The Dark One (SC'19)
Bogeyman of Overwatch
In the years following Carter’s ascension to power in Overdale/Overwatch, stories circulated about a malevolent tiefling driven mad by the demon blood within him. Parents told these stories to their children in hopes of scaring them into good behavior. Most notable and often repeated is the poem titled The Dark One. A poem of unknown author, it served Overwatch well by stoking the flames of xenophobia and casting a positive light on the honorable city guards of Overwatch.
The Dark One
When sun falls low, and city lanterns are lit,
shadows stretch, twist, and writhe in a painful fit.
Women, children, and babes swaddled tight from the cold,
keep their doors locked and barred, safely tucked in the fold.
But the Dark One walks tonight, the Dark One stalks tonight.
His horns dark and smooth, polished sharp with hate,
A mouthful of daggers, no child’s blood can slake.
Skulking through shadows, checking windows and doors,
Hunting the children, their screams warm his core.
Yes, the Dark One walks tonight, the Dark One stalks tonight.
The town watch so brave, so dutifully sworn,
try as they might, cannot capture this thorn.
They search every corner, nook, cranny, and shade.
They track him with honor, their nerves nearly frayed
For the Dark One walks tonight, the Dark One stalks tonight.
From the shadows he mocks them, calling them names.
His god is pure chaos, his prayers these cruel games.
Never standing to men, targets children so weak,
With a swish of his cape, he is gone in a streak.
Lo, the Dark One walks tonight, the Dark One stalks tonight.
Alone in his cave, where the screams wane from hearing,
He settles the stewpots and pans close to searing.
The children in cages, begging their mercies
His soul ill at ease, he casts at them curses.
For the Dark One walked tonight, the Dark One stalked tonight,
the Dark One feasts TONIGHT!
