¶ Battle and Burn
While the travelers await for The Coven's Lair to begin its new ritual, many events take shape.
¶ Her Light Dims
An ominous message regarding Mother Agora reaches the pilgrims.
Her Light is fading. The power of the 21 has dimmed.
Did you think Her strength would last forever, traveler?
The Cycle will continue to shape this world.
Unsure of what to make of it, many holding Tokens of Sacrifice begin to wonder what they could have done.
¶ Battle of the Bald
While many occupy themselves creating more effigies for Detriti, The Swamp Witch, the serial killer known as Bald Burner is challenged to a duel by one calling himself Bald Savior.
Just outside of The Newcomer's Inn, the two square off with an ante of four bald souls apiece. If the Savior wins, they will be shepherded to new homes by The Innkeeper. If the Burner wins, they will be executed immediately.
The battle begans with Burner drawing first blood, but was quickly followed by the Savior returning multiple strikes.
However, the rally would not last long as the Bald Burner began pummeling his foe with blow after blow, including a devastating critical hit to the leg. Before long, Bald Savior was left within an inch of his life and The Burner ran him through and finished the battle.
As per the arrangement, all four of the captive baldies were murdered just outside the inn.
Bald Savior was forced to watch in horror.
¶ Choice of Sacrifice
The Coven's Lair continues to open and a question is posed to all travelers:
What will you sacrifice? Or will you sacrifice nothing at all?
Remember, blood spilled of another comes at a cost to one's self.
An invitation to choose the form of The Coven's sacrifice is provided, and voices across the mass offer their wishes and suggestions for what will be thrown to the flame. As consensus forms, a vote is taken - along with another warning;
Remember, traveler, this decision will consume resources you do not even know you have.
🤚 What will be sacrificed for The Ritual?
In the end, two were chosen:
Bull Run by Beeple
Representing a past age of prosperity long gone, and the false promises of an artist-prophet.
Once purchased for $255,000 USD the ritual would solidify a nearly quarter-million loss in fire.
Cryptoad #5153 by Gremplin
Symbolic of the nihilistic chaos, irreverence, and experimentation of the modern age.
Its creator laughed with glee when it heard that his little creature would play part.
