Stuck in the Middle With You

[Brian]

You get the idea that he doesn't really know a lot about Solariat ... though you get the image of an ancient old man in lorekeeper's robes.  You think that Eske respects Solariat, but that's all you really get.

[Dracos]

Dracos stops his probing, turning and glancing at Mattias, pondering something while waiting for the Lorekeepers answers.

~He doesn't know anything, just respects the guy as some ancient sage.~

Dracos

[Brian]

"Nothing," Radagast finally says.  "Except that it might be most merciful to kill him.  If we even can."

[Dracos]

~Bleh...I still think I should mindread him but it's dangerous right now.  He knows too much to lose.~

Dracos

[Bjorn]

What have we got to lose?

"Very well, then, Mattias," Bjorn says, turning back to the bound figure.  "I'll admit that my straightforward idea failed, and the Loremasters can't come up with any ideas.  You still don't want to talk?  After all, you've already spoken to Eske about some things, as I understand.  Nothing could inspire you to say more?"

[Dracos]

~Once now, once later while he's asleep?  He shouldn't be able to harness as much resistance then and I'd likely just be up against his wards.~

Dracos queried, looking over Mattias again with his magical sight.

Dracos

[Brian]

To Phil's eyes, Mattias has a lot of protection.  Against what, is hard to determine.  But he doesn't appear to have any protection against people reading his mind.  At least, not at a glance.

"If you could remove the wards from my bones, I'd be happy," he finally says.  "But I know that's not possible."

[Bjorn]

Whatever defenses he has are almost certainly entirely wards.  If you can't get through now, sleeping won't likely make a difference.  Do it.

"And why isn't it possible?"  Bjorn inquires, crossing his arms over his chest.

[Dracos]

Dracos asks curiously.  "Didn't you put them on there yourself?"

Dracos

[Brian]

"How would I?" he asks.  "One hand to hold the hammer, the other the chisel.  Of course not -- I never asked for this, I'm a pawn in this game, just like you.  Solariat carved my bones with these wards and made me his personal messenger of vengeance.  I am dead, yet I walk.  If the wards that bind me together can be destroyed, then I am free to rest, as I wish."  He smirks.  "But this is undoubtedly beyond you."

[Bjorn]

"And why is it beyond us?" Bjorn asks, quietly.   "Why do you think we can't remove the wards from your bones?"

[Dracos]

Dracos begins trying to read Mattias mind, first looking for why Solariat needed a tool of vengeance, since it should be on the tip of Mattias' tongue.

Dracos

[Brian]

"My bones won't break," he says, shrugging.  "The wards are immutable.  Solariat is the oldest and wisest of his craft.  It would take a greater lorekeeper than him to undo what he's done."

[Ginrai]

Ginrai decides to break his silence.  "If your wish was to rest in peace, why did you initially follow Solariat?"

[Brian]

"I don't remember," he admits.  "I remember nothing before walking up after my bones were carved."

Phil's probe of Mattias's mind draws nothing but a glare from the man.  "Who's doing that?" he snaps, looking around.

"Doing what?" Radagast asks, glancing across the room at everyone who's gathered.

"Nevermind," Mattias says, shaking his head (a little).