Dr. Harlan Eisen adjusts his mask and breathes in deeply, letting atomized cyaline fill his ruined lungs. The pain does not disappear, but it becomes more abstract. More manageable. As it recedes, a euphoric feeling of power rushes in to take its place. Of invincibility.

An illusion, Dr. Eisen knows well enough. Ever since the accident in his weapons lab, he can scarcely breathe unassisted. Without his cyaline, he’d be confined to an iron lung in a hospital ward on Noxdorma. Reluctantly, he turns a dial on his gauntlet and slows the flow of vapor to a trickle. He will need a clear head for what’s coming next—and besides, he’s running low.

Over the rasp of his labored breathing, Dr. Eisen hears something stirring deeper in the cave. The whirring of machinery, the hiss of pneumatics, and the echoing boom of iron footsteps coming closer. An immense figure on four towering legs emerges from the shadows, filling the cavern with its bio-mechanical bulk. Staring up at the twisted amalgamation of machine and muscle, Dr. Eisen feels his sweat go cold and his tail bristle with fear. So this is the Iron Lich, he thinks.

Glaring down at the little Vorid at his feet, the creature breaks into a sudden smile. “You’re going to help me find more cyaline, Doctor Eisen.”

“And why will I help you do that?”

“Because you need it, doctor. As much as Vydar’s reavers need it. As much as I need it.” Iron Lich Viscerot bends low, his cruel grin gleaming in the gloom. “You know, I really should be thanking you. In my time, they call you the father of our people. Your research gave birth to the entire Eisenek race. Granted us immortality. Made me the specimen you see today. So thank you, father. But we need more cyaline. We will always need more.”

Dr. Harlan Eisen is available in the Scientists of the Umbral Covenant army expansion. Pre-order now for a May 2027 release!