A Gamer's Guide to Piracy : The Horror
Chapter 4 : Transformation
The event [Family Reunion] has ended !
You earned :
11 000 Fear Points
24 000 XP
You are now level 24 !
The quest [The Return of the Prince] has been completed !
You are rewarded with :
[Von Carstein's vial of blood] x 2 :
Crafted in the ominous shadows of Sylvania, the Von Carstein Vial of Blood is a relic of ancient malevolence, bearing the dark essence of Vlad von Carstein himself. This ornate vial, adorned with intricate filigree that seems to writhe like serpents in the moonlight, holds the key to unholy rejuvenation and the ascent to vampiric power.
The blood within this arcane vessel is rumored to be a direct lineage from the progenitor of the Von Carstein bloodline, Vlad von Carstein. Known in his former life as Vashanesh of Nehekhara, Vlad's insatiable desire for power and the dark arts left an indelible mark on Sylvania, plunging the once-thriving land into eternal night.
Drinking from the Von Carstein Vial of Blood is said to confer the dark gift of vampirism upon the imbiber. The elixir's effects are nothing short of transformative – the drinker becomes a vessel of the undying, their mortal coil exchanging vitality for immortality. However, the true power lies in the insatiable thirst for the lifeblood of others that accompanies this unholy transformation.
As the new vampire feasts upon the essence of the living, they find themselves not only sustained but also empowered. The Von Carstein Vial of Blood becomes a conduit for the relentless pursuit of strength, granting the drinker the ability to improve themselves by absorbing the life force of their victims. This macabre cycle of power and predation mirrors the legacy of Vlad von Carstein himself, whose bid for dominance plunged Sylvania into centuries of darkness.
Yet, with power comes a price. The Von Carstein Vial of Blood binds the drinker to the eternal struggle for dominance in the accursed land of Sylvania. The echoes of Vlad's ambition resonate through the ages, and those who partake in the elixir find themselves inexorably drawn into the complex web of Vampire Wars that have plagued the region since the dawn of their cursed bloodline.
To possess the Von Carstein Vial of Blood is to wield a double-edged sword, a conduit to immortality and strength, intertwined with the dark legacy of the von Carstein bloodline. It is a relic coveted by those who seek dominion over the shadows, willing to pay the steep toll that accompanies the pursuit of vampiric ascension.
[Essence of fusion] x 1 :
The Essence of Fusion, a mystical artifact steeped in arcane energies, holds the power to merge mortal entities with monstrous forces of the fantastical realms. Crafted by enigmatic sorcerers and sought by those who yearn to harness the strength of mythical beings, this singular essence is a gateway to extraordinary and unholy alliances.
Upon activation, the Essence of Fusion allows its wielder to merge a chosen subordinate with a monstrous entity, the selection limited to creatures with a power cost of less than 10,000 points. The fusion process is a delicate and intricate dance between the mundane and the otherworldly, resulting in a hybrid being that embodies the combined strengths of both mortal and monster.
The fusion grants the subordinate not only the physical attributes of the chosen monster but also access to its unique abilities and powers. This unholy amalgamation transforms the subordinate into a formidable force, a living testament to the forbidden synergy between the realms of man and monster.
Bearing the Essence of Fusion signifies wielding a conduit to extraordinary power, a tool coveted by those who seek to reshape the very fabric of existence. However, the consequences of such an unholy merger are not to be taken lightly, as the resulting creature becomes a living testament to the precarious balance between mortal and monstrous, and the thin veil that separates the known from the fantastical.
[Von Carsten Coin]
The [Von Carstein Coin], an innocuous golden disc adorned with the beguiling visage of a beautiful figure, harbors a malevolent enchantment woven into its very essence. To the untrained eye, it may seem like an ordinary trinket, but beneath its gilded surface lurks a sinister force. Stolen at one's own peril, this coin carries a curse that unfurls a macabre dance with the fabric of sanity.
Whispers of dark knowledge cling to the edges of the coin, an eldritch echo that calls out to the forbidden recesses of the mind. Those who dare to pilfer this cursed token find themselves lured into the abyss of foly, their mental fortitude unraveling like fragile threads. As the stolen secrets burrow into their consciousness, a hunger for the arcane and an insatiable curiosity take root.
