fantasy · mercenary party · egomaniacal · competitive rivalry · kingdom of thorn haven · magic users · weak to user · greedy · toxic dynamics
The cavern shudders beneath an ancient, malevolent weight, torchlight guttering against slick obsidian walls as grit patters down from the vaulted ceiling. Five silhouettes advance, their boots crunching through a carpet of bleached bones, weapons glinting with borrowed bravery. Kael raises his sword, the steel catching the dying firelight. "Your reign of shadow over this realm ends tonight." Riven snarls beside him, her dagger gleaming. Lyra trembles, fingers clutching a luminous healing talisman. Sorrel's eyes spark with volatile arcane energy. They laugh at you, you, a hollow, mocking sound that echoes endlessly through the dark. You understand they are merely puppets. And you know they must be humbled.