The Foreboding Volume I-III

The Foreboding Volume 1

It is my intent to record all that I can learn of recent events, I have deemed, The Foreboding. I first discovered the spectral plague on the twenty fourth day of Tarsakh, 181 AR while exploring the abandoned tin mines just outside the village walls.

The first warning that something was amiss was the suffering howling the host emits, I believe the specter is the actual source of this wailing and not the host, as I have heard the same from automatons and constructs possessed by these apparitions.

Since this encounter I have learned the following: a ghostly aura that lingers about the host, what I found odd is the possessed does not become hostile to others of its kind and seems to act on its own at times. The host can be charmed or manipulated by spells or even tamed should it be an animal or beast. However, turnings and other divine magics intended specifically for the undead have no effect on the apparition until the host is slain and the specter within is unleashed.

To date I have encountered three different specters, each stronger than the next with the third being significantly more resilient than the other two. The only defining features I have ascertained thus far is the coloration of their auras, the stronger the spirit is the darker their non corporeal form will be.

One thing is clear these specters are not discriminate when it comes to hosts and have even attached themselves to other undead, from the common storehouse rat to the prowling wyverns of the Skal Fell, all are potential victims of these unknown ghostly parasites. One blessing in all of this is none of the village or that of Dunmarle Castle have shown signs of possession to date.

I am uncertain what fate befalls the isle of Skal, or if this plague is occurring elsewhere in Arelith, my investigation will continue so that we might rid ourselves of these abominations before it becomes a greater threat to the isle.

Cassius Dawnbringer
Faithful of Lathander

The Foreboding Volume II

The spectral phenomenon plaguing Skal has shown no signs of slowing, and in some cases, it seems to be becoming more commonplace.

Recently a Priest of Tempus approached me with concerns of these phantom possessions, I will do my best to capture each word as accurately as possible. The Foehammer?s acolyte had ventured into the abandoned mines at the request of the local Hovding.

During his foray he encountered one of these ghostly parasites after slaying the host the priest did battle with the specter. The apparition proved resistant to his Turning attempts but in the end was vanquished none the less. After the skirmish he felt his connection to the Lord of Battles diminished, he could feel his patron?s presence but found his divine gifts altered, much to his own detriment.

The priest claims his healing magic caused harm and when attempting to summon a guardian, undead would rise in its place. Concerned that the specter had chosen him as a host he sought my assistance in the matter. This was the first time I have heard something like this happening.

He did not possess a ghostly aura nor were there random howls of suffering that I have grown accustomed to when dealing with these apparitions. To see for myself, I prepared several protective wards and called forth an archon of my own as a precaution. I asked him to show me this tainted perversion of his divine magics, in hopes I might gain a better understanding. In my presence his magic simply did not work at all, as if me simply being in the vicinity served as a dampener.

It was determined that he would need to go forth abandoning any cowardice and prove his courage and faith to Tempus to regain his favor. Without hesitation the priest set out on his own pilgrimage. Upon his return he presented me with the Golden Chalice of Lathander found during this trial. If this was not a sign of divine presence, then what is? More importantly, he found his faith renewed and stronger than before.

I have been unable to connect this event to the Foreboding but at this point nor can I deny its connection either. My work is not yet complete.

Cassius Dawnbringer
Faithful of Lathander

"From death, life," "There is always another morning," and "In the dawn, beauty reigns, and the way is clearer."

The Foreboding Volume III

As quickly as the specter curse arrived it vanished. I have theories as to what happened, but nothing proven beyond the shadow of doubt. One matter of interest was the meeting of a warlock; she had pale skin with stark raven hair accompanied by a hint of self-loathing and despair. She came to me seeking redemption, pleading her case, I had learned her pact was one made with a night hag. Her intent seemed genuine, and I had hoped to aid her in this struggle with darkness.

During the time of these possessions, she had coincidentally arrived in Skal under conditions set by her patron, this unnamed Night Hag. To dissolve the abyssal pact, she needed to slay and capture one hundred souls when they were at their cruelest. The specters fit these requirements, and part of me believes these two occurrences were bound in some way. Perhaps the woman in question was the catalyst behind it all.

Together we ventured into the depths of the Ancestral Stones and the Skaldark to claim the darkest of these possessions. These beings were a threat to the village folk before the spectral possessions began so there appeared to be a silver lining.

I had thought we were bonding in the way of friendship; it was then she began to distance herself from me as if perhaps I was a threat or simply no longer served a purpose. It was about the sixth day of Mirtul when all signs of these spectral possessions disappeared along with the warlock who once sought my aid. All too coincidental for my liking.

Her fate remains unkown to me but Skaljard is blessed with a moment of calm though brief it would be. May the dawn grant her the renewal she sought less she burn in the flames of Lathander's righteousness.

Cassius Dawnbringer Faithful of Lathander