Dark Dungeon Diaries
The Chronicles of the Carmine Estate
Act 1
Disclaimer: Darkest Dungeon is owned by Red Hook and all characters featured in this series outside of Roman Carmine is property of Red Hook and the Darkest Dungeon community in the workshop on Steam.
Day 0:
What a horrible day to be bothered with a letter from my grandfather. Eldric Featherwood Carmine was his name and he was always that person that would lead a life of decadence and extravagance. So, it was to my dismay that I was privileged to receive a letter from him. The carmine emblem and the family seal was an indicator that it was of the upmost importance and I was to read it immediately upon receipt.
"To my grandson, Roman I. Carmine. I pray that this letter would be received by your hands and your hands alone. If you're reading this, then I'll be sooner dead than alive in this world. Enclosed in this envelope is the key to your new station, a map leading you to the town of Madora and a decree stating that you are the new master of the property. I was hoping to see you once more before my parting, but alas, it wasn't to be. I beg of you, reclaim your territory and uncover the mysteries that was left behind that I couldn't bear to uncover.
Farewell, my child. Safe travels on your way to Madora.
Eldric F. Carmine"
My mouth wanted to move, but the more I effortlessly try to utter any words, the stronger that feeling of rejection would be. I began to analyze a few different things:
I would have to leave my current station to explore uncharted territory and likely attempt to tell the tale. That would be fun and dandy, but nature herself would have her due in time. Ample preparation would be needed for such a journey.
I wasn't much into combat. I would need to figure out who would be worthy to take on the assignment of my retainers until the contract was complete. Something that I was willing to pay in advance and during the trip, provided that there was items of value or uncovered riches in need to be uncovered.
I would need time, most of all. Getting to Madora, which was twenty-seven miles south of any known civilized town would be a few days if we were to travel by foot. Perhaps hiring horses would prove efficient enough to be able to travel expediently to Madora.
It wouldn't be much to go on about, but there wasn't much for me here at the city of Crestwater. Firstly, my now ex-wife left me to gallivant with a quack of a doctor who knows nothing of his craft. Irritating at first, but now a vindicating feeling seeing that she ended up diseased ridden with an unknown virus that will surely end her in time.
Secondly, my profession of cataloging harebrained schemes from editors without a sense of care was nearing its end in a not so glamourous way. The company declared a state of bankruptcy just under a week ago and are gathering up what little is left for them to make a break northward to the kingdom of Perish. Seeing that would be more than enough to get me to leave.
Finally, seeing that the lustful nature of the woman that try to keep my company began to run its time, now would be that time to leave them behind and find a new, place to lose myself. Grandfather, you leaving this world couldn't have timed itself better. So, with a plan and my rather large fortune, I think it would be the perfect time to escape this city and lose one's self in the vast wilderness that is, Madora.
Roman Indigo Carmine
Ex-Catalogger, Future Mayor of Madora