+ SUNKEN VAULT +

Taking the lower stairs is a dark, damp affair. The tower is old, the walking space is crowded and light is poor. No windows break the gloom as you head down – your torch and the odd brazier is it. You pass two or three landings, each empty, and colder than the last.

Finally, you arrive at the bottom –a small – low vaulted room – unlit, and cold. You walk forward down the last few stairs – and once you step off, you splash into water. The chamber is flooded. You trudge forward in the black waters – until a light flickers on in front of you.

Suddenly, you’re standing in an illuminated chamber – behind you, a massive sculpted fountain spills water onto the floor –the source of the flooding.

The fountain is a grandiose marble work, partially gilded and the figures are all above life size. Neptune stands imperiously with his trident, Nereid’s, Tritons splaying from his grand figure. Beneath them, all manners of fish and sea creature twist violently in stone. Neglect has obviously taken it’s toll upon the fountain, most of the figures are missing limbs, and cracks and water damage threatening the sculpture.

Passing over the lesser figures and monsters – You paw at the run your finger over the trident, finding it’s solid… and sharp. Your finger bleeds only for a moment and then your finger turns red and grows a claw. Soon the whole hand changes to a webbed claw – the other following suit.

You look up from your changing arms to see Neptune’s glowering eyes, glowing with an unnatural power. A massive dorsal fin rips from your shirt, and a powerful tail grows from your spine, ending with a splayed fin. Your legs and body shift forward, growing scales and more fins.

Last your face changes, eyes bulging, and teeth sharpening, into a denizen comfortable in the cold water, you have become the FISHMAN.

———
This critter is inspired by the endemic “Fishman” enemy - from the Castlevania series!

September Patreonsketch: Belugania
Theme: THE CASTLE
Digital
2019
~Age