Dot in here.
The die has been cast and the Demon Lord approaches Urth. As this monstrous entity nears, its shadow causes mayhem and wreaks havoc. Empires fall, cults rise, beastmen rampage, and plagues rage— all bringing civilization to its knees.
People offer prayers to gods who do not answer them, or look to their leaders for guidance only to find them inept and craven in the face of the terrors to come. Many turn against each other, abandon their communities, or seek refuge from the coming storm wherever they can find it. Some even leave the continent altogether, believing they can put the horror behind them and start new lives in distant lands. But there is no hope, salvation, or refuge anywhere on Urth—only pain, misery, violence, and death. Insatiably hungry and filled with hate, the Demon Lord seeks to devour all of existence.
Chapter 1: Night of Terrors
The storm had raged for an entire day, tossing your ship about on the ocean like a child's toy. To the tune of a cacophonous symphony of thunder, the wind shredded the ship's sails and splintered the mast. Rogue waves washed crew members overboard until finally one enormous wave capsized the entire ship and cast you into the raging sea. Water filled your lungs as you struggled for breath and swiftly, mercifully, the darkness claimed you...
But by some miracle, you did not die. You awoke to find yourselves washed up on the shore of a small island, covered with thick jungle. From the narrow strand, the ground rises until it reaches the top of an ancient volcano at the island's center. Night has just begun to fall, and the jungle is alive with the sound of chirping insects.
With only a few meager possessions that survived the shipwreck and your wits, you're going to have to find a way to survive if you ever want to see the Pirate Isles...
Krislyx awoke in the sands, still clinging to the barrel which saved her life. It took a few moments to clear her mind.
Brushing the sand off, she looked around to see where she was and who may have seen her.
Krislyx is a young woman, or perhaps older girl, with alabaster white skin covered in scales and obsidian black spikes that are patterned along her torso, shoulders, neck, face, and head. From her waist up, she looks more or less human - except for the skin tone and spikes - from the waist down is a long sinuous snake tail with black and white scales in a rotating pattern. Her full body length is perhaps fifteen feet, but she only "stands" about six feet high, leaving close to ten feet of tail curled behind her. She is lithe, both in body and tail, and there is not a single hair on her.
When she moves, she glides to the left and right, similar to how a snake moves forward.
"No no, I'm ruined! There... there must be something, something of use here!" An older man of average build digs through what little wreckage had washed ashore. His suit, once tailored finery, is sunbleached and worn around the edges. The hysterical man tosses aside pieces of driftwood in the vain hope of finding his ticket home.
On closer inspection, the stranger is old, easily in his sixties with white hair. He is... not an attractive man, though not completely hideous. Easily his most distinguishing feature is his hooked nose, which juts out of his thin face with unflattering contrast. The elderly man is single minded in his digging, not fully aware of the others around him.
A four-foot tall insect staggers onto the beach, walking on two legs. A thick, dull blue-grey carapace is slick with seawater. A triangular head hosts bulging, globular eyes, mandibles, and a small mouth. Four arms are poised to help steady the figure should it slip: two strong, two slender but dextrous. The figure shows sentience, a backpack, a strap diagonally across its torso, and a dagger at its side on a belt of sorts.
The age of the figure? Near impossible to say, unless one knew the Yerathi.
It speaks the common tongue, perhaps surprisingly.
"Watch for danger!", it calls to the reptilian and mammalian creatures near it.
Upon hearing the other voices, Krislyx visibly retracts into herself, as if trying to hide. No, no, no! This is not good. Not good at all! she says to herself. I cannot be seen! The voice is not strong, but it carries over the sands.
Thomas turns towards the voice and sees a giant insect. Eyes wide, the noble steps back, fumbling for his dagger. "A-a monster! Stay back!" His gaze darts between the two creatures, as he slowly backs over the dunes.
The elderly man's foot catches in a divot in the sand and he stumbles backward, landing on his back.
Raven opened his eyes and lifted his head from the sand. His mouth was dry and he felt sick. Moments later he found himself heaving up seawater he must have swallowed after he'd lost consciousness.
The ship, he recalled, had been wracked by the storm until finally he'd been tossed over in the final moments before it capsized. He briefly felt about his person. His clothes were damp but still intact, and at his hip he found he still had a dagger and... most importantly he still had the map scroll.
He stood up and brushed himself clean of the sand as much as he could while taking note of the others who had seemingly made it through the storm as well.
