“Thank you George,” Peter said, taking the stack of pages back with a friendly smile. “I am very glad the Inquiro Haereticum could send us such a promising agent. Now that the formalities are out of the way, you must be wondering about why you were called to London with such short notice.

“To put it simply, the Church needs you to hunt down a serial killer. The killings started just a few weeks ago and there have already been three murders. Each victim was kidnapped, tied up, and forced to drink a powerful concoction of acid and poison. The Inspectors have yet to find a link between the victims and people are scared to leave their homes.

“The Church cannot let this stand,” Peter said, slamming his fist down on the desk. “In the name of Pope Bastion the Fourth I order you to find this Decoction Killer and drag them into the light. If the killer is human, bring him before the court of law and have him stand trial. If not, kill it and any others like it!” Peter finished with a snarl.

“Yes sir!” I yelled as I jumped to my feet and saluted with a fist over my heart. It just seemed like the thing to do. The older man’s passion got me excited despite myself. I couldn't wait to get out there and see what this game had to offer.

Wait, did he say Pope Bastion? Not only did I not recognize the name, I thought St. Paul’s Cathedral was part of the Church of England. I wasn't a huge religious history buff, but I was pretty sure the Church of England wasn’t connected to the Pope. I would have to ask the developers about it when I got a chance.

The Archbishop nodded affably, failing to notice my confusion, and pulled out an official looking sheet of paper. “Here are your orders and a journal,” He said, taking a leather bound notebook from his desk. “Take the orders and your other papers and put them in this journal. That will keep all your information in one place for if you need to review it again.”

I took both items from the older man and picked up my character sheet from the desk. When the papers touched the journal, they melted into the book like a sponge absorbing water. I was alarmed at first, but when I opened the journal I found the pages attached as if the book had been bound with them there. There was also a map of the city, useful that. I flipped the pages until I found my orders.

Main Quest: Bring the Decoction Killer to Justice

Details: A serial killer known as “The Decoction Killer” has been murdering London citizens. Over the last two weeks he has killed three victims, and shows no sign of stopping. Investigate the murders and find a way to bring the killer to justice. He must stand trial before God and country.

Current Objective: Finish Talking to the Archbishop.

Quest Reward: Unknown

“You will have quarters here at the church for the duration of your time in the city,” Peter continued. “We will also provide basic provisions, and the bath house will be available for your use. In exchange for donations to the church you can receive healing, blessings, and have items identified. I recommend you go to your appointed room and grab your equipment before you venture into the city. Curate Ben will show you the way,” Peter finished, gesturing to the door in a clear dismissal.

I nodded to the Archbishop and left the office. The same young man in robes that had led me to the office was there. He gave me a nod and guided me the short distance to my new home. The room was small, but large enough to fit a twin bed, sea chest, and a writing desk. Maybe a bit cramped, but basically everything I needed out of a videogame lodging.

“Your things are in the chest, sir,” the curate, Ben, said. He nodded to me again and then walked off. I checked the chest and found some very basic, if functional, equipment. An arming sword, a small wooden buckler, and a chainmail shirt. One piece of equipment for each of the proficiencies I had chosen.

I pulled the chain shirt over my head and belted on the scabbard that came with the sword. The buckler had a leather strap that hooked nicely on the scabbard so that I could draw both the buckler and sword at a moment's notice. Armed and ready to take on the world, I left my room.

And immediately walked into Ben as he ran up to my room.

“Inquisitor Silver, there has been another murder!” Ben said between gasps for air.