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This is a GM storyline that took place in the Platinum Instance during 2022 and is ongoing. The official title is "What Lurks in the Dark".
==Summary==

'''What Lurks in the Dark''' was a GM-led storyline that took place in the [[Platinum]] instance. It started at the end of 2022 and ran through early 2023. It was run by GM Wylloh and GM Naionna.
==What Lurks in the Dark==

''25 Eoantos:


<pre{{log2}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
~Scrawled hastily across the parchment is an article released on the 25th of Charlatos in the year 5123.~
As friends gathered at The Sea Hag’s Roost for a nightcap, it was interrupted by a woman screaming about murder! The friends Vyrshkana, Leiana, and Doj went to investigate, running into the alewife Losaria from the pub, Rising Pint. Losaria said she tripped over some bodies outside the pub, hidden in the beach grass. When the trio went to look through the grass, they too stumbled across the gruesome scene. Three dead men were slashed and torn by something very sharp and strong. While they had large gaping wounds, no blood flowed from them. There was a light scent of lilac perfume on one of the bodies, but other than that, there were no witnesses. Tune in next time friends!
</pre>


This just in!
''6 Lormesta:


Over the last few months, there were several reports of missing women and murders associated with their disappearances. First was a woman from Kraken's Fall. The next was a woman from Wehnimer's Landing, and so on. Each murder becoming more gruesome than the previous. It wasn't until the disappearance of Opalhilde Orebreaker from Zul Logoth that the case begin to take a turn.
<pre{{log2}}>
All seemed quiet in the Landing, a lone guard on patrol enters the Town's Square to chat with traveling adventurers. After some time a cool breeze picked up, causing a thick ominous fog cloud to roll in, obscuring everyone's vision. A shadow darts by but all remains quiet until a bell begins to toll from South Ring Road, signaling the guards. All the guards, including the one patrolling the town square, rushed to the area. They put up a barrier to keep townsfolk out, although one guard was persuaded by some adventurers to let them through, saying they'd seen an event like this before and with their word they wouldn't mess any evidence up, the guard let them through. The scene was a bloody one. A human male body, brutally mutilated, skin flayed and peeled away to expose muscles and bone. The other, half-elf male body, was in mostly pristine condition except for its heavily thrashed throat. Through investigative means, the adventurers were able to glean some information. The bodies had their tongues cut out and put into the other's mouth, the half-elf's throat was gnawed down to the spinal column and esophagus, and a very neat silk scarf tied around both, featuring a very skillfully neat bow.


A recollection of the events on Charlatos 10th, 5123, as told by Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker .....
Two sets of bloodied footprints lead away from the scene, down the road until they finally disappear near Shanty Town. They were humanoid in nature, but it was too difficult to make out if they were made by a male or female. Soon after, the bodies were carried away just as the rain began to pour down, erasing everything else away. The town became abuzz with gossip about monsters roaming the streets and wild beasts killing off people, even learning that these aren't the first murders like this in Elanthia. Shortly after the adventurers moved to gain warmth and cover at Thrak's Inn, an elderly couple barged in frantically looking for their niece. No one answered and they didn't find her and they ran back into the night looking for her. Something truly is afoot, stay tuned in for next time!
</pre>


Ricas and a group of adventurers managed to track down the whereabouts of Opalhilde and the other women reported missing over the last several months. Deep down in the catacombs of Ta'Vaalor, a sub-tunnel system was found filled with trials and ghoulish monsters.
''11 Lormesta:


Ricas and crew made quick work of creatures summoned to stop them - traps and locked doorways only slowed the group until they nearly met their match at a dead end in the tunnel system. The ceiling collapsed in, blocking their pathway back, and the room began to quickly fill with water. As the water rose above their heads, the floor cracked beneath that water's weight and sent them swirling through multiple water-filled tunnels.
<pre{{log2}}>
Rumors...


Just as panic began to set in and all nearly drowned, the group was thrust into a beautifully decorated cistern where they were greeted by the vampire Cordahlia! She admitted to killing men who had wronged or tormented the missing women for their disfigurements and subsequently took the women with her for their safety. Ricas dispatched of Cordahlia quickly as she was weakened from her summoning efforts.
A trio of locals saunter by, murmuring amongst themselves, "I hear it's someone taking women as a sacrifice to take over the lands with demons." One of the locals laughs nervously as they continue to walk by.