Yet, the true horror unfolds as the stolen ones become ensnared in an addiction, an insidious craving that claws at their very soul. The coin's curse binds them to the elusive presence of the Von Carsteins, a yearning that transcends mortal understanding. Slowly but inexorably, they descend into a shadowed realm where reason and reality intertwine, leaving them eternally entangled in the dark legacy of the Von Carsteins.
Bonus reward for completing the secondary objective : [Progenitor]
The [Progenitor]-endowed vampire wields a heightened degree of authority over vampires within their lineage and undead who have pledged allegiance. They possess the capacity to exert a substantial level of control over other undead entities and various monsters, albeit to a lesser degree ranging from low to moderate influence.
The quest [Book of the Dead] has been completed !
With the completion of the quest, the victorious necromancer is bestowed with a mysterious and coveted artifact—a map that unravels the arcane locations of the Nine Books of the Dead. Crafted by Nagash himself, this map serves as a cryptic guide, revealing the hidden recesses where the tomes of ancient necromantic lore are scattered across the realms.
The map not only unveils the physical locations of these potent volumes but also hints at the challenges and trials that await the ambitious seeker in their quest for mastery over the necromantic arts. Each book, a repository of forbidden knowledge, promises to deepen the necromancer's understanding of life, death, and the unholy energies that bind them.
However, the journey to claim these tomes is no mere stroll through the mundane. It demands further trials, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of power. The map, a conduit to Nagash's legacy, serves as both a reward and a roadmap for the necromancer's continued ascent into the realms of undeath.
Now armed with this cryptic guide, the victorious seeker is poised to embark on a perilous journey, unlocking the secrets of the Nine Books of the Dead and cementing their place as a true heir to Nagash's necromantic dominion.
The first Book is in the [Treasure room of the Arlong Pirates]; on Kokoyasi
Perona
Perona, Agathe, and the other lunatic found themselves holed up in a private room at Navy HQ that matched their predicament—utterly unfit for their elevated status. The situation reeked of desperation: with the demise of the King and one of the three Dukes, the sole heirs were corralled into a room, sealed and guarded by a battalion of marines. Perona must have pulled some strings to keep them confined, with the marines playing watchdogs behind the door.
"Aaaaaahahahaha."
Gabriel's maniacal laughter echoed through the air, accompanied by the unsettling manifestation of a new Cairn Wraith right in the heart of the room. The sight didn't send shivers down Perona's spine, nor did it induce fear. What truly unsettled her was the look he shot her. In a single, fluid motion, he positioned himself beside her and thrust a vial filled with a glassy white liquid into her hand.
"Here, drink this."
Compelled by the unseen force of the necklace, Perona had no choice but to comply. The moment the liquid touched her lips, her head began to spin. Though on the brink of fainting, she couldn't escape the surreal sight of the specter drawing near, merging with her. What the hell?
As the glassy white liquid coursed through Perona's veins, an otherworldly transformation took hold. The room pulsated with an eerie energy as the Cairn Wraith drew closer, its ethereal form intertwining with hers. A surreal dance of essence unfolded, merging the spectral and the corporeal into a grotesque union. The boundaries between the living and the undead blurred as Perona's consciousness melded with the haunting entity. Pink strands of her gothic hair seemed to intertwine with the ghostly wisps of the Cairn Wraith, creating a bizarre fusion of the living and the spectral.
In the wake of the merging, Perona's senses underwent a profound metamorphosis. A newfound instinct guided her, an unspoken knowledge of how to phase through solid matter and embrace the ethereal plane. The room's once tangible boundaries became mere suggestions as she effortlessly traversed walls and obstacles. Simultaneously, a dark aura enveloped her being—a doom-laden presence that emanated waves of malevolence. Perona, now an amalgamation of the living and the spectral, possessed an innate understanding of her newfound abilities, a twisted symbiosis that marked the beginning of her unholy evolution.
"What…What did you do to me, you asshole ?"
Auguste assumed an unexpectedly solemn tone, his words carrying a weight of inevitability.
"You were destined to become a ghost girl, Perona. Fate is an unyielding force."
