Lingering Shadows Part 5 - Campaign Stories

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This story comes from the community-created Share Your Campaign series, where the Eternity TTRPG community shares their games' stories. To see more from this series and others, visit the Share Your Campaign page.

Ekern

Ekern and Vatra had shared rumors about the Black Mist Forest. Having no concrete evidence or knowledge, they planned on the “what ifs” of a situation. They were about to discuss how to funnel opponents to slow their advances until Vatra noticed DroGi in the other room opening the drawers. Ekern grew concerned when he noticed a blemish on the floor that didn’t shine light like the rest of the surface did. If he could see it from a distance, DroGi would surely see it soon enough.

They watched as DroGi continued his detective work. Ekern reached for the handle of his short blade in anticipation. This house was no longer supposed to be a final resting place for anyone, but secrets must be kept in the meantime. Looking to Vatra for orders, Vatra signaled to wait. “What are you doing, friend?” Vatra asked. DroGi had traced his fingers along the floor, tried to pry the cabinet away from the wall, then rested his head against the wall looking for something. Ekern exposed the slightest amount of blade from his scabbard and rolled his shoulder to loosen the joint.

Frustrated, DroGi pushed away from the wall, turned and told Vatra to meet him at the estate. Ekern turned slightly, allowing the weight of his short sword to drop softly into its sheath. He opened the door to allow for a quicker exit for DroGi just in case he changed his mind and decided to reinspect the bedroom. DroGi left without a word of thanks, leaving only behind the sound of clanking metal as he dropped off the step and rolled over a compact dirt walkway. Ekern watched as he leaned forward with every propulsion and thought how sad it would be to be such a strong soldier bound to a chair with what others would consider false hope. “That one is impulsive,” he said.

“Yes,” said Vatra, “and there is no changing it.” Ekern closed the door and turned to see Vatra now standing facing the bedroom. He was thumbing a black ring around his forefinger, similar in design to the one DroGi had been wearing, but his was a faded charcoal gray. “We need to be more careful.” He walked to the room’s entryway. Ekern followed and looked over his shoulder. He couldn’t tell what DroGi had seen on the floor that made him so fascinated with the cabinet, but he knew his intrigue was dangerous. Vatra turned to Ekern. “This will be the last time I come here. I have too many people looking into my whereabouts now.”

Ekern agreed and added, “We should have someone come and blemish this house. Its cleanliness makes finding imperfections more noticeable and raises too many questions.” Vatra agreed to this. “You can have the servants hold a party here.”

“The servants?” asked Vatra. “Why not the other house guards?”

“Too strong. If they get drunk enough, or rowdy enough, they may decide to throw one another or the furniture. If they notice that the cabinet is not moving, they’ll make it move.” Vatra nodded. “The servants, for the most part, are weak and timid. They’ll see the house as a rental and do their best not to damage anything beyond disrepair.”

“What would the party be for?”

Ekern thought for a moment. “One of the housemaids is with child and should be delivering within the next few weeks. One day, they’ll celebrate and give gifts. On another day, you can offer the space for the delivery. The blood, sweat, tears, and other liquids will stain the air and the floors.”

Vatra seemed disgusted by the idea, but also acknowledged the sense it made. “And, on a third day, they will have the celebration of the child’s life.” Ekern nodded once. “This is why you need to stay and take the lead in my absence.”

Ekern dropped his gaze away and thought about the conflict. He had a strong desire to protect his friend, but he also knew that he was the only one who knew of Vatra’s plan and the tasks that needed to be done. If anyone were to hear word of what the two were planning, the entire plan would unravel and everything they had done so far would be for naught. He also began to wonder if he had grown dependent on Vatra, then considered that they were partners, not a child to a parent. He asked, “Should we go?”

Vatra nodded and grabbed his robe hanging from a rack. Ekern opened the door, stepped out to investigate the safety, then stepped to the side to allow Vatra to exit. He looked into the small darkening house once more before shutting and locking the door. Still uncertain whether or not his father had spent his last day here, he felt a hollowness when observing the eerie space. If he could have it his way, he would’ve burned the house down months ago with at least one body in it.

