Orletia Arc: The Revelation
The Road to Orlet
The journey to Orlet stretched on endlessly, spanning over a month and a half of silence, monotony, and subtle tension within the party. Eli spent most of the trip drowning himself in ale, a self-imposed escape from the torment of recent events. Barrel after barrel, he drank quietly, staring off into the distance or down at the floor of the wagon, his thoughts too clouded and bitter to share. His sorrowful stupor became a backdrop to the group, a routine that was neither questioned nor interrupted.
Augustus seemed to bear the silence with stoicness, playing gentle tunes on his lute to break the monotony. His melodies were pleasant but melancholic. Occasionally, he'd glance at the others.
Louis took on the responsibility of riding the wagon, his focus fixed on the road ahead. He gripped the reins tightly, his usual humor and charm absent as he guided their journey.
Lezeke, of course, remained a silent and unmoving. Strapped securely to the wagon, his petrified form loomed over them all, an unspoken weight that none dared to address. His once fiery presence was now an eternal, stone stillness, as though the gods themselves had silenced him for good.
Dave was, well, Dave. Quiet, peculiar, and odd as always, he moved about the wagon. Occasionally, he’d shuffle through their supplies, muttering incoherently or tinkering with small objects to pass the time. He even stole alcohol bottles from Eli to drink for himself and would excuse it as for Eli's own good.
The days stretched into weeks, and the party rarely exchanged words beyond the practical necessities of travel. The road to Orlet was unchanging, a long, winding path through barren landscapes, small forests, and scattered villages. Encounters with others were rare. Eli's drinking worsened as the days passed, but no one stopped him. Louis kept his eyes on the road. Augustus played on. And Dave, in his peculiar way, simply existed. Together, yet alone, they pressed forward through the quiet, their silence speaking volumes about the cracks beginning to form in their group.
Orlet
The arrival at Orlet was nothing short of breathtaking for most of the party. All but Eli found themselves awestruck by the city’s architectural marvels. Orlet was a jewel of creativity and ingenuity, its towering spires and stonework reflecting the sheer artistic brilliance the Orletians were renowned for. The outskirts themselves were beautifully maintained, but the capital gates truly marked the entrance into another world. Eli, however, seemed entirely unmoved, his focus still buried deep within himself.
Upon passing through the gates and entering the vibrant streets of Orlet, the party’s first priority was practical—they sought out a tavern to settle in. After some brief exploration, they found one. The group barely lingered there, though; it served more as a waypoint to freshen up and regroup. Eli used this chance to rid himself of the grime from the long journey, but his mind was elsewhere. Without delay, he announced his intention to head to the Academy of Augenfield, seeking out Ritari Coyle, a trusted and close friend from his academic years. The others accepted his departure with little concern.
Louis took it upon himself to track down Leilatha Mirakrana, the name they had uncovered in Balgalor’s notes. He understood this lead was needed to the party’s next step, particularly if there was any chance of unpetrifying Lezeke. Augustus overheard Eli's plan and saw an opportunity for a little goof. Deciding to shapeshift into Eli, Augustus set out to find Ritari Coyle first. Dave, in his usual fashion, vanished without a word, his whereabouts becoming yet another mystery.
Search for Leilatha
His search led him past a familiar storefront: "Baljor's Clone & Collect." The sign brought an immediate pang of recognition. Intrigued, he stepped inside, only to be greeted by none other than Baljor. Louis was quick to discover the truth. This "Baljor" was, in fact, one of the original's clones, something the firbolg had made a business of perfecting. The clone did not recognize Louis, though it still exuded the same kindness and charm as the original. In an unexpected coincidence, the clone informed Louis that he was preparing a supply delivery for none other than Leilatha Mirakrana, a worker of his. Louis immediately seized the opportunity, explaining that he was seeking her out. The clone, without hesitation, handed Louis the instructions for delivering the components, saving him valuable time in his search.
