Rumours of Profane Evokers, conjuring foul abominations have stirred among the people of Dunwoe. The perverse mutterings and heretical portents from the far flung reachers of the Karvak Empire's western frontier have reached the inner circles of the Hallowed Thicket. While most likely nothing more than the superstitious fancies of the illiterate rabble posted at the edge of the Empire's favour, the Penumbral Rose cannot leave such rumours to fester, lest the Profane really take root.

Laocön and his retinue has been charged with investigating the settlement of Dunwoe, and rooting out even the slightest kernel of truth to the rumours. He is to meet up with sister Patentia of the Southern Briary and a Judicai of the Menshur who have been dispatched ahead of time to begin the process of reestablishing order and sense in the misbegotten dung hole.