A raiding party of kakornio attack the farm and kill nearly a dozen injured or elderly outlaws, including Drahoslav's mother.
Although she'd never say so, his aunt Luria was not acting altruistically when she formally adopted Drahoslav. Mere months after his mothers' death she had the child on a strict routine consisting of studies, chores, and 'practice' - literally training the young boy how to pick locks, pockets, and fights.
On a rare 'visit' to Etude one of Drahoslav's 'uncles' seizes an opportunity to swindle an old rival by using the 'naive' boy as bait. Committing his first theft exactly as instructed, Drahoslav was celebrated and officially welcomed by the entire community who until now still felt he was too young to be away from the farm.
After proving himself skilled enough shortly after his 18th season, the outlaw adventurers take Vlach out for a night to remember - and to test his limits. Most return to the farm or other work, preferring to leave Etude quickly but a handful of toughs decided to stay in the city through summer to 'earn' some lats before the trek to the farm in early fall. This is where Vlach and the other Slaughter Monsters became a crew.
After months' of anarchy, petty crime, and abundant mischief, the crew now calling themselves the Slaughter Monsters return to their real work and Vlach would leave Etude with his found family, not returning for over a decade.
Despite being a man of obviously questionable morals, Vlach quickly grew in popularity among his peers due to his sheer charisma and uniquely handsome facial features. His aunt had taught him how to be a decent thief and fantastic conman but once he was let loose in the wilderness his real gifts were awakened. With his friends by his side, Vlach scouted, plundered, and explored corners of Allegri that have been outlawed by the Mansa for generations.
The Slaughter Monsters have a dispute with the other outlaws and it ends badly. The bitter winter cold forces Vlach and the others to seek refuge in Etude to consider their next move.
The Slaughter Monsters don't adjust well to living in the city and the members each succumb to their vices much more quickly than Vlach could've anticipated. Vlach himself was not immune to the temptations that Knocking Street could provide. The crew is essentially disbanded although they all still live together.
Although experienced in evading the law, Vlach fucked up one night while whoring and led the guards to their den. Only one escaped capture, Matouš Kocí, their arcanist and the one person who was most likely to get caught in the first place. Matouš gets the whole team out of the city but trust in Vlach is at an all-time low.
An old friend from Etude sends word that the Dannamore is recruiting nearly anyone with wilderness experience. Drahoslav was low on options and used his limited contacts to negotiate with the Dannamore for a deal: Drahoslav would work for them but his team would receive full amnesty for any alleged 'crimes' they had commited.
Vlach and the Slaughter Monsters were last known to be leaving Etude with a R.E.D. directive. Notably; a new addition to the squad was assigned by the 'higher-ups' and Vlach is pissed that his roster is being fucked with.
Comments