[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric smirked at the lot of men he found himself surrounded by. I thought this was supposed to be a big deal? He lamented to himself as he kicked his feet on the table. Earlier in the Marketplace, some scrawny rag doll of a man chittered about from the dungeons about a stranger from a strange land. Caedric had heard him for hours, repeating the same thing over and over, sniveling and asking for release. His skin was badly burned and blistered, yet Caedric had shown him no mercy. He swept from his place on the rooftop, quick and lanky arm reaching through the small rectangle window, until he grasped and felt a greasy mop of hair. 

He yanked the man's hair until he got every detail, before releasing him back to his frantic mutterings. Caedric wiped his hand, covered with sweat and blood on his hip, before spitting on the ground and allowing his feet to carry him to his next destination. And so, he found himself here, in Sunsalt Lake, awaiting.. what exactly? A man who was interested in domination, which intrigued him greatly. Caedric has long since lived beyond the mask of civilized culture. He took what he wanted and had the means to fight, or escape. A man needed nothing more than that, he thought. But did he really believe that? 

Caedric continued to survey his surroundings, eager to see what would unfold before him. 

[jexterarsdon]

"The plan's simple gentlemen." Har began. "How do you bring a kingdom to it's knees? You could raise an army sure, but that costs millions and usually ends with failure. You could summon a demon, but demons are unpredictable, and far more likely to kill you rather than listen to you."

Har paused, playing into the dramatic effect of the scene. He stared at each and every man, making sure to make direct eye contact with all of them.

Multiple men shifted their eyes away from him. Some inner animal inside of them terrified of what was before them.

"Gentlemen, we're going to start a civil war within the ocia mafia."

"Bullshit." A voice said, it came out suddenly and swiftly.

"Quite, all of you!" Marcellus started.

Har interrupted Marcellus. "No, no, it's okay. I fully understand the disbelief."

Marcellus quitted down, and Har continued.

"The ocia mafia is a funny thing, you see, if you wipe out the top dogs, then no one can really control the group, which always leaves to infighting."

Marcellus interrupted. "So the plan is to murder some of the most dangerous and renowned criminals in this country? And you've chosen us to do this?"

"Correct, you've caught on quickly."

"And how do we know that this is possible?"

"Simple, we just need to cause a little problem for the mafia. There's a mine near here where the mafia takes a cut of gold from, if we were to say...ambush the supply, we'd cause enough monetary harm to force some heads to poke out."

"Wouldn't that cause people to come after us?"

"Obviously, that's why I'm hiring proud gangsters and not good friends of peace and love."

"This sounds risky."

"Everything's risky, you want to make it in the world you gotta gamble."

"What's the pay?"

"Five hundred thousand, spilt amongst all those who survive."

There were audible gasps in the room, and Marcellus spoke up again.

"I said quiet down."

Har stared directly at Marcellus. "You know, youre being far more annoying than them."

Marcellus slumped back, and began to look more annoyed than afraid at Har. Har paid no attention to him as he rambled further.

"I know of you are very desperate for money, and all you really have are hands made for fighting and brains made for killing. You help me take out the next shipment of gold, and I'll make you poor only in women and land."

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric's eyebrow perked up while the man spoke, his voice raspy and otherwordly. He could at least respects the strangers bravado - his dramatic pauses in hope to get a rise of the mens hearts. He saw as some of the men nodded to themselves, or their neighbors, believing what he said and the way in which he spoke it. Some had widened eyes, others aloof, just like him. The strangers eyes met Caedric's with quiet indifference.

He wasn't buying it yet. Caedric was sure that someone would've wanted to start something like this before. Plenty of people attempt to rise and are thwarted in the infancy of their rule. However, he intended to stay and learn about this plan. His heart soared at the thought of disarray befalling the city of Ocia, citizens scattered and afraid. He would steal a horse and if he could, a wagon. He'd make off with as much stuff as he could pack, and sell it off on the outskirts of town and small villages, where he was sure refugees would be about. He'd be a wealthy man. 

