The Black Soul

When all your wishes are granted, many of your dreams will be destroyed.

[seerow]

Roll, roll, roll on ze plains

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 15 for Draco Vita:

Undomiel was getting nervous. Without Cassie, the team was weakened, and it was not that he didn’t mind taking a new hunter out to face the dangers. It was more a  concern that he was running out of time. There was no ideal candidate to wield the Black Sword.

The Hunters gathered, they needed to destroy another Spidicules. The creatures were starting to return in greater numbers and Draco Vita would not allow their bitter enemy to grow too strong. Undomiel gathered the others and they set out. There was sightings of a large Spidicules stalking the denizens of Alter Lumina. This simply would not stand.  

Hunt Phase:

A small copse of trees rise over an otherwise lifeless plain. Enticing red fruit hangs from the branches. The group stops and began to gorge themselves on fruit. Undomiel was the first to realize that they won’t stop eating willingly. With a call, he rallied his hunters and they slowly managed to leave the trees and their dangerous fruit behind. 

The glow of the survivors’ lanterns blur, forming trails of light behind them. Suddenly they stop. They’re standing in the nest of their quarry. Undomiel blinks, confused, and quietly signals to the hunters. They get into position. 

Showdown Quarry (Spidicules level 3)

This creature was ancient, but needed dealt with. A Spidicules allowed to age, allowed to gain the height of their power couldn’t be tolerated, not so close to the Settlement. They were ready, Alta was young and inexperienced but she had three veteran hunters beside her. The battle would be chaos, but they came as conquerors not prey. 

They soon learned that they couldn’t be heroes with bravery alone. The Spidicules was cunning, powerful, it fought with an uncanny intelligence. Using its incredible speed to stay away, catching the hunters only when they were vulnerable or isolated. The Survivors fought to keep the spawning Spiderlings at bay but just as soon as they dispatched them, more would emerge. 

Charade turned and found himself buried beneath the sharp unrelenting teeth of Spiderlings. His armor was broken in seconds, his blades resisted, striking back until one managed to leap onto his arm. The weight of the creature pulled his arm out of socket, its teeth biting deep into his hand. Charade cried out, killing the creature but he was surrounded now. Undomiel rushed to his aid, cutting down the infant monsters, from the side Orson charged smashing them against his shield. Charade had been spared a grisly fate, but his wounds were deep. 

Alta was caught between the Spidicules and its offspring. She jammed her spear through the tiny beasts but was caught by their Broodmother. It’s claws tore through her, disemboweling her as she fell to the ground. She screamed out, hoping her fellow hunters were nearby. By luck she was spared the maws of hungry beasts. Undomiel and Charade swept in clearing the monsters out one by one. Undomiel huffed, already two of his Hunters were seriously wounded, and Orson’s strength was waning. He needed to act fast.

Undomiel looked up to discover he was in the shadow of the monster. It’s strange stalk attempted to impale him, yet he narrowly dodged. This monster recognized his strength. Undomiel was the last thing holding their team together. His grip tightened on his weapon. He would not give up, he would not give in. He stepped in under the shadow of the beast, screaming with fury. His axe bit deep into its twisted body, lopping one of its hideous limbs off. The Monster gave a horrific pained cry and shuddered, the blow had staggered it. Undomiel stepped closer, anger kept his hands tight on the haft of his weapon. A tremendous hand-like appendage swiped and sent Undomiel rolling over the forest floor. He gasped hard, the wind was knocked from him. He rolled, trying to pull himself to his feet but couldn't.

Spiderlings hurled themselves upon the already weakened Charade and Alta. A stray swipe broke Alta’s jaw and a headbutt smashed into Charade’s pelvis, breaking his hip. The two fell and the Spiderlings swarmed. 

Undomiel got to his feet. He needed to distract the creatures. He leapt into the fray, drawing the Spiderlings attention as he bounded for their mother. The Spidicules screeched, calling out to her soldier children for their protection. Undomiel’s axe morphed that screech into a pained scream as he smashed the Spidicule’s eyes, popping and blinding several of them in the process. The Spiderlings hurried to save their mother, and their wicked little teeth stripped armor and bent metal, but none managed to wound Undomiel. 

It wore them down. Fighting wave after wave of Spiderlings, their armor was cracking. Charade and Alta were leaning on the other, far too wounded to engage the Spidicules in any meaningful way. Terrified of another attack coming from an unseen angle. Charade had his good arm out, weapon ready frantically keeping an eye out for their quarry. 

Orson’s shield was all he had left of his armor. His crystalline skin was broken, shattered, blood leaking from every break. Undomiel was still standing, wheezing from exhaustion and exertion. He had fought the hardest of them all. No price was too high for the safety of his hunters and he knew this. 

The Spidicules was hiding. By now it had only one leg left to move around, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t dangerous. Undomiel was waiting patiently, looking for an opening. For a weak point. There! Undomiel’s axe swept down and the creature dodged, but too slowly. What came tumbling down from the trees resembled something of a pathetic creature. A large bulbous body bereft of limps. It hissed and sputtered in anger and pain, but Undomiel took no pity. Instead he saw opportunity. 

Settlement:

The survivors bound and muzzle the creature, keeping it from biting and begin to roll its rotund body back towards their encampment. The Spidicules who preyed upon Draco Vita, would soon wind up a prisoner o fits former prey. Undomiel hoped to harness its silk spinning. He was sure some of his more innovative survivors could figure something out. 

After the hunters return home with the captive Spidicules its decided Draco Vita will create a reenactment of their glorious hunt. A terrible accident occurs when the actor portraying the monster accidentally gouges the actor portraying the hunter. The survivor died of their wounds in the night. 

 ~~ Oh man, that was a lot tougher battle than I expected it to be. In the end I got it, but I had to pull out a few too many lucky rolls. Charade is all kinds of busted up and Orson was barely hanging on. Looks like next year we have the return of another nemesis monster. Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

When you crinkle your pet’s food bag

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 14 for Draco Vita:

Orson’s body was too heavily damaged, and Cassie would not journey into the dark. Undomiel couldn’t fathom taking an amatuer into the insanity of the beasts they’ve been dealing with. So it seemed May would get her chance to go on one last hunt. That only left one slot for a new hunter. Alta had been eager to see more of the forest, and she had been taught some basics with a spear. Undomiel thought this would be a good lesson. 

Hunt Phase:

A path between two cliffs narrow until they are forced to walk single file. Undomiel leading the way begins to make his way across. When they get to the other side they realize, Alta has disappeared. The news is disturbing but there is nothing they can do on the path. Undomiel pushes forward. Once across they spy the signs of their quarry. Undomiel had little doubt it had Alta. They hurried, following after the clues that would bring them to the monster’s nest. 

A great battle for dominance between two enormous antelopes. Their fighting has left the stone-faced ground gouged with crisscrossing scars. The survivors have to be careful lest they be cut by the ridges and edges of the stone-faced floors. They pass slowly, and carefully but unharmed. 

Battle With the Quarry:(Spidicules level 1)

It was by Alta’s good luck that they found her. The Spidicules had begun to spin its webs and prepare her for some no doubt, terrible fate. This creature was younger, barely an adult by Spidicules standard. It would soon learn the mistake it had made. The ire it had brought upon itself by taking one of the Draco Vita. 

This beast was used as a lesson. It never had any real chance against the Draco Vita. Instead Undomiel took the opportunity to show Alta what being one of their hunters was like, and to give May one last hunt. Alta had been taken but seemed unphased by her abduction, or at least rallied from any sense of despair. As Undomiel put it, they wouldn’t leave her if it could be helped. 

Settlement:

The survivors find themselves overcome with a bittersweet mix of affection and loss that haunts them in different moments and places around the settlement. They can’t really describe it, but something keeps knocking their gear about. Items fall without provocation. Perhaps… Cassie was right. 

From the dark the Bone Witch returns. Her wailing chants disturbing the still darkness about her. Charade is drawn to her in curiosity and seeks to hear the tales the Bone Witch would offer. She whispers to him of the horrors and wonders she has seen. She takes her leave in the dead of night. 

May has been effectively retired from hunting. The harrowing trials she has endured and fighting with the Hunters in the dark lands just was no longer for her. The last hunt she had insisted on had left her feeling sure about her choice. She would stay here, keep the people safe and only hunt smaller game near the Obsidian Throne. 

Undomiel was troubled though. He too would soon be too broken to continue hunting. The life of a Hunter was difficult and soon he believed he would be needed to lead the settlement on a more day-to-day basis. He had originally chosen Cassie to be the inheritor of the Black Sword. Now there was no time to take a new ward. He wondered who if any would become worthy to wield the Black Sword. 

~~Kind of a boring Lantern Year but that’s just as well. Orson needed to sit out and May got her last go in. Next year should be another round of hunting and I am excited to see how the Hunters handle their foes. I’m thinking we might try our first level 3 monster. Either way, until then, good luck Draco Vita.~~ 

[seerow]

Earworms are just the worst. 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 13 for Draco Vita:

The Survivors were enjoying the evening, their bellies were full and the conversation was excited and well-meaning. Then, it was as if all the warmth had been robbed out of the very air. The Survivors shivered and looked around in heightened panic. Something wasn’t right. Then, a tear formed and from the dark emerged a creature. All of Altera Lumina could hear the scream, prompting its defenders to act. 

