The sun's rays beamed through the tall trees, as morning rose. The village farmers exit the gate, and prepare for the long days work. The day watch guardsmen took to their posts, as the military squadron set out to search the area for any signs of Dracul Bloodfiend. Commander Theo, fifteen soldiers, five enchanters, and five healers stayed behind at camp. "Keep your eyes pealed men! We are close to dark elf territory! We are not in good relations with them, also the vampire could attack from anywhere! Be on guard! No one should take Dracul on alone! If you spot him return to camp with any intel! If you engage him you will die!", Theo commanded to the troops.
In search for any information that the village may have had, the commander walked the dirt road that led to the village gate. Upon reaching the fortified gate he overheard the guards speaking to one another about yesterday's excitement. "I can't believe we killed that thing!". "I know. Shot the monster straight through the heart, while it was in flight. I have never seen a more perfect shot.". The two gate guards reminisced. The conversation caught Theo's attention. "What sort of beast was shot out of the air?", the commander asked the guardsmen. "Some weird beast that nobody at this village has ever seen.", one of the men answered. "Tell me everything that happened involving this beast.", Theo demanded. The guards gave Theo a play by play of the beast that flew above the trees to the villages southern side. They told the commander of how the hit the bat winged creature with a ballista bolt, and impaled it into a tree. "You checked the body?", Theo asked as the men finished with yesterday's news. "Of course we did commander. Ten of our men went to lay eyes on the beast. We couldn't reach the body because it was too high in the tree, but we are all certain that the monster was dead.". Theo beckoned one of his men over from the camp. "Take me to the body. I must confirm this for myself! One of my men will take your post. One of you will lead me to the body.".
A soldier took the place of one of the guardsmen, as he and Theo began the journey south into the forest. After a silent trip through the shrubs, and bushes the two had reached the tree where Dracul had been hanging. "I swear this is the place! The bolt is still in the tree.", the guard said in total confusion. "You are certain this is it?", Theo asked. "Yes commander, look up. The bolt is still in the tree." Theo peered up into the tree to see that the man was not lying. A large wooden bolt was indeed pierced into the tree, however there was no body to be found. "We were late!", Theo yelled as rage came over him. He balled his fist, cocked back his arm, and with all his might struck the tree. A loud "Bang!", rang out through the forest. The tree had a deep gash the size of Theo's fist with webs of deep cracks that splintered out from the initial hole. "He isn't dead, but he must be close by. He may have retreated into the Nightshire. Come on we have to return to the village.". In a rushed the two men bolted back toward the village, through the trees and back out into the clearing.
After returning the commander called all of his remaining forces together. He told them that Dracul had been spotted in the area recently and that all of the troops would now be in full search. The news spread quickly throughout the village, as the chief came outside of the gate with four adventurers saying, "Commander Theo if you have suspicions that the creature is inside the Nightshire, then dispatch this party to search their.". Theo looked over the group of four, one male hammer paladin tank, one male dual wielding assassin rouge, one female defensive enchanter, and one female holy priest. Each one of the members were level twenty nine. "You seem like a capable bunch, but do you understand the dangers of Dracul Bloodfiend?", Theo asked the party. The paladin tank, whom took the role of party leader, responded, "We have heard of the monsters fame in the Falmon arena. Apparently no beast, or man has found a way to kill him, but we are The Slayers. A well coordinated team that has killed many wild beasts. I think we can handle this one.". "I would rather send a large force to subdue him if possible, but sending a unit of soldiers into the Nightshire would bring an all out war with the dark elves. If it is just a party that enters the kingdom can blame the party itself to avoid war.", the commander thought to himself. Then he voiced his opinion saying, "very well. Search the Nightshire for Dracul the vampire lord. I highly suggest that you not fight him, but that is up to the four of you. If you do not return in three days I will know that Dracul is in the Nightshire, and that the four of you will be there as well, resting for eternity.". The Slayers all let out a laugh, not understanding that Dracul Bloodfiend may just be the devil incarnate. The party went back into the gate to prepared for their journey ahead, as Theo and his soldiers began preparing strategies to fight against Dracul should he appear.
With the sun up to mid day it was the perfect time for The Slayers to enter into the Nightshire with a very low risk of being spotted. Hammers, daggers, and staves in hand the four were off in search of the vampire lord. The group was overconfident, cocky, and far to weak. They would find out very soon the Dracul was no mere beast to be slain, but a devourer, a cold blooded killer, one who shows no mercy to those who oppose him.