Caedric didn't intend to serve the stranger, not unless he presented reason enough, but he wouldn't interfere with his plans if it could benefit his pockets. He sat upright now, nibbling on a piece of dried meat as his eyes flicked back and forth between the stranger, and the large man whose voice boomed and echoed through the walls. 

[jexterarsdon]

"So, who's in?" Har asked.

Jexter and Nercy looked at each other in shock, then both turned back towards the stranger and raised their hands.

Har smirked. "The two young ones in the corner. Both desperate for money I presume."

Jexter and Nercy smiled uncomfortably, and Marcellus spoke up yet again.

"They're quite young for a job like this. I'm not sure they're up for this."

Har pretended to listen. "If they die, they die. I'm not exactly hiring the best, just...the bravest."

Jarloss spoke up. "I'm in, Marcellus can vouch for me."

Rexodore joined in. "What exactly happens after the mafia falls into infighting?"

"Well, I use the chaos to start up my other projects. First comes the banking, afterwards the armory, and then the fireworks." Har stated, making sure not to reveal too much.

Marcellus spoke again. "So, you're using us in order to gain more power?"

"Yes."

"So we have to trust someone who can easily turn on us without feeling any guilt."

"They trust you well enough."

Marcellus frowned. "I'm a respectful type of criminal, I don't fill graveyards in order to fulfill dreams."

"Really? There's quite a lot of graves in town with your logo on it for someone who's respectful."

Marcellus grew quiet, and began looking at Har with murderous intent.

"There's only...ten, eleven people here, maybe twelve. That would be, half of what Marcellus has killed in his...seven years of terror?"

The room began to darken, and any light seemed to get dimmer and dimmer.

"Marcellus is right, funnily enough. I could turn on you all and leave behind only a few corpses for the locals to find. I could burn this town to the ground and leave only ruins left standing for thousands of years. So why don't I? It's simple, I don't gain anything from doing so. What? Burn down a town just to prove that I'm dangerous, leave hundreds dead just so I can try and make people afraid of me? People are already afraid of me. Going around and angering them won't do anything other than rile up revolutionaries and rioters.

Marcellus on the other hand, he's been going around and angering people. Anyone insults him and he gives them a quick trip to the noose. He's exactly the type of person who would kill off twelve people just to save money or keep things quiet. I am many things, but a lying, cheating, bastard, I am not."

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric remained tight-lipped as the man asked the room to join him. He would not be so quick to throw away his life as others might, not without good enough reason. He may not have a bountiful estate, full of women and horses, but he had a small room in Ocia, with only a few prized possessions. They could fit on his person, so he wasn't terribly attached to the room, and he knew his skills well enough to pay for other lodging. He smirked at the two little birds in the corner who raised their hands sheepishly. Caedric hadn't considered they may actually be brave to volunteer, despite their fear.

His eyes twinkled as the two men began to argue amongst each other, throwing jabs at the others honor. He wondered if he'd see a brawl tonight. Caedric felt a devilish grin itch at his lips, eager to see fists fly. Perhaps a show of great strength could convince Caedric to put his selfish part aside? Unlikely, but possible. Caedric heard the man describe himself as a leader who didn't rule under fear, and he disagreed. "I think you'd come to find, the only way men follow anyone in this land, is because of fear." He heard himself say, "if they do not fear you, they will bear you no loyalty." Without loyal men, one coud have no power. One could not offer followers protection. Caedric had not heard of this man nor his great deeds.

He knew this to be true in his heart. If there was no man so fearsome and awe-inspiring that it could force even him to wither under his will, Caedric would be free to do as he pleased until the end of his days. What could thousands of coins garner him, that the thrill could not? What would the ruin of the city bring to his doors, if not the loss of his space and his ability to play the games he loved so much. Caedric had been in charge of his own life for all these years, and he would loathe to spend the rest of it making powerful enemies.

[jexterarsdon]

"Loyalty is a funny thing. Fear happens to only be a way to gain it." Har began, "I've seen it used to control people, drive then into separate kingdoms and separate armies. I've watched as fear drove men to create the bigger and nastier weapons. Judgement day came to those men, and fear was they last thing they felt before they died.

