Raven King Lore Event

Kuro worked in his forge, crafting the finest swords and shields that he could provide for the Raven empire’s army. His hammer came down rhythmically as he shaped the molten metal. He was determined to make the best impression he could for his future king. Kuro had long wanted to feel a part of something more than just a simple craftsman. Knox would be stopping by any day now to see the progress he had made since receiving the message of the impending battle. He’d considered fighting himself, but with no affliction, he wasn’t capable of holding his own against others that did. Kuro felt obligated to do his best in another way, even if it was more indirect than charging in on the front lines. The stone walls of his shop glowed red orange with the light of the hearth, liquid metal providing more light than the sun sitting low outside. Night would soon come, and he would need to rest soon so that he could continue his work early the next morning. Luckily, he was along the outskirts of town with few neighbors who would be bothered by the sounds coming from the hammering. He had been blessed so far to never receive a noise complaint from anyone, but he could probably lend that to his intimidating looks. Kuro was deaf, so he never really had to worry about the noise that he created. Having learned ancient human sign language, he had some way to communicate to those who also knew, but for the most part, he just had people write what they wanted to say to him. Kuro wore a dusty grey apron, and a wing cover that held their large size together neatly on his back, though he had to take extra care around the hearth to avoid catching his feathers alight, again. While he worked, he thought about the things that he’d like to do once he was under the good grace of the Raven King. He would love to serve as a high officer in the military, or maybe be some guard that worked directly under the King himself. Kuro shook his head, that last part was wishful thinking. There was no way the Raven King would want a deaf aphex as a guard. There was no future for him except for his work. Sparks flew high as Kuro hit the blade harder, anger filling his every strike. He growled as the blade crumpled under his pummeling, ruining the shape of the metal entirely. In his rage, he grabbed the glowing metal and threw it to the wall across the room, immediately regretting this decision when he turned to face that direction. “I see that you’ve been busy here, was it, Kuro?” The Raven King himself stood in the open doorway, having deflected the thrown blade with ease. Kuro’s eyes widened and he quickly kneeled in apology. The King waved his hands to relieve the guards to wait outside. He held out a hand in front of Kuro’s bowed head, “I’d like us to have a quick chat, “he stated. When Kuro took his hand and stood, the Knox walked over to the wall of blades on display. He handled one while continuing to talk to Kuro, though Kuro only stood with a semi blank stare. “So I was thinking, oh wait, you can’t even hear me can you, oh what a bother” The Raven King muttered to himself about forgetting such a detail, before quickly approaching Kuro. He grabbed one of his horns, rather roughly in fact, and shoved something into Kuro’s head. It was a small pin-like device, but suddenly something changed. Kuro could hear. He blinked in surprise, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden sensory overload. Stumbling back, Kuro sat unsteadily on the stool near his worktable. The Raven King repeated what he had said before, albeit without the initial flourish of his initial words. “I came here to see your work as a smith, but with the strength that you threw that weapon, I wonder why you didn’t sign up for my army. Was it your hearing, uh, condition?” Kuro nodded, allowing himself to finally speak, “I cannot hear at all, therefore I found that I would not be capable of meeting your great expectations, my King. I applied myself to my work to be at least some use during these times.” Knox nodded, “I see. Now, Kuro, what if I were to assist you in this endeavor?” “Sir?” Knox raised a hand, “Enough, you do not need to make a decision at this very moment, for I could very well use you here providing your fine weapons for my army. But, I will extend this offer to you, if you do decide to join my army, know that I have an option for you, but I would need to know how much are you willing to sacrifice. How much are you willing to leave behind and let crumble away for your own preservation, no, your evolution?” He smiled coolly, “I will leave this here for you to make your choice. I will be leaving in two days time to collect my troops together. Either I will see you there or I won’t, the choice is yours. But know this, although it is your choice, if you decide to betray me, I will see to your personal destruction as I do to my brother.” The Raven King left with the grace he’d entered with, leaving a small white object on the table behind. Kuro felt the pin in his ear, he could still hear things around him. Glancing outside, the sun had now fully set, he approached the table. The object that had been left was carved with some sort of insignia, and resembled a beetle. Kuro thought to himself, what were these things called again? He handled the object, realizing there was a note attached underneath. It read: If you desire power and strength beyond what you currently have, place this on your chest and recite the ancient words written below. The Raven King Kuro grasped the carving tightly, ready to make that leap for the King he wished to serve.