>>5344364>Year 1185: Present DayThe year is now 1185. The Empire continues to wage its war of unification, ever closely approaching victory. The Kingdom is on its last legs. The western lords do all that they can to hold back the Dukedom and Empire forces, but it seems they may fall any day now. The cold war the Alliance finds itself in threatens to heat up, with rumors abound that the Pro-Imperial faction may be getting ready to launch an attack. And the Knights of Seiros remain scattered, with Archbishop Rhea still believed to be missing or dead.
You had spent the remainder of the last year within Riegan territory, serving as Claude’s mercenary company of choice. You acted in matters where Claude could not publicly intervene, leading attacks and raids with the purpose of weakening the Anti-Imperial faction. Fodlan had become home to more mercenary companies than one could keep track of, but none had become as infamous and renowned as the Blackwings. Now 250 sellswords strong, your group had seemingly filled the void left behind by the Jeralt Mercenaries after the death of their captain, becoming the premier mercenary company on the continent. Your reputation had grown to the point that even your denouncement by the Orthodox Church did not deter away new, bold recruits who were eager to join your group. You had also managed to amass sizeable wealth. While you were no pampered noble, the payment and loot you’d collected over the last five years were enough that you could retire and live comfortably for at least two lifetimes.
But you had no intention of doing so. Not while “they” were still out there.
Claude, to his credit, does not think you crazy when you confide in him what you know about the shapeshifters. He had always found the circumstances surrounding Tomas and Monica to be suspicious and had even began looking into possible origins independently. While he was short on info, he agreed with you that if such a group of monsters did in fact exist, it was imperative that you both see to their demise. Claude informed you of a person of interest he wanted you to “investigate”. Besides being a threat to the Alliance itself, there was a strong chance he may be someone you’d want to question. You then found yourself on your next job, in the Siward territory of Leicester.
You’re sitting in the inn of a quaint, unremarkable town, during the first week of the new year. A flagon of ale is in front of you, along with an ornate, dainty pipe, stuffed with some sort of leaf. Three women are with you, each of them in the midst of a heated conversation. You aren’t paying them much attention. Your mind is preoccupied on other matters.
>A): Dark deeds and dark thoughts>B): A certain silver-haired boy you used to know>C): Your family back home 