Conversation With Cho

This conversation was bound to eventually happen.

It's no secret that she's done something in order to preserve herself like this, and after Arthur has reached such heights in Necromancy, there's only one answer in his mind that he can have - Lichdom. It's obvious that he desired such immortality, in fact, the perfect form of it, but rushing such things could lead to very dangerous consequences.

"I believe I'm advanced enough in Necromancy to step even further, and at last become a Lich."

"I'm not eternal. I'm aging away, and I've been Adjudicator for over twenty years by now. At most, I could give it another ten years before I would like to step down and let someone younger take the reigns, while acting as advisor."

"And I think you already know what I'm about to ask you."

Of course, he mentioned it just now. There's only a brief pause, before a full question comes out of his lips.

"What is the process of becoming a Lich? Have you personally uncovered true immortality?"
(Arthur Rowan)

"I don't believe that anyone could possibly be ready for lichdom." Her words are soft, gentle- akin to the smile that steadily forms upon her features. "I don't believe that anyone truly knows when they're 'ready'...And that when you do, I imagine that it'd be sort of like this feeling. Of unravelling yourself from the inside out- and needing to 'shed' your skin as if you were some snake. Or moth." She shrugs her shoulders in idle thought- her jade hues flickering in idle thought. "Every necromancer within the past have achieved Lichdom within their own way. Some have allowed the power to overcome them- so much so, that their body naturally becomes that way. Others go through the natural use of a phylactery. And some...Simply change their entire makeup."

 She finds that it's rather interesting. How her first student was capable of doing all that he had wished through machinations. It was the complete opposite of her own idea...However. "I've dallied in souls before, Arthur- but mmhh...I'd almost say that this is something that you should come into on your own." It'd almost feel like cheating to unravel the grand secret. However, she does assist him...Since he asked.

 "Becoming a Lich is no easy feat. And to be quite honest, you could possibly die within the process. If you want the normal process- it is transferring your soul into a gem...And being capable of puppeteering your own body. And for that...You need the right kind of materials, the right ritual and the right sacrifices." In her case, it was all so different. All so strange. However..

Have you personally uncovered true immortality?" It causes her gaze to flutter...Her lips pressing together in idle thought before she shrugs. "I suppose so. I guess you could blame me as the reason as to why Tragedy was capable of even coming back as an Archon...Despite it being 'impossible' for another." It was the ring that had powered her. But now, without that ring...Cho believes that Tragedy's life is extremely finite. And for that, she is cautious. Terribly, terribly so.

 "So, yes. If you prepare everything that you need, then perhaps, I might be able to help you in the near future. But again-...I feel as if this is something that every necromancer must come into on their own. It is almost like- mmhh...An important milestone. And I'd hate to waterdown your success with my presence, Sir Rowan."
(Cho Grauhimmel)

It almost feels like his own response to those that wished to learn Chaos.

And to his own prediction, most were not ready to this- for a moment, his brow rises, almost doubting Cho for her words; he weighs both options together, thinking as if she could even had any reason to cheat him out of the knowledge, but even then, he isn't sure.

Does she really have any reason at all?

Probably not. At least, he could not think of any legitimate, fool proof motive as to why she would do that, other than being terribly petty to not let someone else rise to power. But after they've been allies for so long, that's very unlikely, isn't it?

"Mm..."

"So I'd need a phylactery, in any case. Considering that material must be fitting, I'd imagine that the metals involved must be Arcanium, nothing less- as for the gems... I suppose eitherSpire Shard or something alike could do the job."

"Though, there might be other types of rare gems to fit the bill, I believe. Still--"

There were obviously other things he'd imagined he could do in order to achieve Lichdom, but it all feels like stepping into dark, blind zone. One wrong step, and he could fall. To avoid that, he asks more.

"Is there really nothing you could enlighten me about?"

"Such as what could kill me, for instance? Other than soul failing to reach its destination, of course."
(Arthur Rowan)

To be quite honest, she's petty enough to mislead him. And petty enough to be the only one that could possibly arise to that power. So in all truths, it's up to the Rowan to discern whether what she's saying is true or false. But for the most part...She seems rather complacent with his questions- often skirting around what might be false or true by comparing situations. Or maybe, it's simply how she speaks. Nevertheless, the ears atop of her head would flatten briefly...A sway of the tail marks a gentle emotion. "Arcanium, Spire shards, metals that embolden the spirit and soul, Sir Rowan. Have you heard of soul steel?...It'd do you a long way." She murmurs, nodding once, twice.

 "These, including the element of your choosing would be rather helpful in your pursuit. However..." She says, her gaze beginning to trail off. "There are lot of dangers- some of them are akin to what comes with Soul Transference. Others are the worst fate that any magi like you and I could ever have in existence." She pauses briefly...

 "Do you wish to know what could kill you?" she questions, quirking an eyebrow. "Ultimately, it is you. Your weakness. Your inability to push through. Perhaps, you've added too much of something- or maybe...You were simply too weak to lift your own soul. In the end...Failing to reach the destination is not the only tragedy, Sir Rowan." She says, raising her glasses.

