A robed man steps out of the shadows. Long, white hair flows from his cowl. His breath reeks of death; his eyes phosphorize. You know this man, but all memory of him is corrupted. Powerful words, rotten teeth, and maggots tumble from his mouth:

"Cursed wanderer. Are you searching for dark poetry, or do you seek rumors?"

1. "What is this dark poetry you speak of, old man?"
2. "I need something. I have that itch..." The creature smiles. With a flick of his fingers, the wretch summons a list of forbidden books and cursed pamphlets.
   
3. "I don't care for rumors." — You spit in his face. The fogy just laughs and tells you to follow him. You try to resist, but your body now belongs to this devil.
4. "Nothing of the sort." — Kill the old man and steal his belongings.
5. "Wait, I recognize you from ancient, bygone times." — Memories flood your mind faster than you can process them. An entire life-time compressed into flashing images and lettered pages.

¶