Making their way through the streets, the locals greeted both Ekern and Vatra. “Have they already forgotten?” Ekern asked himself. People were tending to their personal gardens, sweeping the dust out of the entryway, and feeding the chickens or goats they kept. Average people doing average things, absolutely clueless to the happenings behind closed doors. Ekern supposed everyone had their own secrets, varying in degree of darkness. He knew he couldn’t stop all the violence in the world, the lying, the cheating, or the wrath. Still, though, he wanted to find a way for people to not have to resort to such actions. He believed the majority of bad things that people do to one another is out of desperation. No one wants to steal, but sometimes they have to if they’re going to feed their family. No one wants to have to lie, but to get a need they must. It’s usually the ones who have too much that indulge in the darkness of man. Rich men were taking advantage of poor people’s desperation to put food on the table or to protect their own. If a man were to refuse, it wouldn’t be a big deal to the rich man. They could easily find someone the next street over.

Ekern was well aware of Vatra’s snakes. He helped come up with the idea. The children were well taken care of without bringing suspicion to anyone. Each child was paid for their truthful service regularly. They’d all report to Ekern and no one else. Ekern and Vatra had come up with a communication style that involved a sequence of blinks and eye positions. The eye version involved looking to the corners, sides, up and down. Using the directions and up to three blinks signaled a letter or sound. Words being relayed were signaled to be sounded out rather than be taken as literal translations. Using this method, vowels were seldom used unless it was of dire importance. A forward gaze meant “I’m done”. A long inhale meant “I understand. Anything else?” A long audible exhale meant, “That’s all, no further need to stay.” Only the older children were allowed to communicate with the adults. When they were in their last year before being taken in, they’d find someone to replace them. The older kids would be taken as squires for Vatra’s personal guard or had their way paid to become a squire of a town guard. A newer system, but Vatra had already established a good number of snakes within the town guard. Some were employed by Vatra, then brokered a few out to the more affluent families. These snakes of the street were now snakes within a den. Vatra had a quiet loyalty within multiple households and was able to manage deals that fit his plan. As of yet, there have been no defectors. That was the benefit of treating a snake like family, you’re less likely to get bit.

Vatra was kneeling to be at eye level with a little girl no older than eight. Out loud, she was telling Vatra she had to buy a new tray and how she sold out of her shellfish and mollusks. She must be one of the newer relayers based on how young she was. A prospect would normally train with an older kid for roughly two years before they were taken off the street. Secretly, her eyes darted around looking like a nervous child trying to tell a story that went nowhere. Ekern was only able to catch a few words from his heightened perspective. He was able to catch “B.O.T.” for “boat”, “L.F.” for “elf”, and “K.P.N.” for “captain”. There was no letter “C” in this version of the alphabet. It would be replaced with an “S” or “K” depending on its sound. “Q” was left in to create the “ch” sound. Vatra pretended to give the girl a high five, covertly giving her a griever hidden away by his thumb and palm. She giggled as Vatra stood and tussled her hair. She ran off with a “Bye, Mister!” Ekern wondered if he would have been smart enough to be a relayer at her age. He doubted it, but liked to think he was smarter than he thought he was. The thought of a child that young being in the streets almost brought a tear to his eye, but he understood that life wasn’t always going to be fair and from this situation she would learn how the real world worked. In a few years time, she’d be off the street and working indoors. The moment had Ekern thinking about his sister, and reminded him how because of greed he could never see her grow into an adult and have children of her own. Her life and youth were stolen from her, and no one offered her a chance. This is why the snakes were created. It gave purpose to those society had turned their backs to. Regardless of what the parents did, the child should not have to be punished for their wrong doing. One day, he was certain, the snakes would be running this town.

The Journey

Before leaving Murgana, the trio took enough esper from Vatra’s state to resupply and obtain new gear. They rummaged through Vatra’s family’s underground vault to find anything of use. DroGi got stuck in a Soul Mirror for a moment, and the other two took advantage of its force to have the inhabitant tell the truth. It was more of a way to poke fun at the situation rather than obtain any pertinent information, but it brought a much needed humor before the three traveled the wilderness.

Using their obsidian rings, the three teleported to the Shield’s location and hired him to modify their gear for the travels and potential dangers ahead. Shield Rayl was a burly man they had encountered in a dungeon near the Ward of Bastielle. Indebted for saving him from being stranded beyond a deep crevice he became their official armorer with, what he considered, a “discounted rate.” The armorer's own armor was evidence of his skill. Intricate filigree work embellished his plates, depicting horses, mythical creatures, and symbols of protection. Embedded gemstones, each with its unique magical property, were strategically placed across the armor, providing both aesthetic appeal and magical reinforcement.