Following the directions, Louis soon found himself on the outskirts of the capital, standing before an unassuming, modest house. The structure stood in stark contrast to the opulence of Orlet’s inner districts, almost blending in with the rural simplicity of the surrounding area. It looked like the home of a peasant or humble artisan, utterly unremarkable to anyone passing by. He knocked on the wooden door, and after a brief moment of silence, a soft and fragile voice responded from within, asking who was there. Louis cleared his throat and answered, inquiring if this was the home of Leilatha Mirakrana. The door creaked open slightly, and through the narrow gap, Louis caught sight of a delicate and youthful elvish face peering out at him. The woman’s expression was one of apprehension, her large, anxious eyes darting over Louis’ figure.
"Why?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her nervous energy was palpable.
Louis introduced himself calmly, trying to ease her apprehension. He explained that he was sent to find her, but this only seemed to heighten her anxiety. Her fingers gripped the edge of the door tightly, and she began to push it closed. Acting quickly, Louis blocked the door with his foot, though his movements were careful and non-threatening.
"Wait," he said gently, trying to meet her gaze. "Balgalor sent me."
The mention of Balgalor’s name gave her pause. Leilatha froze, her expression shifting from fearful to conflicted. She seemed to weigh her options, glancing at Louis and then at the floor as if debating whether to trust him. After a few tense seconds, the door inched open just a little further.
Meeting Ritari Coyle
Augustus, ever the mischievous shapeshifter, assumed the form of Eli Rosestone and infiltrated the Academy of Augenfield. Wandering the halls with casual arrogance, Augustus spoke to a few students, sparking rumors of Eli's "return" to the academy. Students whispered about his unexpected presence, especially since Eli had left the academy long ago under complicated circumstances. Augustus, however, paid little mind to the growing buzz as he explored the academy's various rooms.
Among the many chambers, one caught Augustus's attention—a room labeled with the name Aegnor Inaven. He didn't know why it intrigued him, but the temptation to break in was irresistible. With a grin, Augustus slipped inside, snooping through the personal belongings of a person he'd never met. The thrill of the intrusion fueled his antics, though Augustus had no specific purpose beyond sheer amusement.
Meanwhile, the real Eli Rosestone stood in the academy's front fields, engaging in conversation with his former teacher, Talindra Presvaris. The discussion revolved around the state of the academy, with Eli inquiring about its progress since his departure. Talindra, unaware of the chaos Augustus was causing inside the building, seemed pleased to see her former student, though she couldn't help but notice a heaviness in Eli's demeanor.
Back in Aegnor's room, Augustus rifled through the belongings, oblivious to the consequences of his actions. His mischief was interrupted when he heard approaching footsteps. Acting quickly, Augustus dove into a closet, closing the door just as the room’s rightful occupant, Aegnor Inaven, entered. Aegnor, upon noticing the signs of a break-in, immediately sensed something was wrong. His suspicion turned to anger when he opened the closet door to find "Eli" hiding inside. Aegnor erupted, furious at "Eli" for the invasion of his privacy and what he deemed disgusting behavior. Augustus, in his best imitation of Eli, attempted to charm Aegnor, acting as though they had a prior relationship. However, Aegnor was not easily fooled and, rather than engaging in conversation, immediately resorted to violence. Augustus bolted from the room, sprinting down the academy's halls with an enraged Aegnor hot on his heels.
The commotion attracted attention, but before Aegnor could catch Augustus, Ritari Coyle, a striking purple tiefling with dyed white hair, intervened. Spotting what she believed to be her old friend Eli being chased, Ritari swiftly cast Suggestion on Aegnor, compelling him to leave. With Aegnor pacified, Ritari turned to Augustus, embracing him warmly. She was overjoyed to see "Eli" after so long and began asking how he'd been.
Augustus, though flattered by the attention, quickly realized he was in over his head. Despite his attempts to mimic Eli's demeanor, Ritari's questions became more personal, and Augustus struggled to maintain the act. Growing suspicious, Ritari decided to test him, casually asking him to remind her of her last name—a detail Eli would undoubtedly know. Augustus fumbled, failing to provide the correct answer.
The jig was up.
