Darkness Rises

*"How pitiful, all those deeds must come to an end so easily. What if we could change that?" -Saharna*

The **Darkness Rises** Campaign refers to the events that set up the framework for the Great Ascent. Involving the three central individuals known as Coin, BoomSlang, and Greg, the once-common criminals dedicated themselves in service of Saharna, spreading her influence across the Sword Coast and eventually ending in Coin's rule over the kingdom and the brutal end of their companions.

## Simple Origins and a Test From a Demon

The three companions originally met at a hole-in-the-wall speakeasy in the small village of Seawolf, a settlement of Norheim. All three were wanted by the royal guard for various reasons, and were more than happy to brag about their exploits. However, the speakeasy was seized by a group of bounty hunters, and soon they were the last people standing inside.

Outnumbered, it seemed like the adventurers' journey was to end before it began. However, a being of supernatural origin intervened: Saharna. Saharna, a demon, was also cunning: she pulled them into a demiplane and offered them their lives in exchange for eternal servitude. But she had one caveat: they must prove their loyalty.

Eager to escape with their lives, Coin and Greg soon realized that meant they would have to kill BoomSlang. With BoomSlang dead, Saharna revealed it had been an illusion only, and the three were returned to their home plane with supernatural powers of their own, now able to defeat the group of bounty hunters and leaving a trail of bloodshed in their wake.

*"For every kill you dedicate to me, the stronger you shall become."*

## Armor of Torm

Saharna's first task was to collect the armor of Torm, which she claimed had been stolen from her. The adventurers would have to make their way across the Sea of Swords and then head north in order to reach its resting place at Daggerpoint Cave. The three set off, bribing a local sailor to take them across. BoomSlang, however, became aggressive, and Coin and Greg had to bind him while simultaneously threatening the sailor.

Upon their arrival, they promised their return, but when returning to the ship found a group of guards in the sailor's place. Following their altercation, they had killed on Sword Coast soil, and were now wanted for murder in both regions. With their escape, they made their money on the road through what they called "insurance fraud," falsely claiming Saharna to be a benevolent goddess and offering blessings in protection in exchange for gold, while in truth not intending to honor the agreement at all.

They eventually arrived at Daggerpoint Cave, where they were tasked with completing a series of puzzles before confronting a deva of Torm. Through cunning manipulation, the trio convinced the deva they were servants of Torm, and secured the armor for themselves.

## The Murder of BoomSlang and Greg

The adventurers would eventually return to Baldur's Gate, causing plenty of destruction and chaos on their way, including murder and kidnapping. They took advantage of Saharna's gifts, using it to disrupt peace everywhere. Once they arrived back, the reveled in their own glory, until Saharna provided them with a final task--to kill the king.

Saharna had already set up the scene for them: the king was alone in the tower, and he only needed to be subdued. The three of them crept upstairs past the guards, attacking the king when he had his back turned. Their quest fulfilled, Saharna's voice filled their ears once more. For two of the three of them, it would be their last time hearing it.

*"Only one may rule."*

They understood what they had to do. The companions that had worked together for weeks now suddenly turned on each other, not willing to displease the demon.

The battle proved difficult and tenuous. It was every man for himself and Greg, a dangerous warlock, had a grimoire that provided him with healing spells that allowed him to keep himself afloat. But in an act of desperation, BoomSlang swiped the grimoire while Coin attacked, and Greg's last defense had finally failed. He met his end, and soon so did BoomSlang. As Coin stood over the bodies, they heard Saharna once more.

*"All hail the queen."*