Into the Abyss 19-06-2024 ### Recap After being infected with a mysterious fungus and growing more and more cannibalistic impulsions, Smonk the monk slowly started to fall into the influence of Yeenoghu, the Hungry One. After completely eating a humanoid at the patron's fest he was contacted for the first time by the Prime Daemon and lured to feed. Eat, or be eaten... The final straw came in the mines of Oreton. Smelling the fresh blood of a dying crook, Smonk couldn't help but bite out his throat. In a compulsed trance, the monk stood up and walked away into the twisting tunnels, disappearing into the darkness of the mines. ### Summary Walking into the dark and damp tunnels deep within the Oreton mines, Smonk finds himself lost both physical and mental. As he wanders on he hears voices in his head: An unknown voice fiercely talking about Alher promising a champion, he hears the chattering of goblin children, the voice of the hungry one laughing and urging on Smonks hunger, an unknown voice talking about a protégé in the manipulation of Sarna, and a voice saying something in Bisaad. All the while these voices roam in his head, the dark of the mine tunnels fade and gradually change into a barren grey landscape of dead trees and ashen ground. The ground undulating like a semi-liquid and the dead trees fading in and out of existence, sometimes seemingly popping out of the ground itself. His appearance feels similar to his experience on the balcony at the Fey banquet, but more tactile and present. Slowly the voices in his head fade, while the laughing of the Hungry One intensifies. Trying to fight off the urges of the dark hunger, Smonk hears a sudden caring voice in the back off his mind. As he tries to focus on it the voice disappears. Instead, a humming bird suddenly flies by and starts to orbit around Smonk. Confused and wary, Smonk follows the direction of the hummingbird further into the wastes. After a short walk, the hummingbird stops and starts to fly around in place. A few feet removed from Smonks position lies a hulking mass of blue. The blue creature gives of a rasping breath and is covered in gashes and wounds. Uncertain of his next steps Smonk looks to the hummingbird for guidance, which just continues to hover in place. Suddenly, Smonk hears the growling depths of the Hungry One echo in his mind. 'Kill it' it beckons 'Feed off it'. The hunger in Smonks stomach starts to swell. However, he does not lose control like oft times before. Smonk argues with the Hungry One, who clarifies that Smonk needs to understand. He needs to *want* to feed for his teachings to continue. He can be forced to eat the creature, but if Smonk doesn't understand the need to eat it, it would be useless. Smonk fights back, unwanting of eating the battered beast. 'If you leave, you wont know when you can feed again. If you help, he will kill and eat you.' The Hungry One argues. Smonk ignores his pleas and tries to communicate with the beast. Unable to speak in its state, Smonk chooses to heal the creature with his hands of healing. The Hungry One disproves of Smonks action and tries to force Smonk to feed, but Smonk fends it off by hands of healing his own stomach, which keeps the Hungry One at bay for a second. Suddenly, the creature slashes at Smonk, who manages to leap away just in time. Analysing the creature, Smonk notices that this is no mere beast. It is a intelligent creature who is driven to a desperate state by fear and hunger. Smonk throws his last rations at the being and gestures. The creature rushes to Smonk to intimidate him, before throwing himself onto the rations. As Smonk backs away, the Hungry One argues that the creature will come for him once his hunger returns. What will he do now that he doesn't have rations to give. Smonk waves away the question, deciding he will figure out what to do in that situation when it will come. The humming bird continues on flying into the wastes. Smonk follows diligently. After a while Smonk notices that the bird continues to fly faster and faster, and Smonk in step continues to speed up with the bird. In erratic bursts the humming bird exhumes jolts of energy, as the bird slowly loses its corporeal form and turns into a gold-yellow force. Around Smonk, who is miraculously keeping up with the bird, the world starts to blur away into a streaking tunnel of greys and light. As the lights brightens and the end is almost reached, a large and crooked claw covered in matted fur reaches out and grapples Smonk. The Hungry One screeches 'Do you think I would let you go that easily? My lessons aren't yet complete'. The bird continuing out of sight, Smonk tries to remove himself from the grapple. In desperation, Smonk uses hands of harming on his own stomach. This catches the hungry one off guard, but weakens Smonk too much to escape the grapple. With a forceful thrust Smonk gets pulled out of the tunnel and back into the grey wastes. Before him stands a gigantic hulking figure, both muscular and lean, both swole and starved. A deranged humanoid hyena wearing chains and holding a large flair. Yeenoghu, ruler of the Starving Wastes, the Hungry One, stands before Smonk and laughs uncontrollably. 