The Hooded Figure
A mysterious person seen at the Blood Bond Tournament who opened a rift to the Edge and unleashed a parasite on the arena.
What Happened
During the Blood Bond Tournament, after the bell-tower challenge was won, the perimeter torches suddenly went out. A shimmering barrier sealed the arena, trapping everyone inside — even the Fringe Guards couldn’t break through.
A hooded figure appeared in the crowd. They were cloaked and their face was hidden in shadow. They made gestures with their hands, tracing patterns in the air.
Then a rift tore open in the arena wall — a hole into darkness. From it came a chitinous, many-legged parasite creature that attacked the fighters.
The moment the creature was killed and the barrier fell, the hooded figure vanished. Some witnesses say they saw the figure “blink” or disappear with a shimmer of air, possibly heading toward Spindle Square.
What People Saw
Appearance:
- Dark hooded cloak that seemed to shift strangely in the light
- Face completely obscured by shadow
- Made deliberate hand gestures — like weaving or tracing knots in the air
- Carried some kind of staff or rod (reports vary on details)
Actions:
- Created the barrier that sealed the arena
- Opened a rift to summon the Edge parasite
- Escaped quickly once the parasite was killed
- Moved with unnatural stillness before vanishing
What It Means
This was clearly an attack — sabotage during a sacred city ritual. The figure is an Undoer, someone who breaks the patterns and bindings that hold the city together.
The Fringe Guard is searching for them. The Warpists are investigating. Everyone is talking about it.
Rumors in the Streets
- “They were testing something — seeing if they could break through our defenses”
- “Someone in the crowd helped them — they couldn’t have done it alone”
- “I saw them making those same gestures at the Forgetting Fire plaza last week”
- “They work for the Rival Yard — has to be”
- “Why attack the tournament? What were they trying to prove?”
- “They were watching YOU specifically. I saw them staring at your team.”
What the Authorities Say
High Edge-Warden Hem has declared this person an enemy of the city. Anyone with information should report to the Fringe Guard immediately.
The Fringe Guard is offering a reward for information leading to their capture.
If You See Them
Do not approach. This person commands Edge creatures, breaks through ward-knots, and can apparently teleport short distances. They are extremely dangerous.
Alert the nearest Fringe Guard watcher or sound an alarm immediately.
Cross-Links: High Edge-Warden Hem · Fringe Guard · Spindle Square