Ink and Blood: Episode 01

### Reddit Thread

***Ink and Blood* Episode 1** was streamed on Arcadum's Twitch channel on June 14, 2021, and premiered on Arcadum's YouTube channel on June 19, 2021.
Five adventurers gather to answer a call of Lord Oma Goda to find his corrupted wife.

## Summary

*Summary originally written by u/Ironzol24*

Just outside the City of Bal'Lok, home of the Tearn race, and otherwise known as the City of Bells, a wind of destiny blows down the road! A retired warlord, Lord Oma Goda, has sent out a call for adventurers with strong backs and strong minds. Kouki Subeuroko (Gekoi Undead Cleric of the Yang Clan), Tiri Anand (Sharkai Elf Time Warden Paladin). Ral'Sazesh (Yozai Warlock), Jerry (Half-Elf Gregorian Rogue), and Elliot Mylic (Human Mercy Monk) have all answered the call. As they approach the estate, each is greeted by a snooty, pretentious, and moderately xenophobic Gekoi named Scribbles-while-Squinting who ushers them into a courtyard.

Inside the larger courtyard, the group notices a large gong which they slowly identify as a teleportation device, distracted from the initial instructions to meet at the fountain. They are brought through the gates of a more inner sanctum where a large ornate fountain awaits them. Across the courtyard, they enter the actual estate and meet Kanne Sale, guardian of the lord. In talking with her, it seems she wishes to travel on the adventure they are embarking on, but the lord is not allowing her to go. The room and tea sets have gathered dust and seem to indicate the estate has not received visitors for some time.

Jerry finds a decorative crown which would be placed upon the helmet of a warrior, a vestige to Goda’s past as a warlord. They locate an extraordinary library containing books from both Kalkatesh and Glies, astonishing the group and particularly piquing the interest of Elliot. Lord Oma Goda walks around the corner and introduces himself to the group. He admits to aging quite quickly for an elf after the group hears him cough, and he appears to be only semi-lucent, perhaps from pain medication. The Onmyoji, guardians of the Black Library, have given him many books, and he is an ally to them. He tells them that an Akuma from the Black Library has escaped and killed someone in his estate. He asks them to seek out the Akuma and reason with it if possible. If they are unable to communicate with it, they must destroy it and prevent further destruction.

Elliot notices that Oma Goda has been attempting to hide a bandage wrapped near his wrist. He reveals a clean slash across his wrist, which seems to be purposeful, perhaps for ritualistic purposes. They investigate and persuade further, and Goda explains that his wife, Miko, became quite ill. He attempted to use Akuma blood in order to heal her, but the blood resulted in her transformation into a savage corrupted Akuma. This is why he must utilize strangers for he wishes not to reveal the truth to his staff. In addition, he also admits to having to lie to his daughter about the situation.

Jerry sneaks off wanting to chat with Kanne, only to discover the Lord’s daughter talking to Kanne. In attempting to stealthily listen in, he accidentally clanks the teapots on a table and in a panic runs back to the rest of the group, consulting with Ral his concerns on Goda’s honesty.

Further conversations with Lord Goda reveal he purchased a book containing the information and procedures for healing someone with Akumic blood while travelling to Alexandria on a search for a way to save his wife. The book is bought from a furred creature with backwards hands. The papers are written in Western tongue, but there appear to be two authors, one of whom has more recently scribbled over the initial notes, all signed with the signature, *"S.S"*.

As the group moves to leave, Tiri "accidentally" leaks that they are going to kill an Akuma and startles Goda’s daughter. Jerry manages to steal a ruby from the fountain on the way out and attempts to slip it into Tiri’s pocket. Tiri notices and hands the jewel back to Jerry, emphasizing the importance of consequences being delivered to ones who deserve them.

The party makes further introductions to one another about their abilities and backgrounds where they learn of Ral's tentacle Yozai arms. The party gathered and ventured forth toward the north eastern cliffsides.

The group identifies a trail of blood leading to a cave. Kouki is able to notice that the blood is not but a few days old. They also identify distinct drag marks indicative of a two-legged creature being pulled into the cave. The group enters the cave, and Tiri is able to use Divine Sense and feels the demon awaits them in the cave. Will they survive what is to come?

## Featured Characters

### Main Characters

* Elliot Mylic
* Jerry
* Kouki Subeuroko
* Ral'Sazesh
* Tiri Anand

### New

* Brunhilde Goda
* Kanna Sale
* Lord Oma Goda
* Scribbles-While-Squinting

### Mentioned

* Lorn
* Raquel

## References

1. ↑ Date is shown on YouTube VOD
2. ↑ Verum Weekly: Summaries of the Streamed Games of the Week (June 17th, 2021)