'It seems you need to understand the desperation of eat or be eaten better.' With a mighty impel Smonk is thrown more than 60 feet through the air, harshly crashing into the gravel dirt. Smonk turns to Yeenoghu and starts laughing also. Smonk starts telling him off, knowing that he was caught off-guard by his hands of harming on his stomach. He calls out the difference that he would hurt Smonk to desperation just for Smonk to need to do the same, while Smonk would never push someone into that situation. Having heard enough, Yeenoghu starts to charge towards Smonk. Before the prime daemon can reach Smonk, Smonk reaches out to his stomach and uses his hands of healing once more. This time, he hears a soft voice in the back of his head 'I'm with you.' As the humming bird reappears and heals Smonk further. The healing surge stuns Yeenoghu in his place, who stops laughing. In response to this, the lord of the gnolls points towards Smonk and casts fear. Before Smonks eyes he sees his worst fears. He feels his memories fading, his form alter into a malformed mixture between man and hyena, he feels the hunger grow and his instinct take over. Failing to keep his calm, the only thing Smonk can think to do is to run. As Smonk starts running with the speed of gale, Yeenoghu shouts 'Let the hunt begin!' and releases a gnarled howl. From the surroundings, as if willed into existence by the very grounds themselves, large gnolls start to appear and start to chase Smonk. While running away, Smonk slowly regains his composure, but decides to continue running. As he does, the humming bird appears next to him and, after out running the gnolls, the bird guides him back to the tunnel of light. Back on the path of escaping out of the Abyss, Smonk thinks of the only place where he would feel safe, where he would feel home. However, any try to remember something from his past, something from before he met the Snigg Squad at the house of Leora, only pulls up the memories of this figure Snigg Snogg. Smonk feels that the only true safe place where he feels home is close to the professor. As soon as his mind reveals this Smonk appears at the city gates of Oreton. Snapping back to reality, Smonk realizes that the guards at the gate are talking to him asking him from where and how he suddenly appeared. Not ready to really bluff or have a conversation, Smonk runs away in desperation. Unsure of where to head, Smonk is drawn to the thought of the northern mountains, from which he believes he is from. As he runs he notices that the faster he goes, the more the wind blows *with* him instead of against him. At a certain point, when entering an almost meditative state, Smonk starts to float up slightly. Running almost the entire length of the Widelands within 5 hours, Smonk appears in a grove near the foot of the northern mountains, close to the borders with Svenrok. His trail stopped by an unexpected cliffside. Off of the cliff a waterfall feeds a small lake which streams further down in a river through the grove. In the middle of the lake Smonk finds an older man meditating on a rock. The man seems to be around the end of his middle age. He is balding, wearing black spectacles, and clothed with a green robe and a black shalwar. Intrigued by the man, but not wanting to perturb his meditation, Smonk waits around the grove for a bit. After a while he himself is starting to lose himself in thought, melding with his surroundings. When the last light of twilight starts to disappear through the treetops, Smonk is suddenly jolted by an older voice calling his name. 'Smonk? Is that you? You're alive!' The elder man steps off of the rock and starts to walk towards Smonk, deftly striding over the water without sinking. Confused by the recognition of the man, Smonk asks who the approaching man is. Shocked by the question the man asks if Smonk knows who he is. Smonk tries his hardest to think back to his old memories. However, all that is shown are the memories of Snigg Snogg. The man approaches and asks for permission to lay his hand on Smonks head. For a moment everything grows silent as the man holds the temple of Smonks head. Smonk hears a voice in his head akin to a howling wind say 'I am so sorry...' The man jolts back and looks Smonk in the eyes. 