I think the Old Ones made it genetically impossible for Dawi to not be shit at any kind of Craftsmanship.
The Shyish Student (An Amethyst Apprentice in Hogwarts) [Warhammer Fantasy/Harry Potter]
- Thread starter Oksbad
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy
So why in Ptras Name is it one of his Titles?
Annatar
Lord of Gifts
- Location
- Pittsburgh
- Pronouns
- He/Him/They/Them
It's not like he stopped gaining titles after his "death", after all he recovered from that pretty well. Settra was an active Tomb King at points and did his thing same as before, which is how titles like that wound up on his ever growing list.
Because it's one of his actual cannon titles unlike a couple of the ones on the list that has been posted.
Why do you think the title has anything to do with Khalida specifically?
Okay, maybe I have allowed myself a little bit of artistic license here (are may or may not have gotten this information from the wiki, which isn't always reliable), but the point is that Khalida was delivered from the vampiric curse thanks to Asaph's direct intervention, which involved cleansing her body and soul through supernatural venom.
Which, by the way, brings to one of the last topics I wanted to discuss about Khalida, mainly the hypothetical consequences of her appearing in Harry Potter (hypothetically speaking).
As you may know, Dumbledore spent quite a long time investigating how to destroy Voldemort's horcruxes, which wasn't nearly as difficult as finding them in the first place. But it wasn't as much of a challenge, considering almost all of them were mere objects, as when Dumbledore found out Harry was actually the last horcrux that Voldemort unknowingly created the very same night he was defeated by Lily's protection magic, with a shard of his soul attaching to Harry, which put Dumbledore on a moral dilemma.
On one hand, Dumbledore knew that, for Voldemort to be permanently vanquished, Harry had to die. On the other hand, it was Harry the one we are talking about. The kid who Dumbledore had come to care as if he was his own grandson. However, in the end, Dumbledore's sense of duty ended up prevailing.
View: https://youtu.be/248ZX1Qz6zE
Of course, we all know that Dumbledore had arranged for harry to survive in the end, but it relied on an incredibly unlikely set of circumstances that had to be met, and that only were possible in the first place for plot reasons, considering how many things could have gone wrong.
So, in the case Khalida made an appearance here, unlikely as it may be, considering we have our hands full with the current isekai'd characters, there's a possibility that harry's chances to survive would increase exponentially, thanks to Asaph's blessings.
After all, Harry being an horcrux isn't that different from having a demon possessing your body, with the bonus that Voldemort's soul fragment is too weak to actually taking control of it, which means that there's a good chance that harry would need a comparatively lower amount of venom that the one Khalida got, which ended up killing her, but saving her soul. After all, Neferata's blood was a rather more potent pathogen than Voldemort's soul.
And in conclusion, Harry could very well survive. After all, it wouldn't be the first time he has been poisoned and gotten away with it. Certainly, it would be better that Dumbledore's incredibly risky gambling.
The only caveat would be wether Zagreus would be acquainted with Khalida's story, or at least, wether any of the books he carries with him and that are currently available for him to read contain any information about it, as well as how willing would Dumbledore be to try it out.
Did Khalida's life story survive through the ages? How much of a historical figure was she?
In any case, I imagine that if Khalida ever managed to find her way to Earth, and made a cameo in the story, the best moment for it would be when the Weasleys went on vacation to Egypt.
If the Weasleys deserve a pile of gold, considering how nice and poor they are, according to you, Harry, then, pray tell, what would Zagreus, who for most of his life has been the very epitome of poverty, deserve? (Not that I disagree with Harry, the Weasleys quite deserve a little bit of extra cash, considering how much Arthur works, and how little he gets paid).MINISTRY OF MAGIC EMPLOYEE SCOOPS GRAND PRIZE
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, has won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw.
A delighted Mr. Weasley told the Daily Prophet, "We will be spending the gold on a summer holiday in Egypt, where our eldest son, Bill, works as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank. "
The Weasley family will be spending a month in Egypt, returning for the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, which five of the Weasley children currently attend.
Harry scanned the moving photograph, and a grin spread across his face as he saw all nine of the Weasleys waving furiously at him, standing in front of a large pyramid. Plump little Mrs. Weasley; tall, balding Mr. Weasley; six sons; and one daughter, all (though the black-and-white picture didn't show it) with flaming-red hair. Right in the middle of the picture was Ron, tall and gangling, with his pet rat, Scabbers, on his shoulder and his arm around his little sister, Ginny.
Harry couldn't think of anyone who deserved to win a large pile of gold more than the Weasleys, who were very nice and extremely poor. He picked up Ron's letter and unfolded it.
Dear Harry,
Happy birthday!
Look, I'm really sorry about that telephone call. I hope the Muggles didn't give you a hard time. I asked Dad, and he reckons I shouldn't have shouted.
It's amazing here in Egypt. Bill's taken us around all the tombs and you wouldn't believe the curses those old Egyptian wizards put on them. Mum wouldn't let Ginny come in the last one. There were all these mutant skeletons in there, of Muggles who'd broken in and grown extra heads and stuff.