I'm trying to prevent that, destroy fear before it radicalizes the youth. Before it builds more walls, before it tears down another land. Oh, but no one will listen you say? That's why you light a city on fire, show them what happens when we fear, then give them an option to escape before those flames consume them."

Har paused, and allowed the crowd to comment on his ideas.

Marcellus spoke up. "Enough of this, you insulted me in my house, I want my money and I want you to get out!"

Har turned and looked at Marcellus with want can only be described as pure anger. The shadows grew stronger, and men around the room began to sweat heavily.

"You wanna see a magic trick?" Har asked Marcellus.

"Magic is impossible for those without jewels." Marcellus stated, as he stood up from his seat.

"Only in Aeron Marcellus...only in Aëron."

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric listened to the mans response, with a smirk on his face. "Do you intend to be the one that saves them, or shall you leave them to ash?" He questioned, ready to decide how he felt about this stranger based on his reply. What was he really planning, that he should start with burning the largest city in Quenyi? If he was successful, where would Caedric go? He fell into a brooding mood then, as the possibilities of his future cascaded before his eyes. If Caedric desired to thwart his plans, would he even have the means to stop him? He flexed his hands, his brow furrowed in thought. 

It wasn't until the pressure in the room changed that he was plucked from his introspection. His gaze flickered to the man, warbled with anger and shadow. Magic? What did these men know of magic? It existed, and only those lucky enough to be in power long ago had access to it. Caedric had wondered about traveling into the Allways, and what treasures it may harbor on the other side of its opalescent waves. A man like him probably wouldn't be permitted. He had given up the possibility of having magic course through his veins, of it granting him advantage. However, if this hooded stranger had it  at his disposal, that could change the tides of everything. 

Caedric was fully alert now, hair on end with one hand placed on his chair, the other on the hilt of his dagger. He wasn't sure what was about to happen, but he would defend himself and if he was attacked. He took a deep inhale to steady himself. 

[jexterarsdon]

Marcellus began to sweat profusely as Har walked straight towards him. Har seemed to be smirking violently, and a sort of form began to appear within the roots of his mouth.

"Aëron isn't the only place with magic. In fact, there was world once, a wise and beautiful where everyone had the opportunity to use it.

This world came at a cost however, for it destroyed the bodies of those who used it. Their skin would slowly decay, their hair dissolved, their mouths began to form, tumors would grow on their bodies, and eventually they were nothing more than a lump of glowing mushrooms and darken bones.

This world eventually destroyed itself, not by the magic, but by the failures of leadership and the fear of others.

Why, this very magic was used to destroy the world. You see, Sunstone is just a word for what the magic can cause. If set up just right, you could bring the sun to the stone.

Ah, but why explain that world when I could just show you what that world once had."

The form began to drip out of Har's mouth. It was spongy, almost as taken from a coral reef. Marcellus could feel a wave of heat reach his body, and a primal sense inside of him began to cry out for anyone to rescue him.

"I damned my body to this artform. I have no tumors, but I also carry no more organs. I had them removed after judgement day after all. Now I'm stich together only by strings and broken wishes.

I wish I could use it all the time, but the seizures I get from my overindulges would quickly cause my death.

Alas, I can only use it on a few unlucky bastards."

Marcellus Ponce Vikram found himself unable to speak, not from a lack of vocals, but from a lack of bravery.

Har reached into his pocket, and pulled out an apple.

"The rest of you apparently need fear in order to listen to me. It's a shame really, we could've had something so much more rewarding."

Har applied pressure to the apple. It was a normal apple, nothing more than homegrown. But, it did the most unexplainable thing imaginable.

A cracking sound was heard, not from the apple, but rather from the skull of Marcellus.

Marcellus screamed in pain, and began clutching his head.

"Something feels off Marcellus? Need to lighten the load a little?"

As Har asked these questions, the form stopped drooling from his mouth. There was a spongy mess on the floor, one that slightly glowed.

Har began to squeeze the apple a little bit more.

Everyone else in the room was in complete silence. No one dared to make a sound.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the real world." Har said, sounding both threatening and congratulatory.

Har slammed his fist shut, and juice from the apple flew in all directions.

To described what happened to Marcellus would be unnecessary. Indeed, the ruler of Xuat became the brain food of Xuat.

