Corpse

The corpse lies sprawled across the cold stone floor in a pool of stagnant black water. Its skin is pale grey and stretched tightly across exposed bone, split in places where swollen veins bulge beneath the flesh. Torn clothing hangs from the body in damp rotting strips while the smell of mildew, decay and stagnant water fills the air around it.

Its mouth has been crudely sewn shut with tarnished silver wire, cutting deep into the cheeks and lips. Dark water slowly leaks from the corners of its mouth and nostrils despite the body clearly being dead for days. The corpse’s eyes remain open wide in frozen terror, clouded white and reflecting faint candlelight like glass.

Closer inspection reveals strange circular markings carved carefully into the ribs and sternum. Tiny fragments of violet delerium crystal protrude beneath the skin around the neck and hands, glowing faintly in the darkness. Though motionless, the corpse occasionally twitches ever so slightly as if something beneath the skin is still alive.