After being caught in his act, Augustus conceded abd admitted to Ritari Coyle that he is Eli's friend and that Eli is here looking for her. Ritari, still confused by the situation, crossed her arms and raised a skeptical eyebrow. However, she admired the skill of his "Disguise Self spell". "Your disguise is flawless. I couldn’t even detect any flaws in it," she remarked. "What are you, exactly?"
Augustus grinned and replied, "A bard, obviously." With that, he decided to leave before she could ask any more questions. Augustus slipped away, leaving Ritari utterly confused and mildly amused by the encounter.
Later that day, Ritari finally met the real Eli Rosestone in the academy's courtyard. The two old friends embraced warmly, catching up on years of stories, struggles, and shared memories. As they chatted, Ritari casually mentioned meeting Augustus, who had disguised himself as Eli. "Your friend Augustus is quite something," she said with a chuckle. "His disguise was so good, I couldn’t even detect his magic! He’s incredibly skilled—he could fool almost anyone."
Eli’s cheerful demeanor shifted slightly, and a flicker of suspicion crossed his face. "You couldn’t detect his magic?" he asked, his tone more serious. Ritari nodded, confirming her observation. This revelation left Eli uneasy. No ordinary bard could bypass her trained senses, especially when it came to detecting illusion magic. The thought lingered in Eli's mind—just who was Augustus, really?
The Party Meets Leilatha
The party, finally reunited, made their way to meet Leilatha Mirakrana together. Upon entering her modestly unassuming house, they were collectively taken aback by the revelation of its true nature. The inside of the house was enormous, sprawling space that defied the tiny structure they had just entered. Staring in disbelief, the party demanded to know how this was possible. Leilatha explained that the house existed within an empty pocket realm, accessible through a doorway enchanted with a gem provided by Balgalor. This gem made any door a portal to the house.
Leilatha was adorable and pretty herself, but is a diminutive high elf far shorter than one might expect, drew a sharp laugh from Augustus, who joked, "Where’s the rest of you?" The humor did little to ease her anxiety, as the sheer number of questions and the chaotic energy of the party left her visibly flustered. Despite her small stature, her intelligence and poise soon became evident.
Leilatha’s attention eventually turned to Eli Rosestone, whom she recognized from Balgalor’s frequent letters. She remarked that Balgalor had spoken highly of Eli, calling him a significant figure in his work. Eli, on the other hand, was surprised to hear of Leilatha’s connection to Balgalor, as he had no idea Balgalor had raised someone. This revelation left him with a sense of unease, as it added yet another layer to the mystery surrounding his old mentor.
The party wasted no time in presenting Lezeke's petrified statue, imploring Leilatha to help restore him. With a calm nod, Leilatha reached for her tools, revealing a scroll of Greater Restoration from her collection. As she performed the spell, golden light enveloped Lezeke, cracking away the stone encasing his body. With a thunderous gasp and a scream, Lezeke came to life, disoriented, moody, and, predictably, annoyed. Bewildered by the situation and still catching his breath, he immediately demanded further healing. Leilatha, unfazed by his antics, clarified that she was a wizard, not a healer. This only irritated Lezeke further, and he stormed off to sulk.
Afterwards, the party updated Leilatha on the events of Bonae, including the chaos and destruction wrought by the attack. The news deeply saddened her, as her concern for Balgalor grew. She quietly admitted that she feared for his safety, especially given the dangers he faced with his work and his penchant for leaving things unsaid.
Finally, the party presented the Abyssal book, the one Balgalor had left with them and entrusted to Leilatha for unsealing. She took the book with care, marveling at its ominous design and the faint traces of ancient magic radiating from it. Despite her obvious apprehension, Leilatha agreed to study the tome and begin the delicate process of unsealing it.
Eli and Leilatha took some time to talk and get to know each other in a quieter setting, away from the chaos of the rest of the party. Eli shared his experiences at the Academy of Augenfield, mentioning that he had never heard of or met Leilatha during his time there. Leilatha, in turn, admitted that she had attended the academy but had ultimately dropped out. She explained that she didn’t enjoy the environment and preferred to study on her own, pursue her hobbies like gardening, and assist Baljor with his work.