Har released the apple, and turned to face the witnesses of the display.

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric's gaze flicked back and forth between the two men. One, who was as large as a small Vedenyan, and the other, lanky and pale skinned. An untrained eye might think the larger man the winner. This was not one of those times. His breathing shortened as the stranger told them about the times in the Great War, when the over use of magic began to turn the living into zombies. He was glad he wasn't alive to see it. He could scarcely look at his fellow thieves, let alone one with fungus growing from their ears. He harbored a.. Sunstone? Caedric had never heard of such things. The only magic jewels, or stones, or amulets were those brought from the Allways, or held by one of the royals... right? 

That's when he saw it. The mouth of the man began to change shape, stretching skin so taunt he feared it would rip from the mans skull. Could Caedric even call him a man? There was nothing human about this... creature. Ceadric couldn't breathe. What he saw before his eyes was something that his mind could never imagine, and a primal fear sent shivers down his spine, causing his grasp to weaken on his blade. He began to sweat, beads forming on his brow and cascading down his jawline with an agonizingly slow pace. He heard nothing but the thrum of his heart beat in his ears, bump bump bump bump. His very human senses urging him to run away as fast as he could. Great men always speak on times like these, how they might act. Caedric once believed himself brave without inhibition, raw and strong. He was nothing compared to this. Whatever this was, held the potential to destroy Quenyi, no.. the entire realm as he knew it. He could see the future clearly, and it was enough to bring him to his knees. 

What he heard and saw next would disturb him until the end of his mortal days. A squelch of flesh, wet and sticky. Deep red was painted on the walls around him, decorated with bits of brain matter. Marcellus's eyeball tendon caught on the back of the chair next to Caedric, swinging as the muscles twitched, before shuddering and coming to a standstill. Caedric still hadn't released his breath, his body wracked with panic. He had seen men stabbed, burned, and cast into the depths of the ocean. Those seemed "normal" to him. This was something else entirely. Caedric had spent his entire life feeling like a lion amongst gazelle. Is this what prey felt like? 

Caedric looked at his peers, who all wore stunned faces just like him. This possessed creature was proud of his deed - facing the room with his arms outstretched like a savior, eyes scanning the small crowd to wait for their response. Caedric shook still, every muscle in his body amped to 100% and prepared to run for his life. But he knew,even if he ran, nothing could ever be the same. He dropped his weapon, hands shaking and sweating. The clattering of it on the cemented floor was suddenly very loud, and his ears rang. "You have my fear, Dark Lord.." was the only thing Caedric could mutter. 

[jexterarsdon]

Har shook his head. Most of the men here would only do the job now because they were afraid of him.

Har didn't regret killing Marcellus. He hated the man from the moment he learned of him. Marcellus represented the type of violence Har wanted to end.

Har stared at the rest of the room, the darkness fading away. Har walked back and forth, allowing others the opportunity to speak.

Har seemed...regretful in a way. Not in a sense of remorse of the action but rather in a remorse of the timing of the action.

The former members of Marcellus crew began to whisper amongst each other.

"Do you think he'd do that to us?" Fert asked Raccis.

"I don't know. But I get the feeling that he doesn't do it very often."

Uzojjo spoke up. "It's probably best to not risk angering anyhow."

Dazzewekk, Jarloss, and Zivexau all huddled together, seemingly daring enough to not keep a watchful eye on Har.

"I'm still taking the job." Jarloss said.

"Are you crazy? Marcellus's head is on the floor and that guy foams like a rabid dog, I wouldn't go near him." Zivexau suggested.

"Don't try and act like Marcellus wasn't going to die anyway. The bitch pissed off those Goldberry bandits. He's been dead meat for months."

"Jarloss, do you trust him?" Dazzewekk asked.

"Trust...no. But honestly, I don't care. That money will give me the chance I needed."

"I'll join you then. You'll need someone to watch you're back."

"You two are idiots, I'm getting as far away from him as I can."

"With what money Zivexau? We're all broke as hell." Jarloss pointed out.

Broost joined in on the conversation. "None of you really have a choice, let's be real here. With Marcellus dead this town will fall apart in a matter of days."