He sighs. "Someone tell me, are we dead?" he wasn't sure he was, but he wondered anyway.
The middle aged man is tall with an average build, but there is little else remarkable about him. His fairly plane face is laden with dark circles under his eyes and a perpetually morose expression shows under his long unkempt hair.
"You!" he called out to the strange insect figure. "Are you some sort of demon? What sort of danger?!" he says, drawing the dagger he still had from his belt.
The insect figure continues to drip sea water as it keeps looking about.
"Danger from this island, soft skins! I am Chiruut! One of the Yerathi! The ship I was on, destroyed by storm!"
After a moment's panic subsides, Kris takes a deep breathe of the sea air. Calm yourself Kris, she says to herself, What would the Matron say? We just have to clean up the mess. Yes, that's right. Just clean it up. Make everything nice and orderly.
She moves closer to the humans, leaning forward as her tail moves back and forth, giving her the appearance of weaving side to side as she moves. Her movement is not quick.
You there, she says to the older man backing away, Stop. Do not flee.
Thomas scrambles to his feet, kicking sand in every direction. He side-eyes the other human as he speaks to the creatures that approached. "Th-the monsters can speak! What do you want!?"
He moves slowly, making sure to keep the other human between him and the monsters.
Chiruut makes a huck sound, that might be its take on a chuckle.
"I want my possessions back but most of those are gone. No coin back for the lost voyage. I saw the Captain sink."
"I will make the same deal as on the ship. You not attack me, I not throw you overboard. Deal?"
Krislyx takes on an offended look, "I am no monster, you hairless ape! I am a Minister of Shavra, a respected being of nobility and pride, as my elders were before me and my children will be after me. It is you who are monsters, which is why you must come with me. It it not permitted for ones such as you to lay witness upon one such as me, and therefore you are not permitted to leave until your memory can be properly cleansed."
Kris slithers closer as she speaks. "Now, get up and on your feet. Both of you humans. We must find a way off this island. And you, too, umm.. whatever you are. You must come as well."
Turning her voice onto herself, she continues to speak. "Oh! How am I going to contact the Holy Matron and tell her about this? Shavra, please guide me, she sighs.
Chirutt looks at the spiky soft skin then at the wrinkly soft skins.
"You all quick to call monsters. You *should* watch the island! That is easier when closer. But I want deal before we go!"
The old man clearly does not like the situation he find himself in, but his words are more agreeable. "Very well, Insect. I will not raise my weapons against you, if you will do the same. I don't think we would make much progress sleeping with one eye open."
The serpentine one was ranting some kind of gibberish and making demands, Thomas didn't like it, but this situation had him feeling vulnerable. "And you, serpent. I did not intend to invade your tribal territory, we'll take our leave in peace. Your village is safe." The snake-thing seemed to be a native of some sort, hopefully they were peaceable.
As they walked, the elderly man trailed behind with the other human. He furtively waves the other man over, speaking in conspiratorial tones. "Say friend, I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm Thomas Mattock. I don't like these creatures one bit. Once we see an opportunity, we should both run for it, increase our odds of survival that way."
My proof stands that you are all violent - your first instinct is to draw weapons and broker a truce between you. I do not wish to harm anyone. She adjusts her satchel and sits back on her haunches.
With a sigh, she says, This is not my island, either. I am as unfamiliar with this place as you are.
I was on my way to see family, to warn them of the coming tide. The dreams have begun, and they bring with them bad tidings.
She chews on her lip as she thinks, a range of emotions from confusion to worry pass across her face. I... I do not know what to do. This is not something I have ever been trained for. I suppose it is safe to open up, since we will be with each other for a while.
I am Krislyx of the Naga, Minister in the Order of the Cosmic Egg and Faithful of Shavra.
Who are you?
"Accepted, softskin. As I said, I am Chiruut. You are?"
He turns to Kris:
"Kris-lyx, you calmer. Good. We should watch for danger here as we find shelter."
Raven watched the odd exchange before him, looking around from side to side. When the spiky woman spoke and made her demands all he could do was shake his head.
Doesn't matter the race or culture, nobility is all the same.
"Yeah? You're some kind of nobility eh?" hee said to Krillyx. "Well stow it, cause right now you're in the same situation as us."
He looked around at the bug... insectoid calling itself Chiruut. "This one's got a point. Keep an eye out for trouble. Unless you want to stay here and wait to see if the tide is going to wash up more of the ship, we should start moving."
... ... ...
