Chapter Four: Submission
Krasus made his way up the hill, keeping his hood down and his cloak close in the howling winds. Ahead of him, he could sense one of the holdings of the Blue Dragon Flight. That was what he was making for. He dearly wished to be back in Dalaran or in the Red Dragonflight's domain. He'd never much liked Northrend at the best of times.
He liked it less, now that the Lich King had come into his own. Gradually he reached the top and came to the door. He raised his hand to knock, but the door slid aside before he could finish the motion. On the other side was Kalecgos, in his elven form. "It has been many years, Kalecgos," said Krasus.
Kalecgos bowed. "That it has, Lord Korialstrasza. You honor us by your presence. I have been dispatched to meet you and escort you to Lord Malygos at your earliest convenience."
"Very well then, lead on," said Krasus.
Kalecgos led Krasus into the tunnels. To Krasus' surprise, there were many human soldiers moving this way and that. And Ice Troll warriors, and Tuskarr. Other races from Northrend were present as well. They seemed to be speaking with one another, well used to each other's presence. It was like nothing he'd seen in the land before.
"I am glad to see the Blue Dragonflight so well guarded," said Krasus. "But who are these mortals in your company?"
"They are Malygos' new allies," said Kalecgos. "Lord Malygos made contact with Prince Arthas' expedition after he left. They found they had already made alliances with the Ice Trolls and Ogre Legion. We've been busy establishing an alliance between the creatures of Northrend."
"A worthy cause," said Krasus. "Malygos has been busy. How is the war faring?"
"Very well," said Kalecgos. "Ever since the Lich King was destroyed by Archimonde, the scourge fell into chaos. They've all been ruled by various warlords. The dominant one was a Crypt Lord named Anub'arak, but that's all the moot point now."
"What do you mean?" asked Krasus, curious.
"Some days ago an expedition of High Elves and Naga came through here," said Kalecgo. "They requested passage through our territory to assault the Lich King. Captain Falric argued against it-"
"Falric?" asked Krasus. The name was vaguely familiar.
"The leader of the Alliance Expedition," said Kalecgos. "He wanted to do a gradual advance, whittle away the undead little by little. But Kael'thas was in a hurry to launch the assault, and he pressed on. But the undead gave way before him and his entourage. They disappeared into the heart of Northrend.
"We've heard nothing from them since."
"I'm surprised Prince Kael'thas was unable to recruit the Alliance," noted Krasus.
"There was a clash over leadership," said Kalecgos. "Humans tend to disagree on things for stupid reasons."
"I think you'll find those reasons mean a great deal to them," said Krasus.
"Whether they do or not, we've sensed a power rising in the heart of Northrend," said Kalecgos. "Lord Malygos is meeting with Falric to discuss the matter as we speak."
They reached a door and as it opened. Krasus entered to see Malygos in human form, facing down a mustached, stocky man. He was clad in worn, golden armor, and he regarded the Aspect as an equal. "We will do no such thing.'
"You know as well as I do how important this task is," said Malygos.
Falric, Krasus presumed he was Falric, shook his head. "The task is beyond our abilities. We've only just secured the border, and our forces will be stretched thin if we go any further. We don't even know if this new power is a threat of any kind. For all we know, Prince Kael'thas may have succeeded in his mission."
"That alone may be cause for concern," noted Malygos.
"Forgive me, Lord Malygos, but Lord Korialstrasza is here," said Kalecgos.
Idiot, years spent maintaining his cover and Kalecgos had blown it in a moment. Krauss sighed and walked forward as Falric regarded him. "Archmage Krasus."
"Captain Falric I presume." said Krasus.
"You do indeed, sir," said Falric.
Malygos moved past to draw near, eyes furrowed. "Korialstrasz, you are here at last. I had wondered when Alexstrasza would come into contact with me. What news?"
"Well, much of the news is good," said Krasus, drawing off his cloak. "The plans set in motion with the opening of the Dark Portal have all come to their culmination. Archimonde is dead and the truce established. However, things have taken unexpected paths.
"I would know how much you've seen."
"Not much from Lordaeron," said Malygos. "The unholy energies possessing the land have made it difficult to scry anything. I know that Arthas, Illidan, and Lady Proudmoore went with a force of Naga into Lordaeron."
