The abrupt shout caused Lynn and Finn to exchange a glance, both skeptical of its authenticity. Given the presence of a true spellcaster in the prison, they would rather believe they were dealing with a charlatan.
While the prison of Santir Fortress was indeed designed to contain spellcasters, everyone knew it was merely for show. The proportion of spellcasters in Faerun is remarkably low, and any spellcaster with even a modicum of power is considered a valuable asset. Thus, those with significant capabilities rarely find themselves incarcerated; they are often swiftly bailed out.
Consequently, Lynn and Finn disregarded the voice and prepared to leave to sign the bail documents. However, the voice behind them grew increasingly urgent.
"Take me with you! I am a sorcerer; I can assist you! I possess fourth-tier spells, far surpassing that white-skinned drow!"
From within the prison, a haggard and disheveled figure extended a hand, calling out frantically. Lynn found it difficult to credit his claims, but Finn halted in his tracks: the term "white-skinned drow" was a derisive epithet, seldom known to those on the surface.
Yet, the man's words became increasingly absurd.
"A sorcerer wielding fourth-tier spells is a powerful caster wherever he goes. Even in Santir Fortress, he would be a guest of the nobility—how could he possibly end up in prison?"
Finn posed a question, only to have the sorcerer nearly break down in tears. "I was once a guest of the nobility—I am Marti! My master is Master Julian from the House of Count Salera. It was he who imprisoned me: he wanted me to advance to a class he acquired from Karatur, but I refused, so he cast me in here to 'reflect.'"
"Advance to a new class?" Lynn asked, his confusion evident. "If it's an advancement opportunity, why decline? Is that class particularly weak?"
"No, it is quite strong, but I did not wish to pursue that path."
"If it is indeed powerful, why would you refuse it?" Finn pressed, equally perplexed.
"It is a specialized class exclusively available to trusted individuals of the Emperor of Karatur—eunuch sorcerers. Its potency is indisputable, yet… no man desires to take such a path."
The sorcerer's voice trembled as he explained the issue with the class: the very term "eunuch" said it all.
Karatur is a powerful eastern nation, reputed to surpass any in Faerun, reigning as the mightiest on the entire planet. There, the emperor is surrounded by numerous trusted sorcerers as guardians, whose class is referred to as eunuch sorcerers.
This class necessitates that one be a fifth-tier spellcaster to advance, undoubtedly powerful, and even grants an extraordinary innate leadership trait. However, the prerequisite for this profession is quite outrageous: one must undergo castration to continue their training.
Such a treatment of potent spellcasters is simply absurd, yet it is said that the emperor of Karatur has over a dozen such formidable eunuch sorcerers— the might of the first nation is enough to compel spellcasters to forsake their dignity as men, merely to curry favor with the emperor.
Marti's master, Julian, had somehow obtained this knowledge and wished for him to train in the requisite expertise to prepare for his role as a eunuch sorcerer. However, Marti refused to undergo castration and defied his master, leading to his immediate incarceration as an act of punishment.
"I have reflected enough; I am willing to do anything. But my master must be preoccupied with his magical experiments; he has forgotten about me, and I cannot escape!"
The prison had indeed become a place of transformation, as Marti wept and lamented, seemingly oblivious to all he had endured. Now, he no longer regarded castration as a concern. Lynn, however, wore a look of incredulity; he couldn't determine which was more tragic: becoming a eunuch sorcerer or being forgotten by one's master in prison.
Little did he anticipate that matters could worsen.
"If it is truly Master Julian from the House of Salera, he may not have forgotten you; rather, he might simply be unable to come," Finn remarked sharply, delivering a cruel blow. "Just a few days ago, he was expelled from Santir Fortress. His research into dark magic crossed beyond our boundaries—there are limits, even for us."
Santir Fortress has limits? Lynn found his worldview radically shifted. This city is a bastion of pure evil; Lynn's own family conducts dark sacrifices outside the city daily, yet they are still considered esteemed guests. What unspeakable deeds could have led to a master being regarded as "too evil"?
The concept of excess evil in Santir Fortress?
Finn's words reduced Marti to louder sobs. His master had fled, and he feared he might never escape.
"However, if you truly are the capable sorcerer you claim to be, I can indeed take you with us." Finn regarded him with a hint of disdain, though he maintained a degree of politeness towards a powerful spellcaster. "You may join our party and exert yourself for a time—but you must guarantee that you will not engage in any of the bizarre magical research your master is known for."
"I can assure you: I was never interested in such research."
Marti's voice had grown hoarse; he seemed excessively timid, causing Lynn to question his reliability. However, he found himself intrigued by the mention of Master Julian.
"What sort of strange magic could one study in Santir Fortress that would warrant expulsion? If I recall correctly, summoning demons is permissible here?"
"His experiments were far worse than that," Finn replied, his face reflecting clear distaste. "He was researching species fusion: he sought to break the reproductive boundaries among all races, allowing any disparate life forms to bear offspring."
What a nonsensical endeavor! Lynn thought the man must surely be deranged. "That is hardly likely to succeed, is it?"
He looked at Marti, who, under his gaze, blurted, "Actually, it is possible, provided one utilizes the right mediums."
"Mediums?"
"Dragons—they can hybridize with any creature. My master believed that this trait could be harnessed for research, permitting cross-species breeding, even allowing hummingbirds and whales to produce offspring directly."
"And what use is such research?"
Lynn could not help but interject, but Finn immediately responded.
"What he desired was the inherent supernatural abilities of different beings: Julian believed that through his research, he could enable humanity to gain various supernatural powers via reproduction. For this purpose, he conducted a plethora of revolting experiments… even demons would find themselves feeling pure and virtuous in comparison to his findings."
It sounded rather terrifying—Lynn had intended to chime in but found himself at a loss for words. He recalled his own peculiar demon fire.
How had that come to be? Did he too harbor some latent issues?
This thought rendered him momentarily speechless.