 "It is true- Souls do often return to their shells if they fail to reach it. But in doing that ritual, you've got so much power...That it might not potentially cycle. And because of that...You could be sent wandering this world forever, incapable of communicating with others. Or. You could shatter your soul into pieces...Cease to exist in the most painful way. Or. You might become a different person entirely...Possessed by the wiles of this realm. Really- It all revolves on your own ability to prepare and be safe. And to be honest, I can't warn you about anything specific because...Soul Transference in general is a vague art. And that is why I say that everyone must work. Through trial and error to find out what works for them...After all." She says softly.

 "My way of rituals might not be the same for someone like you. I...Come from witchcraft and incantations to my god. But ah- well...Like I said, I'll be around to assist you, if it is something that you truly desire." She says, bowing her head.

 "My second question was actually...When you planned on retiring and who might you put up for Adjudicator. If it is as you say...Nearing ten years, it'd give me enough time to prepare Ludovic and have you act as his advisor. He is- mmhh -more willing."
(Cho Grauhimmel)

Oh, he's heard about Soulsteel just fine enough.

In fact, he had gone out of his way to preserve both pieces of Arcanium and Soulsteel in order to make sure that he would truly become successful in this ritual, though, it's also all about how exactly he would execute it as well. He imagines that his own ritual would be something connected to runescribing, to something akin to technology, much like his own projects with Statue and Biomancy had gone.

Structures, devices, and more.

"Mm... I doubt that I would be actually unable to lift my own soul, as I do believe I have more than enough raw strength to actually do it, but... I suppose preparations would be quite an adequate action in order to ensure success."

For a moment, he notes her ears flatten and her tail sway. If he knew anything about how animals express themselves, it made for a gesture of aggression, of evasion and unwillingness to actually confront something. Perhaps she was unwilling to unveil everything there is for Arthur?

Understandably so.

"I'll keep an eye out for such. And yes, once the time is right, and once I'm actually ready to proceed with the ritual, I imagine that I would need your assistance - all to oversee the process, if anything."

"As for Ludovic… if he will be ready sooner than ten years, then that's fine. As alternative, there's also my daughter when she's of age, but--"

"-- I do not mind thoroughly discussing who would be fitting."
(Arthur Rowan)

"There are things that everyone must do in order to ensure safety. As I've stated...Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary. Sometimes, allowing magic to fester might be enough. Or maybe, a conglomeration of them both might do the trick for you." Either way- the idle sway of her tail doesn't falter. The animalistic approach to discussing this always brings about a different emotion. One of curiosity- a wide-eyed 'innocence' that might be sprawled all across her features, despite all of the dark and twisted deeds that she had done. Regardless, she still seemed intent on helping...

 After all, what is unwillingness in a place such as this. There are some things that she enjoys seeing- and to be honest, watching another magi possibly bloom. Or fail trying brings about a strange wonder to this world for her...Because maybe he'll defeat what others might think and make it. Maybe, he'll surpass the expectations of his other peers and be more than what she could ever be. Or perhaps...He might falter. All in all, the woman nods briefly..

 "Yes- of course. If that is something that you desire then- mmmh -I'll extend the hand to you, Sir Rowan. As I've stated, there is much to be done. And much that one would need to be ready...After all, some safety nets do exist in times such as these." She adds, nodding once, twice. "But perhaps- mmh -I'll allow you to experience that sooner than later. I'm uncertain if you've lifted many souls from their bodies but imagine that as a muscle. Start practicing controlling them, moving them about...And although you may fail, go harder. After all, your own survival depends on it." She knows not of the practices that the Rowan has done. But as far as she's concerned..

 She's yet to hear him transferring one soul to another body. Not like she has done countless times. "Sooner than ten years is possible- however, mmh, if you're looking at one of your daughters, then that is fine as well. We can discuss these things at a later date. Perhaps...When we can prepare your training for soul transference. After all, I'm sure you don't know how to prepare the scene before you 'actually' do it, yes?"
(Cho Grauhimmel)

While capable of Soul Transference due to his sheer mastery of Necromancy, he was not as experienced when it comes to dabbling with souls- his approach was a lot more physical, focusing on creating the perfected Undead without any usage of Divine Magic; the proof of his success was the Statue, and even the Biomancy magic.

As much as it required Divine Magic to function, it was still capable of boosting the production.

He imagines that in cases like this he would need to practice around with the souls, preferably that of magi, to ensure that he will be capable of lifting his own. It's all about creating the perfect phylactery too, something that would be quite a personal thing. But to digress...

"I did not practice with souls much, unfortunately."

"A lot of my work was improving the physical condition of the Undead, and ensuring that they can function at their peak efficiency without intervention of Divine Magic. Though... unfortunately, my work has come to a halt lately."

"It seems that no matter how much effort I put, no matter how skilled or good I am, there's just a barrier between what I can do, as a simple human. I'll need Divine intervention to progress further. As for your advice--"

"I'll consider that advice, thank you."

He pauses, and simply nods to her response regarding his daughters. They could certainly be fitted to become Adjudicator, considering the fact that by the time Arthur steps down, Ludovic would be quite aged.

"That's all I've had. We can discuss more about the position of Adjudicator later on."

"Thank you."
(Arthur Rowan)