Krasus nodded. "…Very well, then. The situation in Lordaeron has become very complicated since the fall of Archimonde. You see, neither the living nor the dead have any one leader. Many different factions are working against and with one another.
"When I last left, Prince Arthas Menethil had proclaimed himself King of Lordaeron. That was several days ago. I imagine he is gathering his forces as we speak to press his claim against the Dreadlord's."
"Actually, the war for Lordaeron is already over." said another, female voice.
Krasus glanced up to see a beautiful blue-haired elf to normal sight. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, and she was clad in a leather tunic that bared her long legs beneath a frilly skirt. She moved forward, deep bags under her eyes.
"Tyrygosa, you return," said Malygos.
"Yes, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to get in contact before now," said Tyrygosa. "It has been anything but fun. I've got my report here, Lord Malygos. Arthas has conquered all of western Lordaeron. He is working with Alexstrasza to subvert the last vestiges. He's stayed two steps ahead of every major faction. At this rate, I think he'll rule Lordaeron and southern Quel'thalas by the end of the month."
Krasus wasn't sure he had heard her correctly. "It has been less than a week. How could-"
At that moment Tyrygosa began sneezing repeatedly. Kalecgos moved forward. "Are you alright, Tiri?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just…" She sneezed again. "Caught a bad flu while I was down in Lordaeron. My head feels like it's hollowed out, and I can't drink water without feeling like vomiting."
"My sympathies," said Malygos, before casting a spell. "Is that better?"
"Somewhat," said Tyrygosa, wiping her eyes. "thank you, Lord Malygos."
"Now, Korialstrasz, perhaps you could explain what mission has brought you out this far," said Malygos.
"We believe that a new champion of the Lich King has come forward," said Krasus. "Certain visions have warned us, and we were hoping you could tell us more."
"Given how the undead opened ranks for Prince Kael'thas he may the one of which this vision spoke," noted Malygos.
"I don't believe it." snapped Falric. "Prince Kael'thas has long been a servant of the Alliance. Although he and my master had no quarrel with one another, I doubt he would be so easily subverted. Especially given his greater experience with the horrors of war."
"Then how do you read this?" asked Krasus.
"Perhaps the Lich King surrendered," said Falric.
"You're joking?" said Kalecgos.
"Why not?" asked Falric. "From what Malygos has told me, his intention was to escape the grip of the Burning Legion. He has done so, but he is weak now with Arthas having broken his yolk. Kael'thas despises Arthas, and the feeling is entirely mutual.
"I doubt Kael'thas will want to tolerate Arthas gaining the kind of power he is. He and Ner'zhul thus have a common enemy. If the Lich King were to yield to Kael'thas, they might be able to challenge Arthas for control of the undead. From there, Kael'thas could gather support from other parts of the Alliance."
"That makes a great deal of sense," said Malygos. "You are perceptive, Falric."
"I know my master, and I know the mind of his enemies," said Falric. "He and Kael'thas have been rivals for many years."
"If what you say is true, how does that account for the change in the undead's movements?" asked Krasus.
Falric paused. "There was a brief period after Archimonde arrived where the undead fell into chaos. If that had continued, we'd have won by now, but it didn't last. They began to divide into factions. One was led by the Crypt Lord, Anub'arak, and also a secondary faction that acted contrary to Anub'arak's interests."
"There is no proof of that." scoffed Kalecgos. "They are all led by separate leaders.'
"All of whom do not fight each other and act with a remarkable amount of coordination despite." snapped Falric. "There are no coincidences, fool." Krasus wondered at the source of this man's hostility.
Kalecgos glared back, and there seemed a line of fire between them. "I won't take that from you, human."
"You have little choice," replied Falric flatly. "I've fought horrors far more terrible than anything you could conceive of-"
"Enough," said Malygos, raising a hand. "There is merit in what Falric suggests. I have detected a certain rhythm to the actions of those factions that oppose Anub'arak. It seems likely that the spirit of Ner'zhul persisted. It has been manipulating behind the scenes. With, or without, their knowledge."
"And what could Kael'thas offer him?" asked Krasus.
"Kael'thas was in the company of many immensely powerful figures," said Malygos. "And he himself is a sorcerer of supreme power. I am certain they would be able to reembody the Lich King. If they managed that, they could, perhaps, regain control of Anub'arak."
"So what will we do?" asked Kalecgos.