I couldn't believe it when Dad won the Daily Prophet Draw. Seven hundred galleons! Most of it's gone on this trip, but they're going to buy me a new wand for next year.
Harry remembered only too well the occasion when Ron's old wand had snapped. It had happened when the car the two of them had been flying to Hogwarts had crashed into a tree on the school grounds.
We'll be back about a week before term starts and we'll be going up to London to get my wand and our new books. Any chance of meeting you there?
Don't let the Muggles get you down!
Try and come to London,
Ron
P. S. Percy's Head Boy. He got the letter last week.
Anyway, considering how similar to Nehekhara Egypt is, if Khalida wanted to meet Harry Potter in the first place, it would be then, when one of Harry's best friends is currently in the very land Asaph (or a version of her, in any case) was a prominent figure, which will make following Ron's trail back to England and meeting Harry easier for her.
And why would Khalida want to get herself involved with Harry in the first place? You may ask. Why would she care about a boy that isn't from her world nor her culture?
Well, my reasoning would be that Asaph, being aware that Voldemort is a parselmouth, and that he abuses his powers for evil ends, is pretty pissed about it, and being a goddess and all that, is aware of the prophecy about Harry, and how he's destined to destroy Voldemort, so Asaph, either wants Khalida to increase his chances of victory (surviving is optional when you are dealing with mummies) or just erasing the horcrux inside Harry.
Don't tell me it wouldn't be funny. On one hand, there's a madman (Sirius Black) that has gotten out of jail, and is almost certain that is after Harry. On the other, there's a millennia-old mummy who is looking for Harry for whatever reason.
And that's my little headcanon of how would the conversation go if Khalida was introduced in the story, during the events that took place in "Prisoner of Azkaban"
Not very good, I admit it, but I am all for anything that will make Harry's life more difficult.
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If Zag was to cast Spirit Leech, would we see a giant skeleton hand show up like in the Total War game?
Goodness gracious, I sincerely hope not. I have seen what it looks like in total war, and if indeed it manifested that way, it would certainly spell trouble for our Zagreus, who has already faced a little bit of discrimination due to his off-putting appearance, imagine how paranoid people would get if he was able to summon a skeletal hand that drains you from your life force, and possibly your soul, specially if it lined up with the Quidditch World Cup that took place during Harry's fourth year.
Although it's extremely unlikely that Zagreus would be present in the Quidditch World Cup in the first place, alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione, since the tickets were already difficult to acquire, due to the high demand, and that Zagreus isn't that interested in quidditch in the first place, he would surely have a heart attack, and probably faint, if he saw what appears to be a little morrslieb hanging on the sky, drenching the night in Dhar."I hope the others are okay," said Hermione after a while.
"They'll be fine," said Ron.
"Imagine if your dad catches Lucius Malfoy," said Harry, sitting down next to Ron and watching the small figure of Krum slouching over the fallen leaves. "He's always said he'd like to get something on him. "
"That'd wipe the smirk off old Draco's face, all right," said Ron.
"Those poor Muggles, though," said Hermione nervously. "What if they can't get them down?"
"They will," said Ron reassuringly. "They'll find a way. "
"Mad, though, to do something like that when the whole Ministry of Magic's out here tonight!" said Hermione. "I mean, how do they expect to get away with it? Do you think they've been drinking, or are they just -"
But she broke off abruptly and looked over her shoulder. Harry and Ron looked quickly around too. It sounded as though someone was staggering toward their clearing. They waited, listening to the sounds of the uneven steps behind the dark trees. But the footsteps came to a sudden halt.
"Hello?" called Harry.
There was silence. Harry got to his feet and peered around the tree. It was too dark to see very far, but he could sense somebody standing just beyond the range of his vision.
"Who's there?" he said.
And then, without warning, the silence was rent by a voice unlike any they had heard in the wood; and it uttered, not a panicked shout, but what sounded like a spell.
"MORSMORDRE!"
And something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness Harry's eyes had been struggling to penetrate; it flew up over the treetops and into the sky.
"What the -?" gasped Ron as he sprang to his feet again, staring up at the thing that had appeared.
For a split second, Harry thought it was another leprechaun formation. Then he realized that it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new constellation.
Suddenly, the wood all around them erupted with screams. Harry didn't understand why, but the only possible cause was the sudden appearance of the skull, which had now risen high enough to illuminate the entire wood like some grisly neon sign. He scanned the darkness for the person who had conjured the skull, but he couldn't see anyone.
"Who's there?" he called again.
"Harry, come on, move!" Hermione had seized the collar of his jacket and was tugging him backward.
"What's the matter?" Harry said, startled to see her face so white and terrified.
"It's the Dark Mark, Harry!" Hermione moaned, pulling him as hard as she could. "You-Know-Who's sign!"
"Voldemort's - ?"
The true issue, however, would be that, depending of wether Zagreus has cast Spirit Leech, either prior to the events of Quidditch World Cup , or after, Zagreus would have to face a lot of questioning by the ministry of magic, considering how, from an outside perspective and without prior knowledge of how the amethyst college operates (not that the ministry of magic would care anyway, though), Zagreus' magic and Voldemort's symbol look eerily similar, despite the colors not matching, which would make the conversation below very awkward.