'I am so sorry, my child. It seems you have been bestowed a harsh fate.' The man introduces himself as Jinzo, head monk of the Order of Sarna, a monk order dedicated to the flow of life and death. He starts talking about his position as learned mentor for the young pupils of the order and how about 6 years ago he left the order to start a career as protector and hunter in Grimm Thwaite. 4 years ago, he came back to the order, but all had disappeared without a trace. He explains how he tried to search for the other mentors of Sarna, but after his search turned up empty he concluded the worst and thought all dead. He had been looking after the old monastery after that, trying to keep at least some of the teachings of the order alive. After his introduction to Smonk, he offers his hand and asks if Smonk would want to see the monastery. Without hesitating Smonk accepts, feeling an uncertain familiarity with the man. Helped by the power of Jinzo and aided by the wind, they walk up upon the waterfall. While trailing higher and higher into the mountain passes of the Northern Wall, Jinzo continues to talk to Smonk about the order and about Sarna. He tells that each organic being has a flow of energy within itself called Sarna, which is passed around by life through death. He waves his hands over a patch of grass, which withers and dies. Next to it the grass grows taller and flowers start to appear. In response, Smonk moves to the wither patch of grass and uses his hands of healing to save the patch. In doing so he hears the voice in his mind once again offering aid. Without using any of his own energy, the plants are healed as the wind rushes past him. Jinzo nods approvingly. 'You are a quick learner. Though I already knew that'. He continues to tell Smonk about the life at the monastery and about a young pupil he trained years before. The pupil was a true protégé, having an innate sensitivity to the Sarna around him. Though almost having a feeling of deja vu and nostalgia, there is no memory or recognition in Smonks head. After a long trek though the mountains, the two reach the monastery. Jinzo offers Smonk to open the doors and enter. As Smonk walks in, a sense of muscle memory kicks in. Wandering through the inner courtyard, past the mess halls, left at the scriptoria, and second right of the balneary. Eventually, Smonk stops in front of the door of one of the dormitories. Next to the door four names are carved, the third of which is Smonks. Shocked by the revelation, Smonk turns around to face Jinzo. The man agrees to explain what he knows. Leading Smonk outside to a ruminatory build atop the monastery, covered in a layer of permafrost close to the tops of the mountains, they both sit down facing each other. Jinzo starts explaining that a while ago destiny had made a promise to Vespen, the Windsong. Fate bestowed them with a champion to represent them in the coming conflicts. However, the champion fared into a hive of chaos, where its influence was too strong. Breaking fate, the champion died before his time. This champion of Vespen was called Snigg Snogg. The Windsong was furious that destiny was not fulfilled and tried to save the soul of their champion any way possible. That is when they found a person with such connection to Sarna that his body was able to hold two souls at the same time. While Jinzo explains the grafting of another's consciousness onto a different being he once again hears a voice repeat 'I am so sorry Smonk...I didn't know...' Smonk slowly comes to terms with what he has learned. Jinzo continues, saying he knows Smonk has questions about his purpose and the point of life. He mentions the beings of great power that Smonk has asked the questions to and how no one had a satisfying answer. 'There is but one person who can answer the questions you set before you, Smonk, and you can find him there.' Jinzo points to the highest peak of the mountains, a far and difficult trek. Before Smonk goes off on his journey, Jinzo talks to him about his connection to the Hungry One. He explains that a fungus had taken residence in his stomach, feeding on his substance. If he were to fast for a week, the fungus would wither and die. The fungus will try to fight back and make you eat, but be steadfast. With a nod of acknowledgement Smonk leaves Jinzo behind in the monastery to head for the mountain summit. The trek up the mountain is harsh and cold. Each further step becomes steeper and steeper. At a certain part the path turns into a sheer frozen cliff. Having no climbing gear with him Smonk deliberates how to continue onwards. Thinking back to the wind that carried him all the way here, Smonk tries to find that same feeling within himself and holds on just in front of the wall, trying to use the wind as a handhold. He hears the voice of Snigg Snogg in his head say 'I'll help