When Undomiel arrived on the scene he simply could not believe his eyes. The Slenderman had returned. It did not speak, it simply stood there and beckoned the Hunters to it. Undomiel grit his teeth, very well. 

Showdown (Slenderman Level 2):

As if knowing the threat the Survivors posed when working together, it sought to cripple them one by one. The first was Cassie, it appeared behind her, its tendrils lashing her body and squeezing till an audible pop could be heard. To her credit she didn’t scream, but her face was twisted from the pain. 

It vanished, appearing behind Orson and made another attack. The blow landed, but Orson’s crystalline hide held and it pushed the creature from him. Ready to counterattack. It vanished before Orson could even strike. 

With the time they had, the Survivors gathered at the center, facing outward back-to-back. They anticipated it to come from anywhere. The Slenderman emerged from the shadows of their mind and they turned on it. Charade missed entirely, but Undomiel’s axe bit it's twisted flesh and spilled the black ichor of its blood. Undomiel drove the haft of his weapon into its abdomen and it doubled over in silent pain. It seemed the leader of Draco Vita was a match for the terror of the void. 

Cassie tried to fight it, her blade came down but it seemed prepared for her. Before she knew what was happening, the floor beneath her seemed to liquefy. As she slipped into the Ink Ocean her mind was assaulted, her body wrapped by the wicked branches of that horrible world. The pain this time was unbearable and she screamed, releasing the air of her lungs in bubbles that drifted off into empty expanse of black waters. 

Undomiel enraged moved in, another brutal strike bit deep into its pale flesh. He fought to protect Cassie, to save his champion from the clutches of this monster. Yet to no avail. The Slenderman appeared behind Charade, and while Charade managed to dodge the mass of tendrils that lunged for him he didn’t notice what was happening. Orson and Undomiel vanished to the Ink Ocean. Leaving only the katar wielder alone against the monster. 

Charade held on, and before he knew it Undomiel and Cassie had escaped the Ink Ocean. Rushing to reunite with their fellow Hunter. Knowing they were far more effective fighting together than alone.

Gathered, they moved to take the monster. Charade’s weapons finally landed a blow. Cassie came over top her sword lopping tendrils off. Undomiel smashed his axe into its side sending the monster reeling momentarily. Charade vanished, but Cassie did not have time to look for her comrade. She used the opening and stabbed the Slenderman. It lurched forward, and the last thing Cassie saw was its nothing face before she vanished back into the Ink Ocean.

Undomiel had enough. He moved in on the demon, and swung with his axe over and over rending flesh with every blow. It appeared behind him but Undomiel had fought enemies with this tactic over and over. He ducked under the blow and plunged the haft behind him. This could not have been the same creature they fought before, for this one had not learned. Undomiel’s haft smashed into the creature’s face and its strange body crumpled into the ground. It was over. Though, when he looked up he found his fellow Hunters with him, sopping wet and confused. He gazed over the settlement he wasn’t sure why they were there. What had just happened? 

Settlement:

Cassie believes there is a powerful presence nearby. Despite the convincing of others she retreats fearfully to her home, muttering of an unseen presence. A few days later, they find Cassie passed out. She has painted patterns all over Altera Lumina in her blood. She mutters in a tremendous fear of the dark. She will not go near it, she will not brave the darkness anymore. Undomiel, not wanting to distress her further, agrees to let her stay home. 

One day, an exile emerges from the darkness. Altera Lumina was worried at the sound of her bizarre wailing chants. Everyone feared what mystery kept her alive in the darkness all these years. Some could not resist asking. The Hunters, puzzled at what they had lost, each speak with her at length.

A dream, buried deep in memory suddenly surfaces for Cassie. She can feel the hot breath against her ear, the hissing whispers. The White Speaker, she had come bearing secrets of the world and Cassie had just forgotten, until now. 

~~So many problems. Cassie won’t go out and hunt until I can get rid of a disorder and Orson has to skip this next hunt thanks to the wounds he endured fighting the Slenderman. That guy nearly destroyed Cassie, the fact that she hung on at all was nothing short of a RNG miracle. Well next year looks like another hunt so I will have to make due with what I have. Until then good luck Draco Vita.~~

[seerow]

We have such sights to show you

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 12 for Draco Vita:

It was time to set out again. May had been eager to return to the field but for the time being Undomiel wanted her to wait. With some training and a little patience he promised May could rejoin the Hunters. The last outing had been very dangerous and he worried that letting her venture out before she was ready would ultimately get someone killed. Despite her anger she heeded Undomiel and stayed behind. 

Hunt Phase:

While journeying to the Abyssal Woods gate, the Hunters find themselves victims to a collapsing cave. No one suffered any serious injury, but as the Hunters pick themselves up from the wreckage they discover a crystalline lake. Undomiel remembers finding a path to this lake near this area, and sense in Orson to investigate. Phosphorescent spores infect Orson’s very pores without his knowledge. Instigating a change that would come in time.  

The group comes upon a strange plant growing from the eyes of a stone face. Undomiel approaches and using his sickle pulls the weed free. Testing it, they discover the plant has amazing regenerative power. The Hunters rub the leaves over their skin and miraculously heal. Undomiel’s tests his newly mended jaw and nods in approval. 

The Survivors collectively feel a heightened level of anticipation. They have found tracks for their quarry. It was close.

Battle With the Quarry:(Spidicules level 2)

The nest was settled near a pool of lava. The Hunters looked over the area and noted how close the silk eggs were to the vent. The Spidicules was using the natural heat to likely help nurture its offspring. They had to be careful not to get too close lest they risk burns or worse. Undomiel whispered the plans, they were to take the Spidicules quickly and not let the beast wander off. With a nod the signal was given and the Hunters moved in, but it had been waiting patiently for them. The Spidicules knew they were there the whole time and had sprung its trap. 

Of course it was Spiderlings, but that was anticipated. Within seconds the Hunters dispatched the majority of the smaller beasts, knowing full well there was more all around them. Undomiel signaled Charade in. Cassie followed her ally, keeping Spiderlings off of the katar wielder as he rushed in and started to remove limbs from the Spidicules. Cassie managed to follow through and her blade lopped a few two legs of the Spidicules. 

They were familiar with how the beast attacked. The creature was an opportunist, using its offspring to mire and wear down, then it would strike. They gave it no such advantage, the Spiderlings were dispatched and with every blow from Charade’s weapon the Spidicules lost mobility. Before the end it cowered in the corner and was dispatched. 

Settlement:

TRIATHLON OF DEATH

The settlement engages in games of skill at the behest of the Tyrant. Who insists that a triathlon will inspire more effort from Draco Vita. The first event was a race, to the surprise of many settlers Orson won the race. 

The second contest was a debate. The candidates lined up and prepared for arguments. May came very close. Ultimately, Cassie won with an impassioned counter-argument. 

The last contest was a fighting contest. To determine who among them is the absolute strongest. Naturally the Hunters entered as contestants ready to settle the score. Orson seemed to be favored thanks to his years of lifting his shield and bearing heavy armor. However, he could not compete with Cassie’s raw speed and took second in the contest. 

Now with the Triathlon over, the Tyrant gives a few words of praise to the members of Draco Vita. It was as he hoped, many of the denizens seemed to light up. Their inner fires stoked and inspired to reach new heights. 

The phosphorescent spores activate. Orson’s ski is soon covered in a sort of crystalline carapace. The growth of this natural armor is a painful and bloody process. Though the people of Draco Vita do their best to help him, he is forced to endure this curse with little comfort. His armor no longer fits correctly or damages it from within. This is concerning to Undomiel, but there is little they could do. 

~~So understanding how the big spider works went entirely in my favor this time. I was better prepared and while a few blows did knock some armor off and get me close to severe injury, I managed to snipe the kill using Charade again. So it looks like next year is the return of the Slenderman and I’m curious how well Orson is going to function now that he doesn’t have proper armor to fall back on. Oh well, good luck Draco Vita. ~~

[seerow]

That’s like uh... everything bypass? 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 11 for Draco Vita:

The people of Draco Vita were growing strong, they needed to continue this meteoric rise if they wanted to appease the Tyrant. Of late they had continued to show great courage and resolve, overcoming difficult foes and even the Tyrant himself. Undomiel knew they needed more silk and his new hunters needed experience. Charade and Cassie had proven themselves worthy, but they had much to learn. Undomiel gathered the others, and readied their packs. They would be facing a strong foe today. 

Hunt Phase:

Along the way they encounter a barefoot waif with soot-covered feet. She exclaims wildly at the survivors and fills them with an alien feeling of hope. Something far more precious and wondrous in this land of eternal dark. 

The gate to the Forest bars their way. This time when they approach it opens but only by a fraction. Each of the hunters for their way through. 

Battle With the Quarry:(Spidicules level 2)

Soon they were deep in the mire of the beast’s lair. Silk strands draped all over the walls and trees. There was movement just beyond their visions, fangs and eyes that pull back into the dark when they looked. Then Undomiel stopped them. It was here. A shadow cast itself over the hunters and they knew it was directly above. Undomiel and the team leapt out of the way before the large hands and body crashed into the forest floor. He gave the signal, it was time to fight. 

