Here’s my first submission for Inktober this year! Instead of using my normal micron pens, I decided to use a fancy calligraphy pen (complete with inkwell) that I got from the Renaissance Faire in my area. It was a little weird to get used to initially, but once I got the hang of it, it gave my work a really neat style!

This first one was a bit simple, but I’m still really happy with it. Also, as a side note, most of my entries will be a bit more horror-themed this time around, to better keep up with the spirit of the season - Hope you all enjoy!

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Deep in the caverns of the Earth lies the foreboding territory of the Ebon Expanse. This cursed, subterranean land is home to all manner of horrific monsters, ghouls, and demons. But, few are so horrific, as the Ring of Daemoniz. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a harmless, inanimate ruby-studded silver ring. In truth, however, this ominous piece of jewelry holds an entity of enormous hatred and malice.

Before finding its way to the Ebon Expanse, this item was wielded by all manner of people and creatures. From priests to peasants, all were swayed by its indomitable will. These foolhardy folks would initially benefit from the terrifying shadowy magic of the item, before losing control. In time, the wielders would become pale, demonic imitations of themselves, hellbent on destroying everything about their former lives - including those they loved. Savage acts of brutality haunt every glint of the beautiful gemstone. If one were to look closely, he may even catch a glimpse of those horrors in the reflection of the ruby.

Eventually, the ring would consume its host entirely, once its dark will had been satisfied. Only one mighty mage was able to finally break the cycle - but it was too little, too late. Only the ring knows his name, but many know his deeds. After being pushed to murder those who mattered most to him, the mage was granted a moment of lucidity. He forced himself to banish the ring to the darkest of depths, casting a teleportation spell of hateful magnitude. Before taking his own life, the broken, hollow man prayed to any god that would listen, hoping that the ring would be immolated in the fierce fires of the deep. Alas, the entity was stronger than any divine will enacted against it. So, in the end, the ring persevered, doomed to bide its time in the darkness below. One day, it will find a new host. One day, it will be free again. One day, it will taste blood again.