WDB10: Old Guard

Grip Bestia/Dignitas journal. Ateel addresses Titus. Marcus family compound. Ring Ladies protect barrier. Combat erupts.

Old Guard. The Fellowship returns to Juramentum, and Grip delivers the most significant self-analysis of his entire arc from the transcript: 'What a whirlwind. What a rush. It's been three days since Weisa's sacrifice. How can so many things be happening?' He reflects on meeting another Cicadraco: 'And more like me than he realizes. I wanted him too. And because of that, the course of his life is forever changed.' His personal Dignitas — the involuntary warping of people around him — disturbs and fascinates. The journal ends: 'Spirit, flesh, bone, starlight. It matters not. They are mine.' Ateel directly addresses Titus — the god's voice cracks the air with intent. Marcus details his family compound — morning devotionals, chicken coop. His ring ladies — golden feminine spirits — continue protective patrols. A combat encounter erupts: dagger pursuit, Mithra's Step of the Wind, Devran channels Will-worker energy to reinforce Marcus's barrier.