Heading south, they stopped in a small town of Seorim known for its healing waters. Testimonials and vague promises enticed Drogi to attempt these waters to the point where he spent a full week submerged from the chest down, hoping his legs would heal. At an esper a day, the results were surely a gamble. Iceliat would join him for the comfort and the second hand result of having his newly acquired blisters and old scars form new skin. Vatra, on the other hand, traversed the streets recruiting new snakes and attempting to build business dealings with the locals. Borrowing Iceliat’s ring, he traveled back to Murgana to orchestrate the means to bring two of the older snakes and leave them as hired help for two of the affluent members of Seorim. It would be their duty to further train the “baby snakes” and establish a network of communication.

After a week of soaking, DroGi’s results did not meet his expectations. Both Vatra and Iceliat suspected that his inability to walk was from the atrophy and deconditioning. DroGi wouldn’t accept this. He was able to walk short distances with the use of an assistive device, but it did not provide him with the warrior’s body he had grown accustomed to. DroGi’s anger erupted to the point where Iceliat and Vatra had to restrain him and pay for property damage already done. DroGi was able to obtain his sensation which needed some getting reacquainted with. It started as a dull, numbing sensation not being able to discern sharp from dull. Eventually he was able to feel temperature and precise pressure. Though his normal function did not return, the ability to finally feel his pants on his legs, his boots shift against his heels, and the weight of the food he’d lay on his legs were a sign of progress to him. His legs could help him propel by pulling with his heels giving his arms and shoulders a break from pushing. If he needed to, he could also kick off to perform a tactical retreat. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was thankful the other two stayed with him during that week.

Iceliat was able to conduct his business dealings with the local riverfront dock workers and his constant shipment of humans. The captain he met with was one he had grown to know well over the years, which made the exchange of information much easier and less time consuming. The less time he used to speak with a ship captain he, presumably, didn’t know, then the less suspicious it would seem. The lands around his home were still unaffected by the Phoenix and business continued to prosper. He informed the captain to relay the fact that he was heading to the Black Mist Forest as a precaution. He doubted anyone would come looking for him if they hadn’t heard back anyways.

Vatra

The three stood at what could be considered the entrance of the forest. It consisted of the clearest path of lightly compacted dirt to allow a smoother ride for DroGi and highest head clearing to prevent the need to duck as much as possible. As they pressed forward, the tracks left by a wheelchair and feet lasted only a moment before the dirt and moss leveled itself off again. The air was damp and humid making cooling off by perspiration impossible. Everyone’s clothes were holding water and sweat breaking down the integrity of their skin. A thickening fog grew in intensity the deeper they trekked. What was once a clear, noon day, had now been enveloped by a milky white vapor as clear as a dead fish’s eye. The trees, when they could see them, were too wide and unstable to attempt to climb. The canopy didn’t allow for light to shine through, not even enough to taunt them with illumination.

Making their way through, observing the ominous trees that seemed to stare, Vatra thought of the Treant, BloodRoot. “He knew,” he thought to himself. Vatra and DroGi had sought out BloodRoot during their first meeting and subsequent departure. Beyond the wizards at the university up north, he heard a rumor that BloodRoot would be the closest to know something about all artifacts and relics with magical properties. While DroGi questioned the treant, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Calm and precise with his wording, he pointed to Vatra and almost outed him. “How could he possibly know,” he thought. BloodRoot told him the trees spoke and shared secrets beyond any human’s, or human descendent, reach. This made Vatra realize he’d have to be more cautious than he thought was enough. Darkness and disguise would be his friend from now on. But first, he’d need to learn the most efficient way to practice these methods. Vatra considered taking care of BloodRoot as a loose end, but he also knew that treants tend to keep to themselves. His pointing Vatra out was more of a matter-of-fact rather than an accusation or judgment. Knowing this, however, if someone were to still question Vatra’s innocence, they would only have to pay him and visit and give him something he found precious or rare. DroGi attempted to offer BloodRoot water to get the information about the mirror they sought, but this only made him give his equivalent of a guffaw. Eventually, a mixture of threats and griever was enough to get the information DroGi needed to move on. Vatra didn’t want to be the cause of such a respected being’s death, but he also knew he couldn’t take any chances having gone this far in his plan.

