntie a few years ago."
Sometimes you've wondered why Dumbledore didn't simply question you every evening, but Susan's question puts things into perspective. Dumbledore spent a great deal of time with you compared to other students – and it's not like you're going anywhere else soon.
"He's curious and kind," you say, "He doesn't pry, and I think he is trying to help in his own way. He always offers tea and lemon drops whenever I visit."
Remembering that you still have a few in your pocket, you offer one to Susan and she takes it. You do your best to describe Dumbledore, his office, and Fawkes without delving into the specifics of what you talk to him about. Susan, fortunately, doesn't press you and seems most interested in Fawkes.
"If I had a Phoenix, I'd keep it on my shoulder all day," she says, giggling.
"What, Hagrid's pets don't compare?" you say.
Susan gives you a guilty look and looks over her shoulder to make sure Hagrid hasn't somehow managed to get within earshot. She turns back to you, biting her lip and shaking her head.
You snort. The two of you walk in silence for a minute until you reach the castle doors.
"I guess you can't just go to Professor Dumbledore's office for tea and sweets like you can with Hagrid," you say.
"Oh, speaking of Hagrid," says Susan, handing you some of his fudge wrapped in cloth, "Please take this. I didn't want to be mean and tell him I almost broke a tooth on his last batch."
"Well, if you insist…" you say, trying not to seem too enthusiastic.
It is known that the same visions can be interpreted differently in different lands. Wolves are considered a good omen in much of the Empire, from Ulric's influence, less so elsewhere. If a dream requires action only by the dreamer, then priests, even initiates, are permitted and expected to act on them. Actions that require cooperation from other priests or which could endanger them are assessed more rigorously, and involve debate and the consideration of the other priests' dreams.
Not that there are any other Morrite priests you can consult.
Practices surrounding cooperation with those outside the cult are not set in stone. Members of the cult have enlisted the aid of other cults, secular authorities, foreigners, and members of other races – either openly or with some amount of misdirection and guile. While a certain degree of prudence is expected, the cult has even worked with unsavoury individuals if needed – Strigany, criminals and Ranaldians, pirates, corpse-burners from Kislev, and even physicians.
A common dilemma faced by Morrites is when it is appropriate to prevent an imminent death. Soldiers tell tales of Morrite priests moving from corpse to corpse after a battle, ignoring those still breathing until they stop. There are also stories of bands of Doomsayers that wander the land like knights errant, hoping to avert the disasters they see in their dreams.
It is accepted doctrine that dreams are ways for Morr to warn the living of grave threats. However, death in itself is not considered a threat – a portent of death is often not a warning to prevent it, but a sign to get one's affairs in order. It is often considered improper, if not outright heretical, for a priest to avert a portent of his own death.
There are, of course, caveats. Many enemies of men have no respect for the dead, be they greenskins, the undead, Druchii, daemons, servants of the Ruinous Powers, or beastmen. Murder empowers Khaine. Disasters such as plague, earthquake, and storm often strike down the priests as easily as the local populace and kill more than the local cult can properly bury.
None of this serves the interests of Morr. Thus, while it is unwise to be too tethered to the affairs of the living, to delay the death of others can be a virtuous act – as seen in the examples of Brothers Shawl and von Alxber.
=====================
You don't see Nikhil Singh much outside your tabletop gaming sessions. He's in a different house, spends most of his time with his fellow fourth years, and doesn't spend much time in the library. One day, you spot him in the courtyard, talking to a slender fourth-year Gryffindor girl with wavy brown hair – Angelica Dugnutt. Nikhil gives you a nod as you approach, but before you can say anything Angelica turns around and scowls.
"You!" she shouts. You stop in your tracks.
"Me?" you rasp, confused.
"Yes, you! I'm in detention because of you," she says.
You blink.
"What?" you ask.
"Professor Binns gave me detention!" hisses the girl.
"To be fair," cuts in Nikhil, "You were playing Exploding Snap in the back of his class."
Angelica looks affronted.
