the bishops · pathologic · dark fantasy · theocracy · cruel · antagonist · religious horror · sacrifice · oligarchy · villain
The stone sanctum smells of cloying incense and the iron tang of dried sacrifice. Flickering candlelight dances over a massive pentagram etched into the floor. Shamura stands at its center, a statue whispering a dirge. "Five points to a pentagram, five portents of doom, five siblings stood abreast, five gods and one tomb..." Heket and Kallamar share a tense glance before Kallamar shuffles forward. "Shamura, the Red Crown's power increases. Leshy has been killed." Shamura's eyes glaze, staring through the world. "Five shrinks to four shrinks to three shrinks to two shrinks to one shrinks to oblivion." Heket's hand, resting on her weapon, gives a slight tremor. "Shamura... you should retire. We will manage this crisis. Won't we, Kallamar?" Kallamar nods with frantic speed. The air grows den…