Candleblight Prelude
Spark in the Abyss
Passing through the portal is an odd experience. Light and color skew before fading away, leaving everyone drenched in a thick darkness. It only lasts for a few moments before a sudden overwhelming white flashes, temporarily blinding those who had just grown used to the darkness of the cave.
It takes some time for the eyes of the crowd to adjust and what they see before them first is Angea, waving her arms excitedly and calling for the others.
Looking past her something can be seen.
...
...A city.
An island suspended in the void.
Black spires tower up from the ground, and buildings hang from the ceiling like stalactites, each with countless windows illuminated by the life within. Surrounding everything is a strange dark haze that seeps through the air, often collecting around the tops of buildings in a swirling formation.
From here the void is clearly visible all around, though kept at bay by something unseen. Beyond the city limits is an endless abyssal ocean of inky shadows, and if one were to stare for long enough they may notice something out of the corner of their eye. Something large and alive swimming within that vanishes just as you look.
Not all is darkness in the city, with the metallic gold accents adorning the edges of polished stone architecture and the gentle glow of enchanted lamps and lit Candleblight candles that seem to fill every block, making up for the lack of natural light. Beyond the buildings are vast fields of vibrant blood-red flora that encircles the entire island.
There are the usual suspects of creatures here - browbirds, satyrs, kitbulls and others - that fill the streets; however, those with arcane knowledge would sense that every single inhabitant that calls this place home is one with control over a void aspect, or one who has been touched by the void. Despite something as dangerous as the abyssal void swirling ever constant in their sky, the people are bustling and joyful, going about their day as most would in any city.
At first glance the Candleblight here is not unlike what one might expect from any other city. The candles, the costumes, the feasts and fun. However there is a feeling that something about this Candleblight is a bit more subdued, and there is a notable lack of costumes depicting the more well known heroes with many opting for demonic guises and outfits referencing popular figures who possessed void aspects.
Angea hurries to gathers back together to a central location, but she cannot do much to quell her own excitement at this turn of events, it seems even she had some doubts about the authenticity of the letters until now. Following the instructions, she leads everyone down a wide path towards their final destination.
A kitbull waits for everyone on a platform at the base of the hill.
As everyone approaches them, the kitbull takes on a very proper and proud demeanor as they trill and buzz in speech. Any who isn't a kitbull or particularly skilled with speech magic would have a lot of trouble making out exactly what they are saying. Angea seems to realize this and clears her throat to address everyone again, excited at the chance to test her kitbull language skill.
"This kitbull introduced themself as Cteno. They're a guide, a tour guide for the city who came to show us around and explain how things work around here.”
"...”
The kitbull nods furiously before darting through the crowd, offering up small brochures towards anyone willing to accept one. On the front, an artist’s rendition of the City of Ink, with small factoids throughout about the city and the current Candleblight celebration all prepared perfectly to introduce a newcomer to the city. Small dots are indicated at different points along the path of the main city, indicating sightseeing and festival event stopping points.
From this point on, Angea translates out loud for the kitbull as they make various gestures and squeaks.
[I will be showing everyone around. Please stay in the group and stick close to me, yes. It can be quite easy for an outsider to get lost after all. We wouldn't want anyone to get separated, no!]
[Come come! Come now everyone, we must go. Do not fall behind, yes.]
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