The cistern was set on fire, burning the area and Cordahlia's remains just before Ricas and the crew made their return to the surface of Ta'Vaalor. After reporting this to Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo, Gizmo sent guards in to confirm that all that remains is a collapsed tunnelway. With the women and the missing staff of the Goldspires returned, Gizmo signed this case as closed and removed the curfew for the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu.
A duo of women passes by you saying, "I hear it's a beast of a man taking all these girls, getting rid of the uglies in our cities." The second girl pipes up, "Yeah? Well, I heard the aunt and uncle hired someone to kill their niece because they didn't want to take care of a crippled anymore." The two girls giggle as they go on their way.


With the good news of the murderer finally being taken care of and the missing women brought home, Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker officially announced their betrothal. Keep a look out for wedding invitations, folks!
A large group of patrons walk by, murmuring amongst themselves, "I hear the aunt and uncle hired someone to kill their niece, they were tired of taking care of her. You know she was missing an arm?" Their voices drown out as they move on.
</pre>


''12 Lormesta:


~~This article has been brought to you by the good people of Elanthia who like to keep in the know.~~
<pre{{log2}}>
A lovely start to the evening as Clan Leader Rodverg gave a tour of the newly opened market in Zul Logoth. But it quickly turned to disaster as an ominous figure loomed over the group gathered for the small event. As they wandered the town, the group stumbled upon a body in the Marcasite Tunnel. The body .. or better, the skeleton was horribly disfigured. Dwarven race, but the muscles and organs were gone, all that remained were the head, hands, and feet.

It was pinned to the ground with silver coins. Even more odd were the victim’s clothes folded nearby. When the adventurers finally made a report to the town guard, the guard was able to name the body from their remaining head and family emblem. The body was that of Yanmus Hornshield, who was betrothed to the Orebreaker Family’s only daughter. Before more questions could be asked, bells tolled and the shout of a fire in the Opal Tunnels sounded.

The guard remained with the body and waited for the town’s healer to come to collect it while the adventurers went to see what was happening. Javubela Orebreak was outside, watching her house burn down. She claimed that her daughter had escorted her out and had gone back in to save her father, but neither came out of the inferno. Guards and adventurers alike attempted to put out the flames but to no avail. The house collapsed, the flames too high and too hot to go near, all that could be done was the let it burn itself out.

A town investigator is looking into the murder of Yanmus Hornshield! What will they turn up? Who’s to blame?! What truly is … lurking in the dark these days? Tune in, next time folks!
</pre>
</pre>


==Cast of Characters==
''4 Fashanos:
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
* [[Cogsmead]] - An inspector looking into the murders.
* [[Ricas]] - A Ta'Illistim Guardsman looking for his love Opalhilde.
* [[Opalhilde]] - A blind dwarf girl and love of Ricas.
* [[Cordahlia]] - An elven vampire living beneath Ta'Vaalor.
</div>


==Official Vignettes==
<pre{{log2}}>
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
Murderer on the loose! The entire family of Goldspire, known for traveling on their family boat, was found murdered in a burnt-out manor on Teras Isle. Lord Jarvald Goldspire was found shortly after the discovery of the rest of his family strung up inside the manor, badly wounded and bleeding out. Adventurers that managed to find Jarvald did what they could to heal, but a mysterious crystal lurked inside the manor, preventing any spell casting.
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/Previously_on_Platinum_is_Our_Life_(vignette)| Previously on Platinum is Our Life]] - 11-26-2022
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/Monsters_Roaming_the_Streets_(vignette)|Monsters Roaming the Streets]] - 01-09-2023
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/An_Ominous_Figure_(vignette)|An Ominous Figure]] - 01-14-2023
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/Murderer_on_the_Loose_(vignette)|Murderer on the Loose]] - 02-11-2023
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/A_Very_Not_Dead_Ricas_(vignette)|A Very Not Dead Ricas]] - 02-24-2023
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/Demon_or_Whatever_(vignette)|Demon or Whatever]] - 03-06-2023
* [[What_Lurks_in_the_Dark_(storyline)/This_Just_In_(vignette)|This Just In]] - 03-15-2023
</div>


==Character Vignettes==
When the volcano shook the house and the adventurers feared for the safety of Jarvald, they managed to "carefully" (but not really) drag Jarvald out. As they attempted to heal him, a dart tore through Jarvald's throat before he could reveal any more information about his attacker, killing him. Jarvald did manage to reveal it was a woman, with scarlet eyes, but wasn't who she said she was. She was a demon in disguise! Or so Jarvald managed to choke out before dying.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
* [[Daenamaryllis_(platinum)/Rumors|Rumors - 1-10-2023 ]]
* [[Daenamaryllis_(platinum)/Reward_for_Slaying_of_Demon|Reward for Slaying of Demon - 2-05-2023 ]]
* [[Daenamaryllis_(platinum)/Out_on_Patrol|Out on Patrol - 2-18-2023 ]]
* [[Daenamaryllis_(platinum)/Bath_Time_Musings|Bath Time Musings - 3-06-2023 ]]
</div>


