Prince of Debauchery

For the first time since its completion, the Shrine at the Mystwood Estate was filled with spectators. Most in attendance were female, but a few males were sprinkled about as well; each of them concubines to their dark master who stood before the altar. At his command, the concubines disrobed in unison, and knelt down on the floor.

Stepping out from the shadows, the master approached each concubine, one at a time, offering out an obsidian chalice in one hand, and a ceremonial dagger in the other. Without hesitation they each accepted the dagger and cut their wrists, allowing their blood to flow down into the chalice. When their master deemed that enough blood had been taken he gently took their wrist in hand, and whispered a single word to sear shut their wound with a touch of fire.

The concubines watched as their master took blood from each and every one of them before finally returning to the altar. There he paged through a large tome, as all watched in silence. He began to read aloud, abyssal words echoing throughout the chamber as they left his lips. The ground itself was shaking from the dark incantation being spoken and a sense of dread filled the air. None were phased by the dread feeling for their focus was entirely on their master. At last, he lifted the chalice once more, and drank from it. Blood ran down the sides of his mouth as he set the emptied chalice down. His long, snake-like tongue slithered out to lick up whatever remnants had nearly gotten away.

He looked out over his servants, and spoke to them in the common tongue at last: "One step remains in sealing this pact." Their master took up the ceremonial dagger and now cut open his own wrist. His obsidian blood flowed down into the chalice now, filling it before he sealed off his own wound. "Drink of me, each of you, as I have drank of you, and you shall be bound to me forever." He gave them a wry grin, and watched as each one stood up and approached, taking their drink.

With the last drop consumed, their master spoke once more from the abyssal tome. The ground trembled all around them. Empowered by their absolute devotion, the master marked the land all around the estate to better resemble his old home. The home of his father; the abyssal layer of Graz'zt.

Stepping outside with his concubines close behind him, he smiled as he looked out over the purple haze which had settled over the land, and the alien protrusions which had begun to jut up from the dirt.

Vallyn, Prince of Debauchery, felt at home.