Eli was taken aback by her decision, as it struck him as strange that a wizard would voluntarily leave such a prestigious institution, nay, one of the best academies in all of Premun. The idea didn’t sit well with him, and it gnawed at his curiosity, though he refrained from pressing the issue further.
As the conversation delved deeper, Eli felt compelled to reveal his status as a warlock when explaining certain aspects of his abilities. The revelation clearly disappointed Leilatha, though she tried to hide her reaction. She had held Eli to a high standard, perhaps unrealistically as it is a flaw of hers, and learning of his pact with an otherworldly being made her view him in a slightly different light.
The Abyssal Book
As Leilatha worked to unseal the Abyssal Book, the party took the time to explore her home. The small, modest exterior completely hid the sprawling, magical interior. The house was alive with vibrant greenery, vines and flowers spilling across walls and furniture. A massive tree stood near the center of the house, its branches reaching high and spreading across the ceiling as if it were the heart of the home. The smell of fresh herbs, flowers, and aged wood gave the house a calming atmosphere, while the handmade furniture and magical ornaments scattered around each room hinted at Leilatha's resourcefulness.
They found a cozy kitchen stocked with jars of freshly picked herbs and spices, and a library brimming with books on an array of topics, including magic, gardening, philosophy, fiction, and most prominently--romance. The guest rooms, though simple, were warm and inviting with neatly made beds. The workroom was cluttered with alchemical tools, half-finished experiments, and magical components, all arranged with the messiness of someone deeply obsessed in their craft. The group marveled at the large bathroom that appeared to have an enchanted basin and a self-refilling tub. They also noticed a door leading to the basement and another door that led to a greenhouse, but something about it felt odd, and they left it untouched.
The air felt heavier the closer she came to unlocking it, as if the book itself resisted her magic. Finally, with a soft hum of arcane energy and a flicker of light, the seal on the book broke. When the party opened it, they were surprised to find, amidst the dark pages, a single letter written by Balgalor. The paper looked old but preserved, the handwriting meticulous and deliberate.
Contents of The Book
The contents of the book painted a story that blended celestial artistry with abyssal script, creating a contradiction between its divine appearance and its sinister language. It held the tale of The First Blood Hunter—Cor Satillius, an abnormally tall wood elf whose journey began with tragedy and ended in godhood, blood, and imprisonment.
The book started with depictions of Cor’s life in Zlabada, showing him as a man with a family, living peacefully in a thriving but dark nation. This peace was shattered when Noman, the blood god, destroyed everything Cor held dear. The grief and rage of his loss drove Cor to delve into the forbidden arts of the blood hunters—a practice Noman himself had created. The images showed Cor’s transformation from a grieving elf into a monster, rising to overthrow Zlabada’s king. His brutal ascension to power turned Zlabada into a nation of blood hunters and infected men.
Cor’s battles with Noman were highlighted with the imagery. One particularly striking depiction showed Cor tearing out half of Noman’s heart and merging it with his own, his descent into something beyond mortal comprehension. As Cor wielded this power, his dominion expanded, and the art showed his rise to a form of godhood, crowned with a bloody scythe and surrounded by rivers of crimson.
The story then took a darker turn, illustrating Cor’s conflicts not only with mortals but with celestial beings. He was shown in battles against demigods and even the gods themselves. One haunting image depicted Cor clashing with Kindrud, and another showed him defeated by Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. It was Bahamut who, instead of killing Cor, sealed him into the abyssal book for reasons left unclear, though the celestial motifs surrounding Bahamut in the art suggested this act was one of mercy or necessity, rather than vengeance.
In a peculiar twist, the book’s later pages depicted events that had not yet occurred—or perhaps had been foreseen. It showed The Dark Knight, one of Noman’s soldiers, releasing Cor from the book only to stab him and steal the heart piece, completing Noman’s resurgence. This ominous prediction stood out, as if it were a warning of what could come to pass should the book fall into the wrong hands.