When the old man waved him over he did so but shrugged at his suggestion. "Name's Raven. Call me Ven, though. But I don't have any real idea where we are or where to go. For the moment we should be better off sticking with them... at least until we get our bearings."
As they kept walking he looked at the others.
"Ven, call me that, I guess. Chiruut." he said, nodding at the strange insectoid. Then he looked over at the spiky naga lady. "Yeah, Kris. I'm not using your full title."
You walk through the island’s jungles for an hour. It is slow going, as only a few game trails exist, and the sun has fully set by the time you come across a small daub-and-wattle hut. A carved wooden altar stands nearby, with a few half-melted candles on top, its front showing the symbol of the New God. The hut has a single entrance covered by a leather tarp. Smoke wafts out from inside the hut.
Chiruut does the nod-movement that he has become accustomed to seeing when softskins agree, to show his agreement.
"Good. We go."
**********************
The insectoid moves warily through the jungle, though turns to Krisylx at one point:
"Speed up! Even old softskin faster than you."
Old softskin did not tell me name!
**********************
Chiruut whispers to the others, while halting.
"Hut. Smoke. New God. Softskins, you go first. They might like you better."
We go at the pace the Shavra has set for us. No faster or slower. As it shall be done, Kris says airily.
When they come upon the hut, Kris agrees with Chiruut - Yes, you two see what they want. Enough of you have seen me already; I do not wish for it to be more.
Thomas deflects the bug's questioning. "I am a man with a pressing need to be free of this island, that is enough. Let's be on our way, there must be civilization somewhere."
*********
"Blasted jungle, must it be so hot? And the ins- pests are everywhere!" The old man complained, as his clothes started to stain with his sweat. They were surrounded with a cacophony of animals and bugs all going about their lives in the natural world. And Thomas hated it. Those blasted plants that needled straight through your clothes, those were the worst.
**********
For once, Thomas was eager. "Very well, I can handle these natives. You two just stay out of sight, don't want to scare anyone." He straightens his clothes as best he can and walks over in front of the tarp. "Excuse me! I hope I'm not disturbing you, but I seem to have gotten lost."
An old man emerges from the hut. He has a halo of frizzy white hair on his head and torn, tattered black robes hanging from his skeletal body. His eyes light up when he sees Thomas. ”Ah, a visitor! It has been so long since I have seen another living soul on this island. My name is Anselm. Please, do come inside!”
Peeking inside the smoky interior of the hut, Thomas can see a reed sleeping mat, a wooden bowl, a couple of burlap bags, and a few gnawed bones.
"Softskins everywhere. My kind, hives in the Patchwork Lands."
*************
At Krislyx's reply, Chiruut shakes his head in the manner which he has seen softskins do when they are unimpressed but not wish to address or argue.
*************
As Thomas is greeted by another softskin, Chiruut turns to Krislyx:
"I willing to wait. A bit."
While the bones were a bit of a worry, Thomas was certain that Anslem had simply been hunting, as one might when stuck in a jungle. Coughing lightly in the smoke, Thomas followed the other inside. "Well then, Anslem, I must thank you for your hospitality. I'm sure you remember that great storm we had yesterday? The ship I was on was completely destroyed, might you know of another ship nearby? I have responsibilities back home that I simply cannot leave unattended."
Anselm scowls and shakes his head. ”Alas, my own boat rotted away long ago. If I had a way to get of this island, I would have left long ago. I have lived on the island for many years, trying to convert the people living here to the faith of the New God, at least until the monster killed them all off.” He shudders. ”It is a ghastly winged thing with a swollen belly that strikes at night without warning. You would do well to seek shelter. You are welcome to stay here with me if you like.”
Raven cursed quietly to himself as they passed along through the less than hospitable jungle. He still didn't know what to make of his newest companions. It was easily the most motley crew he had ever traveled with before.
When they found the estranged little hut, he was relieved that some sort of simple culture could be found here. But as he stepped up to the hut and examined the paraphernalia of the New God he felt some unease. He had seen enough to know the New God was no joke, but he had been more worshipful out of fear and respect, rather than any sort of rapture or fervent belief.
"So, you worship the New God, eh?" Raven said, loudly declaring his presence. "Nice to meet another believer."
Monster!?!?! I better hear this!
Chiruut walks out of the bushes after Ven.
"Hello softskin! I Chiruut, ally of these two and one other!"
Anselm seems surprised when Raven appears, and even more so when Chiruut follows him. ”Oh! Oh! Um, well, all of you are welcome, of course. If you are indeed an ally, Chiruut, then I shall fear no harm from you. One other, you say?” He looks into the bushes expectantly.
