Sanguine: The Stygian Shore

Ash'Garekh could hardly believe he was still alive as he stepped onto the wet sand of Lunaris. The Straight of Mallia had been calm when he left Port Ixther. But as he neared the coast, a massive storm destroyed his sails and he began taking on water. He managed to survive, but his boat was no longer seaworthy. This trip was a last-ditch effort to find a better life, after suffering through over three decades as a gay half orc, half demon mercenary on the mainland. Maybe here, so close to the Dark Realm and his demon brethren, it would be easier. He doubted it. True to its name, Lunaris was a land of night. The sanguine dusk of noon would soon fade, bringing out the creatures of the night. His destination was the town of Shadehollow to the north along the Larua River. [[Travel north]]

Ash comes to a fork in the river. He can go across a fallen tree bridge, or go around it by going deeper into the forest. [[Use bridge]] [[Go around]]

As Ash is halfway across the bridge, he falls through a rotten section and is swept away by the current. Soon, he realizes he is not alone in the water. Several dark, monstrous forms crest the surface, their mouths full of teeth. One by one they descend on him, their feeding frenzy turning the water crimson. After a while, all is quiet again. [[Restart]]

Ash hears crying up ahead. A human woman is on the ground, her foot stuck in thorny brambles. He stoops down to try to help her. Seeing his face, she gasps. "Relax. I'll help you out," he says. "...Alright." [[Remove vines]]

After some effort, Ash is able to cut off the vines. They leave behind deep, bloody gashes in her leg. "These are bloodsucker brambles. Be careful not to step in them again," he says. "Thank you!" she yells, hugging him tightly. Just then her face changes. Her skin grows green scales and her eyes turn black with glowing yellow irises, just like his. She digs her sharp black talons deep into Ash's back. "Haha! Such an easy mark!" she cackles. He grabs his sword, striking her in the abdomen as she jumps away. Though dark green blood oozes from the wound, it doesn't seem to faze her and she charges him. [[Strike her head]] [[Strike her legs]]

Ash dodges and deftly swings his sword, decapitating her. "So much for being welcomed by my kind!" Ash painfully exclaims. After backtracking to the river and following it a few more miles, he finally sees the lights of Shadehollow in the distance. [[Restart]]

Ash dodges and swings his sword, severing her legs. Hundreds of bloodsucker brambles emerge from the wounds, quickly covering Ash up to his face. The demon saunters over and says "Thanks for the feast!" with a grin. She precedes to devour him beginning with his neck. The excruciating pain eventually gives way to darkness. [[Restart]]