The final pages introduced the scrawling of a writing in abyssal, as though added hastily and not part of the original design, was a detailed ritual for releasing Cor. Unlike the earlier celestial-like art, this section felt raw and chaotic. The instructions emphasizing the need for great care in performing the ritual. It seemed clear that someone had tampered with the book, embedding this dangerous knowledge with intent.
Blood Lord O' Blood Lord
As the ritual commenced in the dimly lit basement. The room shook as Eli's voice echoed the abyssal words of the ritual. The sigil drawn on the floor glowed faintly, pulsating with a sickly crimson light. Louis reluctantly handed over his amulet, the blood hunter's sigil etched upon it. With each recitation, the air grew colder, and a faint metallic smell of blood seeped into the room. Lezeke clenched his fists, his god Ademis whispering words of caution in his mind: "Ready yourself, for chaos is upon you." Meanwhile, Eli’s patron, Megurlon, chuckled maliciously in his thoughts.
As Eli finished the incantation, a violent burst of blood erupted from the amulet. The blood pooled in the center of the room, swirling to form a humanoid figure. The creature's form was grotesque at first—raw, meaty, and unrefined, with patches of exposed muscle and sinew. The centerpiece of its form, however, was unmistakable: an open cavity in its chest where a massive, stitched heart pulsed faintly with unnatural life. The party stood frozen, staring at the heart rhythmically thumping.
Lezeke, driven by instinct, moved to strike the heart, but the others intervened. Reluctantly, Lezeke lowered his weapon, watching as the figure continued to regenerate. Flesh began to weave itself across the raw musculature, stitching together with precision until pale, smooth skin replaced the exposed sinew. Long, jet-black hair cascaded down the figure's shoulders, and its crimson eyes opened, glowing faintly. A sharp, predatory smile spread across its face, revealing unnaturally perfect teeth. The being stood tall and lean, its physique muscular but elegant, exuding an air of absolute power.
Suddenly, without warning, the blood that surrounded the figure pooled around its body and shifted unnaturally. It coalesced, forming into intricate clothing—dark, flowing robes that seemed to drink in the light of the room, accented with blood-red patterns resembling veins. A high, asymmetrical collar framed his face, while the robes themselves hung loosely. Boots formed from the same blood-like material solidified on his feet. The ensemble radiated an aura of regality and menace, as if it belonged to a king.
As he exhaled, steam escaped from his mouth, and his eyes scanned the room, locking onto each of the party members in turn. His voice, deep and smooth, resonated with unsettling calm as he asked a single question:
"Which among you possesses good knowledge?"
Before Leilatha could speak, Eli boldly stepped forward, claiming the title for himself. Cor tilted his head slightly, his sharp smile growing wider. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, moving faster than any of them could react. His hand grabbed Eli by the throat, lifting him effortlessly. Crimson energy coursed through his fingers as he absorbed Eli's blood, his grip tightening only briefly before he threw his head back. The party watched in horror as Cor’s eyes glowed brighter, and his body seemed to pulse with newfound vigor. He released Eli, who staggered back, weakened but alive. Cor clapped his hands together in amusement, laughing heartily as if he had just heard the most entertaining story.
As Cor stood tall, his crimson eyes surveying the party, his sharp smile widened into something more sinister. He tilted his head and spoke with mock gratitude. "For releasing me, I must repay you."
Weaving his hands in intricate motions, crimson energy swirled around his fingers and radiated outward, enveloping the party. Their vision blurred as an unbearable pain consumed them, etching deep into their very flesh. Each member clutched their throats, writhing in agony as glowing red marks began to form on their necks. The symbol burned into their skin—a sharp, angular "M" with jagged edges, flanked by intricate patterns of curling veins resembling branching rivers of blood. Behind the letter was a faint glyph-like symbol that resembled an inverted triangle with three spikes radiating outward. The pain subsided, but the marks remained, glowing softly in the dim light of the basement. Cor smirked, his tone dripping with condescension. "Now, you bear my brand. Wherever you go, I will know."
Eli, despite his weakened state, summoned what strength to stand. "Wait!" he shouted. Cor didn't even flinch—he simply turned and backhanded Eli with such force that he flew backward, hitting the wall with a sickening thud.