The party reached the remnants of what they assumed was an old stronghold. Scattered wood planks used for scaffolding and a perimeter of shaped stone littered the area. Nothing man-made higher than chest height remained. Everyone picked a spot as theirs and proceeded to drop their gear. “Any idea what we’re looking for, DroGi?” asked Iceliat.

DroGi was removing his boots and stripped his wet socks off. He looked at his toes as if he were trying to willfully wiggle his toes, but nothing visible to the others was noticed. “Nelvis told me there was a lake, and in the middle of it should be what we’re looking for.” He wrung his socks creating a little pool to the side of his wheel.

Vatra didn’t expect much more than that to come from DroGi. Nelvis was pretty vague and distracted the last time they asked him for help, and Vatra had a weak moment of throwing a few books and papers into a fire trying to strongarm information from him. Vatra was certain if he were to be present in asking Nelvis for details they’d most likely be led astray. He leaned forward stretching his lower back, came back up and leaned side to side with his arms held high. Opening his eyes after the muscular release he saw in the distance what he thought was a clearing. It was obscured by the fog, but what he could make out was a tall, narrow darkness. Pointing, he asked, “You guys see that? Might be a clearing.”

“I don’t see shit,” responded DroGi eyes squinting and strained.

Iceliat, with his honed elven eyes, similar to Vatra’s, was able to see the darkness in the distance. His eyes were more attuned than Vatra’s, so he was able to make out a little more detail. “It seems to be swaying,” he said. “Not just swaying. I believe it’s moving toward us.” Vatra, now standing next to Iceliat, attempted to observe what Iceliat saw. As the figure grew closer and larger, they noticed that it was levitating. DroGi pulled forward, now also able to see the figure. They continued to watch as what looked like a long, dark robed essence approached. A skeletal frame was outlined and a skull could be seen when its body swayed softly into the little amount of light available. “Wraith,” Iceliat finally said in a silent surprise. Backing up and already calling upon his summon, everyone followed suit and prepared for an expected fight.

“Sword. Right hand,” DroGi reported. The wraith was holding a standard length sword with a bright, crimson blade. It was made of a metal unfamiliar to the crew and its characteristics seemed to shout that it was no ordinary sword.

Vatra and Iceliat positioned themselves equidistant from DroGi, to be within attack range and have a clear view of the creature. DroGi began his charge and performed a double swing. The wraith swiftly moved out of each blade's arc uncharacteristically for how slowly it approached them. With a low, guttural roar it raised its crimson blade and struck down onto DroGi. A blast from Iceliat was able to deflect the blade. Without looking, the wraith raised his sword once more and slashed downward. DroGi was able to perform an x-block with his blades, in time to prevent a devastating wound but still able to cut into his right trap. The exposure and contact with the blood made the blade glow brighter. DroGi’s eyes widened as his energy left his body.

Obviously not a mortal wound, the other two knew he must have fainted from whatever power the sword possessed. The wraith turned its attention to Iceliat and his summon. Vatra ran to DroGi’s side. He lay slumped in his chair, eyes closed. Vatra checked the cut to see that it had left what looked like an ordinary cut. It was deep enough to require stitching, but didn’t hit anything life threatening. He thought the sword itself must have drained his energy directly from his blood. His pulse was beating at a normal rhythm and his breathing was steady as if he was sound asleep. Vatra turned to Iceliat, still distanced from the wraith being held back by his summon. They made eye contact and Vatra signaled to retreat with a head jerk to the side. Vatra began to run pulling DroGi by the back of the chair, castor wheels raised, and DroGi reclined to prevent falling forward during the departure. Iceliat understood and released a blast at the ground near the wraith resulting in a large plume of dirt, debris, and smoke engulfing the creature’s sight. Iceliat tactfully retreated and circumnavigated the woods until he intercepted the others.

Iceliat took a rear guard position as everyone left the scene. “He’s waking up,” Iceliat said aloud.

Vatra scanned the area and noticed a more intact, small fort, “There.” They entered what was once a room, now only having three of its walls remaining and sky exposed. As the two runners caught their breath, DroGi regained full consciousness. “Any idea what happened,” Vatra asked.