The problem would be that, whereas the golden trio would have quite the strong alibi, with Ron being the son of Arthur Weasley, Hermione being muggleborn, and Harry Potter being the Boy-Who-Lived, nobody in their right mind would have dared to suggest that any of them would have been able to summon the Dark Mark.
Unfortunately for Zagreus, he has neither of those backgrounds nor, I assume, a solid enough reputation to prevent him from facing scrutiny. Because let's be honest, Zagreus looks sketchy as fuck for wizarding standards. Either the magic he practices, the clothes he wears, hell, his voice itself, all of that screams dark wizard .
And the last thing he needs, is to draw more attention to himself by casting a spell that takes the form of an arm that has been stripped from flesh, leaving only bare bone. Next thing you know, you have Rita Skeeter publishing in the prophet an article about how Zagreus' spell is irrefutable evidence that Lord Voldemort and Zagreus are associates, and that if Voldemort is the brains behind the operation, as the fact that the Dark Mark is a skull, then Zagreus is without shade of doubt the hand that carries out Voldemort's will.
View: https://youtube.com/shorts/kkteLR2DLYM?si=H0GSu0oXzLFr2_GT
Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Rita Skeeter insinuated that Zagreus Nyx and Lord Voldemort are planning to fuse themselves like characters from dragon ball in one single super dark wizard, in order to summon a giant skeleton, or something like that.
Honestly, Zagreus would be far better off if Spirit Leech looked more like this.
Yes, it still looks dark as hell, but at least is a little bit more inconspicuous than A GIANT FUCKING HAND!!!
For the record, I am not yelling at you. It's simply that I like to emphasize words with exclamations when I want to make a point
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That scene belongs to the "Diablo: lost souls" trailer, a videogame designed by BLIZZARD, the creators of Warcraft, which introduces Malthael, the angel of Death, formerly the angel of Wisdom, as the main antagonist, and whose main goal is to get his hands on the black soulstone, which contains the souls of the Prime and Lesser Evils, so that he can tear the demonic aspects of humanity from their souls, leaving only the angelic ones, and thus bringing order and harmony to Creation (and killing every human in the process as a side effect, as it seems humans in this universe are composed of both order and chaos, and neither can exist without the other).
View: https://youtu.be/8tDGRPhVqZ4
My attention was immediately drawn to Malthael, mainly because everything in him matched pretty much the mortuary aesthetic and of the amethyst college and the cult of Morr, with Malthael looking basically like an avatar of the Reaper.
By the way, speaking of Malthael, in the cinematic we see him doing some crazy things, like ripping the souls of people apart from their bodies, and turning the bodies of people into corpses by ageing them extremely fast. If I am not mistaken, they are part of the spells used in the amethyst order.
Are Malthael iconography and powers the same as an experienced amethyst magister, or are they closer to necromancy?
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Considering that it is a part of Voldemort's soul that needs to be removed and dealt with when it comes to the Horcruxs, I am pretty sure a user of the Wind of Death like Zagreus is the best person by wind of magic to deal with Harry's issue. Now it won't be easy but the fact that our Boy has the blessing of the God of the Dead should be very helpful when it comes to exorcising that piece Voldemort from Harry.
That is all far in future for the quest however, after Zagreus has spent a lot more time studying, practicing and growing.
Damn straight, they are. Wouldn't be hilarious, though, that Zagreus, the more he delved I to the lore of death, the more he started to look like the way Malthael is depicted? That is, a floating specter of death that looks almost like an ethereal shadow?
I mean, both Malthael and Zagreus are skinny as hell, and, thanks to @Moneris helpful contribution, there's canon evidence that wizards from warhammer fantasy that have spent too long soaking themselves in the supernatural energies of their respective wind, end up taking an almost inhuman shape that instills terror and fear in the hearts of men.
I don't know about you, but the description is oddly reminiscent of how Malthael, the angel of Death, is portrayed in the official art, barring some minor details
And I wondered wether Zagreus, after gaining some experience mastering the lore of death, would be able to make himself look similar to the former archangel of Wisdom, and wether there has been an amethyst wizard in the official lore that has accomplished anything similar. After all, as a matter of fact, Zagreus has already done something that comes rather close to what I am talking about, namely, to surround himself in an aura of dread that strikes horror in the souls of his enemies.
And that's what Zagreus is capable of while still being a mere apprentice, imagine what he would be able to achieve after some years of practice and mastering his skills.
Wouldn't be hilarious that, Zagreus reached a point in his training, that he managed to become more terrifying than Lord Voldemort to Harry? Not in the sense that harry would see Zagreus as more dangerous than Voldemort, or at least, that feeling of dread that follows Voldemort around, and that spells imminent doom to whoever is unlucky enough to be the target of his wrath, but more like, the jumpscare kind. You know, that Zagreus gives Harry the heebie jeebies, despite Zagreus' best attempts.