"Nothing," said Falric, flatly, looking back at the map.
"Nothing?" asked Tyrygosa. "Surely, some action is warranted."
Falric shrugged. "Whatever happens will be a war between undead and wielders of unholy magic. Kael'thas' warriors reek of the stuff. The way I see the matter, taking a side is liable to get my men killed for little to no gain. Whereas if we simply wait, our enemies will weaken one another. Should it be necessary, we may finish off the winner."
Krasus found this surprising. "You do realize that King Arthas will almost certainly be one of the combatants."
Falric glared at him, and Krasus felt like he'd been stabbed. "King Arthas is beyond my help. He's gone where I cannot follow. My interest is in maintaining what he stood for before he took up Frostmourne. I will decide what to do if and when the battle lines are drawn.
"For now, however, I believe we should remain neutral."
"All you ever do is suggest we defend and take targets of opportunity," said Kalecgos. "If we strike now we might be able to put a stop to this before it even begins."
"Or decimate our standing forces in a futile offensive," noted Falric. "Our alliance with the Nerubians will soon be solidified. Once it is, we will be able to travel throughout Northrend quickly and strike anywhere. When we have secured Azjol Nerub, our ability to launch offensives will be unrivaled.
"The longer the war drags out, the stronger our position becomes. Time is on our side."
"What if Kael'thas does succeed?" asked Kalecgos. "What if he becomes too powerful for any army to contain?"
"There is no god that cannot be killed by the proper application of tactics," said Falric. "The trick is not to be around when he explodes."
"Falric is right, Kalecgos," said Malygos. "We do not know enough to act on. We will investigate this matter personally and see what may be learned. When I know more about the situation, we may change our policy.
"For now, we will continue as we have."
"Yes, Lord Malygos," said Kalecgos. A glare was passed between him and Falric. It was obvious the two of them hated one another with a passion. Krasus wondered what had happened to cause such a vendetta.
"Korialstrasz, I would have you return with tidings of what has happened," said Malygos. "Ysera also may be able to provide some guidance on the matter. Even the wicked have dreams, after all.
"Tyrygosa, I would have you go with him."
"But I just got back," said Tyrygosa. "I had to travel across two continents to get here!"
"I want you to act as my representative in Lordaeron," said Malygos. "You'll take with us all the information we have on the present situation for Alexstrasza's use. Captain Falric, if you wish, you can send any message you may desire?"
Falric remained silent for a long moment. "…I will see if I can find anything to say."
"Lord Malygos, a word if you please," said Krasus.
"Of course," said Malygos.
They went to one side. Krasus spoke: "I can't help but notice that your two chief subordinates hold one another in contempt. Might I inquire as to why?"
"After Arthas left, Falric formed what was a cult of personality around the Prince," said Malygos. "He and his men had an almost fanatical devotion to performing his will in his absence. It also infected the Ice Trolls and Ogres. When Kalecgos got back, the first thing he did was reveal that Arthas had sacked Dalaran. It was a severe blow to morale.
"So they got off badly from the very beginning. But things only got bad after Kalecgos started leading battles. Falric prefers a conservative and defensive style of warfare. He gradually built strength and taking targets of opportunity. Kalecgos organized a series of offensives which did a great deal of damage. Unfortunately, he overextended his forces, and a retreat had to be called.
"Dragons can retreat far more quickly than mortals. Falric had to fight a gruesome battle to get his men back to safety. When he did, he publically called Kalecgos a coward."
"He what?!" said Krasus. Was the man insane?
"Yes," said Malygos. "Kalecgos responded in the usual fashion. But Falric ordered his riflemen to shoot him dead. We would have had a civil war if I hadn't stepped in directly. The problem is that humans don't think as they used to.
"In the old days, when mortals worked under us, it was understood that they were not as valuable dragons. Dragons take far longer to grow up and are much more valuable as individuals. It was taken for granted that in a retreat, the mortals would hold the line."
"I'm afraid that the Alliance is not as their ancestors were," said Krasus. "They no longer worship dragons directly. In the mind of an Alliance commander, the army stands or falls together. For Kalecgos to push for an offensive and not be first in the retreat would be an act of cowardice in the mind of a soldier.
"Still, ordering a dragon shot…"
"I had to give Falric a far greater level of authority to satiate him," said Malygos. "Though in exchange I had him apologize to Kalecgos. But he didn't mean a word of it and Kalecgos knows it. The two have held one another in contempt ever since."
