The Immortal’s Death Wish

   By: T. N. Bao

Prologue:

In the dead of night, messengers from the capital city of Aslann, pushed their mounts to the breaking point as they travelled throughout the vast Solian Empire. The notice boards of every city, town and backwater village had all previous postings removed; replaced with a single lengthy document which contained the Emperor’s seal, a golden crown encircled by a serpentine dragon clutching a runic 'S'.

   At each notice board stood a Royal Proclaimer— men of higher birth who had received a formal education—used to read the contents of royal decrees aloud for the vastly illiterate population.

   The people gathered at first light to receive the news. Written on the quality parchment and preached by the proclaimers was thus:

All subjects of the Solian Empire are to hereby provide any aid to the Adventurers upon request and without exception. The Solian people are well revered for their hearts brimming with just hospitality, and thus, we shall extend this hospitality to the brave souls who are fighting to ensure our lands do not fall victim to the darkness of the Abyss. These courageous souls shed blood so that the common man can continue with his peaceful life. We are in their debt and as such, will support their backs as they dauntlessly march forward into the unknown!

Good citizens of Solia, fear not, for your sacrifices will be rewarded. Any citizens who provides aid to our heros, the brave adventures, will be entitled to compensation far greater than any loss they may have suffered. If one’s aid plays a big role in helping our heroes, know that you will be compensated ten times as much. In this hour of needed, meer material possessions are but a secondary thought and the safety of our great nation takes precedence.

Offer the Adventurer residence, so that they may greet the abominations as well rested individuals.

Offer the Adventurer food and drink, so that they may recover their strength and push back the tides of death.

Offer the Adventurer coin, for your contributions will purchase the blade that smites down evil.

Offer the Adventurer reverence and thanks, for it is through them that we may live in peace and prosper.

Offer the Adventurer comforts, for the road to victory is long and filled with strife.

All those who would deny this aid to our heroes, will receive swift and harsh punishment, for this heinous crime shall not go unanswered! Furthermore, those who would actively seek to interfere or sabotage the efforts of our saviours, will be dealt justice without mercy.  

Finally, for those who would wish to give proactive aid and join the ranks of the Adventurers, the entirety of the empire applauds your courage. The Empire and its allies will provide unlimited aid—within reason—for those who would seek to put an end to the death and destruction which threatens our way of life. No greater glory exists than to ride down the enemy of humanity with your country-men. All Able-bodied citizens are also welcome to join the ranks of the Expedition army, jointly lead by prominent members of the Adventurer's Guild and our own Oathkeeper Knights. Amnesty shall also be given for convicts who join the ranks, as raising a blade against evil will absolve one of his own crimes. For those who would join early, a wage greater than the standard for soldiers is offered, along with an oppertunity for employ within the standard based on merit once this crisis has been resolved.

    The royal decree ended with the Emperor’s seal and his flowing signature, Dastrunne Drohmarc III, fifty-second monarch of Solia, Land of

verdant

hills, envoy to Lunux, the Aspect of Light.