Like, this is more or less what I would expect Harry and Ron's reaction be when they see one of Zagreus' more terrifying spells in action, like Doom and Darkness (Spirits of the departed assail the caster's foes, sapping their resolve)
Or perhaps something along the lines of:
I imagine that, considering the fact that Zagreus' voice has already been claimed by shyish, he is supposed to sound raspy and hoarse. Personally, my headcanon is that he sounds, more or less, similar to Malthael, all preternatural and echo-ish? Or what do you think he's supposed to sound like?
By the way, another of Malthael's most noticeable features, is that he wields, instead of a big scythe, two smaller, but equally deadly sickles.
Do you think it would suit Zagreus more this kind of weapon, rather than the comparatively more clunky scythe, considering a smaller weapon would probably suit someone with a more lithe physique like Zagreus, much better? And in case affirmative, would the Reaping Scythe spell allow for such a drastic change in design?
Otherwise, perhaps Zagreus would be able to commission the forging of such a weapon instead, as soon as he gets the funds for it. Perhaps a set of twin sickles made of silver sickles, you know, the coins that are just below the golden galleons in terms of value in the wizarding world.
Any idea why do those extremely different objects share the same name, by the way?
Flamel in Flames
- Location
- California
Well after the last class of the day, Harry Potter paces by Snape's office. He hadn't come here by choice. Snape had confiscated one of the books he'd borrowed from the library, and Madam Pince had made it clear it was his responsibility to get it back. Firelight seeps through the gap beneath the door – Snape is probably inside.
Before Harry can knock, a bang erupts from the other side of the door -- followed by scraping sounds and incantations. As Harry creeps forward, the light beneath the door flashes bright green before returning to normal. He listens quietly, trying to make out the sounds within, but hears only a faint buzzing.
Curious, he peers through the keyhole, quickly spotting Professor Snape learning towards his fireplace, the firelight adding colour to his sallow skin.
Harry tries to shift his gaze to get a better view, gasping as he spots a shape, no, a face, in the flames. It is withered but solid, like a death mask cast in copper. It's clear that the two figures are in conversation. Try as he might, he cannot make out any of their words – intense buzzing muffles them, only getting worse as he presses his ear against the wooden door. At best he can tell apart the two voices – Snape's smooth and cold tone which fills him with dread, and an unfamiliar harsh and metallic tone, which reminds him of squealing brakes.
===============================
"Do you believe this substance is not of this earth?" asks Nicholas Flamel, his face shrouded in flame.
"Albus Dumbledore certainly believes so," says Professor Snape, dismissively.
"That does not answer my question. Do you?" asks Flamel.
"Does it matter?" retorts Professor Snape.
Nicholas Flamel shakes his head.
"Of course it does. You would not substitute meteoric iron with bog iron in a Fesanguis Potion, would you?"
Professor Snape remains silent.
"What have you learned of it?" asks Flamel.
"It carries great magical potential and is extremely mutable. It invigorates and corrupts insects, vermin, and plants in equal measure," says Snape, a hint of interest evident in his voice. Experimentation was part and parcel of being a Potions Master, and to examine a novel substance with so much potential was a rare treat.
"Have you tested its effects on potions yet?" asks Flamel.
Snape recoils at that.
"Only a complete lunatic would brew with such a substance without a better understanding of its properties," he hisses, affronted.
Nicholas Flamel looks at him, his stiff face betraying no hint of emotion.
"Bien," he says, breaking the silence, "Most experts in the Dark Arts would not have your… restraint."
Snape scowls at the implication.
"No disrespect intended to your profession," continues Flamel, before Snape can respond, "but I believe an alchemical examination would bear more fruit. Certain properties of the stone remind me of failed efforts towards my own magnum opus."
"I don't suppose you could elaborate?" says Professor Snape, "Potioneering and Alchemy have always gone hand in hand."
"No," says Flamel.
Professor Snape scowls.
"Albus Dumbledore assured me that you would help us with our research."
"And I shall. I shall communicate by findings and speculations to him directly, alchemist to alchemist. " says Nicholas Flamel, "Some insight I do not care to share with a former Death Eater."
"Professor Dumbledore trusts me," says Snape, coldly, "and I have invested considerable time and effort in keeping your precious magnum opus safe."
"Have you now?" responds Flamel, "Then perhaps he shall share what I tell him. That is his prerogative. This is mine."
================================
"I know what I saw!" hisses Harry, huddling with Ron and Dean in their Dormitory, "He spoke to a head in his fireplace. I couldn't hear their words, it was drowned out by this stupid buzzing!"
"That sounds like a firecall, Harry," says Ron, "Dad does it with some of his Ministry colleagues. Snape must have used a spell so he wasn't overheard."
"What's a firecall?" asks Dean.
Ron excitedly explains the nature of the Floo Network and fire calls – there is some thrill in being the knowledgeable one.
"Who was he talking to? And why was he trying to keep it hidden?" asks Harry.
"What did the bloke look like?" asks Dean.