DroGi, blinking hard and shaking his head, said “No. I felt the blade cut me, then a jolt went through my body. It felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I must’ve passed out immediately.” He looked at the cut on his shoulder, “Well, shit,” he said. He looked the others over and said, almost upset, “Not even a scratch on you fuckers, huh?” They shook their heads and looked around. “Still alive?” he asked.

Iceliat mentioned how he was able to strike the wraith a few times with his blasts, but they seemed to dissipate upon contact. The wraith seemed to hardly notice the impacts from both Vatra and Iceliat. “Maybe we teleport out of here, to Nelvis, and regroup. Try to figure out what we’re up against.”

Vatra, uncertain about the location, hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement. All three clenched their fists tight and thought of Nelvis. Marcelle Rasler, the advisor to the King of Kel-Nagrand and the one who gifted them rings, instructed them in the use of these rings and explained how they could only teleport to others wearing the sister rings. Marcelle, Nelvis, Shield, Old Briar, and the trio each had a ring. The group were offered six in total, but after news of Vatra’s warrant, he requested to have one back. Marcelle and Nelvis already had their own, so the two remaining rings were given to Shield and Old Briar. Before opening his eyes, Vatra heard DroGi say frantically, “The fuck?” He opened his eyes to see that they had not moved. He looked at the ring and noticed it had grayed as if it were depleted of charge. “What’s going on?” DroGi asked, confused and angry.

“The forest,” Iceliat said, biting his bottom lip quizzically. “Something dark is keeping us here.”

Vatra, peering around the wall, noticed the wraith slowly approaching as it had before. “It’s coming back.” Iceliat came to his side to confirm. “Any ideas?” Iceliat shook his head, pointed to his side and readied another summon with a flick of his wrist.Vatra saw this and wondered if he could learn this. He already had ideas for how something like this skill could be useful. Vatra shook his head back into the present, stepped back and said, “We don’t die today.” Closing his eyes, the color from Vatra’s skin began to disappear. His hair went translucent reflecting a blueish-white glow. The skin around his mouth began to wrinkle like old leather. His cheeks sunk in and his frame became more slim as if his body had been degrading for weeks in that single moment. Vatra’s eyes reopened exposing grayed irises and a deadpan stare. Taking his Lich form, Vatra now had a limited amount of time to aid in this situation. In a new, hollowed tone, he said, “Go.”

Vatra led the way pointing his staff at the wraith and unleashing a volley of fiery blasts. The few that did make contact dissipated as it had a few moments ago. Iceliat did the same and sent his summon to attack and halt its progression. The wraith’s sword was no longer as bright as it had once been and presented like an imperfect ruby. As the wraith forced the summon away, it gave its low roar and raised its arm to swing at Vatra. DroGi came from the side, one weapon blocking the blade, the other hooked between the grip and the wraith’s boney palm. Iceliat’s summon approached from behind and grabbed the wraith around its hooded head and pulled backward. A simultaneous blast from Iceliat and Vatra jerked the wraith backward resulting in DroGi being able to pry the sword from its hand. The wraith fought as it was dragged backward from the party. The crimson sword clanked as it hit the ground and rippled in a lightning of bright red.

“Ooh. Dibs!” DroGi declared. Vatra and Iceliat being distanced fighters paid no mind and watched as the summon continued to drag the wraith away. “Ho ho ho ho!” DroGi laughed as he picked up the sword. “This thing is swe-,” DroGi stopped speaking. Like before, his eyes went wide before he slumped into his chair unconscious. Contact with the sword, itself, drained him, not the cut. Without thinking, Vatra grabbed the sword, knelt, and shook DroGi. DroGi gingerly reopened his eyes looking at Vatra, “Oh come on. Again?” He shook and straightened himself up. “Well? The fuck?” He up-and-downed Vatra. “Why aren’t you passing out? You’re a little bitch.”

Vatra, still a Lich, stood and finally noticed he had been holding the sword for longer than DroGi could. In his hand the blade began to glow to a brightness similar to the moment DroGi had been cut. Vatra raised the blade, pointing it to the sky. “Well,” he began, then enunciated the next few words, “this is interesting.”

The sound of Iceliat’s summon and the wraith struggling had intensified then ceased. Looking over, the wraith had wrenched itself free and destroyed the summon. At its normal slow pace, the creature, again, approached the trio.

Author Credit

Sean Kuttner