Aust

"Anya's father, Aust, was our wisest Elder. He was killed along with the other Elders who erected the ward that protects this city. The ward has kept Baal's demons out of Harrogath, but at a costly sacrifice."

- Qual-Kehk

Aust was a member of the Council of Elders of Harrogath.

Biography
Aust was the husband of Elora and father of Anya. In 1255, Elora passed away, much to Aust's grief.

The Coming of Destruction
Ten years later, dark tidings reached Aust's ears, which he recorded in his journal. Harrogath's seer, Caldra, was beset by visions, and her screams woke up the entire village. Aust rushed to her aid, and found Anya already there, comforting her. It took some time to calm Caldra down, but even then, she would not respond to anyone directly, instead, staring into a world of her own. They realized that she had gone mad.

The following day, Aust and his fellow Elders held a vigil over Caldra's comatose form, praying to the Ancients for guidance. Suddenly, her madness broke, and in a ragged voice, whispered, "Baal comes...and destruction follows him like a storm." She then sank into the bed and with a shudder, breathed her last. Aust reflected that as long as he drew breath, he would never forget Caldra's portent.

The day after that, the people of Harrogath realized that Baal's army was bearing down on them, and that Sescheron had fallen. The town made preparations for a siege, and Aust reflected that the Uileloscadh Mór had come. He believed that the conflict would affect the entire world, not just the Northern Steppes. He said that Mount Arreat iwas as necessary to the world's survival as food and water was to his people's own. He realized that outside assistance would be necessary in stopping Baal's legions.

Two days after preparation for the siege began, Aust presented a plan to the Council to use a Druidic spell of warding, which would prevent any demon, including Baal, from ascending Mount Arreat. Aust was aware of the risks of the spell, not to mention that venturing beyond the walls carried a risk of its own. However, he saw no alternative.

The proposition did not go down well. Nihlathak argued that there had to be another way, but neither he nor any other Elder could offer a real alternative. In time, five of the Elders came to accept Aust's plan, but Qual-Kehk remained unconvinced. Aust reflected that he had never seen Quak-Kehk so upset before, but he stood firm, and reluctantly, Quak-Kehk gathered his men to escort the Elders outside Harrogath.

Aust made preparations for what was to come, and saw Anya one last time before heading beyond the walls. The spell was successfully cast, but it cost Aust his life, as well as the life of every Elder bar Nihlathak.