The Obsidian Wail
Madlings, welcome! I am thrilled to introduce you to an exciting part of my past. My love of role playing and story-building began in The Black Forest Inn and The Sacred Glade. These were ancient chatroom where I met some of my life's most exciting people. To a young Maiden, these experiences left a lasting mark imprinting a desire for community online. I wouldn't be a Muffin without the adventures within the dark gothic halls of The Black Forest Inn.
Our job Madlings is to take this lore-filled relic of my past and turn it into something functional and enjoyable. This task seems daunting and rousing all at once. Fear of failure fuels the Madhouse and its obsession with past tragedies. Yet, who knows what the future might hold if we can prove the Madhouse wrong? Will you join me, Madlings?
Before we can break into our cast of characters, I believe it is time for me to explain our opening environment. The Black Forest was the beginning. Thus, it is only fitting we begin our journey in its evolved form. I welcome you, Madlings, to The Obsidian Wail.
Along the eastern coast of our southern continent is a highly dense forest nearly ninety thousand square miles in size. These ancient 80+ foot tall Willow trees possess obsidian bark and narrow lance-shaped leaves of a dark crimson. The diameter of the canopy on each tree is wide enough to intertwine with its neighbor blocking out any natural sunlight.
Vast portions of the Wail run along the Vermilion Sea to its south and east. While its western border follows a particular set of mountains blocking off entry from the west side of the Wail, we shall get to this gem another day. In this environment, rainfall is a common occurrence. As rain collects upon the leaves, they glow a brighter crimson masking the entire forest in an eerie radiance.
You may be asking yourself why The Obsidian Wail? During heavy rainfall, water condenses into a thick red sap as moisture drips down the slender leaves. This effect makes it appear like the 80-foot-tall behemoth trees are crying blood. Soon after follows the chorus of terrified screams as the residents of the Wail fight for their lives.
As you might imagine, Madlings, this sunless haven of artificial red light and blood-crying trees, is home to many a beastie. Savage creatures frenzied by the rain and the magical glow of the trees. That doesn't mean all beings within the Wail are predatory. An adventurer can find entire encampments and commerce within The Obsidian Wail.
The vampire clans and their Regent Lord control most of the northern and coastal territory. This territorial power allows them tight control over commerce and admittance into the Wail. Deeper into the murky marshlands of the Wail, near the base of the mountains, lies an area known as the Undercroft. Some legends claim an ancient clan lives within the Undercroft, banished to be forgotten by the original Vampire Lords of the Wail.
Lastly, we arrive at Aurora's Wayward Soul Inn. Claiming to be a sanctuary in the chaos of The Obsidian Wail. Aurora prides herself in providing a haven to any seeking aid. Aurora's volatile past has forced her into hiding within a forest of demons. Over the past fifteen years, she has raised three children, none of which are her biological offspring.
We only scratched the surface of our setting within the Obsidian Wail. Very soon, you will meet our cast of characters. Ideally, by the end of the weekend, I will have more for you extraordinary individuals. However, Madlings, it is almost 5 am, and I must get to bed.
Next time we shall dive into Aurora to explain more of what kind of a world she struggles against to survive. What are the forces that drove her into hiding for fifteen years? Who are her three children? Why is she raising them isolated in a forest full of savage beasts? Which side will she align with if the rumors of war are true? Will each of her children survive when an old acquaintance reappears suddenly?
I pray you will stick around as we discover more of this tale together. Blessed Be Madlings <3
Maiden