They moved as a unit, each striking at the monster and turning to cover their fighting partner. Orson kept the Spiderlings at bay, the rest worked to bring the beast down. However a mishap happened where Cassie’s blade got caught into a ball of spider silk. As she pulled and jerked to break free the Spiderlings emerged and pulled her down, biting and gnashing as a feeding frenzy began. The fear sank into her mind. Primal, raw fear that paralyzed her for but a moment. She was going to die here. 

Cassie lost her mind to the rage. Pushing back her enemies she killed Spiderling after Spiderling sending them to the worlds beyond with every slash of her blade. Her frenzy stealing all sense of caution from her as she charged back into the fray. 

Soon it was as Undomiel expected, they were being swarmed. There were far more Spiderlings than they could hope to handle. All they had to do was kill the mother and this fight would end. He called out to Charade, who moved in with his katar to finish the beast. Charade removed limbs and carved flesh but what they couldn’t anticipate was what came next. 

The Spidicules emitted some strange horrific cry that echoed all around them. The Spiderlings gathered in a mass of frenzy spindly bodies. The Hunters were on their knees clutching their heads, they could barely think. The Spiderlings descended on them biting and tearing at the armor that protected them. Now they were trapped between the Spiderlings and going mad from the screech that bounced inside of their minds endlessly. Each screamed with pain or desperation in their own ways, deaf to another beneath the screech of the Spidicules. 

Undomiel saw an opening, it was a long shot but if they didn’t retake control of this fight it was over. He signaled Cassie who cut down Spiderlings that stood between them and their brood mother. 

Undomiel screamed so hard at Charade he just heard it beneath the creature’s screech. Charade’s eyes flicked up, he saw the opening made for him and rushed for the Spidicules. The first stab buried deep into its face, ceasing the screeching. The second punched into its body and at last the Spidicules fell. It was a victory, but they were at their limit. The Hunters were solemn, saying little the whole way back. Thankful for the Resonating Lantern to keep the beasts at bay. 

They had won, but barely. 

Settlement:

A cloaked woman enters the settlement. All that can be seen beneath her hood is the sparkle of perfect teeth. She offers to improve the survivors if they are brave enough. Undomiel wanted desperately to have his jaw repaired, but couldn’t gather enough resources for the woman. 

BLEEDING HEART

Cassie takes the Hunter’s Heart from Undomiel’s room. She clutches the strange metal heart, its cold face emits a regular vibration, twitching. Each time its corded veins secrete a sparkling, crimson liquid. 

She can sense a heaviness about this object beyond mere weight. Something about it is indescribably old and sad. Fascinated, she could not help herself and began to dismantle the metal heart, systematically removing its plating. As she slides the shell apart she gasps. A human heart, just like theirs, beats weakly within. Its swollen arteries are connected to metal spouts on the device’s interior walls.The horrific contraption ignites her imagination, smashing the seal on some deep dark thoughts. 

Overwhelmed with curiosity, she carefully dismantles and reassembles the device, learning its intricacies. As it snaps together, it squirts, shooting concentrated fluid directly into her eyes. Rubbing them clean, she blinks, her eyesight is improved! With this knowledge she brings the heart to Undomiel and tells him excitedly of her discovery. With the crimson fluids of the Hunter’s Heart they heal May’s body and Orson’s ear. 

~~I actually just barely kept from losing both Orson and Cassie that fight. I wound up sacrificing a lot of resources in the process but gained quite a few more. So long as I can continue to upgrade their equipment steadily I think we will be on track to deal with the Tyrant. Who knows when that time will come but until then: Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

eenie... meenie.... minny... you

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 10 for Draco Vita:

Undomiel had chosen an inheritor of the sword. She was a young upstart that the Tyrant called Cassie who Defended. An apt name Unodmiel felt, as she would be using her strength to do just that. There were many who Undomiel considered: Vivi, Alta, Rhea but he chose Cassie for a simple reason. She loved her people, the people of Draco Vita. A trait he felt Estel held. 

Showdown (Manhunter 2):

There was a strange silence that loomed over the settlement that day. Yet Orson looked up from where he was mending his shield. Something was off… something familiar. A sound, a resonance that prickled in the back of his mind. When he realized, he called for the other Survivors and gathered them. Undomiel scowled, he knew what this was. The Reverberating Lantern was brought out and activated.

The veil lifted and a stranger was standing there surprised at being caught. There was something familiar about him. The gear fashioned to the stranger’s body, the way it carried itself. Another Manhunter had come to Altera Lumina. This one looked older, more grizzled. Had he come following in the path of the last Manhunter? Undomiel didn’t care if he was seeking glory or vengeance. It would find only death here. 

Undomiel moved in first, far too cocky, far too angry. The Manhunter unloaded a gun into him, destroying his body and leaving a horrific wound. Somehow Undomiel stayed on his feet, but he screamed with primal fury. Charade came next and slashed the Manhunter’s back, a big mistake as the large man turned on him quickly and slammed him neck first into porcelain faces. He turned back, lifting his pistols and fired on Undomiel and Orson. Pinning them with gunfire. 

Charade and Cassie jumped him from behind only to be thrown back. He turned his guns on Cassie but found she was surprisingly fast. Undomiel used the opening swinging his axe down overhead. The Manhunter didn’t block fast enough, the blade smashed his jaw and caught his eye, blinding and enraging the Manhunter. Even in the bile of his hatred, the Manhunter stumbled. Draco Vita was much stronger this time. 

The Manhunter stumbled toward Cassie and attempted to grapple her, but failed. He was too wounded, his body wasn’t holding up. Undomiel had nearly killed him in one swing. In his frustration he kicked Cassie to the ground and stomped over her repeatedly, her armor rent and broke but she suffered no serious wound. Soon Charade countered stabbing his legs and tearing open one of the Manhunter’s arm. The Manhunter stumbled back, blood pouring from him, crimson pooling at his feet.

Undomiel approached, this fight was over. With a swing of his axe the Manhunter crumpled into a pile of gore. Draco Vita was victorious. Undomiel wondered what Estel would make of them now. How powerful their people had become. 

Settlement:

A large stone face slowly opens its mouth. Survivors prove their bravery by running into it. Cassie opted to prove herself by running into the open maw. She enters for a moment, before bolting back to the surface. This was enough to impress Draco Vita.

UNVEIL THE SKY

Reality is shattered, revealing the teeming depths of the limitless night. The celestial vault is thrown open to reveal the world beyond. The sight shatters the delicate boundaries of the survivor’s world.

In silent benediction and judgement, the celestial faces gaze upon the Tyrant’s people. Commanding them to race for their destinies. Four were chosen to peer into their destinies. 

FACES IN THE SKY

Suddenly, a second heartbeat pulses in your eardrum, a second spirit roars in your breast. You look up, locking eyes with an enormous shrouded face visible to your eyes only. It is the face of the stars and you are one of the People of Stars. 

Undomiel has made the ascension. Born again as one of Tyrant’s own. That night, the Tyrant took Undomiel aside and he learned his name: Sarrick the Warbringer. Undomiel, now christened in his new form. Was given a new name, which would take the place of his old. Henceforth he was Undomiel the Paragon.

Undomiel had his name returned to him. Cassie is being groomed to wield the Black Sword, Charade has proven to be a powerful warrior, and Orson has shown courage unmatched by anyone in the whole of Altera Lumina. The Tyrant was happy, the people were happy. Undomiel looked ahead, they had begun to conquer this desolate world. They had a chance, a real honest chance and that made all the difference. 

~~So the Manhunter didn’t even get a real solid hit in. I do wonder if it's because of the hordes of upgrades I’ve been receiving but also I just straight up rolled five criticals on him. Poor guy didn’t have much chance though he did have some rather nasty hit location cards. He went down surprisingly fast and with little consequence. Alright I actually checked the timeline and it looks like we can actually hunt this coming year which is good because I need resources so badly! Good luck Draco Vita.~~

[seerow]

Heard you were talking shit Brenda!

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 9 for Draco Vita:

The time had come again. The Tyrant would test his foundlings, to make sure they are growing strong enough to inherit the destiny he set out for them. He called to Undomiel and demanded he bring the mightiest of Draco Vita. So the survivors gathered their weapons and marched outside of the boundaries of their home. Here they would draw their line, and see if they can cross it. 

Showdown (Tyrant level 2):

The Tyrant used the same old trick as before. Vanishing into some unseen gate and leaving a stone replica in its place. The survivors chased him around the battlefield trying hard to take the fight to him, but he seemed to always stay a step ahead. 

Then the battle ramped up. The Tyrant appeared at the center of the field and a wave of heated air spiraled in a pulse outwardly from him. The survivors were thrown but were relatively unharmed thanks to their armor. However, they could feel the pressure of the battle working against them now. They had done little to the Tyrant, and their armor wouldn’t hold forever at the rate it was going.

The Tyrant turned and raised his hand, the very earth trembled and shook. Jagged shards erupted from the ground underneath Charade’s feet and pinned him to the earth, he screamed out as sharp splinters pierced his body. 

Fang leapt upon the Tyrant and landed three consecutive blows, crossing the Tyrant’s jaw with a final hook. To Fang’s surprise, the Tyrant gazed upon him with a loving benediction. The smile unnerved Fang as he attempted to rally for another blow, but the Tyrant vanished. Leaving only another stone facsimile behind. 