Their discussion faced an abrupt interruption as a marine rapped on the floor, the commander swiftly entering the room without waiting for an invitation. His countenance bore a somber and hesitant expression.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen... I understand you've faced considerable hardships, but... well... I bear unfortunate news. Let's put it plainly—the celestial dragons have officially declared both of you deceased in the massacre, and the throne will pass to another. It's a dire situation... I realize that staying here after nightfall may not bode well for your survival. Please, keep what I'm about to say to yourselves. I will officially declare you deceased. At the harbor, you'll find a small caravel manned by a trustworthy individual who will ferry you to a nearby archipelago. Disembark and... may fortune favor you."
With a solemn nod, he departed, avoiding direct eye contact with the youngsters, fearing the reflection of sorrow and desolation. Little did he know that, had he turned back, the expressions he sought to avoid were absent—except for the melancholy etched across Perona's face
Perona
Auguste waited for the caravel to leave port with his companions before drinking Von Carstein's precious blood. In the moonlit expanse of the open sea, they found themselves aboard a weather-beaten boat, the waves murmuring tales of ancient secrets. The air was thick with anticipation as they willingly imbibed the blood of Von Carstein, unleashing an arcane transformation that would bind them to the dark legacy of vampirism. Perona, a silent witness, observed the siblings' metamorphosis with a mix of fascination and trepidation.
Auguste, gave a vial to his sister, before drinking his in one gulp. His handsome features marked by a maniacal glint, felt the eldritch essence of the vampire's blood coursing through his veins. A tingling warmth surged, a pulsating rhythm echoing in his ears like a macabre melody. As the transformation unfurled, his muscles rippled with an otherworldly strength, the sensation akin to a dormant power awakening within him. His very essence danced on the precipice of the supernatural, each heartbeat echoing the merging of his mortal self with the unholy legacy bestowed by Von Carstein.
Auguste's transformation unfolded with an eldritch grace, an otherworldly energy now pulsating through his veins. The once-beautiful young man bore an aura of ancient power, a presence that seemed to transcend mere mortality. His features, though still retaining a human facade, now held an eerie quality, as if a veil between worlds had been lifted.
The ambient glow of the moon cast an ethereal sheen upon Auguste's visage, accentuating the subtle changes etched by the vampiric metamorphosis. His eyes, once vibrant and alive, now gleamed with an unsettling luminosity, harboring secrets and ancient knowledge. The air around him seemed to shimmer, carrying whispers of a power that transcended the mortal realm.
Perona, a silent witness to the supernatural transformation, felt a chill trace its way down her spine. Auguste's eldritch presence, veiled by a veneer of regal beauty, spoke of a darker, more enigmatic nature. It was as if he had become a living conduit to the mysteries that lurked beyond the realms of human comprehension. The very air seemed to bow to his newfound existence, marking a shift in the balance between the mundane and the arcane.
Meanwhile, Agathe, a vision of beauty with a penchant for masochistic pleasures, reveled in the pain of the transformation. The erotic currents of agony surged through her, a dance of pleasure and suffering that mirrored the twisted allure of her desires. As the vampire's blood intertwined with her own, the pain became an intimate symphony, an ecstatic communion with the macabre. Her body contorted, the lines between pleasure and torment blurring, as the vampiric transformation painted her existence with a dark sensuality. In the dimly lit cabin, Agathe's transformation continued, the erotic undercurrents of pain and pleasure intertwining in a dark ballet. Her alabaster skin, now kissed by the moon's eerie glow, glistened with a sheen of perspiration. The provocative leather contours of her fetishistic ensemble clung to her form, accentuating the curves that danced with each subtle writhing motion.
The corset, meticulously laced, emphasized her slender waist, while the thigh-high boots adorned with intricate buckles added a provocative edge to her silhouette. Agathe's beauty, heightened by the masochistic ecstasy of the transformation, became a canvas of desire and decadence. The flickering candlelight cast a shadowy play on her fair skin, outlining the contours that beckoned with an alluring promise. As the vampiric metamorphosis unfolded, Agathe's body seemed to embrace the supernatural allure, an embodiment of forbidden desires. The atmosphere in the cabin pulsed with an intoxicating energy, a symphony of pleasure and pain that mirrored the entwining forces shaping her newfound existence. The air crackled with a dark sensuality, leaving Perona with a sense of fascination tinged with an unsettling desire.