"Barely alive, like a dried out mummy," says Harry. Suddenly the colour drains from his face, "What if it was Voldemort?"
Ron flinches.
"Harry, it can't be. You-Know-Who is dead. You defeated him," he says.
Harry hops to his feet.
"I don't remember what happened. I was a baby…" he says, pacing, "I've been reading the old Prophet articles. They never found a body…"
Harry stops, remembering Hagrid's solemn words the day he'd found out he was a wizard;
=========================
You do not see the Grey Lady for a week after your conversation. Her absence is noted by other students, and attributed to her annoyance at a particularly persistent group of Diadem seekers.
If you understood her words correctly, she had started to dream. Was that Morr's influence? You'd spoken to other ghosts. They do have periods where they are less alert – addled by a wandering mind, an odd trance, or a feeling of intense melancholy – but none of them truly sleep. The Grey Lady said she had dreams, not just visions or hallucinations.
If Morr granted a ghost a dream, did that mean you were correct in considering them more than mere undead? Surely vampires, liches, and wraiths did not receive Morr's wisdom in their slumber?
Eventually, you reach a point where you go no further by thought alone. You work on your studies, talk with your fellow students, continue your Classical lessons, tend to your ectoplasm traps, and read more of The Book of Doorways.
===============================
The Book of Doorways says there are many gods, but only one God of the Dead. Yet humans are not the only creatures that die. What did the book say about the rest?
Beasts are ultimately of little interest to the Cult of Morr, save for ravens. It is not unheard of for a beloved pet or a trusty steed to be buried with its owner, but this is ultimately done for the departed, not the beast.
The Elvish Pantheon has a figure equivalent to Morr – Morai-Heg, the Keeper of Souls. Like Morr, she is associated with ravens and prophecy. Unlike Morr, She is often depicted as a capricious schemer. Her worship amongst elves is seemingly universal, yet she seems to tolerate a wide variety of funeral rites – there are reports of Elves being buried, sealed in ornate crypts, left to wild beasts, being cremated, or being cast into the sea.
So are Morai-Heg and Morr the same entity? It would not be unthinkable. Scholars have often noted the similarities between the Elven God of the Sea, Mathlaan and His human equivalent Manann and many consider Them to be the same being. Perhaps it is so with Morai-Heg and Morr, with different strictures for different races. Perhaps They are aspects of the same being. It is a mystery, and it seems it shall remain so.
In some ways, for Dwarfs this matter is refreshingly straightforward. Gazul is an Ancestor God of the Underearth and protector of the dead. While not known to be linked to dreams or prophecy, His scriptures on funerals and the dead are nearly identical to those of Morr. The Book of Doorways acknowledges many disciples of Gazul for their deeds, protecting tombs and hunting necromancer and other defilers of the dead. This respect extends both ways.
However, there is a theological snag. The dwarfs are adamant that Gazul was once a mortal dwarf, and react with great offence at the idea he is an aspect, incarnation, or servant of some foreign god. Even the idea that Gazul received any sort of wisdom from Morr is received with great hostility.
Greenskins are an enigma. By all accounts they worship gods unrelated to those of men, dwarves, elves, or the Ruinous Powers and do not have any funerary traditions. It is unclear if they truly have souls – but regardless it is prohibited to bury them within Morr's Gardens and considered unwise to bury them at all.
What of Beastmen? Priests of Morr do not go around burying cloven ones slain by men or their own kind. On the other hand denying burial to a six-fingered mutant merely feeds dark powers. It is known that men may be corrupted into beastmen or worse. Where, between an unfortunate mutant and a vile beastman does a soul exist, worthy of being guarded? There is much ambiguity – while the book presents advice, little is set in stone.
Almost all Ogres worship their own god, The Great Maw, a cruel God of Hunger, and their funerary practices involve cannibalism. Some, particularly those that labour and fight under the banner of the Empire, worship more familiar gods of food, drink, harvest, and plenty. The Book of Doorways records both Ogres being buried like men by Morrite priests, and being left for the scavengers without condemning or condoning either.
There is but a single paragraph about Halflings:
The so-called Halflings that live within Sigmar's Empire are not known to build temples, though many offer worship of the gods of that region. Nevertheless, it is uncommon to see them buried within Gardens of Morr, and it is little known what religious rites they perform for their dead.
Interesting… You possess some insight that this book lacks. Halflings not only worship the gods of the Empire, but gods of their own. To your knowledge, they do not have a God of the Dead, but death and funerals were a matter for Quinsberry, their God of Ancestry and Tradition. Brother Landrich had told you as much.
Once more you find yourself more knowledgeable, but not on the matter you'd hoped – while the influence of Morr may range beyond humans, there is nothing about Him granting wisdom to restless spirits.
======================
You're checking your ectoplasm traps when you notice a ghostly presence gliding besides you. You don't even need to look to know who it is – the Grey Lady.
"Zagreus," she says softly.
"My Lady," you respond.
"Why do you collect our spectral leavings?" she asks.
"It resonates with my magic, and it seems to be a decent offering to Morr," you say, "Does it bother you, my lady?"
