Zemelian Odyssey

[AlexMdle]

Chebraghol lowered his head for a second, sunk in thoughts.
He ripped off a human arm and swallowed it whole, crunching through the bone. He chewed it all down before replying.

"Tis sound like a good way of going."

[PureQuestion]

"Bonegnasher indeed. Well then, any specific requests?"

[AlexMdle]

"Dost thou possess a forge?" The demon requested as he ripped off another arm.

[PureQuestion]

"An excellent forge stands before you already."

[AlexMdle]

*chew* *chew* *chew*

"It lacks an anvil, a forge is more than a glorified campfire."

[PureQuestion]

"You underestimate the solidity of the bone; nonetheless I've far more suitable structures available."

[AlexMdle]

"I'd expect as much."

Chebraghol piled the corpses on his back.

"Lead the way then."

[PureQuestion]

The Sentinel turned, walking towards Alnkek. The ghost followed.

"Good. There is a long way to go, I'd recommend getting your, ahem, luggage together."

[AlexMdle]

Chebraghol did not respond, but followed step in step.

[PureQuestion]

On the way, Moltoven explained in brief detail the region they were headed towards.

"I make my home in the Alnkek mountains. Rather secluded; I found an old fortress there, and appropriated it. It's apparently abandoned. The mountains, incidentally, are home to those shadowy bastards. You could say I'm always at the heart of the situation...

There are many small towns and villages surrounding the mountains. They have all chosen different methods to cope with the demons.

Some hide, building their homes in secluded caverns, locked away from the world. This group and I are fairly neutral ground. I leave them alone, they leave me alone. Highly cowardly, of course, but it is their way, I suppose. To their credit, they go to great lengths to train themselves so that their discovery is not synonymous with their doom.

Several villages worship the demons, whether of fear, legitimate reverence, or both. They hunt other humans, dragging them to altars to offer to the greater demons. They occasionally mount attacks on my fortress, but are typically repelled by my thralls. Those unfortunate enough to get into my inner chambers find themselves tied down in a soulbinding ritual. Many mages are in their ranks, particularly the priests. Their magic is specialized in ensnaring, not killing. The demons only accept sacrifices that they kill themselves.

The third group are those who fight back. All members of these villages, regardless of additional occupations, are incredibly capable warriors. Many towns have legendary champions, their greatest warriors. Those who have managed the feat of slaying a greater demon - like the big one back in town - are treated with the reverence the cultists bestow upon the demons. This is rare both due to their strength and due to their rarity. Many often go out hunting for demons, hoping to become champions themselves. These villages are one of the few places my minions can travel unscathed. I myself have become legendary for the many demons I and my undead have slain. Some grow so devoted to slaying the demons that they demand their bodies be left at my door, so they may continue to fight them long past their natural death. Naturally, I oblige their wishes. I would suggest you not malign these villages. They're the closest thing I have to allies. And I can't promise they wouldn't kill you in a fight, particularly if they were all after you."