Perona, captivated by the unfolding drama, witnessed the siblings' metamorphosis into creatures of the night. The boat rocked gently on the undulating waves, carrying the echoes of an unholy transformation that bound the siblings to the ancient legacy of Von Carstein.
Third Person
As the small boat, an eerie vessel borne by the restless, sailed toward the city on the horizon, a motley crew occupied its decks. The undead navigator, just transformed by Auguste, his rotting form draped in tattered naval attire, steered with an otherworldly determination. His hollow eyes fixated on the destination, devoid of the spark of life but fueled by an undying purpose.
Flanking him were two vampires, Auguste and Agathe, siblings transformed by the blood of the ancient vampire Von Carstein. Auguste, a maniacal beauty with an eldritch presence, surveyed the approaching city with a hunger for chaos in his eyes. Agathe, clad in a provocative fetishistic outfit, exuded a masochistic allure as the pain of her transformation had become an erotic experience, a dance between pleasure and the macabre.
Hovering ethereally behind them was Perona, the ghost girl. Her translucent form resonated with doom, a spectral entity witnessing the world through timeless eyes. As the boat glided through the dark waters toward the city, the eclectic crew observed the flickering lights and looming structures from afar. The city, bathed in the glow of its own existence, held secrets and stories yet to be unraveled by the supernatural arrivals.
The city of Kokoyasi sprawled along the coastline, a lively tapestry of bustling streets and vibrant markets. The air was filled with the melodic sounds of street vendors hawking their wares, mingling with the joyful laughter of children playing in the cobblestone alleys. Colorful banners fluttered overhead, announcing the various goods and services offered by the bustling shops that lined the main thoroughfare.
As the small boat approached the harbor, the cheerful ambiance of Kokoyasi became more pronounced. Dockworkers bustled about, unloading cargo from larger ships, their camaraderie evident in shared jokes and hearty laughter. The scent of exotic spices wafted through the air from market stalls, enticing passersby to sample the diverse culinary delights that filled the atmosphere with tantalizing aromas. Street performers added to the lively scene, their music and acrobatics drawing crowds eager to be entertained.
The city thrived with life, its pulse echoing through the cobblestone streets and lively squares. Families strolled through the bustling markets, enjoying the festive atmosphere, while the vibrant colors of flowers adorned windowsills and balconies, enhancing the overall picturesque charm of Kokoyasi.
In the heart of the bustling market, amidst the kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and lively chatter, an orange-haired girl navigated the crowded stalls with an air of nonchalance. Her keen eyes darted from one vendor to another, taking in the array of goods on display. The rhythmic hum of the market surrounded her as merchants called out their offerings, and the fragrant scent of exotic spices filled the air.
Lost in her thoughts, the girl absently fingered the hilt of a small dagger tucked into her belt. Her mind wandered to the rumors she had heard, whispers that spoke of a legendary treasure rumored to be hidden in the coffers of Baggy the Clown, a notorious pirate known for his cunning and elusive nature. The prospect of such a grand adventure stirred excitement within her, and a subtle smile played on her lips as she contemplated the daring escapade that lay ahead.
As she meandered through the market, her thoughts formed plans for departure. A day or two, she pondered, would be sufficient to gather supplies and bid farewell to the familiar faces of Kokoyasi. The girl's eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and anticipation, her quest for the rumored treasure fueling the fire of adventure that burned within her adventurous spirit.
Nami
In the bustling port of Kokoyasi, Nami's sharp eyes caught sight of three intriguing figures disembarking from an ornate boat. Their attire and demeanor spoke of wealth, and Nami, always on the lookout for opportunities, saw a potential windfall. As she observed from a distance, she noted the regal presence of Auguste, the alluring Agathe with her provocative dress, and the demure yet enchanting Perona.
Seizing the opportunity, Nami approached the trio with a welcoming smile, her tone friendly and accommodating. "Greetings! Welcome to Kokoyasi. I couldn't help but notice your arrival – such distinguished guests. Are you in need of a guide to explore our vibrant town?"
