The Valeerians tell tales of a strange presence in Tor that threatens the whole world. This presence manifests itself in many ways, according to the Valeerian tales the darkness can be most often found in the form of strange beings they call the Dark Ones. The following is an account of these Dark Ones from one Valeerian found rambling in horror near Alterron.
Within the souls of every man lies the seed of darkness, a festering evil waiting to emerge and bring about the chaos. The Dark ones are exceptionally subtle in their machinations. Infestation by a Dark One leads to the eventual takeover of the host body, although they creature is neither parasite nor worm, but something else. They can lie in wait, dormant within the host, for ages waiting and plotting.
Many of the Dark Ones make use of their host by manipulating their habits and some are so devilish as to alter the thoughts and words of the infected in such a way that they control the mind in time. Ultimately the Dark One will take complete control over the host, causing them to serve the Dark Ones will.
The more subtle creatures are arguably more dangerous. They whisper subtle doubts and prey upon the insecurities of the infected. The creature will start off slowly, altering the vision of the infected, flickering images and minor hallucinations are levied upon the victim, starting off small and growing. As the Dark One continues to attack, the victim becomes more and more paranoid. They begin to disbelieve others, seeing even their own allies as monsters. Soon they lose touch with reality itself as their mind decays into the depths of insanity.
The more audacious creature will slowly change the body of the host as well, turning them into a creature that is best described as monstrous. Fang and claw may sprout from the body of the host – many find viler transformations are in their future. When the true form of the Dark One is exposed, the host body will be nearly unrecognizable. Even death will not remove the Dark One’s presence. In this way the Dark Ones pose the greatest threat the world has ever known.
Unfortunately for the rest of the Kingdom, most people do not accept the existence of the Dark Ones. The Barber Surgeons claim that there is no evidence of a creature within the so-called possessed, they instead believe that the Valeerians are paranoid. The Valeerians know better. Valeeria knows there are no allies in this war; the Dark Ones are everywhere. The best advice is given to each member of the house – pay attention and remain vigilant.