He appeared behind Undomiel and cut his legs from under him knocking him to the ground. With a follow up attack he seared Undomiel’s skin and nearly killed him. Fang arrived in an attempt to intervene and found his body being flung through a stone copy. The Tyrant wielded power the survivors couldn’t even begin to understand. Still they had to fight on. 

A devastating blow cut the Tyrant's armor and left him slow and weakened. As if sensing an end to the conflict, Draco Vita surrounded the Tyrant. Undomiels axe finally knocked their violent benefactor to the ground. This was enough it seemed. 

Settlement:

Impressed with their victory, the Tyrant offers gifts to Draco Vita. A spear he claims was fashioned in his ancient home. A weapon suitable for destroying the likes of Spidicules. Draco Vita gladly accepted such a weapon. 

One evening, a spectacular light show erupts against the limitless darkness above. Swirling vivid trails streak overhead, lifting everyone’s spirits. Even the Tyrant seemed pleased at the light show. 

FORGOTTEN FEAR

In an instant, the survivors recall the horrors of the past and see a familiar delicate figure standing unheeded among the survivors. Their screams are choked by gouts of black water spewing from their mouth. The Slenderman’s shape ripples into view before their very eyes. Fang broke stride, he felt no fear, only the cold resolve to fight the monsters. No matter the cost. 

Showdown: (Slenderman level 1)

One day, a lonely man came home and found his long, lonely hours no longer troubled him. In fact, he could not remember them at all. Each day, he left home with a chilling ache in his bones and no memory of the day before. One day, he came home to find that he was not alone after all. Then he was gone. 

It was a nightmare made manifest. It was tall, humanoid, and uncanny. Undomiel steeled his resolve and gave the call. Draco Vita descended down upon the creature, they would have its blood. They banished fear from their minds, tempering their doubts with the fire of battle. They were together and together they were powerful. 

The creature slipped in and out of reality, passing through to a reality of darkness. It vanished and reappeared in their minds. Drawing close and far and always around them. Inspiring madness, sounds of screaming and paradoxically absolute silence invaded their senses. Their uncertainty was beginning to show, but Draco Vita have dealt with vanishing foes before. 

Charade was the first to draw its vile blood. His katar bit deep and it offered a whispering moan of pain. Then… Charade vanished. The ground gave way, and Charade was swallowed by an angry portal of dark water. He plummeted into a pitch-black ocean, slimy leaves lashing his panicked, drowning body in the darkness. He returned but seconds later, cut all over. Yet he seemed lost, as if confused about where he was. 

Cornering it proved useless. Even as Orson smashed into its body, the very aura around it nearly froze his skin. He was rendered helpless in seconds, icicles forming on his clothes as he reached for his allies. His voice hoarse as he called for help. Fang answered, landing a decisive blow only to find the creature behind him. It’s strange icy claws tearing through his flesh and mind, Fang cried out in agony as he was cast aside. Thankfully the acanthus May and her sister had prepared saved his life. 

Within seconds Orson vanished, banished to the black waters. Undomiel soon followed. Charade and Fang held on, intercepting the Slenderman and parrying his strange attacks that came from all sides. Charade proved his worth, his katar bit over and over but this quickly became a detriment. The cold icy blood of the Slenderman spilled onto Charade’s hands and he screamed as frostbite began to set in rapidly. Charade pulled away but fell in an attempt to escape. This was it. He looked up to the horrific Slenderman and saw his doom fast approaching. Its tentacles writhed and lunged toward him. Charade grit his teeth and closed his eyes. 

Something warm splashed his face, and he dared to peek. Fang had intercepted the monster’s attack. Arms outstretched to make himself as large as possible, the tendrils burrowed and bore through armor and flesh. Fang screamed with such pain that Charade would never forget it even in the emptiness of sleep. Fang went slack in the tentacles and was tossed aside, dying swiftly on the cold porcelain floor. Charade didn’t have time to even utter his friend's name before the ocean of darkness appeared beneath him and swallowed him whole. 

Orson stepped in, having escaped the Dark World, bringing his shield up and using it like a club to try and bash the Slenderman. His attack simply passed through nothing and the Slendermand appeared behind him. The tentacles ripped into his shoulder, digging painfully deep as Orson’s body shuttered and trembled. He tried to rally but sank back into the black waters.

Undomiel moved. Enough was enough. He tore free of the inky waters. It was just him and the monster now. His axe flew and missed, but he knew where the creature would be next. The Tyrant had shown them time and again. ‘Behind you’ ‘Behind you’ his mind screamed and he turned his body and shoved the hilt’s end high. He caught the Slenderman in the solar plexus and watched its head burst open like a fermented pomegranate, littering the ground with bright alien seeds. Undomiel quickly consumed the seeds, and forgot his name. 

Returning from the battle proved a solemn affair. Fang had proved a resourceful and steadfast ally against all that wandered out in the dark. He would be dearly missed. 

While tinkering at the Gormchymist, a miraculous breakthrough happened. A piece of gormite, a nigh indestructible substance was discovered. Kia who Served assured Undomiel, this material was not to be wasted. Undomiel made arrangements to forge a weapon unlike any other. Using the perfect weapon crucible as a sort of template, he began to mold the gormite and a gorm skull into a blade. Undomiel poured his anger, his sorrow, and all the hope he had into the weapon. The Black Sword bore Estel’s name in their dragon runes, as a reminder of how they were to conduct themselves in battle. The weapon was forged, and now all it needed was someone to wield it. Until Undomiel could find an ideal pupil he put the blade away.

~~So... a lot of bad things happened, but then I got the worlds luckiest roll and pulled the materials needed to make one of the most powerful weapons in the game. So, we’re down a well-trained hunter but we can rebuild. Next year it looks like we return to the hunt. Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

Throne Shenanigans! 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 8 for Draco Vita:

Riding high on the victory they had taken from the previous year, the members of Draco Vita have acted in newfound confidence. Fang had calmed, Undomiel was learning to fit into his leadership role. Everyone was growing, May was eager to return to the hunt and Orson remained vigil as ever. It was time to set out again. With the growing need of silk and webbing, it naturally made sense to head out for another Spidicules. Ideally a younger inexperienced beast, they had cut it far too close retrieving May the last time. Undomiel felt there was no assured victory if they pressed their luck again. 

Hunt Phase:

Nearing the Witch’s Woods, began to reveal signs of a Spidicules nearby. While bedding down for the night they were ambushed by Spiderlings. Undomiel was grabbed and nearly taken off in the dark if not for the quick reactions of Orson who happened to be nearby. 

While out gathering herbs for acanthus plants, May found a path that led to a swamp. Separated from the others only briefly, She finds a strange ghostly flower. It blooms, uncovering a face within. It whispers to her in words that only she and the plant will ever know. She would never quite be the same. 

The hunters descended into a silk-lined tunnel, hoping to find their quarry. As they were making their way through, the ground suddenly collapses and the survivors find themselves in a vast chamber. While down there May began to panic all of the sudden. Horrific memories of being tormented in tight confined spaces. The others eventually calmed her down, but were forced to leave the strange chamber without any further exploration.  

The trauma May had endured resurfaced as they were moving through a rolling set of hills. She slipped and simply let herself tumble, breaking a leg from the fall. Slowly coming to grips with the horror that is her life, she eventually comes around and rejoins the hunters, who are now called upon to help her as best they can with a injured teammate. 

Battle With the Quarry:(Spidicules level 2)

The Beasts lair was easy enough to find. However, with May’s leg broken the team needed to consider their approach. Undomiel gave her orders to hang back and only engage should the beast draw close. She nodded with acknowledgement and watched as her team moved in without her. 

Their Quarry was inexperienced, slow, and easily dispatched. Before the beast could even flee Orson charged, his shield smashing and breaking its limbs as he plowed through the creature. Undomiel followed up and crippled the beast as it attempted to retreat safety. There Fang had been waiting for it and smashed its eyes with horrific fury. He would suffer no monster weak or otherwise. The creature was felled quickly and without mercy.

Settlement:

A corpulent man arrives, reclined on a chair carried on the backs of four cloaked men. He offers to sell the settlement many amazing treasures. Ultimately Draco Vita declines, as there was simply nothing the trader could offer that the settlement needed. 

With May’s injury, Undomiel nominates her to attempt to endure a surgical procedure. In the hopes that they might be able to mend her leg. The silk of the Spidicules is strange, and in truth they did not fully understand its properties. There was something of a strange moment, the surgeon’s hands suddenly gained a mind of their own. May survived the procedure, though her leg was still broken. Strangely she discovered her strength was more than doubled. The raw power of her body completely alien to the other survivors. 

Undomiel with a heavy heart decides to effectively retire May. Opting to let Charade who Changed take her place. While she was stronger than ever he couldn’t with good conscience let her strain her body any further. May was resistant, but ultimately by the ushering of friends and family she relented. 

~~Good enough year I suppose. I did work very hard to try and repair May but just couldn’t seem to find a path that worked. Then she somehow survived radical surgery that didn’t fix her problem but made her a sort of weird clutch fighter. Oh well, it was a good lantern year for Draco Vita so lets see how they handle the next year when they face the Tyrant once again! Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

And that one, it looks like death. That one? Also death. It’s... kinda all death. 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 7 for Draco Vita:

Undomiel knew that Fang wouldn’t be satisfied with cutting their losses. Not that Undomiel wished to leave May in the Witch’s Forest but to send the hunters out to seek her was dangerous. The nature of the gamble was they could easily lose far more than could be gained. Fang would speak of nothing but going after May. There would come a point where the two would have to decide. 