"Well," said Krasus, "let us hope nothing more than harsh words comes of it."
"On that, we may agree," said Malygos.
Krasus would be glad to get back home again.
Arthas Menethil took a meeting with Varimathras within a chapel of the light. He was kneeling before an altar, praying when the doors opened. Turning around, Arthas turned to where the Dreadlord was walking in, obviously nervous. "You called King Arthas."
"Your information was of some use, Varimathras," said Arthas. "If you wish to prove yourself worthy of further responsibilities, I have another task for you."
Varimathras bowed. "I am at your disposal, King Arthas."
"Good," said Arthas. "I want you to go to your brother, Balnazzar, and secure his surrender. Detheroc will remain here as my hostage, and my armies will be marching the entire. Bear in mind, there will be a time limit. Alexstrasza has gone to negotiate with the Scarlet Crusade. She is to secure the support of Alexandros Mograine.
"Once I have it, I will be obligated to burn Stratholme to the ground and kill everything in it. Nothing less will suffice for such an alliance."
"How do you expect me to convince my brother of such a policy?" asked Varimathras, sounding curious.
"Appeal to his sense of self-interest, of course," said Arthas. "I expect perfect results, Varimathras. One way, or the other."
Varimathras nodded. "So be it."
He could not teleport away on holy ground. So instead, Varimathras walked on out. Arthas watched him go, before looking to one side to a pillar. There, leaning next to it, was Alexstrasza, smelling a white flower by her nose. Her ample breasts were rising and falling with each breath. Then she lowered the flower and looked up. "Come now, you have no intention of bringing the Scarlet Crusade into things."
"Of course not," said Arthas. "The forces I am gathering should be more than sufficient to the task, and I doubt they would ever work with me. Not from what Magroth has told me, at any rate. What do you have to report?"
"They are mobilizing, as you expected," said Alexstrasza, walking over to him, so they were inches away. "My warning to Alexandros before stayed their wrath for a time. But with the recent defeats, they believe the time is now. They'll march soon."
"Then we'll have to talk them out of doing anything stupid," said Arthas. "Or rather, you'll have to talk them out of it."
"Of course," said Alexstrasza with a smile. She seemed about to lean forward as if to kiss him again, but then she drew back. "Arthas?"
"Yes," asked Arthas.
"I'd like to speak to you about what happened earlier," said Alexstrasza.
"What of it, milady?" asked Arthas.
"I… am not opposed to such a relationship with you," said Alexstrasza. "However, you must understand that as the Queen of the Red Dragons, I have many duties. Among those is creating new generations of dragons to replace the old.
"Because of this, I must have multiple male consorts. I thought you ought to know."
Arthas nodded, remembering something about this from his education. "I understand, and I accept it. So long as you do not object when I marry Jaina Proudmoore."
Alexstrasza shifted but smiled as she leaned forward and kissed him. She wrapped her arms around him, before pulling slightly back. "Don't you think you're making some assumptions?"
Arthas cupped her cheek. "From a politic perspective, it's a perfect move for her. Once I'm the supreme ruler of Lordaeron, if we marry, that will ensure Theramore's security. I have good relations with the Horde, and they owe me a debt they've yet to repay. A connection to me would help immensely with any negotiations she made.
"Meanwhile, it would give me access to a major beachhead on Kalimdor."
"To what end?" asked Alexstrasza, grinding against him.
"Trade, and, perhaps, conquest," said Arthas.
Her smile widened. "Are you planning to conquer the world, Arthas?"
"No.," said Arthas, feeling somewhat guilty. "Well, yes, but defensively. I fully expect the Horde will eventually attack Theramore. When that happens, I have plans in place to bring them into the fold. Likewise, once Alterac is re-established they'll want to get even with Stromguard. And the Alliance is not going to take what I've done here lying down." The moment was lost, and he broke off the embrace. "War with the rest of the world is inevitable. I can either win it or be destroyed. My plan, as far as it goes, is to keep the wars spaced out. That will give me time to consolidate my gains before defensive annexation."
"You're cute when you're cynical, you know that," said Alexstrasza, wrapping her arms around him. "I don't think I've ever met anyone like you before."
"You obviously don't get out much," noted Arthas.
