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Mostly this post is to introduce the PC's. I took the time to actually write it with some thought. More posts up to Book 4 are to come as I am able to complete them. Hope you enjoy.

Book 1

Rain thundered against the outside of the wagon, the occasional peal of thunder drowning out the creak and groan of the axles. It did nothing for the stink within the rough burlap sacks worn over the heads of the worst criminals of Talingarde. They were six, strangers to each other, strangers to this land of lawful, good hearted citizens. Chained together on their way to death or worse, they sat in silence. The stuffy wagon stopped once before lurching on, only to stop a few moments later. Muffled voices from outside heralded the approach of guards outside, ready to take the criminals to their cell. Swiftly they were led inside, the pounding rain only enhancing the stench of the hoods.

Dragged inside by the chain linking them together, the six men found the chill of the thundering storm outside replaced with a stifling heat. In a blink, the hoods were removed and their vision gradually accustomed to the reddish light of the room. A dark-haired man with a smug smirk, clad in the uniform of a Talingarde guardsman stands before them, a red-hot poker in his hand.

“I am Sergeant Blackerly, and welcome to Branderscar. Your stay here will be short. You were the worst scum of this kingdom. With this brand, you are forever Forsaken, from the kingdom and the shining light of Mitra.” he tells them. With a gesture to another guardsman, the first of the prisoners’ arms is lifted.

“Shaldwin Nightblade,” Blackerly begins, speaking to a muscular half-elf, “you are found guilty of the crime of high theft from the Cathedral of the Shining Lord. The sentence is life doing hard labor in the salt mines.” With a simple motion, Blackerly brands the half-elf rogue with a runic “F”, then proceeds to the next. (Half-elven Knife Master Rogue, NE)

“Gorde Hammersnout,” raising the arm of a twitching, bald-headed dwarf with a nose clearly the victim of several fractures, “you are found guilty of multiple counts of murder. The sentence is death by beheading.” (Dwarf monk, LE)

“Lowgrut Shattertooth,” raising the arm of a massive half-orc, “you are found guilty of willful desertion of your post, leading to the death of your commanding officer in the King’s army. You will be hung from your neck until dead.” (Half-orc Fighter, LE)

“Ivo Shandor,” raising the arm of a thin, black haired and bearded man, “you are found guilty of consorting with the powers of darkness, may Mitra have mercy upon you. May the burning light of your pyre release you from the evil life you have led.” (Human Witch, NE)

“Feldon of Tarrington Fields, you are a found guilty of arson, causing the willful destruction of several fields, dozens of livestock, a temple of Mitra and the deaths of the priests and orphans therein. The sentence is to be burned alive at the stake.” The blue-haired gnome with red eyes merely stared at Blackerly as he received his brand. (Gnome pyromaniac Oracle of Flame, LE)

“And finally, Adrobanderiel Barca, of House Barca. You are found guilty of dueling to the death with a member of House Darius. The sentence is death by beheading.” The tall elf merely rolled his eyes at Blackerly. (Elven Blackblade Magus, LE)

“In three days’ time, your sentences will be executed. Take them away!” commanded Blackerly.