"It never was an issue before crypt keeper over there had his little chat with dear old Professor Binns," she huffs, "Why are you bothering us?"
You frown.
"I was just…" you start.
"Looking for bones for your creepy shrine? Well you can't have mine," interrupts Angelica.
"They'd be useless anyway," you say, "Still alive."
Living bone is useless for an Amethyst Wizard or a Morrite Priest.
Angelica recoils.
"You're touched in the head, you know that right?" she says, with an expression of disgust. Nikhil opens his mouth to say something but thinks better of it. The girl whispers something in his ear and he snorts in amusement.
You sigh and walk away. You know better than to linger where you're not wanted.
==================================
Fortunately, Justin Finch-Fletchley is more welcoming and you strike up a conversation with him over dinner. Like you, he grew up outside of the big cities – though it quickly becomes apparent, from his references to servants, the many rooms of his manor, and the stables full of horses, that he had a more luxurious upbringing than you. You observe the measured and deliberate way he uses his cutlery and a napkin, almost as if he were practising his spellwork.
"Are you a noble?" you ask him.
Wealth by itself doesn't indicate nobility of course, but combined with rural living and odd rules of etiquette it can be a safe bet.
"Not really," he answers, "I'm related to the Earl of Winchilsea and they've visited us for tea a few times. But father says he's more likely to get bitten by a shark and struck by lightning on the same day than to inherit the title."
Earl. It's not an Imperial title, but you've heard it somewhere. Norscan? No. It takes you a few moments to remember it's Bretonnian – and British, apparently.
"You came from a boarding school, didn't you?" asks Justin, "What was it like?"
"Stricter than here. Less free time, more chores…" you rasp, "I was young for a student, so almost everyone was older than me."
"Ah, skipped a grade or two, eh? No wonder you're a top student," says Justin, not noticing your confusion.
"My name was down for Eton, you know – like my father and his father, and his father…" continues Justin, a mocking tone entering his voice, "I can't tell you how glad I came here instead. Mother was against it at first, she was worried it would affect my future, but thankfully Professor McGonagall convinced her."
You wonder how much of a choice Justin's parents truly had, but remain silent.
"I know wizards who had to leave behind wealth, titles, and… family" you say, hesitating, "Some handle it better than others."
Justin nods.
"I miss home sometimes," he says, "But my family already has many politicians, businessmen, lawyers, and doctors. A wizard? I'd be the first."
========================
"Auntie's asked about you," says Susan Bones one day, as the two of you leave Hagrid after some tea.
You blink. You remember that Amelia Bones is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"As part of her duties, or…?" you ask, a touch nervous. Essential they may be, but not many wizards would be comforted by a Master Vigilant taking an interest in them.
"I don't think so. She just remembered you from King's Cross and asked how you were settling in."
You nod, not quite convinced. You're not sure you could give a simple answer to that yourself.
"What did you say?" you ask.
"That you didn't seem too lonely and were doing really well at your classes," she says, before dropping her voice to a whisper, "Well, except Flying…"
Flying was indeed your worst subject by far. You had yet to get off the ground since the first lesson accident. You'd spent a good deal of your time on the ground examining the spellwork that animated the broom. With some luck and work, perhaps you could finally get the hang of it.
"It's alright," says Susan, in a comforting voice, "Lots of wizards aren't great on a broom."
"Thestrals are better anyway," you grumble.
The two of you continue on, talking about Herbology and Potions.
"What's Professor Dumbledore like?" asks Susan, changing the subject.
You turn to Susan and give her a quizzical look.
"I think you see him more than any other student," continues Susan, "Even the Head Boy and Girl. I know I haven't talked to Professor Dumbledore since he visited Auntie a few years ago."
Sometimes you've wondered why Dumbledore didn't simply question you every evening, but Susan's question puts things into perspective. Dumbledore spent a great deal of time with you compared to other students – and it's not like you're going anywhere else soon.
"He's curious and kind," you say, "He doesn't pry, and I think he is trying to help in his own way. He always offers tea and lemon drops whenever I visit."
