Deckard Cain (flavor text)

Identify! You show Deckard Cain your Decolored Decursed Cat Collar and for the first time in forever, the old man seems to be without words. For about 10 seconds.

"Why... what you have here is something very unique, my friend. This collar mixes magic from this realm... with the magic of another. You see, I have long suspected that there is something off about this realm. It seems to be very well-crafted, but... it is not quite real. Stay a while and listen, and I will explain to you what I know."

"I myself come from the realm of Santcuary. I have all the memories and knowledge of Sanctuary. As such, I also know how to recognize illusions. And as much as it frightens me, I've found signs of this everywhere I look... Even on myself..."

Cain takes a deep breath and gazes into the fire. The fire crackles as sparks erratically float upwards into the cloudless sky.

"It isn't a very comforting thought that perhaps even I myself might be a construct. A mere instrument in a grand design. I guess we always are. But in this case, I fear my creator isn't a benevolent force."

Cain pokes the fire with his cane, causing it to roar. The bright flames cast eerie shadows against the trees surrounding the campfire.

"I require more time to think... and study. But something deep inside of me tells me I will not have this time. As if time has been locked. And to break the cycle, a force must be gathered that neither I nor you currently comprehend."

"There is one bright spot, adventurer. Whoever conjured this grand illusion is not all-powerful. The flaws of their work may yet be their undoing. When the slightest crack shows... be swift to strike! Break yourself free from this chain and find out the truth."

You stare into the fire as Cain pokes it again. You're not quite sure what to make of the wise man's words yet. You have so many unanswered questions. You turn your head to ask them but... Cain seems to have faded away into nothingness. Does that mean his suspicions were true? Did this dark master overhear him and remove him from his grand illusion? Damn it! How will you ever find out?

And you didn't even learn any new feats!

Shit.