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I got that much when you first mentioned him lassie, I need to know about his capabilities, inteligence levels, strengths, weaknesses if you've seen any, and his motives.

*He glances up, seeing something in Cora that sets off warning flags in his mind. His thickly accented voice *

I'm sorry if any of this dregs up memories from the shadows, but this is all very necessary. His kind don't revert easily, and I don't leave this sort of thing alone. Now please lassie, anything and everything you remember.

*He returns to studying the room, stylus making quick notes as he feels the need.*

Well, that's no fun at all... The weaponry probably came from his previous life, tell me more about these "chemical nets." The strength and the animalistic nature has come from the Taint, he seems to have gotten the Horns, Devolution, and Insanity aspects. That embrace sin thing is bad, I would suggest killing yourself before doing that.

*He says all of this without looking up from his book. The last part is delievered almost as a side note to the rest of.*

Blast, I knew I smelled death. Now wonder its so faint on you and was so heavy on him. What happened to the man?

*The old man grumbles irritably and checks a pocket built into the inner lining of the jacket. Only his vocalization makes you realize that you had seen him make this same motion just briefly on several occasions so far. His mannerisms seem calm enough, but this small nearly unconsious habit says that he's feeling slightly out of sorts.*

*The man glances up, looking intrigued.*

Really now? Did this... Luke ever mention exactly what his home was like, where it was maybe? For that matter, did "Tac" mention anthing of that nature either?

*He frowns slightly at her tears.*

I'm sorry lassie, I don't reopen these wounds without good cause. The more I can find out the better my chances in the hunt are. If I can get even the slightest hint as to what and where I can take action.

No.

*That one word is like a whip-crack. There's steel in his voice and his watery blue eyes.*

You don't seem to realize exactly what Tac was inferring when he wanted you to "embrace sin." He is Tainted. That act, no matter what it was, would have passed it on to you. The simplest physical submission instills the seed in a victim. You'll become less than you are, you'll lose everything. As it is now you have lost the life of a single innocent. That in itself is not as life-shattering as you are taking it.

*His eyes glare at you hard. The words behind them just daring you to argue that it was any more than he says.*

After the Taint has taken you, not only will you have lost a single innocent life, you will begin to take them. You will destroy all that you know and love, all that you hate and despise, you will become an the most base type of animal. All your morals, your capacity to feel what you're feeling, will be gone. The pain that tears at your heart is what tells you you are still alive. If you can feel pain, feel sorrow at what has happened, then you are still human.

*He smiles for a second, and waves a hand.*

Or whatever sentinent being you may be. It all boils down to the same thing. As for this... Torment. I believe he may be able to take care of himself, an name such as that is not given at birth. It is one taken.

Focus lassie, you can deal with the pain when you have the time. Right now you must remember! If we can find the land where this "Tac" is from we can stop him from harming others. If we find Luke's home, you may be able to bring him back. Do you hear me lassie?!?! Anything! I can't work any harrier spells in this place and I have no connection to these people at their home. If we can access a plane where magic is not supressed I may be able to track them. If you can think of anything we might have a chance at saving your friends.

*He growls at her, flicking his book in her direction.*

I have so much information at my disposal and I do not even access the slightest margin of it here. I do not even know how to exit this place and return to where I was. I need your assistance, now. So, stop, crying.

*Malazar examines the kind with a keen interest. Its a small golden affair, looking like a simple house key. He whistles quietly and scribbles in his book.*

Well, this is certainly fascinating. Are there any other ways to use the keys of others by chance? Or any way to connect this place with other places besides your original local?