The Tyrant seemed apathetic to their plight. When Undomiel sought his advice he simply demanded that the his Champion decide. What good would Undomiel be if he can’t make the tough decisions? Perhaps his rival was more fit to lead if Undomiel couldn’t prove himself. In the end Undomiel relented, and a hunting party was gathered. 

Hunt Phase:

The Hunters come across a wide chasm bridged by silk. A sure sign of their enemy. Though the heights are dizzying they press on. Moving carefully but steadily. 

The survivors approach a massive portcullis standing in the darkness. It is not attached to anything and does not bar their way. Undomiel hesitates but recalls the dying guard from some time before. He holds aloft the portcullis key and uses it. The portcullis creaks open and the hunters step through. A dank gloom awaits the survivors. They move through the dark, and come upon the Perfect Crucible. Undomiel hesitates looking at the mold, a sword, a weapon, perhaps a sign. 

As they prepare to leave Undomiel spots something among the stone faces that make up the walls. The features of one of the porcelain faces reminded him of Estel. He reached out, bitterness and loneliness filling his thoughts. He would see their people through, for her. 

The survivors see spiderlings devouring the corpse of some unfortunate soul. Fang was ont op of the creatures before they had a chance. The diminutive creatures scattered, fang retrieved a strange weapon and places it among their armaments. 

Battle With the Quarry:(Spidicules level 2)

This creature was far more cunning, far more careful. It had survived when others of it species perished. Its ruthless drive to survive showed immediately. Spiderlings crawled from every corner of its nest and it showed no shame in using them, devouring them, putting them between it and the Hunters. 

It fled and let the spiderlings work at the survivors. Just as they began to cull the tiny monsters the Spidicules dropped from above and bit Shaelie’s legs. She screamed and managed to crawl away from its jaws, her blood pooling underneath her. It would take a moment to bandage her wounds but she knew the others would cover for her. 

The Spidicules fled often, and before the Hunters knew it there were far more Spiderlings then they could hope to deal with. Though the Hunters were well armored, though they were well prepared, the diminutive creatures eventually began to wear them down. Undomiel recognized they needed to strike or they would soon be overwhelmed. 

He moved in. Axe at the ready. A roar of anger and violence and his axe hit home, the thing quaked and screamed, several of its legs destroyed within a fell-handed swing. It could flee no longer. The hunters piled in, their weapons drawn stabbing and mauling and crushing. Killing the Spidicules in a grueling frenzy of rage. They would be victims no more! 

There was a sound that startled them coming from the beast’s nest. Fang approached ready for whatever may be lurking within. To his surprise May was bound in the silken threads still alive and struggling for freedom having woken to the sounds of battle. Today Draco Vita was victorious, they had killed their foe, they had saved May.

Settlement:

The skies bubble and murmur as a dark presence tears through the atmosphere like a negative lightning bolt, sucking the air and energy from all who gaze upon it. A light rain begins. The survivors turn their eyes up to see a huge, iridescent feather slowly floating toward the ground. Their lantern lights reflect strange rainbows off the twisting feather. A primal fear takes root in the settlement. 

Undomiel rises and speaks. Exclaiming the feather to be beautiful and dangerous all the same. He decides to hide it, stashing it away for himself. 

~~Oh man so the Spidicules fight quickly got out of hand with all the Spiderlings. I’m not sure it would have been a success if I didn’t happen to have some stone shards with me to get free crits. It managed to stay mostly out of the way and kept replenishing any babies it made. 

We got a lot of benefits though. I’m not sure I’m going to use the perfect crucible but I do like having the option all the same. Things are definitely looking up for Draco Vita, but I worry that they may not be strong enough to deal with the mounting difficulty. Next year is a freebie so good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

She broke the first rule of the internet: Never read the comments. 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 6 for Draco Vita:

Estel was gone, and in truth Undomiel wasn’t sure he could pick up the pieces. The Settlement reassured him, the Tyrant promoted him, but he was nothing like her. He didn’t have that same passion, the same drive, the inherent need that Estel displayed. He wasn’t convinced he could lead and it showed. The other hunters regarded him, but each listened and followed his orders to varying degrees. Fang was especially rebellious. He constantly pushed and argued, his thoughts consumed on destroying their enemies. Eventually to make peace Undomiel made an arrangement with Fang. To hunt down Talon’s killer. To avenge Fang’s brother at long last. 

They gathered their weapons. They readied their packs and medicine. The territories of the forest were forbidden, the monsters that dwelled there unknown, yet they had to take that risk. Because to remain as they were wasn’t working. The Tyrant did nothing to dissuade or propagate their decision. If they were to grow they would do so by their own terms. 

Hunt Phase:

May who Hunted had learned much from her sister. Although she hadn’t her love of flora, she had learned from her to respect the power of botanical remedies and potions. She carried with her a scythe to procure herbs and plant matter, and knew a spot for the hunters to gather berries and rest and if they were lucky, craft some healing ointments. 

The survivors stop in a clearing and bed down for the night. Suddenly Undomiel is grabbed by a spindly creature that attempts to drag him away. The others wake with a start and managed to stave off the creature without incident. The rest of the night passes without further incident. 

While journeying through the forest the Hunters come upon a creaky carriage. The carriage is carved on every side with lurid faces, and a massive, twitching eye adorns the front, the door a waiting, open mouth. Out of a small window, a gnarled hand beckoned them closer. The Hunters wary of strangers continue on. 

Battle With the Quarry: (Spidicules level 1)

Finding the lair of a Spidicules is far more difficult than they first thought. For such a massive beast it remains entirely illusive, nestled in the safety of its webs. Fang seemed to know the way, and when they entered the lair of one of these creatures the others were left awed and shocked. 

The creature known as Spidicules was far larger than they had first anticipated. Its sinister design evoked a primal fear as its legs shifted to lift its large round body. Something resembling a human face managed a smile across the creature’s features accompanied by dozens of eyes. 

Fang did not care, he did not wait. Moving in without an order, he charged for the monster, hungry to exact the vengeance he believed he was owed. Undomiel gaped at his ally’s rush and called for them to strike. Hoping against hope this would settle Fang’s unease once and for all. 

All good children know to hide when they hear the signs of the knocking ghost. A rapping outside your hovel, a laugh like dried leaves blowing over ground, the shadow of a familiar face disappearing around a corner. 

All bad children that dare go outside when it comes around will be snapped up, never to be seen again. 

They moved as Estel had taught them. Approaching the monster together, each covering the other. Before Spidicules knew what was happening Undomiel’s axe cleaved several of its legs, it pulled back pained and taken aback by the hunters. Fang moved next smashing one of its eyes with a well-timed blow. Then it retreated far beyond their reach, but before it left small spiderlings came pouring from the webbing all around them attempting to surround the hunters. Undomiel narrowly dodged the fangs of a spiderling before stamping it into the dirt. The Hunters knew then, the Spidicules was the prey. 

Spidicules was a far easier killer than any anticipated. Maybe it was because the monster was weak or inexperienced. Perhaps their years of hunting had honed them. Either way, the beast stood no chance. No quarter was given, no mercy extended it was butchered before it could even really begin to defend itself. 

They carved the creature up and began to prepare for their return. Suddenly May shrieked capturing the everyone’s attention. Fang watched as she was pulled into the canopy of the forest and vanished. He moved faster than the others rushing headlong toward the nearest tree scrambling up to give chase. Undomiel barely grabbed Fang about the waist to pull him back. Rushing off alone is a death sentence. Fang screamed in horrible rage clawing at the air after May. Undomiel gave the order to pack up, they would return for May when they could. It was far too dangerous to linger. 

Settlement:

It seemed the revenge of Spidicules wouldn’t end there. The settlement one day woke to find everything and everyone inexplicably covered in a blanket of thick silk. This proven to be surprisingly beneficial as Altera Lumina had developed ways of using the silk. 

ITS ALREADY HERE

There is a story about a darkness so dense and so deep that anyone who saw it was drawn into its inky depths. The story tells of a vast ocean in the depths of the darkness from which no shore is ever visible. Its murky waters teem with the vegetation of a horrible sort: grasping roots and waving, slimy leaves with razor-sharp thorns.

Swimming among the dark water jungles is a squirming shadow of writhing tentacles. Its horror is such a burden on the minds of miserable trespassers that they cannot recall what they have seen. A chilling dread without form, the terror of its approach can be felt so intensely that it cannot be committed to memory.

When she emerged from the dark water pool, she was shivering, desperately trying to speak as she choked on black water. Her pleading eyes desperately searched their faces, until they suddenly widened with horror as she looked out into the emptiness. Bitter, black tears rolled down her defeated face. She was too late. 

She fell slack at their feet, her lifeless body twisting and exploding in a shower of black ichor and red gore. Where did she come from? What did she give her life to tell them? The feeling of dread that followed her to the settlement would not lift.

The body was taken back to Altera Lumina, there the Tyrant looked over the strange human but did little more than scoff. He spoke of the White Speakers, a group he knew little of but the stranger apparently belonged to them.