It occurs to you not that the ghost might be uncomfortable with your odd harvest. You certainly would be bothered if somebody was collecting your hair and nail clippings for their own ends – there is a reason you cast them into the fire.
"No, it is just odd. Blood, hair, and tears – these things carry power, but the essence of ghosts… Many have tried but…" she says, trailing off, "Nevermind. Do you have enough?"
You blink.
"Well, collecting it is slow," you say, explaining how you need pristine ectoplasm that has not been touched by light.
"How did you hurt the Bloody Baron?" she asks, seemingly changing the subject.
"A spell that permits mundane weapons to strike the ethereal, my lady," you say, tilting your head. Where is she going with this?
"Cast it on your Potions knife, please," she says, her voice authoritative.
You hesitate, before retrieving your knife from its scabbard. Whispering a quick incantation, you channel Shyish over the silver blade.
The Grey Lady looks at the knife with determination. Suddenly, she swings a hand through the blade. You feel resistance as the blade slices through her ethereal pinky finger, just above the base. The severed finger flies away in an arc, fading into nonexistence as the Grey Lady hisses in pain, ectoplasm dribbling from the severed finger. You take a step back, gasping in shock.
"What…" you say, as the Grey Lady pushes her injured hand through the trap. With your windsight, you can sense ectoplasm dripping into the container – and her finger growing back. With a frown, she withdraws her hand from the trap, spreading five intact fingers in front of her face.
"It's a shame that wasn't permanent, or I would have sheathed it in my heart. Is that sufficient for your purposes?" she asks.
Still silent, you examine the trap under your windsight and swirl it in your hands. That was certainly a quicker way to obtain ectoplasm.
"It should be enough…" you say, hesitantly.
"Consider it a gift, Ravenclaw to Ravenclaw," she says. You quietly thank her.
Several moments pass as you try to process what you have just witnessed.
"Have you dreamt of the Diadem?" she asks, hesitantly.
"No, my lady," you answer.
The Grey Lady sighs.
"What does that mean, then? Is it my responsibility alone to seek it? How can I, as a ghost? Will it help me move on?"
You consider your words carefully.
"The priesthood of Morr can help restless spirits resolve unfinished business. They can also help others to find Morr's wisdom in their dreams, my lady," you say.
Not usually at the same time.
The Grey Lady goes very still.
"I trusted somebody about the Diadem once. It was a grave error," she says.
You know not what to say, and eventually she takes her leave. What in Morr's name were you going to do?
Vote - Actions:
While you will devote time to all of the following, what will be your greatest priority?
[ ] Your schoolwork – so as to better understand the local magic
[ ] Classical – for Death's Release and other books
[ ] Ecto-Ink – for better access to Shyish
[ ] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
[ ] Write In – _________
Before Harry can knock, a bang erupts from the other side of the door -- followed by scraping sounds and incantations. As Harry creeps forward, the light beneath the door flashes bright green before returning to normal. He listens quietly, trying to make out the sounds within, but hears only a faint buzzing.
Curious, he peers through the keyhole, quickly spotting Professor Snape learning towards his fireplace, the firelight adding colour to his sallow skin.
Harry tries to shift his gaze to get a better view, gasping as he spots a shape, no, a face, in the flames. It is withered but solid, like a death mask cast in copper. It's clear that the two figures are in conversation. Try as he might, he cannot make out any of their words – intense buzzing muffles them, only getting worse as he presses his ear against the wooden door. At best he can tell apart the two voices – Snape's smooth and cold tone which fills him with dread, and an unfamiliar harsh and metallic tone, which reminds him of squealing brakes.
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"Do you believe this substance is not of this earth?" asks Nicholas Flamel, his face shrouded in flame.
"Albus Dumbledore certainly believes so," says Professor Snape, dismissively.
"That does not answer my question. Do you?" asks Flamel.
"Does it matter?" retorts Professor Snape.
Nicholas Flamel shakes his head.
"Of course it does. You would not substitute meteoric iron with bog iron in a Fesanguis Potion, would you?"
Professor Snape remains silent.
"What have you learned of it?" asks Flamel.
"It carries great magical potential and is extremely mutable. It invigorates and corrupts insects, vermin, and plants in equal measure," says Snape, a hint of interest evident in his voice. Experimentation was part and parcel of being a Potions Master, and to examine a novel substance with so much potential was a rare treat.
"Have you tested its effects on potions yet?" asks Flamel.
Snape recoils at that.
"Only a complete lunatic would brew with such a substance without a better understanding of its properties," he hisses, affronted.
Nicholas Flamel looks at him, his stiff face betraying no hint of emotion.
"Bien," he says, breaking the silence, "Most experts in the Dark Arts would not have your… restraint."
Snape scowls at the implication.
"No disrespect intended to your profession," continues Flamel, before Snape can respond, "but I believe an alchemical examination would bear more fruit. Certain properties of the stone remind me of failed efforts towards my own magnum opus."
"I don't suppose you could elaborate?" says Professor Snape, "Potioneering and Alchemy have always gone hand in hand."