==Logs==
After investigating the newest murders and the previous, Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo has determined that all the murders have been committed by the same person(s) and/or creature(s). Oggy's managed to convince the cities of Wehnirmer's Landing, Teras Isle, Zul Logoth, and Kraken's Fall to put in effect a curfew until the killer(s) are captured. Be safe out there friends! These are dangerous times!
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
</pre>


</div>
''5 Fashanos:


==In-Depth Summaries==
<pre{{log2}}>
After the newest murders of the Goldspire family on Teras Isle, and believing all the murders to have been committed by the same individual(s) or creature(s), Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo has urged the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Teras Isle to put in place a curfew for the residents. A curfew will start at sunset in these four cities. Citizens are urged to stay inside and try not to wander. Any individuals found wandering after curfew will be taken in for questioning. City officials say that once the murderer or murderers are caught and brought to justice, the curfew will be lifted.
</pre>


===May 2023 Gossip===
''5 Fashanos:

After the latest murders of the Goldspire family in Kharam Dzu and the confession of an adventurer admitting to consorting with demonic entities and ritualistic cannibalism, concerned parties felt the need to take action.
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:


<pre{{log2}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
ask Raeva about Ricas and Opal
REWARD FOR SLAYING OF DEMON

100,000 silvers

The demon is a female half-elf thug that goes by the name of Tanai.


Raeva leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "Oh, you didn't hear?! Ricas and some adventurers tracked down the missing women and found a tunnel system deep under Ta'Vaalor!" She pauses to take a breath then continues, "They nearly met their match when the ceiling collapsed, and the tunnel filled with water. Just before the end seemed inevitable, the water carried them into a cistern and landed them at the feet of the vampire, Cordahlia!"
Offered by the Lady Daenamaryllis to restore safety to the streets of Wehnimer s Landing, Kraken s Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam Dzu.
</pre>
</pre>

These notices have been left on benches and desks throughout various cities.

''17 Fashanos:


<pre{{log2}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
ask Raeva about Cordahlia
The twin sisters, Heliantha and Roseantha patrolled the streets of Wehnimer's Landing at the behest of the Lady Daenamaryllis. The twins encouraged others to join them on their patrol via the amunet but were met with ridicule and indifference by their fellow adventurers. Saddest of all was the disgraced former marshall of Wehnimer's Landing, Jaired Delone, deriding the efforts of the twins to keep the good citizens of Wehnimer's Landing safe at night. Unfazed, the twins patrolled the streets of Wehnimer's Landing for several hours and advised citizens to stay indoors where it is safe and to report any suspicious persons to Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo.
</pre>


Raeva's eyes go wide and leans in close to whisper, "She's a vampire! Or at least she was." A puzzled look crosses Raeva's features before she shakes it off and continues, "She admitted to killing men who had wronged or tormented women for their disfigurements and subsequently took the women with her for their safety. Ricas took Cordahlia's head! And then!" She pauses to glance around and says, "The cistern was set on fire, burning the area and Cordahlia's remains just before Ricas and the crew made their return to the surface of Ta'Vaalor. Ricas, of course, told Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo who then sent guards in to confirm that all that remains is a collapsed tunnelway. With the women and the missing staff of the Goldspires returned, Gizmo signed this case as closed and removed the curfew for the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu. Crazy, right?!"
''18 Fashanos:

<pre{{log2}}>
Arriving early on Volnes, a very not dead Ricas Konreed was immediately taking into custody by the Zul Logoth authorities after Investigator Cogsmead learned that the information about Ricas' death was false. After a long, and rigorous interrogation of Captain Ricas Konreed and his Commander, Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo was satisfied that Ricas had nothing to do with the recent murders and has released Ricas. Poor Ricas seemed very distraught after being freed and finally being informed of all the details that have lead to his brief arrest. But what now? Where's the Orebreaker girl? Who's to blame? Investigator Cogsmead hasn't released any new information, only that they are working diligently in trying to find the one that's committed these murders and where or what has happened to the missing women.
</pre>
</pre>

''6 Charlatos:


<pre{{log2}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
ask Raeva about what's next?
After the long night of questioning the townspeople of Ta'Vaalor and finding out that the women taken from the various murder scenes are indeed alive, Ricas retires to his room in the Malwith Inn ….


