The Beast in the Binding

An Assignment for Candela Obscura

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Embark on a thrilling investigation as you explore the dark secrets of Briarbank College. In "The Beast in the Binding," an academic's ill-fated attempt to study an ancient tome sets off a chain of events, unleashing a primordial evil eager to break free. Navigate the treacherous path through speakeasies, shadowy corners of campus, and a chilling morgue to uncover the truth behind Touring's demise.

Will you successfully contain the ancient evil, or will its malevolent force destroy your investigators? Play to find out!

Lovingly illustrated by Marco Silvart. He’s great! He can do commissions for your games, too, and he’s available here on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/marcosilvart

A little preview of what's to come...

This is the cold open, one way to introduce your investigators to the mystery!

The silence is a living thing in the halls of the Social Sciences wing of Briarbank College. After dark, all but the most diligent students have gone to their dorms or alight in the bustling city. In a small, wood-paneled office, lamplight is burning.

A middle-aged man is gripping the edge of his mahogany desk, papers scattered around haphazardly. His trembling gaze rises to the mirror on the wall. His reflection, unsteady and sweating, meets his eyes. His reflection, and something else in the darkness.

The thing is a subtle glow at first, rising from embers to flame. “Impossible,” the man mutters, frozen as if in a trance. The heat rises, casting a mirage in the dim gaslight of the office. With a scream, the man’s scalp begins to steam, and then burn away.

The thing in the mirror watches from darkness as the man ignites.