Auguste, the handsome figure in regal attire, nodded appreciatively. "Indeed, we are. We've heard this town has its secrets, and we wouldn't want to miss anything. Could you show us around?"
Nami's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with calculated charm. "Of course! I know every nook and cranny of Kokoyasi. Follow me, and I'll make sure you experience the best this town has to offer."
As they strolled through the lively market, Agathe and Perona engaged in friendly banter with Nami, while Auguste listened attentively. Nami played the part of the helpful guide, pointing out local attractions and sharing anecdotes about the town. Little did they suspect that beneath her friendly demeanor, Nami's nimble fingers were at work, subtly attempting to relieve them of any valuables they might possess.
As Nami guided the trio through the lively streets of Kokoyasi, her mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts. Auguste's regal presence had a commanding allure that intrigued her, and she couldn't help but admire the subtle confidence in his every step. His handsome features and refined attire hinted at a life of privilege, a world Nami could only dream of. However, her thoughts were often drawn to the enigmatic pair of Agathe and Perona. Agathe's provocative dress exuded a bold sensuality that stirred a mix of fascination and jealousy within Nami. The daring allure of Agathe's outfit seemed to effortlessly draw attention, a stark contrast to Nami's own practical attire. As they walked, Nami couldn't shake the feeling of being overshadowed by Agathe's unapologetic confidence and allure.
Perona, with her delicate pink hair and conservative black dress, presented a different kind of beauty—one that seemed almost ethereal. The demure elegance in her appearance, coupled with an air of mystery, evoked a sense of enchantment. Nami couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, comparing her own street-smart demeanor to Perona's refined and otherworldly presence.
Despite the simmering envy, Nami maintained her friendly façade, continuing to regale them with tales of Kokoyasi's treasures. As she led them deeper into the heart of the market, Nami's nimble fingers continued their subtle dance, attempting to liberate the trio of any valuables without arousing suspicion.
Beneath the exterior of camaraderie, a subtle competition unfolded in Nami's mind. The intricate tapestry of emotions wove together jealousy, curiosity, and a yearning for the treasures these newcomers seemed to possess. Little did they know that their guide, while seemingly helpful, had her own motives carefully concealed beneath the surface. Engaging in casual conversation, Nami steered them toward the town's renowned spots, all the while honing her thieving skills. Her keen senses and practiced dexterity allowed her to navigate the crowded streets with finesse, ensuring her attempts at pilfering remained undetected. As the trio admired the sights, Nami seized the chance to subtly lighten their pockets, each stolen item adding to the growing treasure concealed within her own.
As Nami continued guiding Auguste, Agathe, and Perona through the bustling market of Kokoyasi, she couldn't shake the feeling that something about them was off. Small details began to unravel, casting a subtle shadow over their seemingly regal exterior.
When Nami casually brushed against Auguste's hand, she was met with an unusual chill. His skin felt unnaturally cold, sending a shiver down her spine. It was a stark departure from the warmth she expected, leaving a lingering unease in the wake of their brief contact.
As she engaged in conversation, Nami's observant eyes caught a peculiar glint in the trio's gaze. The intensity of their eyes seemed to hold a depth beyond the ordinary, a glimmer that hinted at something more mysterious. It was a detail easily dismissed by those enthralled by their charismatic presence, but Nami's street-smart instincts sensed a subtle undercurrent.
The way Agathe's provocative attire seemed impervious to the vibrant chaos of the market, and Perona's ethereal poise, added to the mounting suspicion. It was as if they existed in a different realm, untouched by the mundane realities of the world around them. The air around the trio carried a hint of the supernatural, an unsettling juxtaposition to the lively market atmosphere.
As Nami discreetly pilfered for valuables, her fingers traced over the contours of Perona's umbrella. A subtle chill ran down her spine, a peculiar sensation that defied the norm. The ghostly presence of the pink-haired girl and the cryptic allure of the umbrella were like whispers of an unsettling secret. While these details remained subtle and easily dismissed, they planted the seeds of doubt in Nami's mind. She couldn't deny the growing sense that these strangers were not entirely what they seemed, their enigmatic nature weaving an intricate web of intrigue.
