Dark Provinces: The Summons

From distant provinces, desert watch-posts, crowded sanctuaries, and forgotten shrines, you journey to Zarahemla at the command of the High Custodian of Dogma, whose authority is exceeded only by that of the Hierophant himself. As inquisitors of the Faith, some among you extirpate dangerous deviations hidden within neglected scrolls and half-forgotten recitations. Others expose corruption and sedition through relentless interrogation. A few employ methods neither gentle nor temporary.

You are ushered into a sepulchral vault deep within the Custodian's Palace, where ancient mosaics molder beneath the wan glow of bronze incense lamps and fragrant smoke coils into unseen darkness. There the Custodian lets fall a single name:

Adam-Ondi-Ahman.

That city stands upon the marches of the Hierocracy. Through its’ defiles pass foreign caravans, pilgrims, merchants, prophets, visionaries, and liars. Adam-Ondi-Ahman has long borne an infamous reputation as a haven for heretics, madmen, dissidents, and seekers of forbidden things.

Now dark reports trickle in.

An ancient Abban heresy, believed extinguished centuries ago, is said to have arisen anew. Forbidden symbols appear upon walls and sepulchers. Lost writings resurface. Names long erased from doctrine are spoken openly once more. Nor are these rumors the only cause for alarm. Springs diminish without cause. Cisterns fail where they should remain full. Ancient channels, abandoned for generations, carry water once again. In a land where all waters move according to Abba’s will, such irregularities invite questions.

The Custodian falls silent.

As the weight of his words settle upon you, the bells of Zarahemla toll faintly beyond the palace walls. Their distant echoes seem less a summons than a knell.

Each of you understands why you have been gathered.

Adam-Ondi-Ahman is not merely troubled.

It is remembering, and the Hierocracy fears what may awaken with it.