The Game Is Afoot

Chadstone came across the end of a rune magic ceremony. Ancient magic lingered in the air, laced with the intoxicating scent of mortality. He sensed the faded hum of a portal and wondered why the Ancients lingered. Surely if a victim was present the game would be afoot, and yet they hovered in the shadows. Then, with an ominous cacophony of laughter, the Ancients dispersed. Chadstone felt them pass in a haze of derision, condescension, and amusement. Perhaps their game was afoot. Chadstone watched them leave, then faced the remnants of the portal. On the ground was a straw doll.