Rotdawn

Masks behind Veils

A shadowy religious order founded ages ago by seperatist worshipers of Dimira, the goddess of decay. Followers of the Rotdawn are adamant that their goddess' only desire is to see the works of the other Primis torn down and eroded - knowing full well that the others will continue to build, grow, and expand in other ways that will too, some day be worn down by Dimira.

The narrow path stretched out into the darkness ahead as I follow closely behind the masked cultist. Simple brown, stone bricks rise high above me into darkness on either side as we silently proceed down the dimly lit hall.

In the months since I had returned to the capital I've found it difficult to find my place in my old scholarly circles at the Dannamore. Given the harrowing manner in which I left my home in Roland's Weald it wasn't simple to settle down as a lab assistant again. After years of quiet self-governance, followed by weeks of uneasy travel that was puncutated with moments of jarring violence, I've been left with so many unanswered questions about the wider world.

Now, deep beneath the sprawling streets of Etude, it reminds me of the time spent pursuing the orcs that had attacked so unexpectedly in the old schoolhouse. Even though it was only a few months ago, it felt like a lifetime of events had happened since then.

Which suddenly brings me back to my current situation! Even unobserved in the dark tunnel, I feel myself grimace. I can't believe how far my mind can wander now, even during the most suspensful moments. This rough stone passage is hardly even interesting, much less theatening. A year ago I would've been terrified. Now, I can recognize that the path I'm being led down is frequently traveled and normally well lit - the healthy vines growing here need light to survive - so the darkness must be for my benefit. Likely an attempt to make me uneasy or even perhaps to disorient me.

Regardless, my contact clearly believes the cover story doctored by my employers otherwise they would know the dim light they carry is more than enough for my elven senses to clearly see down here. In fact, as I watched the cloaked figure ahead of me I realize that they are likely navigating primarily by memory through the labrynthine passageways. Another observation that would never have occurred to me a year ago is that if things go sideways down here, the darkness is something I may be able to use to my advantage.

Without warning a harsh light floods the corridor and I'm momentarily blinded. The light is startling and nearly painful as cloaked figures surround me, seemingly from nowhere and pull me forward into the bright space ahead before my eyes adjust. I fear I may have underestimated the Rotdawn.

More to come about the Rotdawn and their schemes!