TTRPG creations: 17/365: The Living Ritual

The Living Ritual

 On long dark star kissed nights, when the full moon beams down upon all. Stories tell of figures dancing within the woods. Of many eyed goat men frolicking while playing flutes.

Of mutants shedding cloaks and embracing eternal change. Of demented warbles wafting along the winds calling out to those who seek power. 

Mothers tell naughty children stories of Father Goat. Within the woods lay a stone, sitting in the glade all alone. Over woods and under web, the pan pipes playing lead further ahead. Curious children pay the price, the stones next bloody sacrifice.

While the story works to scare children the truth is far worse. The nights between eclipses are holy for the forest folk. Tribes of beastmen tear through towns, violate villages and consume communities. All are brought before the stone altar, a paltry sacrifice to Xi'din the old black goat.