"No," says Flamel.
Professor Snape scowls.
"Albus Dumbledore assured me that you would help us with our research."
"And I shall. I shall communicate by findings and speculations to him directly, alchemist to alchemist. " says Nicholas Flamel, "Some insight I do not care to share with a former Death Eater."
"Professor Dumbledore trusts me," says Snape, coldly, "and I have invested considerable time and effort in keeping your precious magnum opus safe."
"Have you now?" responds Flamel, "Then perhaps he shall share what I tell him. That is his prerogative. This is mine."
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"I know what I saw!" hisses Harry, huddling with Ron and Dean in their Dormitory, "He spoke to a head in his fireplace. I couldn't hear their words, it was drowned out by this stupid buzzing!"
"That sounds like a firecall, Harry," says Ron, "Dad does it with some of his Ministry colleagues. Snape must have used a spell so he wasn't overheard."
"What's a firecall?" asks Dean.
Ron excitedly explains the nature of the Floo Network and fire calls – there is some thrill in being the knowledgeable one.
"Who was he talking to? And why was he trying to keep it hidden?" asks Harry.
"What did the bloke look like?" asks Dean.
"Barely alive, like a dried out mummy," says Harry. Suddenly the colour drains from his face, "What if it was Voldemort?"
Ron flinches.
"Harry, it can't be. You-Know-Who is dead. You defeated him," he says.
Harry hops to his feet.
"I don't remember what happened. I was a baby…" he says, pacing, "I've been reading the old Prophet articles. They never found a body…"
Harry stops, remembering Hagrid's solemn words the day he'd found out he was a wizard;
Some say he died. Codswallop, in my opinion. Dunno if he had enough human left in him to die.
=========================
You do not see the Grey Lady for a week after your conversation. Her absence is noted by other students, and attributed to her annoyance at a particularly persistent group of Diadem seekers.
If you understood her words correctly, she had started to dream. Was that Morr's influence? You'd spoken to other ghosts. They do have periods where they are less alert – addled by a wandering mind, an odd trance, or a feeling of intense melancholy – but none of them truly sleep. The Grey Lady said she had dreams, not just visions or hallucinations.
If Morr granted a ghost a dream, did that mean you were correct in considering them more than mere undead? Surely vampires, liches, and wraiths did not receive Morr's wisdom in their slumber?
Eventually, you reach a point where you go no further by thought alone. You work on your studies, talk with your fellow students, continue your Classical lessons, tend to your ectoplasm traps, and read more of The Book of Doorways.
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The Book of Doorways says there are many gods, but only one God of the Dead. Yet humans are not the only creatures that die. What did the book say about the rest?
Beasts are ultimately of little interest to the Cult of Morr, save for ravens. It is not unheard of for a beloved pet or a trusty steed to be buried with its owner, but this is ultimately done for the departed, not the beast.
The Elvish Pantheon has a figure equivalent to Morr – Morai-Heg, the Keeper of Souls. Like Morr, she is associated with ravens and prophecy. Unlike Morr, She is often depicted as a capricious schemer. Her worship amongst elves is seemingly universal, yet she seems to tolerate a wide variety of funeral rites – there are reports of Elves being buried, sealed in ornate crypts, left to wild beasts, being cremated, or being cast into the sea.
So are Morai-Heg and Morr the same entity? It would not be unthinkable. Scholars have often noted the similarities between the Elven God of the Sea, Mathlaan and His human equivalent Manann and many consider Them to be the same being. Perhaps it is so with Morai-Heg and Morr, with different strictures for different races. Perhaps They are aspects of the same being. It is a mystery, and it seems it shall remain so.
In some ways, for Dwarfs this matter is refreshingly straightforward. Gazul is an Ancestor God of the Underearth and protector of the dead. While not known to be linked to dreams or prophecy, His scriptures on funerals and the dead are nearly identical to those of Morr. The Book of Doorways acknowledges many disciples of Gazul for their deeds, protecting tombs and hunting necromancer and other defilers of the dead. This respect extends both ways.
However, there is a theological snag. The dwarfs are adamant that Gazul was once a mortal dwarf, and react with great offence at the idea he is an aspect, incarnation, or servant of some foreign god. Even the idea that Gazul received any sort of wisdom from Morr is received with great hostility.
Greenskins are an enigma. By all accounts they worship gods unrelated to those of men, dwarves, elves, or the Ruinous Powers and do not have any funerary traditions. It is unclear if they truly have souls – but regardless it is prohibited to bury them within Morr's Gardens and considered unwise to bury them at all.
What of Beastmen? Priests of Morr do not go around burying cloven ones slain by men or their own kind. On the other hand denying burial to a six-fingered mutant merely feeds dark powers. It is known that men may be corrupted into beastmen or worse. Where, between an unfortunate mutant and a vile beastman does a soul exist, worthy of being guarded? There is much ambiguity – while the book presents advice, little is set in stone.
