The fog outside had grown thicker. Despite his enhanced vision, Darian could hardly see a few paces in front of himself. What he could see was the massive beast that waited ahead. As he got closer, he realized this wasn’t the first time he’d seen it.
“You killed Carn.” He said looking up into the creature’s dark furred face.
“Carn?” it said, turning its head to the side. “Ah, the ranger. That was the second meal of mine you spoiled.”
Second? “You’re a monster.”
“He shot me in the rump,” the huge creature turned to reveal a small wound in its backside. “Only fair I eat him after that.”
Darian stared into the monster’s unblinking eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Killing people like that isn’t right.”
It reared back and its mouth opened. Darian prepared to bolt away from an attack, but the creature just laughed. The sound grated against Darian’s ears, the noise like two massive stones grinding together.
“The innocence with this one,” the beast said, wiping its face with the back of his paw. “But if you ever make it out of this forest, you’ll learn. Things like us have to kill. Not our fault humans and the like are always trying to do the same to us.” It stepped closer, its sour breath hot against Darian’s face. “And I’ve been watching you, pale one. I’ve seen the hunger in your eyes.” It sniffed, something like a grin forming on its hideous, scarred face. “That girl in there, she still lives, yes? Her wounds must smell wonderful.”
Darian backed away. “Stop it!” But his fangs had already started to come out, his body yearning to bleed her dry.
“I don’t know where you came from before you ended up here, but you can’t fight what you are. None of us can.” The beast leaned back on its hind legs, shadow stretching across the frost tipped grass. “And what you are is the only reason I haven’t killed you yet.”
Darian’s heart raced. I’m not a monster. But he couldn’t deny his hunger. It gnawed at him, threatening to consume his mind. Something about the girl’s blood in particular called out to him, and he somehow knew drinking it would give him a special power. But he fought his urges, his body tensing. I have to learn to control myself. He clenched his fists and tried willing the thoughts of blood to cease, but they wouldn’t go away. It was like the harder he tried to resist, the more his thirst increased.
“Do you know what I am?” Darian asked, desperate to distract himself.
“Not an elf.” The beast laughed again. “But no, I’ve never seen your kind before. And I’ve traveled all of southern Lonelen and even a bit of Vizzera. But I know you’re not from here. I can smell it on you. The masters got the same scent. That hint of a place beyond this world.”
“What do you mean?”
The beast smiled, his rows of thick teeth yellowed and sharp. “Maybe I’ll tell you after you do me a few favors. That’s a fair trade, yes?”
Darian’s body relaxed, his thoughts finally calming. “What is it you want me to do?”
“Ah, finally getting to the important bits.” He barked, the sound so loud and sudden it nearly sent Darian stumbling back. A small Warg padded out from the fog, a bloodied satchel held in its mouth. It came to Darian and laid the object at his feet, speeding off into the darkness after the giant Warg barked again.
“What is this?” Darian asked. The satchel was bulky, something round pushing against it from within.
“Open it and find out.”
Darian dropped to one knee, his hand hesitantly lifting the bloodstained flap.
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Items Obtained
[Equipment]
Minor healing potion x4
Greater healing potion x2
Firebomb x5
Flashbomb x2
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“What is all of this?” Darian asked, staring at the notification.
“Belonged to a Justicar. She…no longer needs it.” The beast nudged the satchel gently with his paw. “These will help with that favor I need.” He looked off into the fog. “My master is raising an army of undead, but she needs necromantic power to summon them forth. She’s got three Nether Gates spread around this forest at old battle sites. Anything living gets too close and the portals will suck them dry of life force. But you? Well, you’re dead enough I figure it won’t kill you. Might weaken you, but not add you to her growing army of corpses.”
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“Why would I do this for you?”
“It’s simple.” He snarled, snapping his jaws shut right in front of Darian’s face. “You don’t and I kill you. And the necromancer is your enemy as well. She’s got servants all over searching for you. Wants you for her little collection and she won’t stop until she finds you. Better to help me off her before that happens.”
“But why do you need my help?” Darian could tell this creature was powerful. Far more powerful than the Bone Knight and even more intimidating than that dual wielding skeleton from the cabin. His instincts screamed at him to flee the longer he was in its presence, and it was only through stubborn pride that he didn’t let his fear control him.
