Kol

## Appearances

The Shadow of What Was Lost

**Kol** is an Augur working in secret in the palace at Ilin Illan for Northwarden Elocien Andras, alongside Erran and Fessi. He is the slowest of the three to trust Asha in her new position as Scribe.

## Description

### Appearance

Kol is a young man with medium-length hair and an enormously muscular build, seeming to loom over others even when sitting down. Despite this, his overall appearance is generally unremarkable, which allows him to blend in as a member of Elocien's servants. He is the only palace Augur to bear a Mark — which he often hides to avoid suspicion.

### Personality

Kol is generally quiet, often bordering on sulky. His life of secrecy has taught him to generally avoid trusting and opening up to others, and he has a tendency to view unfamiliar people and scenarios as worrisome or untrustworthy. He does not mince words and, while never impolite, he can be blunt when sharing his issues.

His prickly exterior hides a genuinely sensitive core, however. Once his loyalty is won over, Kol proves himself to be a reliable companion with a deep loyalty to his friends. He remains courageous in moments of crisis, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to help the people he cares for.

## History

Kol's existence and status as an Augur was originally discovered through Fessi's visions. Soon after, he was caught by Administration and taken to Elocien's chambers, where the Northwarden provided him the offer to join his force of secret Augurs. While Kol was wary of sharing his secret, he agreed, and began to work closely with Elocien's team — developing a loyal relationship with the others in his position. Fessi began to harbour romantic feelings for him, and his actions imply some degree of mutuality, but their relationship never progressed past friendship due to their circumstances.

Despite not possessing a Reserve, at some point Kol used enough Essence to gain a Mark — one that he perpetually hid to avoid the suspicion of others. This was a learning experience for all of the palace Augurs, and the other two became careful not to overuse Essence themselves to avoid the same result.

At some point under Elocien's care, he experienced a vision of his own death. The specifics were hazy, but he was confident that it involved bleeding out on the floor while surrounded by the other Augurs and an unknown girl — at some point in the near future. This knowledge caused him great stress, and further intensified his dour attitude.

## Activities in *The Shadow of What Was Lost*

### An Ill Omen

Kol is present when Asha greets the palace's secret host of Augurs. Immediately recognizing her from his vision, his distress is apparent, as he believes her presence to be a signal that his death is soon coming. When Elocien suggests that she take over the role of Scribe, he voices his opposition — outwardly stating that she cannot be trusted for her ties to the Shadraehin, but internally fearing the inevitable result of her proximity to the palace Augurs. Having spoken his piece, he leaves the room to process the implications of her arrival in solitude, though Fessi quickly leaves the gathering to offer him some support.

Some time later, caving cooled somewhat from his first contact with the new Scribe, Kol heads over to Asha's chambers for a private discussion. He sees her burn a piece of paper and remarks on the suspicious nature of her actions, but he accepts her explanation that they were instructions from the Shadraehin which she had no intention of following. He inquires about the progress of her work as Scribe, and hands her a paper containing a vision of his own — containing two mysterious figures discussing the nature of Licanius, as well as the circumstances of his death — before leaving.

### Reparations

When Asha is kidnapped by the Shadraehin's men, Kol joins Erran and Fessi in rescuing her. As Fessi returns from the old house with Asha in tow, Kol supports her as she regains her strength from using her time dilation abilities. Upon noticing Asha's dismal condition, he becomes infuriated, and heads towards the house to exact retribution for her treatment. Despite risking the possibility of the captors identifying him, he breaks the door down and savagely beats them to a pulp. He threatens to kill the captors if they touch Asha again, and swears he has no fear of the Shadraehin and his men before leaving them in a heavily maimed state. Fessi calms him down, and reminds him that they should return to the palace for their own safety.

After Asha's return and recovery, Kol goes to her chambers for another visit. After remarking on her new celebrity status following the incident, Kol apologizes for his previous behaviour towards her. He confesses that the stress of his impending death caused him to unfairly blame Asha, and asks for her forgiveness. Asha accepts the apology, and tells Kol she is willing to hear of his burdens if her ever needs support. He then escorts her to Elocien's quarters, and soon after observes as she traumatically re-experiences the memories that were wiped when she became a Shadow. He remains concerned until her safe recovery the next day.

### A Vision Fulfilled

As the Blind invasion begins, Elocien tells the palace Augurs to hide in the palace until he sends for them. Erran disappears, however, and after a couple of hours Kol and Fessi begin to search for him. They soon run into Asha, who is certain that Erran is in a Lockroom — one Fessi quickly identifies as his favourite. Though the door is locked, Kol switfly breaks the door down and rushes to help his injured friend. As Erran recovers, he confesses his longtime Control of Elocien, and after hearing the explanation, Kol indicates his approval of Erran's choice.

Erran continues to elaborate on Elocien's death, but is interrupted by an intruder's voice. Scyner enters the room, explaining that his men swore the Northwarden was hiding Augurs inside the palace, and shares his surprise upon learning the claim was true. The Shadraehin's lieutenant attempts to blackmail the Augurs into working with him, but Kol quickly responds with a threat. Scyner responds nonchalantly, and Kol suddenly panics — recognizing the man from his vision. After hurriedly asking the others — Fessi especially — to run for safety, he rushes towards Scyner, only to be stabbed three times in the chest by the Shadow's sword. His plans to recruit the Augurs now in shambles, Scyner leaves the battered group in bitter dismay.

Kol's wounds are fatal, and the lack of Essence sources prevent any of his companions from healing him. He gently soothes Fessi as she desperately tries to stop the bleeding before dying on the ground as his vision foretold. Fessi is devastated by the loss, and after initially blaming Asha for allowing Kol to endure this, she silently mourns over his corpse. She remains at his side until the fighting is nearly over, when she leaves with Erran for a safer location, but only after Asha promises to ensure Kol receives a burial. When the fighting is done, Asha remains true to her word, and mournfully ensures that his body is properly handled.