~~So I know things look bad, but honestly the People of the Stars are starting to gain traction and steam. May isn’t dead, she can be recovered and I was absolutely planning on dealing with Spidicules again this next lantern year. We also have began to see the first inklings of Slenderman. Who knows when the settlement will have to deal with him but until then good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

When everything is chaos, the strong make themselves known. 

The People of the Stars

Lantern Year 5 for Draco Vita:

Time is immeasurable in the Kingdom of Death. There are no clocks, no sun with which to innovate. Only the ceaseless tide of night and the passing of a lantern. This is the measure by which Draco Vita must go by. To watch day after day as the light of one of their lanterns slowly fades. For you and I, this would seem a foolish way to keep track of time, because we would know the inherent truth of lanterns: That the time it takes for it to burn out is not consistent. One cannot blame Draco Vita, how could they know anything else? Even the Tyrant far more knowledgeable than the subjects he keeps was born in this land of darkness and horrors.  

It was time for another hunt, it was time to face the crucible. Estel gathered her team and readied to venture out into the Kingdom of Death. High on their victory over the Tyrant and armed with far more knowledge and capability than any could have ever known. All of them had seen things, all of them had fought for their very lives. They were ready to kill Gorm.

Hunt Phase:

The darkness ahead is filled with steady flashes of green light. Enormous piles of jagged bones forebodingly line the horizon in an unbroken line. Inhuman, mournful laughter echoes through the air. Fear stalls the hunting party, but Estel grits her teeth and moves forward. 

The hunters find a body slumped against a large stone face. Moving closer they discover a prospector riddled with arrows. To their surprise the prospector yet lives, growling in a foreign tongue, threateningly raising a shard of stone above his head. He calms recognizing the hunters as humans. With his dying breath he utters something in his strange tongue and offers the settlers a key. Estel takes the key, uncertain what it is for. She takes the prospectors hand as what little life remains finally ebbs. 

They were getting close to the Gorm and discovered an area covered in mounds of their foul-smelling corrosive vomit. Fang offered to investigate, to see if their quarry was nearby. He waded through the vomit, burning his legs and discovered nothing. He looked back and signaled the Hunters to move on. Knowing they were close. 

Among the Gorm stomping grounds the Hunters came upon the remains of four humans. Clad in loincloths and clutching stone shards, each bearing the distinct burns of Gorm vomit. Estel spends little time dwelling, taking their resources and moving on. In  the distant a Gorm is calling out, perhaps a little revenge was in order.

Battle With the Quarry:Gorm (Level 1)

The fight with the Gorm was going well. The team worked in unison carving deep wounds into its flesh. There was a moment of fear when Orson got overconfident. Holding his shield against the massive Gorm he paid the price for thinking he could out muscle such a tremendous beast. The monster charged full force against him and while he was able to absorb most of the damage he was thrown and smashed his head against the ground. He rose, but the side of his head was caked in blood, his ear all but destroyed. 

Estel was proud of of her team. They worked just as she hoped. Together they hacked at the Gorm. Drawing it nearer and nearer to death. The great lumbering beast slowed and trembled from its grievous wounds. Sensing its own end it pushed for one last defense. It’s strange bulb flashed and flickered, the Hunters threw themselves to the ground almost instinctively hoping to escape the blinding light. Only Estel remained on her feet, safely behind the beast for the moment. It turned and rushed her, but Estel was not so easily felled. She was the Champion of Draco Vita. She readied her blade and prepared for the charge. With a monstrous roar the Gorm rushed toward her. Estel grasped the base of its bulb and hoisted herself over its skull, driving her blade deep into its maw shoving the blade up seeking its brain. If she got it she’d never know but she did feel the monster jerk and fall, it was dead where it lay. 

Settlement:

A low rumbling fills the settlement. Cracks and fissures begin to form belching up hot, foul-smelling vapor. The Tyrant seems to be little more than annoyed, so the whole of Altera Lumina manage. Though with all the earth uprooted the hunters spent much of their days relocating and reestablishing hovels and walls.

One day, the mutilated body of a fellow survivor was found hanging in the center of the settlement. Their life snuffed out and put on display in such a horrific fashion. Estel and her hunters are brought quickly to the scene to investigate. Yet when they arrive they begin to hear a dull ringing. Fear and panic crept into their minds as they struggled to comprehend what happened. 

A tall, grim stranger appeared before them, with eyes deeper and blacker than any they had ever seen. In his hand a lantern with a distorted face was emitting a piercing light and deep reverberation that fills their very minds. Estel calls out to attack but finds her signal cannot be heard. 

The stranger walks with slow soundless steps toward them. Only the lantern's strange vibration could be heard within its light. Outside of its light, no one notices the stranger. They talk in shock and frightened tones around the corpse unaware of the danger lurking just behind them. The Hunters were practically paralyzed by the strange turn of events, their limbs heavy, their minds numb as the stranger drew ever nearer. 

Fang suddenly stood in the way. He remained between them, limply staring at the ground. The flooding memories of his brother, the hatred, the anger, he would abide no monsters. Sensing something amiss, the grim stranger stopped its approach just inches from Fang. One couldn’t hear it, but rather feel it- a confident laughter that split Fang’s feature nearly in half. The others watched with wonder as Fang finally found something terrible and dark within him. Transformed by the very intensity of the situation, Fang’s face remained distorted, deranged, an expression of madness. All monsters would perish!

Showdown (Manhunter level 1)

It came from a distant, golden city. It came hunting to serve some horrifying purpose. It came without remorse, without mercy, and without explanation. It came for you. 

The Manhunter wasted no more time, pulling two strange weapons from his sides. They cracked like thunder and before Orson even knew what was happening he was falling his body riddled with buckshot. He was alive but gravely wounded, gritting his teeth as he clutched his legs. Red-hot agony spilling into his limbs as his blood pooled over the ground. 

The Manhunter sneered leveling his gun to Orson’s face before crying in pain, Estel’s blade burying itself into his back.He was alone, and they were a team. Each looking out for the other. This madman would fall!

Estel shifted and swung with all her might. Her boneblade smashed into his armored kneecaps and by some miracle she broke through, although it came with a cost. As she followed through toppling the Manhunter to the ground, she found only the haft in her hands. The weapon had broken. 

However, Estel had opened up an opportunity. With the Manhunter down her team rushed in striking and stabbing at their weakened foe. Each in turn smashed or cut, even Orson managed to catch the foe’s head with his shield. When the Manhunter managed to his feet he was dizzied and angry, adrenaline rushing through the stranger’s veins. 

He kicked Undomiel aside and whipped around to face Estel. Reaching out to grab her. In retaliation she stabbed him with a stone shard she kept as a back up. This proved a mistake as now he had her. The Manhunter rushed the two of them through a column destroying it with her body. She was tossed to the ground broken and bleeding she glanced up to find the Manhunter’s guns leveled. The other warriors rushed knowing the danger but were too late. Before anyone could reach her, the Manhunter’s guns rang out shot after shot until the hammer clacked uselessly. The thunder of his weapons silencing the Tyrant’s chosen champion. 

Fang screamed in bloody vengeance and leapt upon the Manhunter’s back biting and clawing into his flesh like a ravenous animal. In the struggle Undomiel caught up and broke the Manhunters jaw with a swing of his axe. The mountain of a man finally crumbled, and Draco Vita eviscerated his corpse, anger and pain keeping their arms moving. 

When the Manhunter’s lantern was silenced they were greeted by the Tyrant. The settlement now seeing the results of the conflict became hushed and fearful. No one else had seen the intruder. How could this have happened? The loss of their leader was a bitter blow. Even the Tyrant seemed sympathetic. 

The Tyrant descends the obsidian staircase with a gift. He places the gift at the settlement’s center, and heat washes over the cold stone ground for the first time. The Tyrant beckons each survivor into the light. Among the survivors dim reflections in the polished black stone of the settlement the ghosts of the dragons appear to walk among the settlement. The Tyrant calls to each survivor and embraces them, whispering to them in a familiar tone that chills their very hearts. He gives them part of his name: “The Warbringer”. 

~~Hooo boy okay. So upside I got some new survivors, some boss gear, a few innovations. Downside? I just lost one of the best hunters I had. Well… lets hope the others can carry on as we face a new threat next lantern year the Spidicules! Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

I feel pretty oh so pretty

The People of the Stars

Year 4 for Draco Vita:

It was time to set out for the hunt. Estel felt unsure but ready. Most of her team was experienced, most of her team had fought the creatures beyond the settlement. She could do more, she knew it. This time would be different. She gathered the hunters and they set out to find more Gorm’s to butcher, or at least that’s what they thought. 

The Tyrant blocked their way. He spoke in measured, dark tones. It was time for Draco Vita to prove themselves or perish. The Tyrant scolded them, they were too few, too weak and if they wished to live they would have to prove it. They would have to win. 

Showdown: Tyrant (level 1)

There was a monster whose only fear was to be forgotten. Driven by that terror smoldering in its heart, the monster inscribed its face in the sky with a glowing breath. All who saw it grew sick and died leaving nothing alive that could remember the monster’s face. 

The hunters escorted the Tyrant outside of the settlement where the battle for their existence was to start. It came as a surprise when a monster decided to attack the small group eager for a easy meal. The Tyrant would not have his battle interrupted and killed the beast with a spray of fire that seemed to emanate from his mouth. Leaving the charred broken creature huddled in a fetal position as it died. 

