Earthen Reign [ EDIT ]

Arodus 9, 4724 AR

It was a terrifying thing, to be summoned to the Kavapesta Cathedral by one’s sponsor. The command had been enclosed within a small envelope bearing the symbol of a scarab in lieu of any information regarding the sender, or the letter’s intended recipient: Appear in the alleyway across from the Burdened Bailey tavern no earlier than the twenty-first hour, nor later than the twenty-second. You were startled but not surprised as the cloth sack was dropped over your brow soon after you arrived, nor when strong hands looped your elbows and half-carried you into the darkness.

You are an acolyte of the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye. It is not the first time you have been collected so.

The individuals sent to retrieve you were professionals, alternating the length of their strides and jostling you with shocking violence at seemingly random intervals. Within minutes it became impossible to gauge the distance you had traveled, much less the direction. Your captors eased up after those first few uncomfortable twists and turns. In fact, they were almost gentle when a dozen steps after the creaking of hinges pulled at your ears, you found yourself being lowered into a seat.

A rectangular table stretched widthwise before you. There were five seats on your side of it, but opposite you the only chair was occupied by an older human woman, perhaps sixty years old. Her slowly withering features were familiar to you; Lector Sofia. Your sponsor.

"An opportunity to prove yourselves has arisen, acolytes," she spoke quietly, but her voice still carried in the enclosed room. "Disciples of the Green Faith are organizing an expedition into old Furcina, and a number of young, ignorant, would-be adventurers have decided to accompany them on this venture. There is much plunder to be had — and many reasons why such treasures still remain years later!" Sofia’s tone was sharp, and she clenched her frail jaw bitterly as she continued.

"The expedition plans to set up camp on the outskirts of Candlehalls, just beyond the Peasant Graves in a village once called Hilheller. The Order would know what these tree-worshippers achieve, and the extent to which The Great Enemy’s influence still pervades the region."

Her hands came to rest on the table, bony fingers tapping at its wooden surface as she slowly swept her eyes across the faces of her acolytes.

"Will you accept this charge?"