Prologue December 2025

The Legend of the Manananggal as Told by Solarians:

Even in the dead of night, Asuang, a dedicated Solar Knight, could feel the rays of Naesala at the end of the path she walked. She had given much of her life in service, and this illness made the rays that she used to find solace in, instead, fill her with pain.

She was not sure what was wrong. She thought she was helping a sick man, but he had bitten her. At the time, she felt worse for failing him. However, she now found herself unwell, and despite the injury healing, she knew her malady was from that bite. 

It was unfortunate for Asuang that vampires would not be understood in Toko Oro Sol for many years still. So, she did what anyone else in her position would do. She pilgrimaged to a trial of Naesala, in hopes that Naesala would see the dedication and purge her of whatever her malady was.

Despite the hope in her heart and the conviction to see it through, she would succumb fully to the disease in her last steps. Naesala’s attention was drawn in those final moments, and in an attempt to rid Asuang of the disease, they used their power to destroy the bodily corruption. Asuang quickly became an unwilling participant in the act, as the very power to purge the corruption also delivered pain that felt like death. 

In a malicious retort, Asuang broke her oaths as she struck Naesala. In the conflict, she managed to grab one single feather. Naesala utilized the connection between themself and the feather to encapsulate the disease. The Primal Spirit hoped that one day Asuang would have enough sense to let them help. However, as with all living things, the disease twisted within this cage, the feather transforming into a small black chick inside the former Solar Knight. 

On a well-trodden road towards Travance

In the late afternoon, a wagon carrying four common folk rattles on towards the town. They knew that within the next day or so, they should reach Travance Proper. As much as the group wanted to push the horses harder, they knew it was better to stop, especially with the sun starting to set. 

No one in the Wagon was excited to be part of the party to reach out to the ones who could help their home, but with the Headman and the Town Healer dead, there were very few pillars of Thistlepine Hollow left and very many ill and endangered villagers.Locke, the apprentice to the former healer, organized the emergency travel with several other villagers. They had begun to learn about organizing and knowing when it was not a problem to solve alone, thanks to their mentor. After some pleading, the newest to town, Zoren, rode on the very back edge of the wagon. He had not intended to make the village his home, but when he arrived, the town needed a healer, and Locke convinced him to stay to mentor them.After settling on a spot, they started to set a fire. The sun would soon disappear over the horizon, and warmth was needed before then. The group sat around, together, trying to reassure one another that the Heroes of Travance would save their village. Certainly, Thistlepine Hollow was worth saving?

Their discussion, however, would be cut short as they heard the flapping of large leathery wings and the sounds of a large bat locking onto the group.

Then there were only screams and scrambling.