Plots 01 05

January, 2005

Following the death of the Dealer of Words, the Spires have finally ceased to gush forth their foul smoke, the land around them falling silent at last. Similarly, the spread of decay through Myrken Wood forests have finally ceased, and with it the abductions that had plagued Myrkentown for some time.

Within days, the Spires have collapsed completely; in place of the northernmost of the set is left a great chasm, into which eldritch stairs spiral. Upon investigation, Maxwell Bishop determines this to be a Spawning Pit.

Twin moons suddenly shine in Myrken's night sky. Small monstrosities have begun to plague the territory's woodland, and the ghosts of slaughtered dryads move between its trees. Soon they begin to prey upon humans, including the family of Jex Du'orben, who are saved by the efforts of Ranger Madel. Similarly, Scott Marun and his family would have fallen if not for the timely aid of the werewolf Kayne Banter. As the streets of Myrkentown grow quiet, the Judiciary Council is accused of criminal inaction.

In time, the people of Myrken Wood begin to retaliate against these horrors, 'General' Eriks gathering a small militia to build primitive fortifications around Myrkentown; other townsfolk take to burning sections of the forests.

A brief lull in this madness reveals a new player: the woman Corbin, in whose wake the monstrosities return in full force. Even from the Silver Lake they rise, and it's against this veritable army that Sergeant Hickensen leads a band of Straka guards, heavily armed and laden with torches. Even the animal-headed Manituo emerge to battle Corbin and her horrors.

Only much later does this new nightmare come to an end, twin moons bursting into a light that finally banishes the tarry dome that had kept Myrken Wood locked for so many weeks in perpetual darkness.