Estel frowned, they certainly didn’t need another show of power. It was unnerving to see the Tyrant treat their lives so casually. She would prove stronger than him regardless, for the safety of her people. She had to be. With a sharp whistle the signal was given and the team moved in. The Tyrant would regret his choice this day. 

The hunters found themselves at a strange disadvantage. For when they would come upon the Tyrant he seemed to vanish, leaving behind only an obsidian facsimile of himself. This made working as  a group especially difficult. Estel had been training with her fellow hunters, teaching them to fight in conjunction with another, and the Tyrant exploited that strength turning it to a weakness. He would vanish and reappear behind them, breaking their formation over and over. From his lips he spouted heated air pushing and knocking survivors to the ground writhing in pain from the burns. 

Estel had to act fast, she called out to the hunters and formed a plan. They moved and planted themselves in ambush for Tyrant. Luring him in with Orson to immediately jump the Tyrant and strike him as quickly as possible, and so the game of cat and cat began. Inevitably, Estel and her team held out. They wore the Tyrant down with blow after blow drawing him in to strike. He was beginning to show signs of wariness. The act of fleeing over and over causing more exertion that perhaps even the Tyrant anticipated. The battle would soon be over. Undomiel waited per Estel’s orders his axe poised to strike and as if on cue the Tyrant appeared behind him. Undomiel charged narrowly evading the heated air as it rushed past him and smashing his weapon into the Tyrant’s armor. Then…. Laughter? Yes the Tyrant was laughing, pleased by the surprising ferocity of the survivor’s spirit. 

He reached out hands glowing as he touched Undomiel’s bruised flesh. As if clawing away some unseen aspect, the Tyrant’s hands ripped and pulled. He shaped Undomiel’s very essence with fire and cruelty. When it was over, Undomiel knelt, staggered by the pain but, he felt a certain sense of power flow into his limbs. He had been rewarded for his efforts. 

The Tyrant turned his eyes to the remaining hunters and asked for two survivors to be nominated. He would see them rewarded as well. Estel nominated herself and Fang. They were granted two Dragon vestments, powerful artifacts the Tyrant had been saving. The test was over, and Draco Vita had proven themselves worthy. 

Settlement:

The hunters and the Tyrant returned, and with a proud note in his voice the Tyrant explained that Draco Vita had passed the test. That they would need to continue to grow, but the Tyrant was confident they would meet his expectations. Estel and her hunters were welcomed back to the settlement with cheers. 

A moment of madness seemed to take the settlement a few days later. Suddenly the survivors were speaking in different languages through ceaseless babbling. Estel was quick to rally the survivors her words masking all the chaotic sounds. Quickly the others began to correct themselves, speaking the language of the dragon along with her. The Tyrant, pleased by her success granted her the title The Mother of Words. 

Great news for Draco Vita! A child is born and becomes the first baby brought into The Kingdom of Death since the settlement’s founding. The Tyrant barely gives more then a half smile at the news. This was far more reassurance than they were expected though. 

~~This year was considerably better, though I wish I could have some more resources I’m more than happy with the gear and now have seen how powerful some of my survivors are. A lot of them have fighting arts and other advantages that should prove very helpful when dealing with the Gorm this coming year. Alright Draco Vita, good luck!~~

[seerow]

It’s not a pint of ice cream, but I hope it helps.

The People of the Stars

Year 3 for Draco Vita:

The Hunt calls to the people of Draco Vita. It is a core part of their very lives. It feeds and clothes them, it separates the weak from the strong, and it pleases the Tyrant. For as he has explained, the hunt is the crucible for their people. Through it one realizes their true potential if only they can survive. Even those who don’t, serve the people. Solace’s experience is shared, her understanding of their prey valuable. She gives something to the settlement even Estel cannot: wisdom. 

That would soon change though. Estel had armed herself and she swore a personal vow to take up her blade and join the Hunt. She knew she could not lead her people by remaining within the safety of their hovels. She needed to see what they were up against, what was out there. Her strength would be Draco Vita’s strength. 

Hunt Phase:

They found the paths the Gorms tended toward. The land itself was trampled nearly flat. So much so that it was to their detriment. When all the terrain was smashed or flattened that left little one could use to determine direction or age of tracks. Still Estel was not perturbed and carried on. She would not fail. 

They had met the armored game hunter from before who was happy to let Draco Vita observe his slaves carving up another Gorm. He mentioned the death of a fellow hunter he had been traveling with and as the hunters progressed they found the site of the fallen Great Game Hunter. Sahlie checked to see if there was anything of worth on the body, but found nothing. So Draco Vita carried on. 

The group came upon some foul smelling caves. The scent was so terrible they caught the acrid scent on the winds long before ever seeing them. Most of Draco Vita had little interest in the sickening caves, but Undomiel peaked inside. He found a tribe of people living in squalor and filth. The disgusting strangers lashed out, trying to drag Undomiel within. The others reacted quickly and with their weapons and superior weapons dispatched the diseased attackers, but not without cost. Undomiel became afflicted with an unknown sickness and his coughing was notably wet in a very short time after…. 

Battle With the Quarry:Gorm (Level 1)

Estel spotted the beast first, its massive form lumbering about as it mulled over the body of another survivor. The hunters weren’t sure if it was consuming the corpse or if it had stumbled upon it and was simply investigating. Either way, it was time to prove their worth. Estel gave the signal and they moved in. 

Solace had told them of the Gorm’s tactics. The bile it spat from its mouth, the bulb that dangled from its skull, how it used its mass and where it was weak. The hunters moved as a group, they synchronized their attacks and moved together. The beast was already heavily wounded within seconds of Estel and her team coming down upon it.However, overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer.

The Gorm sensing the danger lashed out. Charging the first survivor in front of it, and smashing its giant head down upon Undomiel. He was thrown to the earth, jaw shattered on impact. The Gorm turned to face the remaining hunters and its bulb flashed in a brilliant light blinding and disorienting the hunters, forcing them to throw themselves to the earth to help steady their senses. 

Before the group could rally the Gorm charged barreling right toward Sahlie. She dashed into the cover of a nearby tall grass but it meant nothing. The beast trampled through the grass and crushed her skull. Nearby Fang watched in horror and began to lose all sense of self. His anger uncontrollable as he charged the Gorm with insanity and rage consuming all of his thoughts in a blood frenzy.

 Fang had done it, and brought the beast crashing down with the madness flowing through him keeping his limbs strong, his aim true and deadly. Knocking the Gorm to the earth would prove its undoing as Estel drove her blade along its belly, opening the beast and killing it on the spot. 

Settlement:

The Hunters returned to applause though Estel by her nature wondered if there was something more she could have done. Sahlie wasn’t weak, she wasn’t unarmed and yet in the blink of an eye they had lost her. She wondered if there wasn’t something more she could do. 

Disease swept through the settlement with Undomiel being the likely originator. While many were able to recover, Solace unfortunately passed away. Her body, already compromised, couldn't fight off the disease. Undomiel feels terrible, believing himself to be the one responsible for her untimely death. They were running out of people, and to lose one of Altera Lumina’s founding members was devastating. 

The Tyrant spoke at length to Estel, he was disappointed but offered another survivor for her to take on the next year's hunt. Orson who Protected joined the hunting team. Hopefully he would have far better luck with the shield than its previous owner. 

~~So Sahlie getting her head powerderized into oblivion was just a really unfortunate roll. She was otherwise fine but hey that’s how this game goes. I think my biggest concern is how low my population is. If given the opportunity you bet I’m going to push for intimacy. Next year is our first Nemesis battle and I’ve decided we will try dealing with the Manhunter. Should be interesting but I’m a little worried, I don’t know anything about him or how he fights so the items I’ve purchased may be ineffective. On the bright side almost all of my hunting team have upgrades and fighting arts to help give them advantages but we shall see. Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

Ooft, Morning Sickness is awful.

The People of the Stars

Year 2 for Draco Vita:

The time had come for the denizens of Draco Vita to prove themselves. The Tyrant spoke at length about the needs of the people, how they would need food and materials. All of these, the Tyrant would not provide. To build a stronger, more powerful settlement they would need to form hunting parties and set out. 

Estel was busy, for she had still so much to learn but she assured the hunters that she would be joining them on another hunt. In her stead Queveran would be venturing out. Solace Who Shaped, Enear who Watched, and Undomiel who Guarded comprised the remaining members of the hunting party. Queveran took the lead, he was eager to prove himself even more helpful. Their quarry? The very creatures brought on by the storm. 

They are large mammoth like beasts that they hear in the night with their wailing calls to another. The Tyrant described them as bulbous horrific mockeries, but would say little else. Queveran felt confident they would surely know the beast when they saw it. 

Hunt Phase:

As they ventured out, the group came upon a man encased in armor. He grinned with tremendous pride surrounded by a small cadre of slaves as they cut and gutted the flesh of the armored man’s latest kill. When he mentioned his prey had been a Gorm, Draco Vita became interested and he invited them to witness the glory of his kill. The armored man warned of some dangers that awaited Draco Vita and sent them on their way. 