Raeva rubs her chin thoughtfully and says, "I'm not sure, but if I hear anything, you'll be the first I tell!"
As Ricas settles into his room, he tests the water of the bath near the fireplace, clearly lost in thought. He murmurs to himself, "If this is what I think it is, we could face some difficulties. Wonder if any of those adventurers were skilled at healing?" He quickly tosses his clothing aside and enters the bath, still pondering out loud to himself, "Demon or whatever, the women could be chained or locked up, could use someone that knows their way around a lockpick." The wind kicks up outside Ricas' inn room, causing the window to rattle slightly. "Wonder if we'll need anything else … I hope whatever is down there, we're prepared for it."
</pre>
</pre>

''6 Charlatos:


<pre{{log2}}>
<pre{{log2}}>
ask Raeva about gossip
Roseantha, still hidden by a spell of invisibility, had followed Ricas back to his room at the Malwith Inn in the hopes of uncovering more information to report to Lady Daenamaryllis. She was slightly surprised when he began to undress and bathe but her patience was rewarded when the young guardsman mused aloud that he hoped that a skilled healer would be available to help in his rescue attempt. After a few minutes, Roseantha decided not much else could be learned from the guardsman and his bath time musings; that and he had begun to start singing at some point as everyone seems want to do in the bath. A part of her brain did note that the guardsman was passingly attractive but such thoughts no longer interested her and she knew Lady Daenamaryllis would chastise her for offering useless information. Roseantha silenty exited Ricas's room at the Malwith Inn, still being careful to make no sound as her spell of invisibility did not mask noise. As she hurried back to Lady Daenamaryllis, Roseantha reviewed the events of this evening in her head to prepare a report for her mistress.
</pre>


Raeva blushes and says, "Oh yes. Since the murders that happened in Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu, this place has become quite popular with adventurers and retelling tales. I hear all kinds of juicy stuff! I'm happy to share, just ask!"
''10 Charlatos:

<pre{{log2}}>
This just in! A recollection of the events on Charlatos 10th, 5123, as told by Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker .....

Ricas and a group of adventurers managed to track down the whereabouts of Opalhilde and the other women reported missing over the last several months. Deep down in the catacombs of Ta’Vaalor, a sub tunnel system was found filled with trials and ghoulish monsters. Ricas and crew made quick work of creatures summoned to stop them - traps and locked doorways only slowed the group until they nearly met their match at a dead end in the tunnel system. The ceiling collapsed in, blocking their pathway back and the room began to quickly fill with water. As the water rose above their heads, the floor cracked beneath that water’s weight and sent them swirling through multiple water-filled tunnels. Just as panic began to set in and all nearly drowned, the group was thrust into a beautifully decorated cistern where they were greeted by the vampire Cordahlia! A vampire who’d slaughtered the men who had wronged or tormented the women for their disfigurements.
She admitted to killing the men who had wronged or tormented the women for their disfigurements, and subsequently took the women with her for safety. Ricas dispatched Cordahlia quickly as she was weakened from her summoning efforts. The cistern was set on fire, burning the area and Cordahlia's remains just before Ricas and the crew made their return to the surface of Ta'Vaalor. After reporting this to Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo, Gizmo sent guards in to confirm that all that remains is a collapsed tunnelway. With the women and the missing staff of the Goldspires returned, Gizmo signed this case as closed and removed the curfew for the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken’s Fall, Zul Logoth, and Teras. With the good news of the murderer finally being taken care of and the missing women brought home, Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker officially announced their betrothal. Keep a look out for wedding invitations folks!
</pre>
</pre>


==Additional Information==
==Credits==
* [https://discordapp.com/channels/226045346399256576/387271396218241024 Official Discord Platinum Instance Channel] - Get involved and chat with GMs and players.
* [https://discordapp.com/channels/226045346399256576/1046213590136410143 Official Discord Storyline Forum] - OOC Discussion of the storyline with GMs and players.


===Announcements===
<pre{{log2}}>
* [[What Lurks in the Dark (storyline)/saved posts|Announcements and Saved Posts]]
GM Wylloh - Thank you everyone that attended the event. I really hope you all enjoyed it, I surely did.
GM Naionna
</pre>


[[Category: Platinum storylines]]
[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:Platinum storylines]]
[[Category:2022 storylines]]
[[Category:2023 storylines]]

Latest revision as of 21:06, 14 June 2023

Summary

What Lurks in the Dark was a GM-led storyline that took place in the Platinum instance. It started at the end of 2022 and ran through early 2023. It was run by GM Wylloh and GM Naionna. 