“She’s cursed me,” he said, snarling. “And she’s powerful. An all-out attack would never work, especially when the crypt is still so full of her minions. But if you start causing her trouble, I can find an opening and finish her off for good.”
Darian considered the creature’s proposal. Not that I have much choice. But part of what it said was true. The Bone Knight had tried capturing him and that skeleton from the cabin was probably still looking for him. It would only be a matter of time until they found him. While it pained him to work with this monster, he figured it would be better than becoming some undead slave.
“Fine, I’ll help you.”
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Quest Added: Enemy of the Grave God
Objective: Destroy all three Nether Gates
* Reward: +100 class XP
* Reward: +25 Race XP
* Reward: Unique class unlocked [Blood Squire]
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Darian stared up at the quest notification, his eyes particularly drawn to the unique class. But he didn’t have time to inspect it.
“Good,” the beast lifted a paw and placed it on Darian’s shoulder. “I promise not to eat you or your little friends as long as we remain allies.”
“Very reassuring,” Darian mumbled.
“Now, as to the location of the gates.” Gershank rested back on his haunches. “You should be able to notice them as you enter their area of influence. The sky will be darker, harsher shadows and that sort of thing. I know where two are, but the third is in Valmier’s territory.”
“Valmier?”
Gershank snorted, the sound odd coming from such a massive creature. “You’re already acquainted.”
“That guy from the cabin?” Just thinking about him sent a hot jolt of anger through Darian’s chest.
“The very same. He hates you, by the way. Keeps talking about how he’s going to torture you. Rather grim fellow.”
“Can’t say I’m a fan of his either. But you know where the other two gates are?”
“I do. One’s in the swamp to the south, the other in the ruined fort to the east. If you head north of that cabin, you’ll be in Valmier’s neck of the woods. Should find the third there.”
The swamp. Darian shuddered when he remembered the Blood Bugs draining his life. “And how do I destroy these gates?”
“Fire.” Gershank nodded down at the satchel. “Get close and toss a firebomb or spell into the gate and it will crumble right quick. Just don’t be standing too close when you do.”
It sounded simple enough, but Darian knew it would be anything but. “Any suggestions on which I should start with?”
Gershank tilted his head to the right. “The fort.” He looked Darian up and down. “You need equipment. Armor and weapons. The fort has an armory in the basement that would serve you well. But you’ll need someone to open the door for you.” He pointed with his nose at the foggy flatland to Darian’s left. “One of the Justicars still lives. He’s a Paladin from what I could tell. Might be useful if you collect him before you head off to the fort.”
Darian’s shoulders sagged, his to-do list growing rather long. “I will look for him after I help Carver and Fria.”
“Best to leave them behind, but I’ll leave that decision up to you.” He sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing. “Your cave is in my territory, but I can’t hide you in there forever. You’ve got probably a week and some crumbs before they figure us out.” He growled. “And I would leave this place quickly. Shamblers are on the way here for their nightly patrol. But before I go.” A horrible squelching came from the creature’s guts, and he doubled over as he vomited. “Don’t look at me like that. I couldn’t swipe this from her any other way. I can’t use it, but I’ve got a feeling you might be able to.”
The object Gershank threw up was blue and semi translucent, pulsing with power. As Darian reached down to touch it, it flew up to him, instantly being absorbed into his inventory.
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Item Obtained: Greater XP Crystal
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“Don’t go expecting more help from me,” Gershank wiped his mouth with his front paw. “This is all I can afford to do for you.” He sniffed the air again then lowered into a mock bow. “Until next time.” Then he ran off, his fellow Wargs right behind him.
As he left, the fog started rolling away, leaving Darian alone amidst a trio of crumbled buildings. He snatched up the satchel and threw it over his shoulder, the title of his newest quest nipping at him. The Grave God? But he could worry about it later. He pulled out one of the greater healing potions and set off for the door back to Carver and Fria. Hopefully this is enough to get her up and moving.
But as his fingers touched the door, he was frozen. The smell. It was delicious. A haunting aroma that called to him. Never had blood smelled so sweet. His fangs emerged and he licked his lips, the doorway creaking open. No. He smacked himself, the sound echoing. Control yourself. Some of what Gershank said had been true, Darian couldn’t help what he was. But he could control his actions.
With renewed resolve and a healing potion in hand, Darian rushed to Fria’s side.