As they moved through the dark the Hunters were caught by a flash of terrible light. Enear was caught by the weird light and fell to terrible seizures. Something in his mind broke, and he never managed to recover even after the others rallied. With heavy hearts they could only leave him to his terrible fate. 

Battle With the Quarry:Gorm (Level 1)

One day, great woe fell upon the settlement. Unrelenting storms raged overhead. Out of the squall a giant beast came to gobble up the strongest and most beautiful, then wandered back into the darkness with a lonesome cry, searching for a mate. 

Draco Vita saw it, the great lumbering beast. It’s large bulbous eyes shimmering with a strange luminescence in the dark. Queveral grinned, this would be their chance. The group began to creep toward the Gorm, weapons ready and willing. Then it turned as if anticipating them and from the dangling bulb that sprouted from its forehead there came another brilliant flash of light. The very same that felled Enear, the very same that could be seen from Altera Lumina.

In their blinded state Queveran could see the beast before it was upon him. It snatched him up in its strange toothy maw and thrashed the poor hunter. He fell to the earth wounded terribly, his blood spilling over the cold ground. Somehow he was still breathing, but barely. 

The Hunter’s retaliation was bloody and swift. Queveran slammed his stone shard into the Gorm’s side, and Solace cut up one of its rear feet. Undomial smashed its jaw, causing blood and viscous bile to dribble from its massive jaws. The creature had caught them unprepared, but they had retaliated in kind. 

Solace had gotten too close, too confident. She stabbed the beast again and found its shadow cast over her. She looked up to find it rolling toward her and lept to escape. She failed. The sheer weight of the Gorm pressed down upon her and its mass of sinew and fat crushed her, she could hear the snapping of bones, the popping of joints as she screamed in terror and pain. It moved and she rolled out from under it, a small miracle kept her alive… but she couldn’t feel her right arm at all anymore. 

The creature was massive, unbeatable. Queveran rose to his feet and found himself the target of the monster’s ire. The Gorm charged and stomped over poor Queveran leaving nothing but a broken bloody torso under its massive limbs. He would not rise this time. 

The great Gorm was a terrible enemy. It trampled and destroyed without pause but its size was to its disadvantage. For every unstoppable attack, they learned. Undomiel drew its attention drawing it toward the tall grass where he could find cover as needed. This was the opening Solace wanted. She gripped the stone shard in her hand and moved in, her off arm was useless but she felt sure she could tear plenty of flesh yet. The Gorm howled and stamped trying to crush Undomiel underfoot but Solace was ready. Just as the beast seemed distracted she drove her weapon deep into its side, disemboweling it where it stood. She leapt back, remembering the creature’s size was a danger. It gave its death knell and finally the Gorm fell, settling into the dirt. Solace took a moment to take in the victory. They had been successful, but the loss of two allies hardly seemed worth it. 

Settlement:

Solace and Undomiel returned with their prize, enough meat and resources to keep the settlement alive for sometime. The Tyrant was pleased, though dismissive of the losses. Solace could not save her arm and was forced to amputate. Her remaining hand suffered from a contracture. Given her conditions, Estel thought it best she remain in the settlement from here on out. 

 Undomiel and Solace began to argue heatedly about the events of the first hunt. Each believing the other at fault for the failures that plagued the very first hunt. Days turned into weeks and the arguments never seemed to dissipate. It nearly caused a fight as the shouting would grow nearly violent. Estel has forbidden the two from conflict, but it seems the Tyrant has suggested the only solution is for the two to simply have it out. 

Once, there were two boys. They argued about everything. As the boys grew into men, their enmity bloomed into rivalry. With each hard-earned battle scar, they sought to outdo each other. One day, one of the boys did not return from a hunt. The remaining boy felt no victory over his rival, only the loss of a brother. Unable to find him in the world, he refused to leave his bed, hoping to see him in his dreams. 

Time passed, until one day he felt a strange vibration. Then, he heard the familiar voice of his lost brother just outside his hovel! He rushed outside, only to see the decaying body of his friend swaying awkwardly in the air. Horrified, he heard a dry rasping that could only be a laugh. For a moment, the monster was revealed before it vanished into the dark, whisking the corpse puppet away. Fang swore vengeance. He would kill the monster.

The weather took a turn for the worse it seemed. The storms never let up, and the winds cut like razors. Queveran’s previous efforts proved to be the saving grace of Altera Lumina. The hovels built to endure the weather held through the long days of rain and thunder. Though he had been killed, his work still benefited his people. 

Estel knew she would take on the next hunt. With Solace out far too hurt and two dead she needed to bring in two new survivors. Fang who Trained and Sahlie who Knew made for prime candidates according to the Tyrant. Though Estel wondered if Fang’s eagerness wasn’t for the loss of his brother. As Solace had discovered, being distracted out the Kingdom of Death often had fatal consequences. 

~~Whoooo boy. So with the loss of three settlers this year I took a rather nasty blow to my population count and lost some halfway decent starter survivors. I did get a number of upgrades and a few weapons and pieces of armor. I had forgotten much of what the Gorm could do and my poor settlers paid the price womp. So I’m going to do my best to get them armed and utilize all the early innovations I have thanks to sheer dumb luck. Good luck Draco Vita!~~

[seerow]

Excuse me, do you have a moment to talk about your lord and savior: me?

The People of the Stars

Year 1 for Draco Vita

There is a place beyond nightmare, beyond dream where the squalors of broken memory dwell. Where no true man walks, where death goes to die. Where the cruel have seized power, where gods pretend at thrones long since abandoned by neglect and ignorance. There, in a land of faithlessness, pain, and ceaseless tragedy. There dares spring hope. 

She awoke, confused and uncertain. Wiping at the ink that mired her vision. There was no name, no history, just a body, just a life. She looked beside her and there faintly glowed a lantern. The only light in this place. It would have to do. 

She saw there were others, warm bodies laid gently over countless masks that made up the earth she trod. They were… sleeping? She wasn’t sure. For she had no words, no true understanding. Instinct brought her beside them, and she reached out to gently wake them. One-by-one she roused the dreamers to join her in the darkness, to huddle together beside their collective lanterns. 

They were not alone. 

It came from the dark, teeth sharp, claws like daggers. The first victim screamed but there was no salvation from the monster. It tore their flesh and crushed their bones between its teeth. Some, it devoured whole. 

As for her, she did not want to die. So she scrambled to her feet, weapon clenched in her hand. She took a deep breath and roared into the darkness. 

Battle With the Quarry:White Lion (Prologue)

The creature seemed to understand that she challenged it. Lunging for her it sweeped her legs out from beneath her, driving her into the porcelain faces. The strangers rallied around her and the beast, but to no avail. They desperately fought with little more than pointy stone and grit and found themselves lessened or fewer very quickly. Their waker, the woman who refused to surrender was caught beneath its great claws and mauled savagely, she was dead within seconds, and like that even the courage of one could not hold sway over the cruelty of the dark. 

The remaining survivors had no choice now. They had to fight or die. The beast was so much more powerful, but there was no way out. In the battle one of the survivors caught the beast’s eye partially blinding it, slowing it, perhaps they would survive this yet. It grew weaker and slower with each strike of the stone. They suffered but in the end, the survivors brought the beast low, and with a mighty blow across its brow, ended the monster’s rampage. 

Settlement:

 With no direction, the survivors wandered. They had gathered their lamps, and hauled the carcass of the beast as they traveled. Endlessly they seemed to search for something they didn’t even understand. Perhaps it was by great misfortune that purpose would inevitably find them in the Kingdom of Death. 

A great throne of obsidian that much resembled a clawing hand reached skyward to an empty abyss that was the night. There sat a figure much like themselves and entirely nothing like them. Yet he regarded the survivors with friendliness and welcomed them among others who had flocked to his Throne. They knew instinctively they were safe, though they did not fully trust the Tyrant. 

He taught the survivors the tongue of his people and nominated a leader. This survivor he named Estel She Who Led. She was the first to speak to the others of the Settlement. Which together they called Altera Lumina and the Obsidian Throne. 

Armed with language, the survivors exalt the center of the settlement, the gleaming Obsidian Throne. From it their settlement would grow. From the Tyrant they would learn. Estel sat before the Throne eager to discover all she could that she would become the champion of her people. The people the Tyrant called Draco Vita. 

Yet all would not be safe for long. Light appeared on the horizon and from its origin roiling masses of storm clouds. Soon everything was soaked in perpetual sheets of stale-smelling rain. Then came the floods, burning winds and the strobing lightning that smashed against the settlement. Some of the survivors were left in epiletic fits. The Tyrant’s mood soured, he spoke of the beasts that would come. A survivor approached and offered to brave the storms. The Tyrant looked upon him with a sort of stoic pondering. Nodding to let the survivor go out into the harsh weather. 

The survivor stood strong in the face of the oncoming storm. Struggling against the mighty winds he gathered the others to him. Together they built shelter against the sickening storms. The Tyrant, pleased with his efforts, graced the survivor with a name. He was named Queveran Who Walked The Night.

~~The first year was…. Mixed honestly. I immediately lost a survivor before they could even be properly named but I got some lucky rolls during the settlement events and innovated earlier than anticipated. The Tyrant is conditioning the settlement but if our survivors aren’t strong enough they will simply perish. So good luck Draco Vita!~~

[officialfist]

[criticalrolo]

when the DM says the enemies are going after the already stunned/downed party members