In the Lost Lands

If you've got the time and the stomach for it,

I've got a story for you.

A tale of magic and witches,

of quests and of monsters.

Of good and of evil.

But make no mistake.

This is no fairy tale.

And there are no happy endings.

The world you know is gone,

consumed by the flames of a great war long ago

when death rained from the sky.

All that's left now are the Lost Lands,

filled with twisted creatures that dwell in the shadows.

What remains of humanity takes refuge in a single city.

Long ago, a mysterious witch,

Gray Alys, emerged from the Lost Lands.

This is the story of how we met

and how she saved the both of us.

Stop your work!

Stop your work!

Let this be an example to all.

No one shall defy the church.

They say you can buy anything

you might desire from Gray Alys.

But it's better not to.

And still the people seek your help.

They're ignorant, uneducated.

Some are poor, some rich. All are desperate.

I refuse no one.

Do you know what the church says about the likes of you?

I'm sure you're going to tell me.

That you are of the devil

and it's our duty to root you out.

In the name of the Overlord,

ruler of the City Under The Mountain,

High Priest of the Faith,

I sentence you, Gray Alys,

to death by hanging.

Repent, woman.

What is happening to me?

You cannot be trusted.

You're a slave to the witch.

Hunt her down.

- To me. - Yes, ma'am.

Show yourself, witch.

Do it.

Do it.

Witch!

I will find you.

You will burn in hell.

You will burn in hell, witch!

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

The witch that will not hang.

If a man wanted to ambush another man,

this would be the perfect spot.

Jump him while his eyes were still adjusting to the dark.

Maybe even bring three, four friends.

Make sure the job got done right.

This thing has never worked.

But this never fails.

Gray Alys.

Did you recognize my footsteps?

No. Your kindness.

This city gets worse and worse,

but you have always been so generous

ever since I was a child.

Only to you.

You never ask anything of me.

Strange.

You sound no different to when I was young,

but you must be old now like me.

Older.

Much older.

- I'm Jerais. - Captain of the Overwatch.

Have you come on behalf of the Overlord?

Or perhaps his queen?

What brings you to visit one like me?

It is said that for a price, you grant wishes.

What do you wish to buy?

Leave us.

I'm not sure if that is wise.

Some say you came from the Lost Lands

and that you know the things that live there.

Dark, unnatural things.

Is this what you want from me?

To tell you fairy tales?

I want from you the power to become a beast, Gray Alys.

To be more than human. Does that shock you?

I have seen too much to be shocked so easily.

So you can sell me the secret of shapeshifting?

To a wolf?

Are you certain you want what you ask for?

You might not be happy with what you receive.

- This is not your concern. - I am compelled to help.

- But I warn all who come to me. - I'm not all.

- Mm. - Will you accept my offer?

I refuse no one. I'll hire a hunter.

We'll find you a shapeshifter and take its power.

Give me until the full moon

and I will bring you what you desire.

Where will you go?

To the Lost Lands.

What is it, Jerais?

Do you refuse no one?

No one.

Then accept it as my payment. I wish to buy for myself.

This timepiece has been in my family for generations.

It's my most valuable possession.

And what do you wish for?

I want you to fail her.

The Overwatch is sworn to loyalty,

yet you betray your queen.

I am loyal.

I know what's good for her better than she knows herself.

This power that she seeks will destroy her.

I only want to help.

You lie, Jerais.

You reek of jealousy.

I will not argue with you.

If you will not sell to me, I will leave.

I refuse no one.

You shall have what you want.

Argh!

Argh!

I'm sorry.

What is it you want?

Help me.

Shit.

Did you wet yourself again?

Can't you use the bell,

you old disgusting fool?

The mighty Overlord.

Hard to believe you built all this.

And that they still fear you.

You're nothing more than a filthy pig,

just like all men.

My queen?

All men, except for one.

Don't leave yet.

I have to.

Before they see me.

I can't stay here.

Hurry back. Please.

I will.

Perhaps.

Halt, in the name of the Overlord.

What are you doing here?

The stronger the spirits,

the weaker the senses.

You're coming with us.

Stop!

That was half full.

I hear you're a hunter, that you travel the Lost Lands.

I have use of such a man.

Came here to play cards, not to talk.

All in.

You ready to talk now?

What's your name?

Boyce.

I'm looking for a guide.

Someone who knows the Lost Lands.

- I'm expensive. - I have money.

I know you do. Most of it's mine.

Are you worth it?

Would you be here talking to me if I wasn't?

The Lost Lands are no place for city folk.

Why is that?

Because they're weak.

Do I look weak to you?

Look.

Outside these walls, the laws of the city,

of man, even of nature, they don't apply.

So whoever you think you are here,

out there you'd just be a hindrance.

Let's make a deal.

If I ever slow you down,

you have my permission to leave me behind.

And I'll do the same to you.

Why do you want to leave the city?

I'm looking for a man who can turn into a beast.

All men are beasts.

But not all men are monsters.

You're looking for a shapeshifter.

Yes. I need to kill it in its lair to take its power.

I've heard of such a man.

What do you know of him?

They call him Sardor, the Great Wolf.

Where does this man, this Sardor, live?

In a place called Skull River.

Skull River.

That's my destination.

Not many have travelled there.

- No one's come back. - Guide me...