you.' Suddenly, his hand feels the grip of a pocket of almost solid air. Being able to climb using the wind, Smonk swiftly makes his way further up the mountain. After a while the mountain pass starts to flatten out a bit again. Though cold and frosted, the wind doesn't seem to cool Smonk down any further. Close to the peak Smonk sees a large figure sitting in the snow a whiles away. Calling out to the figure if they are the person he is meant to meet, the figure stands up and reveals its bulking size. Smonk realizes he is standing face to face with a Yeti on the edge of a precariously high mountain pass. Trying to dissuade the beast from attacking and calming it, Smonk backs off and tries to climb further upwards using the wind. Confused by this display of wind climbing, the great Yeti starts to follow Smonk along, climbing along with him at first warily, but soon in excitement. As they both get into a rhythm, they both seem to be flying up the side of the mountain in great leaps of climbing. Smonk and the Yeti both whoop in ecstasy and freedom. Reaching the top, both still in a haze of excitement, the Yeti lifts up Smonk in happiness. After grunting farewell, the Yeti starts leaping down the mountain once again. Now a few steps from the very top of the highest mountain, Smonk finishes his journey. At the highest peak a small sitting circle for meditation is placed, covered in permafrost. Sitting on it and looking around for the person to meet, Smonk notices the view. Around Smonk the whole of Usworld stretches before him. Not a single thing in view blocks his eyeline as he stands at the precipice of the entire world. He sees the kings eye, the smaller Blencombe hills, the tiny sooth stack rising out of a small dot that once was the vast town of Oreton. Further east he sees the large and ancient woods of Grimm Thwaite, and the larger, more mysterious tree tops of the Aq'Jung Jungle. Behind him the mountains continue onwards flowing into Svenrok. To the west he could see the wide plains of the Savanna and the great canyons of the Mesa. Surrounded by the complete sublime and beautiful view of the entire world Smonk couldn't help but be in the moment. Smonk decided to start meditating. The cold of the snow slowly permeating through his body, becoming one with him, unbothering. The sound of the wind turning into a white noise completely dissolving his sense of being. The hunger of his stomach growling growing and radiating out until it radiated out of him, not his problem anymore. Completely one with the world and entranced by existence. Losing complete track of time, Smonk just sat, existed, and lived for a while. After a while, Smonk opens his eyes, only then noticing the dark of the night which had almost past by then. Just as he noticed the darkness of the night, a flash of golden light appeared in the east. Smonk watched as the whole of Usworld was painted in a golden hue at the first lights of the sunrise. As the gold overtook the view, Smonks vision started to blur slightly as he suddenly saw the very flow of Sarna itself as a layer of golden-yellow liquid resting inside everything. He saw how the trees reached for the suns light, covering the brush below. He also saw how the decaying brush gladly granted their force to the tree for it to grow further. The tree didn't kill the brush in malice or envy, its death was a gift of the brush given to the tree. Finally, Smonk knew. He started talking to Snigg Snogg, saying they need to talk. Before him appeared the humming bird, enshrouded in the golden light. Slowly its form started to crystalize as a young humanoid cleric. 'Hello there Smonk. I am so sorry for the loss of your memories. I didn't understand what was happening with me, it was never my intention to hijack your life.' Smonk accepted his apology and nodded to Snigg Snogg. They both knew it was time for his soul to finally rest. As they said a wordless goodbye, Snigg Snoggs essence melded with the Sarna around Smonk. On the highest peak of the Northern Wall, far beyond the tree line, between the thick layers of permafrost, Smonk was suddenly surrounded by a bed of grass and flowers. Smonk felt the memories of Snigg Snogg fade away, as his mind was finally his own once more. As he focussed once more on the flow of life energy around him, he noticed a large sinkhole in the south, almost as if a plug was pulled from a tub. Somewhere along the southern coast, large amounts of Sarna were disappearing from the face of the world. The sight filled Smonk with worry and a new path became clear for him. He should protect the flow of life and aid it. Whatever this was, it was disturbing the natural balance. Filled with determination, Smonk took a step off of the mountain peak. However, he did not fall. The