The Coming Darkness - Session One, Darkness Looms

Session Date: January 19, 2008

GM/Author note: There are scenes of a gruesome nature within this synopsis, so as such, “Viewer discretion is advised”.

The session opens inside Sgt. Guz’s office at the Kythros Garrison of the Rangers. In the room with him are two Rangers, Arven, a former criminal, who saw the Rangers as his best chance of redemption…for now. The other, Arianna, an Alakar Druid, born and raised in Olara, who joins the Rangers as her chance to give something back to the land. Also in the room, eyeing the proceedings carefully is a representative of the Order of the Jade Flame - Veritas, a Korindian.

Veritas, it seems, was tasked by one of the Precepts of the Order to head into Rhion in Olara, and find a young boy, the son of one of the local merchants by the name of Tordel. It seems this boy has shown potential for The Way, and the Precept wants Veritas to bring him to the temple for training and guidance. He also suggested that she make contact with the Rangers on her way and ask for their assistance. Arriving in Kythros, Veritas makes contact with Sgt. Guz, who then summons Arianna and Arven to provide escort and assistance to Veritas on her quest.

Upon hearing of their destination, Arianna smiles fondly, remembering days gone by spent with her father training. Arven is unsure, and a little hesitant, but agrees to accompany the ladies. And so our trio heads out towards Rhion, leaving as Sgt. Guz mumbles something about unrest within the Barony of Vinard…

Aside from meeting the occasional traveller, nothing seems terribly out of the ordinary during their trip. Arriving in Rhion after a fortnight’s travel, they ask around for information on Tordel, and find out that he is a good man, treating his employees and suppliers fairly and honestly every time. The general consensus is that he was almost universally admired so, receiving directions to his manor, the small group makes their way there.

After a half day’s journey, they draw closer to the manor…and it becomes obvious that something was seriously wrong. Slowly drawing closer, the smell of smoke and burning flesh becomes overwhelming. Hurrying, they come upon two figures collapsed near the front gate of the courtyard. One is a very small looking figure, the other is much larger…both are covered in blood. Drawing nearer, the group realizes that the smaller figure is in fact a goblin, the other is human, who is obviously from his build, of Olaran descent. Arianna rushes to the side of the goblin, checking them out carefully. Veritas rushes forward as well, kneeling before them both.

Slowly the human comes to his senses, he scrambles to find his sword, confronting Veritas. As Arianna reveals who they are, he relaxes somewhat, introducing the goblin as Romi, and himself as Heinrich. Heinrich relates their tale, saying that a gang of bandits attacked the manor, and dragging away Tordel’s son.

As Veritas touches him, trying to gauge the extent of his injuries, she collapses in pain, as something comes over her. Slowly coming back to her senses, she mumbles, “…That can not be…”

Fully coming to her senses, and standing, Veritas turns to Arianna and Arven, warning them to stay on their guard, stating something doesn’t seem right with the situation here at the manor. Off in the distance within the courtyard, the group hears shouting. It seems that some of the bandits still remain, and spot the party, attacking them.

After a long and hard fought battle, in which Heinrich nearly falls, the group manage to dispatch the bandits. Taking stock of their injuries, Romi approaches each Ranger, offering to stitch them up, needle and thread and a gleam in her eye. Each turns her down with a smile, and Romi looks somewhat hurt by this. Once injuries have been taking care of, the group decides to scout around the manor, trying to find signs of any further bandits, or of the boy.

Going inside the house, the group is taken aback by the carnage inside. Searching each room, they find the bodies of Tordel and his wife murdered. Examining each corpse, while they each have wounds that could have killed them, they discover that these wounds were in fact post-mortem. Looking closer, they notice that each body has blood coming from their eyes. During the process of examination, Veritas runs from the manor in a panic.

Calming herself, Veritas heads towards the back of the house, trying to find signs of the boy’s passing, and in the process comes across the corpse of the cook. Again as with the others, blood was coming from the woman’s eyes…but in addition she feels emanations of pure Darkness coming from the body.

Shortly after, Veritas calls to Arianna to get her impressions of what is going on. Meanwhile, Heinrich and Romi go up to the second floor of the manor. Much like the ground floor, this floor shows signs of battle, blood all over the floors. Sensing something coming from one of the rooms, Romi heads to the room. Opening the door slowly, Romi makes sounds of confusion, as she calls over Heinrich. Heinrich looks in the room, and mumbles under his breath as Veritas and the Rangers make their way up the stairs. Heinrich, looking agitated, comments that they must find this person known as Veritas, feeling they have something to do with what’s gone on here.

Puzzled, Veritas introduces herself…then looks into the room, and gasps in astonishment. Written in blood on the floor, in a hand that she recognizes, the words “Veritas my love…soon we will be together again.”

Heinrich goes on, “Then you have some explaining to do…”

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There is no narrative for this session as yet…will update once more is done.