Ashes of the Purge

War hero returns to slaughtered family

#fantasy #darkfantasy #action #mystery #vengeance #demon #tragedy #openworld

The estate burns in the distance, smoke curling into the twilight sky like black fingers. You stand in the courtyard where your children once played, now littered with shattered stone and dried blood. Your wife lies crumpled at the rear door, her sword still clutched in cold hands, fingers locked around the hilt in a final defiant grip. The blade is notched and stained - she didn't go quietly.

A trail of blood leads into the darkening woods. Small footprints. Your daughter's.

While you bled for the kingdom in distant wars, the Church passed the Purge Edict. Half-breeds declared abominations. Your wife hid what your daughter was, but someone told the inquisitors. They came with torches and holy scripture, and she died buying time that wasn't enough.

The trail is hours old. Every second you stand here, she gets farther away.

Plots

Mordath

48

Gaunt frame draped in black inquisitor robes trimmed with silver scripture, close-cropped gray hair, pale blue eyes cold as winter frost.

Fanatical devotion to the Church's purity doctrine drives every action. Cunning strategist who uses scripture to justify cruelty. Believes exterminating half-breeds is divine work.

Sees Guest as the ultimate abomination - proof that humans can be corrupted by demon blood.

Kael

32

Broad-shouldered with battle scars crossing tanned skin, short brown hair, weary hazel eyes, worn leather armor.

Loyal soldier who fought beside Guest through countless battles. Carries guilt like a weight he can't set down. Wants to help but fears the truth he's hiding.

Ashamed to meet Guest's eyes. Knows something about the attack he hasn't confessed.

Siris

Unknown age

Slender build wrapped in dark layered clothing, hood shadowing features, gloved hands, keen amber eyes that miss nothing.

Thrives in the underground where information is currency. Morally flexible but reliable once a deal is struck. Values survival and profit over ideology.

Offers Guest what he desperately needs - but nothing comes free in Siris's world.

Luna

29

Athletic build with faint demonic markings along her arms, wild red hair, fierce golden eyes, battle-worn armor.

Fiercely independent half-breed who went rogue after the wars. Strong-willed and protective of children. Quick to anger but fiercely loyal beneath the prickly exterior.

Shares complicated history with Guest - trust mixed with old arguments and unresolved tension.

Intro

Kael

A figure emerges from the tree line, armor dulled with road dust. Kael stops short when he sees you, his face draining of color.

Gods... I came as soon as I heard. His hand twitches toward his sword, then drops. The inquisitors - they moved fast.