"A new age calls upon this world," Cor declared, stepping toward the stairs with unshakable confidence. His presence was overwhelming, suffocating, and the air felt thick with his power. As he reached Lezeke, the dragonborn stood firm, positioning himself to block Cor's path. Lezeke's defiance was evident, his hand gripping the hilt of his weapon tightly.
Cor stopped, his gaze falling on Lezeke with a faint sigh. "Brave, but foolish." Without hesitation, Cor’s fist shot forward, burying itself in Lezeke's stomach with inhuman strength. The blow sent shockwaves through Lezeke's body, forcing him to his knees as he vomited blood. Cor stepped over him, muttering, "Stay down. This is beyond you."
With that, Cor ascended the stairs, leaving the party in ruin. The room fell into silence, save for the groans of Eli and Lezeke, both crumpled on the floor. The rest of the group, though still standing, were too shaken to move, their minds racing with the realization of what they had unleashed. But the eerie quiet didn’t last long. From above, muffled screams and crashes echoed through the house. The party scrambled to their feet, still disoriented, and rushed outside to investigate. What greeted them was a nightmare made real.
The sky above was painted an ominous crimson, the sun completely obscured as dark clouds churned unnaturally. The air carried the metallic tang of blood, and as the party looked around, they realized why—blood rained down in heavy drops, soaking the ground and staining the once-green grass a deep red. The village itself was in chaos. Buildings were ablaze, and horrifying figures moved through the streets.
The attackers were grotesque mockeries of humanity, their skin pallid and sickly, with veins visible beneath the surface, pulsating as if pumping corrupted blood. Their eyes were empty pits, glowing faintly red, and their mouths dripped with crimson saliva. Some wielded blades and spears formed entirely of blood, while others carried weapons that seemed alien to the party—rifles forged of blood that fired projectiles with an ear-splitting crack. The infected moved with unnatural precision, slaughtering villagers indiscriminately, their victims’ blood rising from the corpses and flowing into the attackers, fueling their monstrous abilities.
The Combat
The chaos of the scene was overwhelming as the blood-soaked battlefield unfolded around the party. With the Orletian guards already engaging groups of the blood hunters and monsters elsewhere, the party quickly regrouped, forming a tight circle to defend themselves against the immediate threats closing in. The fight began in earnest, and the clash of steel against blood formed blades.
Eli took a position toward the rear, firing precise shots with his revolver, each echoing BANG momentarily drowning out the sounds of battle. Louis, in his werewolf form, tore into the blood hunters with savage efficiency, his claws ripping through their corrupted flesh. Augustus, now gripping his lute in desperation, bolstered the party with spells and inspiration, occasionally darting in with his rapier to land quick strikes. Leilatha focused on spellcasting, unleashing magic missiles and flaming spheres, which tore through the corrupted enemies and set blood-soaked terrain alight.
Lezeke, however, was at the forefront, throwing himself headlong into the fray, his sword glowing with divine energy as he slashed and cleaved through the blood hunters, ocassioanlly shouting across the battlefield at Leilatha, "Heal me, damn it!" His tone was laced with frustration. Leilatha, visibly frazzled by the overwhelming situation, shouted back, "For the last time, I'm a wizard! I don't heal!" Her exasperation was clear, but she still launched another volley of scorching rays at the advancing enemies to protect Lezeke, even as he continued to yell over the fray.
Cor Battles Red Scepters
Once the battle with the blood hunters subsided, the party, bloodied and shaken, immediately began their search for Cor. Leilatha summoned her familiar—a plump orange cat named Garfield—to aid in their search. She sent Garfield ahead to track the sound of intense combat. Cor stood at the shattered gate, reveling in the chaos he had caused. The guards of Orlet lay in heaps at his feet, their blood staining the ground as he dispatched them with terrifying ease.
But Cor was soon interrupted. From within the city emerged a contingent of the elite Red Scepters, Uskad’s most formidable magicians. At their helm was Volodar Glyncan, their leader. The air grew heavy as the Red Scepters surrounded Cor. Without hesitation, they engaged him.