Chiruut does the nodding movement then turns to the bushes.
"Kris! Come out!"
Oh Shavra! What should I do? Another one!
Kris is distraught with indecision as she worries over what to do. Tell him to turn around, she finally decided after moments, I do not wish him to see me.
With word that he has done so, whether it is true or not, the snake woman comes out of hiding and slithers towards the hut.
Anselm complies, turning around to avoid looking at Shavra. "If your lady friend is shy, there is a large cloak in my bag she can wrap herself in."
Thank you, Kris says, accepting the offer. When given the chance, she coils up in a corner and covers herself so she is hidden.
Anselm turns back around once Kris is concealed. ”As I was telling Thomas, you are all welcome to stay here tonight. It is dangerous to be out in the jungle with the monster lurking about. I was not expecting guests, alas, so I have no extra food, but the wild pigs are plentiful. Perhaps you can do some hunting in the morning.”
Chiruut does nodding.
"Shelter welcomed. I hunt then. Any others?"
He looks questioningly from softskin to softskin.
No, Kris says, gently, No, I think not. It is late and I would prefer to hear about this island, the inhabitants, and this monster our host speaks of.
Kris is covered in the cloak, which has the scent of man sweat and unwashed clothing. It the cloak is wrapped around her, leaving only her alabaster white face with showing. The cloak catches on the black spikes which help hold it up.
Please, sir, tell us of this place.
”There’s not much to tell. The island is far from the normal shipping lanes, so nobody ever comes here. For years, it was just myself and the handful of natives. Their village is near the volcano’s base. The monster killed them all several weeks ago. Now, it’s just me. And you, I suppose.”
Anselm stares into the hearth fire, his gaze distant.
Chiruut begins asking questions, the hunt forgotten for now:
"What is this monster? How it kill?"
Who were the natives? What kind of people were they? Do any still live?
”It is a ghastly winged thing with a swollen belly that strikes at night without warning. It poisons its prey before devouring it at its leisure.”
“The natives were simple heathens. I brought the good word of Astrid to them. Alas, they are all dead now.”
Night time. Perhaps we should stay in tonight and hunt tomorrow, Kris suggests.
Chiruut's eyes focus on the new softskin. The wrinkliest one.
After a pause, he nods.
"Tonight, we stay inside."
Thomas looks ready to drop at any minute. "May the grace of the New god protect us then. I'm going to rest now." he said hollowly as he flopped onto one of the burlap bags. He was clearly displeased with a few things, but exhausted enough to not say anything.
The small hut is crowded with all of you inside, but you find enough space to settle down and get some sleep.
It is after midnight when the screams of agony wake you from your slumber. Anselm has fallen to the floor, screaming and flailing in pain. The missionary’s stomach is grossly distended as something writhes inside of it! ”Argh!!! Ah, Astrid, help me!” he cries.
Chiruut leaps to its feet and draws its dagger, making sure there are none between the nearest wall and itself, facing the writhing softskin.
"Can any help him!?", he asks, tension growing in his tone.
Thomas awoke with a start, his hand already finding his dagger.
"There's only one thing we can do! Be ready!" he yells as he approaches the missionary. Taking his dagger in both hands, Thomas stabs into the writhing man's gut, trying to cut him open.
Kris feels nauseous at the growing belly of their host. That's not natural, she opines. Her face would be pale if not for the fact that it was already an alabaster white. She starts to reach for her symbol of the cosmic egg, the one where the Shavra is said to be waiting to hatch - to save the world from the ultimate evil.
Before she can dig through her satchel, the human slices into the distended stomach. And that's when her own stomach decides it's having none of this nonsense and completely upends itself. Instead of grabbing her holy symbol, she retches into the corner of the room.
"The monster! It attacked me and--ARGH!!!" Anselm screams as Thomas plunges his dagger into the missionary's gut. Blood pours from the wound as he slices Anselm open, but he doesn't get very far before the things inside the old man chew their way out! The three wriggling larvae are vaguely humanoid, with tiny, withered arms and legs. Their heads are mostly mouth, with long, prehensile tongues that end in sharp spikes.
Anselm lets out a final, shuddering breath as he expires on the floor. The larvae shriek and wriggle out of the gory ruins of his abdomen!
WHATINQUEENSNAMEISTHAT!?!?
Chiruut stares in horror at the sight before him, then charges with a wild swing!