"Shit." Dazzewekk said. "Couldn't you take over?"

"My repertoire isn't nearly strong enough for that. You three listen, well do the job, then we all disappear from town."

Har picked up on this conversation, and decided to join in.

"You know, I'd offer free transportation out of town once the job is done. If you really need to get out, I won't try and stop you."

"So, if we do help you, you'll allow us to walk away no questions asked?" Rexodore questioned.

"I just want the job done, I'm not expecting you all to be long term."

Uzojjo sighed, and then turned towards Raccis.
"Guess we're all in this together."

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric wasn't sure what to do next. He felt sickened by the sight of the glop on the floor, that bubbled and glowed with what he thought was a radioactive luminescence. His face was still paled, and bile threatened to force its way from between his parted and trembling lips. The stranger seemed.. disappointed in killing. Like he wanted to save his power for later. If a man half the size of a Daínish bear could be brought to ruin with nothing more than the movement of fingers, what chance did any of them have? He swallowed, setting himself back into his chair, weapon across his lap. The people began to talk amongst themselves, deciding what their paths should be. 

Caedric decided he would help this man bring flame and ruin to Ocia, he would come up with a plan to secure his own safety, but he wasn't sure what he would do after the fact. He didn't believe this mans word that he would let his lackeys run free afterwards.It was NEVER just one job. If life on the streets taught him anything, it was that you always had a backup plan, and never trusted word from a man with power. Well, this stranger wasn't a man - but rather a defiled creature that inhabited a body that looked just like Caedric. He felt panic churn through his stomach at the thought there could be more of them, hiding in plain sight. And no one - except those in this very room at this moment - had any idea. Should he decide to kill all of them men gathered here, word would never reach distant shores warning them of what dangers would come. 

"I shall go as well," He interjected, nodding his head solemny. 

[jexterarsdon]

Jexter and Nercy noticed that they were going to do this job with the gangsters they had come to known.

"Guess it'll be just like the other jobs, except without Marcellus breathing down our shoulders." Nercy commented.

"Wait, is Roender and Smroog coming along as well?" Jexter asked.

Har shushed everyone and said his final words.
"Gentlemen, we will meet here on the stroke of the afternoon tomorrow, come prepared with weapons. Preferably quiet ones like swords, dartbows, and throwing knifes. I will hesitate to leave you behind if I don't see you running towards here. Now, I'll only warn you once, anyone rats about this, I'll be force to kill you. This stays quiet, I'm not risking people's lives because someone else screws up."

Har turned towards the door, and stopped right as he was about to exit the building.

"Oh, and avoid the mess. I wouldn't want you to get sick from Marcellus."

Har exited and faded into the night. His cloak fading away as he seemed to disappear into the moonlit night.

Tomorrow would be a very interesting day for a small group of criminals.

[Caedric Kazim]

Caedric finally felt his heartbeat calm, though beads of sweat still rolled down his forehead in apprehension. He cast a side eyed glance to the other men, who all seemed to know each other by the way they spoke and lingered about. He wondered if any of them would survive. He hoped not. The more cannon fodder this demonic stranger had, the more chance Caedric had to see another sunrise. He let out a deep sigh in an attempt to unravel the tightness of his chest, but to no avail.

His eyes followed the stranger as he commanded them to return the next day. Tomorrow, then. Caedric thought to himself, wiping his sleeve across face before grasping the hilt of his sword again, hands steady. He smirked as he was told to bring quiet weapons, eyes scanning his slim blade which was notched at the tip, creating a serrated edge that could cut straight to the bone. Those who felt its bite were rarely quiet. Once he had disappeared, Caedric felt the great pressure release from his body. He hadn't noticed how stiff and rigid his muscles had become, and they started to ache.

He decided he would sneak around the village, looting supplies or food he found in the dead of night. That might help him feel more normal, before he would have to return. He would sleep in an empty wagon, nestled in between hay that made him itch, but kept his body warm. Caedric would sleep with his hand at the hilt of his weapon, readied to attack if need be. Tomorrow, then. He thought again, as he drifted into sleep, dreaming of flames.