Horrified at your new nature, you withdraw from society. Where do you hide? How do you feed? Create a stationary Resource which shelters you.

It has been five weeks since I killed Livius. Once I came back to my senses, I was horrified at what had happened. What had I become? What had Benizzone done to me? I can’t even remember. I let myself be seduced and now I eat people? It’s bizarre.

After I killed Livius, I panicked. I can only imagine the inhuman noises that I must have been making during the carnage — snarling, growling. The house is very small — a main living area with a fireplace and a cooking pot, and two separate quarters for sleeping — and, surely, if anyone was there they would have heard what transpired. I had left the broom closet to face only silence — and the excruciating pain that I now endured from the rising sun. My instincts had told me that it would only get worse as the sun rose higher in the sky during these harsh summer months, so I ran back to the bedroom I shared with my younger siblings (all of whom were absent from the room, presumably up early to play in the fields while my father and older brothers were tending the crops) and snatched my heavy blanket. I usually had it tucked away during the season; I must have grabbed it in a daze before falling into heavy sleep last night.

The fields were behind the house, so this was my only chance to escape the scene of the gruesome, inexcusable crime I had committed. Blanket over my body to shield me from the effects of the sun, I bolted from the door of our house and ran as fast as I could. Running, running, I did not stop. Miles I must have run, easily, until I came across the large woodlands. Dense with trees, the woodlands made a suitable enough protection from the low sun. I reasoned that I didn’t have much time before I was in peril — perhaps the sun could kill me if I was unprotected — and my vision was impaired by the blanket, so I scrambled to find shelter. Anything, even if it was temporary.

After much aimless wandering, after much acceptance that I was far from civilization, after realizing that I may not be able to find my way back home, I came across a cave etched in a tall cliff by a trickling stream. Wary of bears and other dangerous woodland creatures, I explored the small cave and found no evidence of a dwelling. No discarded bones, no sticks or twigs for makeshift bedding. I felt that this was a safe haven until the sun set. Until then, I squatted in the cave waiting. Waiting and hungry…

This brings me to the present day. Emerging from the cave only at night, I eventually got a feel for the woods and am able to subsist on the blood of rabbits, foxes, deer and other creatures during the day that would be safe to capture and kill without fear of retaliation. In fact, I am quite surprised at my strength. I’ve always been swift and lithe as a trained assassin, but this is power unlike I’ve ever experienced. It’s actually quite exhilarating! After a time, I was able to get my bearings in the woods and even find my way out near Tuscany. I spend my evening prowling the nearly empty streets and slitting the throats of beggars and degenerates that litter some of the more unsavory parts of the city, feasting on their delicious blood and keeping up my endurance. I find that I don’t require much, if any, sleep. Feasting is all I need to keep me from feeling weak.

I break into homes and steal supplies. Extra weapons, mostly, for hunting bears. Materials for building fires for the surprising chilly evenings in the cave. Books from the nobles’ extensive libraries to fend off boredom. And plenty of candles. I also take an empty leather-bound book for chronicling my thoughts and feelings, helping to come to terms with my new life. I realize that I will have to find a more permanent living arrangement. Perhaps the cemeteries in Tuscany. Or, even better, the catacombs under the city. The catacombs are empty of people and creatures save for rats, which I no longer fear.

I plan at nightfall to explore the catacombs and find a sizeable chamber for residing during the day. The thought almost excites me. The city is heavily populated. A never-ending feast awaits!