"No, I mean it." She pulled him close. "You're completely cynical, expect nothing but the worst from everyone. You use cynical trickery and cloak and dagger politics to achieve your ends. But you use them to minimize blood loss, all in pursuit of an imagined utopia.
"You're even planning world domination because you can't conceive of a world where things work out the best."
"Can you?" asked Arthas.
"Of course," said Alexstrasza. "Unfortunately, given the stakes of my work, I must choose more… reliable methods."
Arthas turned to face her directly and pushed up her face, so they were eye to eye. "You are the most beautiful hypocrite I've ever met." Then he turned and walked toward the door. "Still, I recommend you go to Alexandros Mograine. Try to convince him to keep his troops at the border and no farther."
"Oh, you already want me gone?" called Alexstrasza playfully.
Arthas glanced back. "I want to make sure we both don't end up with our heads on stakes. We're hardly out of the woods just yet."
Alexstrasza nodded and went serious. "Fair enough."
They parted and went about their own plans.
Balnazzar was alone in his office now.
When he looked out the window. Beyond he saw minions scurrying to and fro to prepare their defenses. The Scarlet Crusade was mustering as they spoke. Arthas' armies were on the move, newly bolstered by the forces of the Alliance. All of Lordaeron was rising against him.
Balnazzar could win a hundred battles and not gain victory. Yet he could lose but one. At this moment, Kel'thuzad appeared. Balnazzar looked back to the Lich, who he had thought dead. "Kel'thuzad, your efforts seem to have failed spectacularly."
Kel'thuzad shrugged. "Far from it. My efforts never had a chance to go into effect. Even as I met with you, Arthas was leading his forces in an assault on Detheroc."
"The results?" asked Balnazzar. "I've received no reliable data."
"Detheroc is captured," said Kel'thuzad. "Most of his forces have been absorbed into Arthas'. What of yours?"
Balnazzar looked out the window and sensed fear. Disobedience, despair. Many believed the war was lost. "I've faced a large number of defections. More and more of my willpower must be poured into ensuring that my minions do not abandon me."
"My sympathies," said Kel'thuzad, the very antithesis of sincerity.
"Your services would do me more good." noted Balnazzar. "If you could arrange even a small defection-"
"It would make no difference at all," said Kel'thuzad. "Arthas' myth of invulnerability has never been stronger. Two of your brothers have fallen. Detheroc captured, and Varimathras defected."
"What?!" said Balnazzar, not having heard that.
"My apologies, I only learned about it when I was summoned to be given a position on the Six by King Arthas," said Kel'thuzad. "He means to use me as the instrument to control the Kirin Tor."
Balnazzar was thoughtful. "Then perhaps we may make use of that. The humans-"
"Hate you," said Kel'thuzad. "Far more than they do Arthas. As long as you are considered any kind of threat, his hold on Lordaeron will be of iron. The Legion is considered the greatest threat to every faction. With good reason. They know that if you are left alive, you will eventually come back.
"Arthas, on the other hand, is a mortal adversary. Powerful, but he can be reasoned with, and, in a pinch, killed. If you attempt to approach any of the human factions, they will kill you out of hand. You might attempt to possess or subvert the will of a major faction leader. But I think we both know Arthas will be watching for that.
"He'll find you, expose your webs, and use it to discredit his adversaries."
"Did you come here to preach hopelessness?" asked Balnazzar, furious at the hopelessness of the situation.
"No, we came to preach submission," said Varimathras, emerging from the shadows.
"Varimathras, I should kill you!" snapped Balnazzar, stepping forward. "Poor Detheroc must have been heartbroken at what you did!"
"I had no choice in the matter," said Varimathras quickly. "My armies were surrounded, and I judged that my only avenue for continued use to the Legion was as a double agent."
"So you led Arthas to Detheroc's stronghold," said Balnazzar.
"He was on the verge of finding that anyway," said Kel'thuzad matter of factly. "Varimathras, at least, managed to ingratiate himself. All you lost was information that would have only bought you a day or two. His plan still would have worked."
"Enough," said Balnazzar. "What are you suggesting, Varimathras?"
"Undermining Arthas' hegemony at this stage is futile," said Varimathras. "He is too powerful and has too much momentum. His empire will only become vulnerable once ours is destroyed."
"And so you suggest we submit to him and hope for the best?" guessed Balnazzar.
