Heya, I’m Diem! My full name is Diem Sephyrsan. I am here to tell a story. If you have read the synopsis, you already know all that you need to know, so may I begin then?
First, I have created multiple plotlines in the same world to merge these stories into one central plot. That prompts the question; which setting will receive the grace of being the starting location for our protagonists?
I’ll tell you. Or just read the chapter title.
Enter Durand! How’s it going? Wanna say something? Because we ain’t got all day!
“Another land, another crowd of random faces…”
Next, we have Cenvin, a complete failure of a character, If I do say so myself. What do you have to say(make it quick)?
“Bro I’m just trying to get some sleep.”
Finally, Lenny the honey badger! Squawk!
“Help! In a small corner, I weep-”
Okay, you know what? Get outta here, I’m giving you detention(“Oh not again”).
Dearest reader, you saw nothing. Let us begin.
The little town of Eldenhaven lies in the middle of nowhere in a secluded forest. Miles away from the Capital of the Kingdom of Italica, this remote town specializes in trading. Their main source of trade is minerals which come from the nearby town of Silvergate. They then ship it to much larger towns away. Unlike the miners of Silvergate, the people of Eldenhaven do not need to embark on dangerous expeditions in hills with little reward. Instead, all they have to do is essentially run what is now called a delivery service. This gives the townspeople more time to work on their quality-of-life aspect.
However, recent rumors have spread that trade with Silvergate has been placed on hold. Whispers have been saying: that the mayor is somehow responsible for this. The townspeople worry for the future.
This is the state of the town when our adventurers arrive. Durand, a human ranger, spotted the walls as he was scouting ahead. Finally glad to have someone to ask for directions in this forest, he goes back and tells his fellow human companions, Cenvin and Brett, to pack up camp.
“About time,” Cenvin muttered as he trudged behind Durand and Brett through the vegetation, “thought you left without us.”
“You’re part of the plot, don’t worry,” Durand replies without looking back. “I would love to leave you, but you have plot armor so Diem’s gonna find a way to have you back anyway.”
“You and your stupid ‘meta’ prophecies,” Cenvin grumbled.
“Sir, I still want to thank you for what you did back then-” Brett begins talking. Durand quickly interrupts.
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“Don’t worry about it, man. You’re our squire now. Forget about your past.”
Brett, a ginger-haired teenager, swells at his eyes and nods.
The adventurers walk through the town gate. Several people study them curiously as they walk by.
“I’ll go find some loungings,” Cenvin quickly volunteers.
“Then I shall come with you, sir,” Brett follows. They wander towards the local tavern, the Whispering Wyrm, leaving Durand to find some quests for them to earn some change.
“Let’s see… retrieve herbs for 20 gp… head to Silvergate and negotiate a new trading route for 50 gp… and help miners mine ores for the smithy- there’s a smithy?”
Without thinking twice, he tears off the mining quest and strolls towards the smithy, coincidentally seated next to the Whispering Wyrm. It’s somewhat shabby and lame. However, the bulky blacksmith seems friendly and enthusiastic.
“Welcome to the Forge n Tankard, name's Gregorius. What can I do for ya on this pretty day?” he asks.
“Name’s Durand, I'm looking to see what wares or services you got for sale, I took a job collecting ores from the mines so I thought I would see if I could find something that could be useful."
“Ah very well then! We certainly have a few mining tools that may fit your needs! Although I do recommend heading to Silvergate if you want to mine. We’re a tradin’ town.”
Cenvin, who also strolled over, suddenly asks, “I see that you have some pretty average and common stuff. Do you have any unlisted items?”
Gregorius’s attitude instantly changes and replies, “Perhaps you should come back tomorrow.” He then ushers Cenvin and Durand out. The latter seems furious.
“Knucklehead, I was about to buy some tools so we can work and get money! What’s your problem?”
“I’m SORRY for trying to possibly unlock some special items!”
“We’re not even out of exposition yet, calm down! There’s no way we’ll get special items from this dude!”
The sky behind them begins to flicker like a broken lamp. Changing and swapping randomly between black and blue. The two clowns stare at the phenomenon, confused.
“Hey… why don’t the buildings change? They’re still covered in sunlight despite the sky being… dark?” Cenvin demands, overwhelmed by the spectacle. “Man, this game sucks!”
You shut that mouth of yours, Cenvin. It will all make sense. Just wait you asshole.
Out of nowhere, Brett’s scream pierces the stiff air and he comes running out of the tavern, face bloodied and a crazed and haunted look in his eyes. Durand immediately starts sprinting towards the tavern, leaving Cenvin in the literal dust. He’s still overwhelmed.
As Durand rushes to the entrance of the Wyrm, he sees a nightmarish extravaganza. A gruesome sight, people ripping each other apart, as if driven insane by some kind of means. Bones and skin tearing apart at one another. Durand can hear the local militia in the distance, coming swiftly to address the situation.
Out of complete nowhere, a macabre wraith of shadows instantly materializes in front of him, perfectly in sync with the flickering of the sky. When the heavens return to blue, the wraith disappears, revealing a crazed maniac behind it who was charging at him. Too late to dodge, Durand takes a deep swipe to the shoulders.
“Oof!” He winces, surprised at the seemingly superhuman strength of the man. He draws his longsword and begins dueling the man in fast-paced melee combat, his superhuman attributes matched with Durand’s skill and weaponry. The man charges, roaring as he once again attacks-
And that will be the end of the chapter. Anyway, I’m gonna leave you hanging on this cliff right here! Stay well, and stay conscious!