The Darkest Hamlet

Ruin has come to this family... But perhaps we can change that.

[darkesthamlet]

Two days later...

Sunlight.... Finally...

Well, whatever you can call sunlight in this dreary place.

Somehow, seeing the outside world was a disappointment. The sun’s warm, comforting rays could barely penetrate through the ever-lasting fog that hung in the sky. The team had finally made their way out of the ruins after completing their mission. In their possession; a crudely drawn map, that would hopefully help the next team explore further, and as much treasure as the team could stuff into their packs and clothing. At times the mission had grown difficult, the undead legion struck without warning and with devastating coordination, while the heroes could barely walk on two feet without stumbling. One hero in particular felt the brute of the force, but had come out alive, at least. Ludel couldn’t help but feel like they had been under-supplied for the mission, but it was the first the Heir had organised, and nobody really knew what to expect in the ruins. She only hoped that they would be better prepared for the next one.

Back in my room... It seems to get even more run-down the more I look at it. I swear I can see movement behind the cracks in the walls.

I hear that there were several new arrivals to the hamlet while I and the others were in the ruins. The Heir must have already sent them off, since I haven’t been able to find them in the barracks. I’m curious to find what kind of people they are.

I want to rest... But I should check on Dismas first. I think the vestal is taking care of him for now, but I should provide some assistance anyway.

This stone cold bed can wait.

[darkesthamlet]

I slept in the barracks after the admission, it was late at night, so everybody was sleeping, I didn’t see much of activity near the tavern... Morning came, a letter has been slipped under my door, beckoning me to join a team at the Ancestor statue, to go explore a sea cave, locals call it the Cove. I head down, nervous of meeting new people who will be afraid, or disgusted by my appearance. Of course if would not be a solo job. I step out of the dark alley and joins the group. The smaller figure was a man of foreign origins, probably from the middle east, he looks like a scholar, I wouldn’t have imagined someone like him to come all the way there. He was looking at me with surprise, and maybe some fascination.

Another person, dark and glinting, was a woman(I presume) holding a heavy crossbow and covered in bits of armor, appearing to be cautious of me, she looked aggressive, but she didn’t say anything.

The last one was also a red headed woman with a part of her face painted in blue, lightly clothed with the only protected body parts being the stomach area. She was looking like she was trying to figure out what would be my assets, how useful I might be, my prowess.

I don’t know what to think of those people, but we have to go. I never wanted to see the sea again.

[darkesthamlet]

Exploring the Ruins was a dangerous and exhausting task, which led to some injuries, but it was nothing the team couldn’t handle with their combined skills and assets.

For Ludel, the journey wasn’t what she expected. She had been promised monsters of scientific curiosity, but saw nothing of the sort. There was nothing impressive about a bunch of reanimated bones.

Dare she say she was a bit disappointed?

Still, better than dead.

[rouge-vermine]

My Abomination Isabelle Hauville

[darkesthamlet]

The search

A long walk through the Old Road, one of the few ways to reach that hamlet. There has been rumors on the few occasions I had to be with other people. This place...is devoid of any vigor whatsoever, I’ve barely seen any people other than workers. It’s grim and lifeless. While wandering this cursed place, I could see a carriage, and a figure. They were intrigued, of course, of my condition and my purpose here. After explaining to them the bare minimum, there were talk of being hired. I took a step forward to take a look at them but they replied with a step back and simply gestured to the barracks, accepting me but still repulsed by me. I accepted. Maybe I’ll find it.

[darkesthamlet]

It’s time to enter the Ruins...

[darkesthamlet]

There are less people here than I thought there would be, especially considering how everyone in the city was talking about this place.

I guess I’m just early.

I don’t know what to think of the others just yet. The highway man seems... brash and rude. The other two, the vestel and crusader, I can only assume are good people, being followers of the Light, but who’s to really say at this point in time?

I should prepare for the expedition.

[darkesthamlet]

A new arrival to the Hamlet...

The atmosphere here is grim, the buildings; ruined, decrepit and barely livable.

But that was to be expected. The Plague Doctor was aware of what she was getting herself into.

At least, that’s what she told herself.

The Heir was... an unsettling presence. Something about them set off Ludel’s inner fight or flight response. She could see no features or detail, no matter how hard she tried, and she swore she could see them shifting and warping in shape. No doubt just a trick of the darkness.

Ludel swallowed down these primitive feelings and accepted the deal. The pay was too good and she had come too far to go back now.

[darkesthamlet]

Close-ups of Isabelle’s portrait!

[darkesthamlet]

Portrait artwork of Ludel, including some close-ups.