The initial clash was titanic. Cor, though still regaining his full power, matched the Red Scepters combined blow for blow. Magical explosions and waves of energy lit up the battlefield as Cor deflected and countered their attacks. He moved like a shadow, weaving through their spells with inhuman precision. Slowly, however, the tide began to shift. Cor’s strikes grew sharper, more precise, as he started to adapt to the Red Scepters' strategies. One by one, he cut them down. Their combined strength proved no match for the Blood Lord.
Just when it seemed the Red Scepters would be obliterated, reinforcements arrived. Felix and Elizabeth Madelyn joined the fray, leaping into the battle with urgency. Elizabeth’s intervention saved Volodar from an otherwise fatal strike, while Felix confronted Cor directly, engaging him in a deadly duel. But even together, they were losing ground. Cor’s movements were relentless, and with every swing of his scythe, he inched closer to victory.
Then Cor decided to test their limits. He raised his scythe to the sky and brought forth an asteroid nearly half the size of the capital itself. The massive object descended slowly from the heavens, as though Cor was savoring the game he had created. The Red Scepters, still standing, regrouped and poured all their magical strength into erasing the threat. Their combined effort succeeded in obliterating the asteroid. Cor’s delighted laughter rang out through the destruction, pleased by their show of power.
The Red Scepters were now exhausted, their magical reserves drained. Felix fought valiantly but was outmatched by Cor’s superior skill and strength. The final moment came when Cor, deciding to leave his mark on Orlet, unleashed his deadliest attack yet. He swung his scythe in a massive arc, sending a devastating air slash toward the gate. The strike tore through Felix, and obliterated the gate of Orlet. The destruction extended kilometers into the city, leaving a swath of devastation in its wake.
Amidst the chaos and dust, Cor turned his attention back to Volodar. He approached the wounded leader of the Red Scepters, ignoring the desperate pleas and cries of those around him. Cor then executed Volodar in front of his son, Jassin, who gasped in horror at the sight of his father's corpse. Cor then turned to Jassin, raising his scythe to finish the young magician as well. However, before he could strike the fatal blow, Felix, bloodied, missing an arm, and SOMEHOW ALIVE (with 5 hp), summoned the last of his strength and plunged his weapon into Cor’s chest, aiming near his heart. Cor staggered, visibly affected by the strike. With a furious roar, he smacked Felix away with a brutal blow, sending him tumbling across the rubble. Realizing he could not sustain the battle in his weakened state, Cor teleported away, leaving behind a city in ruins and a lingering sense of dread.
Aftermath
The aftermath of the battle was a grim sight. Though the Orletian guards and the party had done their utmost to defend the city, and their efforts had significantly reduced civilian casualties, the cost of victory was clear. The streets were littered with debris, the remnants of shattered buildings, and the blood of both defenders and attackers. The once-proud front gate of Orlet were in ruins, and the people of the front outskiurts walked among the aftermath in shock and mourning, grieving for those who had given their lives to protect their home.
The party gathered together amidst the chaos. Each member bore the same mark etched painfully into their necks, an "M" in an unfamiliar font, surrounded by strange symbols that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. The party's attempts to understand the mark had proven fruitless, and the foreboding presence of the symbol left them anxious and uncertain. Leilatha offered a potential lead. She mentioned someone who might be able to decipher the meaning of the mark and possibly even aid them. However, there was a catch. This individual, she explained, was a notorious figure in the criminal underworld, a dangerous man whose aid often came with a price. His reputation for curses and manipulative deals preceded him, and working with him was a risk in itself.
The party deliberated on Leilatha’s suggestion, weighing the risks against their desperation for answers. The marks on their necks were a mystery they couldn’t ignore, and the events in Orlet had already shown them that Cor’s resurgence was far beyond their current understanding. In the end, despite their misgivings, they decided to agree. Whatever the price might be, they would face it together, for their only other option was to remain ignorant of the danger they faced.
Prona 25th, 4E 766
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments