msem-instigator

“It is my duty to defend my satrapy. It is my privilege to do so with the word of truth echoing in my heart.”
—Dasali, blade of Rahstahde

The books had all changed, and Lizaveth didn't recognize many of the titles. She took one from the shelf and began to read.

Another term reinvented by the dwarves is research. Duela research is, more often than not, searching for knowledge they already have, but in a more or less explosive form than the last one.

“With the Egg I will prove myself the greatest hero ever to walk this land.”
—Selvar, the Seeker

“Our only hope now is with each other.”
—Kanvar Singh

Peacebringer, the ceremonial mace of the angel Mehani, was evidently more than just sacred regalia.

Despite the lives, limbs, and reputations lost, claims to the imperial throne persisted until the royal covenant itself failed.

“It seems to use its horns to distract its prey, to catch it before it runs.”
—Cypress

There was a time, long ago, when the glimpse of an angel was considered a good omen.

“Negotiation! What a farce! Wormwood demands you abandon our research, scarcely hiding her true intent: to kill me regardless.”
—Hyden to Simul

“For centuries, they had no desires but ours. What drives them now? Habit? Mercy? Winding schemes of revenge?”
—Saru, poet

“I follow no laws, no kingdoms, no kings or queens. I make my own destiny.”

In a way, angels need demons. If not for the threat of the Abyss, would humanity sacrifice so much to obey?

Sometimes the law must be discriminating, in order to be refined.

Those that politically opposed the use of wardrones in space exploration found themselves out of jobs, and so the wheels of promotion were set into motion.

Before long, the Dragon's Eye army outnumbered Kinjiru's tenfold.

There is an eerie aura around this fixture, around this creature, in the field. It is not just standing.
They are watching.