wind around him seemingly carrying him across the air. Directly facing the sinkhole he started walking in the sky towards the south. During his whole day of walking he slowly feathered downwards, finally hitting landfall at night. Camping out in the fields of the Wideland, Smonks euphoria faded and was overtook by his sudden realisation of immense hunger. Luckily not having any food with him, he could not be tempted into eating. The following day, Smonk ran into an old and familiar group. before him stood a half elf, halfling, and human. The Beasty Boys greeted Smonk warmly and sat with him for a while. Gobble explained that they were heading east towards Grimm Thwaite as they had been hired by Guild Master Hallagar to hunt a Bulbhog for medicinal research. Though Mike didn't seem all to pleased with the concept, he was glad to have a chance to kill the beast himself should things go awry. Gobble talked about meeting with the professor in Oreton and that he had made some less savoury new friends. Seeing as their paths were divergent, Smonk said goodbye to the Beasty Boys. Gobble invited Smonk to come sit with them as they set up camp and had breakfast, but Smonk insisted he should leave. Continuing his trek south, Smonk suddenly heard the sound of large insectoid wings flapping overhead. Trying to hide from whatever was on its way but failing horribly, Smonk soon found himself face to face with a terrible creature. Smonk saw as a great white monster flew overhead carrying the body of a person in its hind legs. Its lean bony body supported only by its long white limbs and balanced with a spiny tail. Noticing Smonk, the creature dived down towards him. Scared of the being, Smonk attacked from a distance, using his new control of the wind to fend of the creature. Talking in a unknown language to Smonk the creature tried to attack Smonk, after which finally asking 'What the fuck do you want?'. Smonk, shocked by the sudden sentience of the being, apologized for his hostile actions and asked who the being was. he introduced himself as Draugor the Osyluth, ex-spiker now contract holder. He explained how he was to carry the deceased body of a certain Thornak back to his leader Vorak. Draugor asked who Smonk worked for, if not Sanguis the great one himself. After mentioning Vespens name, the devil quickly turned hostile again due to his boss's aversions to elementals. The small skirmish swiftly ended after a stunning strike and some heavy blows landed by Smonk. Draugor called a truce and the two started talking. He just wanted to do his job of delivering the bodies back to Vorak, not cause any additional trouble. Though he did offer Smonk a deal for his lost memories. Smonk declined. Parting ways Smonk and Draugor both continued on their own paths. The next day, whilst traveling through the rolling hills of the Widelands, Smonk encountered a merchant convoy of four guards heading a cart and a spokesperson. Though greeting them they both seemed no reason to interact. However, when Smonk passed he noticed the glimpse of pillagers uniforms under the travelling cloaks of the guards. Sneaking out of sight, Smonk started to follow the convoy until they made camp. Though planning an ambush, Smonk was soon distracted by the fragrant, juicy, and fresh pieces of meat being roasted upon the campfire. Not being able to hold out longer, Smonk charged in and attacked. The pillagers were caught off-guard and some were swiftly dealt with. However, as Smonks Ki ran low, the pillagers soon regained their upper hand. The battle was fierce and almost fatal to Smonk. But through the blessings of luck the monk managed to survive. Looting the bodies and examining the cart, Smonk found that this posse was lead by an arcane slinger. The cart was filled with an unknown blue-green mineral. Upon further investigation the mineral reminded him slightly of the Mana crystals offered to him at the fey banquet. Leaving behind a note attributed to the red pikes and hiding the cart, Smonk return on his trail towards the dangers in the south... ### NPCs * **Yeenoghu.** The Hungry One. Prime Daemon of the Starving Wastes in the Abyss. Very close to getting a hold of Smonks soul as true champion of Yeenoghu. Holds a great grudge against Smonk for escaping. * **Jinzo.** Old mentor of Smonk and master of the Order of Sarna. Presumably only surviving member. Used to work as hunter in Grimm Thwaite. * **Snigg Snogg.** A young human cleric who was destined to become the champion of Vespen. Killed off too early due to chaos and grafted onto the mind of Smonk. * **Gobble Glasseye.** Leader of the Beasty Boys. Hired by Guild Master Hallagar to hunt down a Bulbhog. * **Draugor.** An Osyluth summoned by Vorak to work for the Chalice. Just wants to do his job.