Almost all Ogres worship their own god, The Great Maw, a cruel God of Hunger, and their funerary practices involve cannibalism. Some, particularly those that labour and fight under the banner of the Empire, worship more familiar gods of food, drink, harvest, and plenty. The Book of Doorways records both Ogres being buried like men by Morrite priests, and being left for the scavengers without condemning or condoning either.
There is but a single paragraph about Halflings:
The so-called Halflings that live within Sigmar's Empire are not known to build temples, though many offer worship of the gods of that region. Nevertheless, it is uncommon to see them buried within Gardens of Morr, and it is little known what religious rites they perform for their dead.
Interesting… You possess some insight that this book lacks. Halflings not only worship the gods of the Empire, but gods of their own. To your knowledge, they do not have a God of the Dead, but death and funerals were a matter for Quinsberry, their God of Ancestry and Tradition. Brother Landrich had told you as much.
Once more you find yourself more knowledgeable, but not on the matter you'd hoped – while the influence of Morr may range beyond humans, there is nothing about Him granting wisdom to restless spirits.
======================
You're checking your ectoplasm traps when you notice a ghostly presence gliding besides you. You don't even need to look to know who it is – the Grey Lady.
"Zagreus," she says softly.
"My Lady," you respond.
"Why do you collect our spectral leavings?" she asks.
"It resonates with my magic, and it seems to be a decent offering to Morr," you say, "Does it bother you, my lady?"
It occurs to you not that the ghost might be uncomfortable with your odd harvest. You certainly would be bothered if somebody was collecting your hair and nail clippings for their own ends – there is a reason you cast them into the fire.
"No, it is just odd. Blood, hair, and tears – these things carry power, but the essence of ghosts… Many have tried but…" she says, trailing off, "Nevermind. Do you have enough?"
You blink.
"Well, collecting it is slow," you say, explaining how you need pristine ectoplasm that has not been touched by light.
"How did you hurt the Bloody Baron?" she asks, seemingly changing the subject.
"A spell that permits mundane weapons to strike the ethereal, my lady," you say, tilting your head. Where is she going with this?
"Cast it on your Potions knife, please," she says, her voice authoritative.
You hesitate, before retrieving your knife from its scabbard. Whispering a quick incantation, you channel Shyish over the silver blade.
The Grey Lady looks at the knife with determination. Suddenly, she swings a hand through the blade. You feel resistance as the blade slices through her ethereal pinky finger, just above the base. The severed finger flies away in an arc, fading into nonexistence as the Grey Lady hisses in pain, ectoplasm dribbling from the severed finger. You take a step back, gasping in shock.
"What…" you say, as the Grey Lady pushes her injured hand through the trap. With your windsight, you can sense ectoplasm dripping into the container – and her finger growing back. With a frown, she withdraws her hand from the trap, spreading five intact fingers in front of her face.
"It's a shame that wasn't permanent, or I would have sheathed it in my heart. Is that sufficient for your purposes?" she asks.
Still silent, you examine the trap under your windsight and swirl it in your hands. That was certainly a quicker way to obtain ectoplasm.
"It should be enough…" you say, hesitantly.
"Consider it a gift, Ravenclaw to Ravenclaw," she says. You quietly thank her.
Several moments pass as you try to process what you have just witnessed.
"Have you dreamt of the Diadem?" she asks, hesitantly.
"No, my lady," you answer.
The Grey Lady sighs.
"What does that mean, then? Is it my responsibility alone to seek it? How can I, as a ghost? Will it help me move on?"
You consider your words carefully.
"The priesthood of Morr can help restless spirits resolve unfinished business. They can also help others to find Morr's wisdom in their dreams, my lady," you say.
Not usually at the same time.
The Grey Lady goes very still.
"I trusted somebody about the Diadem once. It was a grave error," she says.
You know not what to say, and eventually she takes her leave. What in Morr's name were you going to do?
Harry Roll: 1d100 + ????
Result: 56 + ????
Result: 56 + ????
Vote - Actions:
While you will devote time to all of the following, what will be your greatest priority?
[ ] Your schoolwork – so as to better understand the local magic
[ ] Classical – for Death's Release and other books
[ ] Ecto-Ink – for better access to Shyish
[ ] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
[ ] Write In – _________
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Spector29
It Only Gets Worse From Here
[x] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
This is my instinct. Getting more spells and more Shyish is useful, but I would prefer we have a target to aim at rather than a vague mystery. If the answer is, "You need to break a big curse" that's something we can work towards, but only if we know what it is in character.
This is my instinct. Getting more spells and more Shyish is useful, but I would prefer we have a target to aim at rather than a vague mystery. If the answer is, "You need to break a big curse" that's something we can work towards, but only if we know what it is in character.
[x] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
We are a priest of Morr, anointed directly by him and the only one in this world. This is something that (probably) only we can do.
We are a priest of Morr, anointed directly by him and the only one in this world. This is something that (probably) only we can do.
King Washington
Semi-Depressed Lurker
- Location
- Indiana
[x] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
[X] Ecto-Ink – for better access to Shyish
- Location
- Pittsburgh PA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[x] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.
[X] Grey Lady – Morr is clearly behind her dreams. It is your duty to give advice.