The whole area is filled with the eerie presence of the lyrium’s corruption. There are growths of it in some spots, the unnatural glowing red crystals jutting out from the earth. The only scout who’d returned from tracking Kain had named this as the area where they’d last sighted him, though. As if in answer to Anders’ question, as the group continues to approach, they’ll find pieces of bodies, the scattered remains of the rest of that scouting party. It’s definitely a familiar sight to anyone who’s tried tracking Kain before… and no wonder he’s managed to go so long without being taken down.

A little further and… there he is. He’s not facing them at first, as he’s focused on finishing off another of his foes. This thing that used to be Kain shows no sign of humanity anymore. Covered in red lyrium growths, he’s a hideous sight, with only vague little hints of who he used to be: his armor, strands of hair, his sword. He’s only still got that sword because it’s become literally fused to one of his hands- though covered in red crystal, it’s still recognizable from up close. His other hand has been twisted by the lyrium into a massive claw. Over nearly the year that he’s been on the rampage, he’s gradually become more of a monster… growths on his back have only gotten larger and less symmetrical, the nasty-looking crystal that had burst through his skull has grown sharper and nastier.

All this creature understands is killing… and agony. The song that had claimed and even charmed it is also its own worst nightmare. He’s living in his own personal hell without any awareness as to why that is.

Now he looks up at the next approaching party, no sign of recognition whatsoever in his eyes.