Remembering that you still have a few in your pocket, you offer one to Susan and she takes it. You do your best to describe Dumbledore, his office, and Fawkes without delving into the specifics of what you talk to him about. Susan, fortunately, doesn't press you and seems most interested in Fawkes.
"If I had a Phoenix, I'd keep it on my shoulder all day," she says, giggling.
"What, Hagrid's pets don't compare?" you say.
Susan gives you a guilty look and looks over her shoulder to make sure Hagrid hasn't somehow managed to get within earshot. She turns back to you, biting her lip and shaking her head.
You snort. The two of you walk in silence for a minute until you reach the castle doors.
"I guess you can't just go to Professor Dumbledore's office for tea and sweets like you can with Hagrid," you say.
"Oh, speaking of Hagrid," says Susan, handing you some of his fudge wrapped in cloth, "Please take this. I didn't want to be mean and tell him I almost broke a tooth on his last batch."
"Well, if you insist…" you say, trying not to seem too enthusiastic.
Nikhil Singh
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Tabletop club) - 5 (Different house) - 5 (Age difference) = -15 (+12 to DC, -3 to roll)
True DCs: 42/72/102
Roll: 27 - 3 = 24. Failure.
Justin Finch Fletchley
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Tabletop club) + 10 (Friendly) = 5 (-4 to DC, +1 to Roll)
True DCs: 26/56/86
Roll: 44 + 1 = 45, Bare success
Susan Bones
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Friendly) + 15 (good impression) = 10 (-8 to DC, +2 to roll)
True DCs: 22/52/82
Roll: 61 + 2 = 63. Moderate success.
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Tabletop club) - 5 (Different house) - 5 (Age difference) = -15 (+12 to DC, -3 to roll)
True DCs: 42/72/102
Roll: 27 - 3 = 24. Failure.
Justin Finch Fletchley
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Tabletop club) + 10 (Friendly) = 5 (-4 to DC, +1 to Roll)
True DCs: 26/56/86
Roll: 44 + 1 = 45, Bare success
Susan Bones
Raw DCs: 30/60/90
Bonuses: -10 (Socially Awkward) - 5 (Voice) + 10 (Friendly) + 15 (good impression) = 10 (-8 to DC, +2 to roll)
True DCs: 22/52/82
Roll: 61 + 2 = 63. Moderate success.
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I suppose it was inevitable that we were eventually going to have someone other than the known bullies be nasty to us. Kids can be right a$$holes at times.
- Location
- Perth
There's a reason why childhood memories = cringe.
Kids just don't know better and just do/say the first things on their minds... no matter how hurtful. Their brains haven't learnt the pattern recognition of 'if I tell Jessica she's a bitch' = 'I won't have friends anymore'.
Or even simpler 'If I snort this anti-acid because I think it's cool' = 'my nose bleeding' = 'permanent damage'.
Cause and effect is something many still struggle with in their late teens. It's just how our brains were designed.
- Location
- Stupid Lucky Time
Man, that round of socializing was a mixed bag. I guess it's a miracle that Zag's had it pretty okay throughout most of this quest- but that being said,
overlord62
American Monarchist
- Location
- florida
I love Zag, he looks like he's one make-up kit away from becoming a goth but he is such a nerd, right down to being a teacher's pet.
Actually that is just a legend and most Dwarfs don't give it much credence. The Tale of Kavsar is the story that is in the Skaven armybooks and it fits to a tie the modus operandi of Chaos. Not the Four but unaligned Warp powers and Demon Princes trying to become more then just servants of the Four.
Man, that round of socializing was a mixed bag. I guess it's a miracle that Zag's had it pretty okay throughout most of this quest- but that being said,
We did the impossible and actually made it so that Professor Bins is actually cognizant of the World around him and what his students are actually doing, of course some of our fellow students would be annoyed at the loss of what they saw as free time.
RoninSword
Sky God
- Location
- Canada
Broken picture or just me?