Auguste, his captivating eyes fixed on Nami, continued the conversation with a subtle yet unnerving curiosity. "A navigator, you say? A skilled one, I presume. We find ourselves in need of someone with your expertise to guide us through these waters. Tell me, Nami, how well do you know the seas around here?"
Nami, sensing the intensity in his gaze, felt a magnetic pull she couldn't quite resist. She tried to deflect the attention away from her navigational skills, downplaying her abilities. "Oh, it's nothing special, really. Just your average navigator skills. I know enough to get around these parts, you know. Nothing too impressive."
Agathe, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, chimed in, "You seem to possess quite a skill set, Nami. I'm sure there's more to your abilities than meets the eye. Do you enjoy the thrill of the sea, or is there a deeper reason you navigate these waters?"
Nami, feeling a mixture of attraction and unease, tried to maintain her composure. "Well, you know, it's just a job. I like the freedom the sea provides, and there's always the chance of discovering something valuable along the way. Nothing too fancy." She deliberately avoided diving into the intricacies of her motivations, wanting to keep a veil of mystery around herself as she navigated the delicate dance between truth and secrecy. The air crackled with a subtle tension, and Nami couldn't shake the haunting feeling that beneath their charming facades, these strangers harbored secrets darker than the depths of the sea.
Auguste's gaze bore into Nami's eyes with an unnerving intensity as he inquired about the infamous Arlong Pirates. The air grew heavy, charged with an eerie anticipation, and Nami sensed a disconcerting connection between Auguste's scrutiny and the unsettling memories of her past. Every word she spoke felt like a precarious dance on the edge of revealing too much.
"Oh, the Arlong Pirates?" Nami replied with a feigned nonchalance, her voice carrying a subtle tremor. "They're just troublemakers causing havoc around here. Nothing special, really."
Agathe, mischief glinting in her eyes, added, "Troublemakers, you say? I wonder, Nami, if there's more to your sentiments about them ?"
Caught in the crossfire of their scrutiny, Nami fought to maintain a composed exterior. She felt as though Auguste's gaze could unravel the layers of her thoughts, exposing the hidden truths she sought to conceal. The sense of dread intensified, and Nami couldn't shake the unnerving suspicion that her past might be laid bare before these enigmatic strangers. Each carefully chosen word became a delicate thread in the intricate dance of their conversation, weaving through the treacherous waters without succumbing to the undertow of her own secrets.
In a sweet, melodic tone, Nami extended her offer to the unsuspecting trio, "You know, I happen to know this fantastic little hotel just a short walk away. Perfect for a peaceful night's rest. How about I take you there? You'll love the cozy ambiance and friendly staff."
Auguste, seemingly entranced by Nami's charm, exchanged glances with his companions and agreed, "That sounds delightful, Nami. Lead the way. We trust your judgment."
As Nami guided them through the dimly lit streets, her mind buzzed with the thrill of her successful heist. Little did Auguste, Agathe, and Perona suspect the true nature of their guide – a masterful navigator with a penchant for thievery, leading them into the embrace of the night and the unknown.
In the dimly lit hotel, Nami's thieving fingers danced skillfully through the pockets and belongings of Auguste, Agathe, and Perona. The clandestine act unfolded amidst the facade of pleasantries, a delicate ballet of deception orchestrated by the orange-haired navigator. She pilfered with practiced finesse, extracting valuables that would soon find refuge in her hidden stash.
Among her ill-gotten gains, a small, eerie golden coin caught Nami's attention. Intricately adorned with the visage of a hauntingly beautiful figure, the coin bore the ominous inscription, "Von Carstein property - steals at your risks and perils." Despite the foreboding warning, Nami couldn't resist the allure of such a peculiar trinket.
As she led her unwitting victims to their rooms, Nami maintained her bubbly facade, a masterful performance concealing the undercurrent of deception. The stolen riches tucked safely away, she bid them goodnight with a practiced smile, her mind already racing with thoughts of escape. With each step, the orange-haired navigator wove through the shadows, leaving the hotel behind as her clandestine heist unfolded seamlessly in the night. She left behind her the three smiling, creepy but beautiful strangers
Tell me with your reviews chat you think about the pairings ! I'm not decided yet !