~Scrawled hastily across the parchment is an article released on the 25th of Charlatos in the year 5123.~

This just in!

Over the last few months, there were several reports of missing women and murders associated with their disappearances.  First was a woman from Kraken's Fall.  The next was a woman from Wehnimer's Landing, and so on.  Each murder becoming more gruesome than the previous.  It wasn't until the disappearance of Opalhilde Orebreaker from Zul Logoth that the case begin to take a turn.

A recollection of the events on Charlatos 10th, 5123, as told by Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker .....

Ricas and a group of adventurers managed to track down the whereabouts of Opalhilde and the other women reported missing over the last several months.  Deep down in the catacombs of Ta'Vaalor, a sub-tunnel system was found filled with trials and ghoulish monsters.

Ricas and crew made quick work of creatures summoned to stop them - traps and locked doorways only slowed the group until they nearly met their match at a dead end in the tunnel system.  The ceiling collapsed in, blocking their pathway back, and the room began to quickly fill with water.  As the water rose above their heads, the floor cracked beneath that water's weight and sent them swirling through multiple water-filled tunnels.

Just as panic began to set in and all nearly drowned, the group was thrust into a beautifully decorated cistern where they were greeted by the vampire Cordahlia!  She admitted to killing men who had wronged or tormented the missing women for their disfigurements and subsequently took the women with her for their safety.  Ricas dispatched of Cordahlia quickly as she was weakened from her summoning efforts.

The cistern was set on fire, burning the area and Cordahlia's remains just before Ricas and the crew made their return to the surface of Ta'Vaalor.  After reporting this to Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo, Gizmo sent guards in to confirm that all that remains is a collapsed tunnelway.  With the women and the missing staff of the Goldspires returned, Gizmo signed this case as closed and removed the curfew for the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu.

With the good news of the murderer finally being taken care of and the missing women brought home, Ricas Konreed and Opalhilde Orebreaker officially announced their betrothal.  Keep a look out for wedding invitations, folks!


~~This article has been brought to you by the good people of Elanthia who like to keep in the know.~~

Cast of Characters

  • Cogsmead - An inspector looking into the murders.
  • Ricas - A Ta'Illistim Guardsman looking for his love Opalhilde.
  • Opalhilde - A blind dwarf girl and love of Ricas.
  • Cordahlia - An elven vampire living beneath Ta'Vaalor.

Official Vignettes

Character Vignettes

Logs

In-Depth Summaries

May 2023 Gossip

ask Raeva about Ricas and Opal

Raeva leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "Oh, you didn't hear?!  Ricas and some adventurers tracked down the missing women and found a tunnel system deep under Ta'Vaalor!" She pauses to take a breath then continues, "They nearly met their match when the ceiling collapsed, and the tunnel filled with water.  Just before the end seemed inevitable, the water carried them into a cistern and landed them at the feet of the vampire, Cordahlia!"

ask Raeva about Cordahlia

Raeva's eyes go wide and leans in close to whisper, "She's a vampire!  Or at least she was."  A puzzled look crosses Raeva's features before she shakes it off and continues, "She admitted to killing men who had wronged or tormented women for their disfigurements and subsequently took the women with her for their safety.  Ricas took Cordahlia's head!  And then!"  She pauses to glance around and says, "The cistern was set on fire, burning the area and Cordahlia's remains just before Ricas and the crew made their return to the surface of Ta'Vaalor.  Ricas, of course, told Investigator Cogsmead Gizmo who then sent guards in to confirm that all that remains is a collapsed tunnelway.  With the women and the missing staff of the Goldspires returned, Gizmo signed this case as closed and removed the curfew for the cities of Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu.  Crazy, right?!"

ask Raeva about what's next?

Raeva rubs her chin thoughtfully and says, "I'm not sure, but if I hear anything, you'll be the first I tell!"

ask Raeva about gossip

Raeva blushes and says, "Oh yes.  Since the murders that happened in Wehnimer's Landing, Kraken's Fall, Zul Logoth, and Kharam-Dzu, this place has become quite popular with adventurers and retelling tales.  I hear all kinds of juicy stuff!  I'm happy to share, just ask!"

Additional Information

Announcements

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