"Queen Alexstrasza is preaching mercy for some reason of her own," said Varimathras. "He seems to be considering it. I believe, however, that I have devised the purpose behind it. At the moment, Arthas has formed a powerful alliance with the denizens of Lordaeron. They are united by hatred.
"King Arthas has made plans to set them against one another. However, the inevitable fact is that the humans will be in a position to contest his rule. He stands to fight a series of smaller wars once he has finished us. And it is no sure thing Alexstrasza, and the other living creatures won't abandon us."
"But we could be a counterweight," noted Balnazzar.
"Precisely," said Varimathras. "We will go to him and submit fully to him, offering to defect from the Legion and pledge ourselves to his service. We still have some power left and so will retain some semblance of authority. We submit to any… obligations he sees fit to thrust on us.
"From there, we bide our time and wait. Arthas will need to draw on our forces sooner or later, and we may gradually put ourselves in a position of power. It may be that we can turn him back over to the side of the Legion, there is a precedent. If so, when the Legion has recovered from the Third War, we may start another invasion with ease.
"Failing that, we will be in a position to make a critical betrayal. And in the meantime, we will be afforded protection from those who want us dead."
Balnazzar nodded. Adaptation was the greatest virtue a Dreadlord could possess. They lacked the strength to win by force, so they must adapt and preserve what forces remained to them. "…Very well then, Varimathras. Go to King Arthas and tell him I wish to submit to his authority and recognize him as the rightful ruler of Lordaeron. In return, I ask only that I will be allowed to keep my remaining power, and that Detheroc be released."
"I will bring your answer at once," said Varimathras.
Kel'thuzad vanished, and Varimathras turned away. But as he did, Balnazzar spoke. "Varimathras…"
Varimathras glanced back. "Yes?"
"If you ever truly betray the Legion I'll flay you alive," said Balnazzar.
Varimathras shuddered, knowing that Balnazzar meant it. "I understand, Brother."
And he was gone.
Stratholme was on the horizon. Arthas rode at the head of his armies. Behind him was a vast host of undead, humans, trolls, ogres and all other kinds. Their numbers were vast, and yet no force could ambush them. Zul'jin picked out a potential ambush, and it was turned against the enemy. Alexstrasza walked beside him, and as they spoke of many things, plans for the future.
For the first time in who knew how long Arthas felt hope. Not mere certainty that he could control the circumstances of his universe.
Then, as they drew nearer, Varimathras appeared. "King Arthas, my brother, Balnazzar has agreed to surrender. He asks only that he be allowed to maintain authority over what dominions remain to him. That, and the release of Detheroc. So long as these conditions are met, he will gladly bend the knee."
There were murmurs of disapproval from the humans of the army. They hated the Dreadlord, and Arthas looked to Varimathras seriously. "He may well kneel before me, but it is not in my authority to grant a pardon for the crimes you have committed. Only Alexstrasza, Queen of Life, has that authority.
"You will have to plead mercy from her."
Varimathras looked at Alexstrasza with a primal hatred. "You would have us kneel before the Guardian of Life?!"
"Of course," said Arthas. "Or do you think it in my authority to forgive sins?"
Let Alexstrasza take the heat for her own idea. She looked at him with slight irritation, but then back to Varimathras.
Varimathras averted his gaze. "I'm always on the winning side," he muttered. Then he faded away.
"King Arthas," said Zul'jin, "the Scarlet Crusade be heading for Stratholme as well. They were lead by Alexandros Mograine. We may be having some fighting either way."
Arthas nodded. "Well, if we must do battle, we must. Ride, Invincible! We must reach Stratholme before Alexandros Mograine!"
The Dreadlord's had surrendered. Now Arthas had to accept their surrender in a fashion that didn't lead to another war. And then he'd have to keep control of them and everyone else.
He was so sick of Lordaeron.
Author's Note:
So here we have the defeat of Balnazzar. Far less brutal than in canon, and we get some exposition on what's been going on back in Northrend. One of the problems with having so many different factions is that a lot of things have to happen offscreen. Alexandros Mograine was meant to appear long before now. But he just hasn't been important enough to bring in.
I would apologize to any fans of Kalecgos if he seemed out of character. But Kalecgos doesn't have a character and, to my knowledge, doesn't have any fans. So I think I'm in the clear.