Inquisitor's Journals - Errata and Sundry

Announcing the Festival of Faith.

The city of Cordor is pleased to announce the first Festival of Faith. What is a Festival of Faith?

The Festival of Faith is an event to celebrate not just the state religions, not just the Faerunian pantheon, but as many different pantheons and gods as we can. It will be a time to celebrate the diversity of Cordor.

Are you a priest or priestess, looking to preach your faith? Perhaps a holy order of knights and paladins, looking to find new members for your group? Maybe your religion isn't a commonly known one in Arelith and you wish to teach others about it?

Then this event is perfect for you. Everyone is welcome to take a stall and just speak on their faith. Speakers are encouraged to bring signs or religious iconography that will show attendees which faith you are representing.

Note that the festival is still bound by the laws of Cordor. This means that faiths unwelcome in the city, including fiendish beings, the Dark Seldarine and monstrous gods, are prohibited from preaching.

As for the rest of you, come support the many faiths. This event is perfect for those who maybe are unsure of their current faith. Those who want to find clerics and other followers of their gods or even those who just want to learn about different cultures.

There will be two main rules of the event, firstly:

We will not be using the names of the gods, please only refer to them by titles. Lady Luck, The Firelord and such.

Secondly, all are welcome to speak. I understand that this could cause friction but there will be absolutely no tolerance for arguing or fighting, those who cannot follow this will be escorted out.

The festival will be held in just under three Tendays from now, at the large square in front of the Government Building. We look forward to seeing you there.

This event is financed and endorsed by the Ministry of Faith.

((Friday 19th May at 9pm BST/4pm EDT))

       Day 28, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR

       Sili Aseph        

Fine Receipt Caratacus: Assault - 19/09/179

Fine Payment Receipt

This document serves as confirmation of completion by Caratacus Barbatus of a fine, duty, or service sanctioned in accordance with CoP Section 1, Subsection 3, Paragraph 1.

----------

The specific sanction that this receipt addresses to have been completed in full or partially is as follows:

[X] CrC Section 3 Subsection 2: Assault

----------

The date that this fine was issued and written:

13/09/179

----------

The fine, duty, or service received or confirmed by the issuing officer is as follows:

[X] A fine of 20,000 gold pieces, in accordance with their original sanction.

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Issuing Officer of the His Majesty King Edwards City of Cordor:

Thomas Castemont

___

Issuing Date:

19/09/179

___

       Day 19, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Thomas Castemont        

<=[Attack in the Trade Route, Watchknight's Capture, Ransom Repo

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
*When*: Approximately 3 of month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 179 AR
*Who*: Watchknight Alis, Dawngreeter Calli, Acolyte Terik, Sister Aemilia
*Where*: Cordor Frontier and north to the Trader?s Route
*Record of events, penned by Watchknight Alis*:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

While tending to duties in Cordor, it was reported there was a presence of Andunorians near Darrowdeep Castle. Five of us grouped up to scout, intending to head off the party of presumed slavers if we could. As we swept north, we found signs of their proximity. When we neared the Trade Route, a large group of collared and uncollared underdarkers were found. Combat immediately ensued, and we joined Surfacers already fighting. Among these were Mister Woodlock and Mister Exordius.

The villains were too many, and I saw our people begin to fall. Quickly, I moved to a place in the midst of the thickest battle and called forth divine healing and aid to keep my party alive for as long as I could. I took heavy retaliation, but managed to give an opportunity for mine own people to flee at my expense. Eventually, I succumbed to darkness and do not recall how I fell.

When I awoke next, I found myself in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by those who had newly become my captors.Seven figures in total. Weakened by the ordeal already, I was unable to do more than acquiesce to their demands, though with a defiant tip of chin. Mister Exordius was in a similar state beside me, and we were both dragged off to the arena. Our wardens decided they wished to test our mettle, and threatened to bring harm to Mister Exo for my every act of defiance. Given my divine oaths, I relented. A Watchknight is called to do what they can so that others might be saved.

In the arena, we were made to state our names and titles so they could determine what use we would be. Mine were a curiosity and a particular interest to them. They determined the two of us to be more inclined towards healing and support, and bade us each participate in the contest of keeping a vile soul alive during battle. Three rounds were to determine our worth, who would live and who would die. I was paired with a drowess, and upon my further refusal, was threatened with more harm to Mister Exo. His pain and torment was to be my fault otherwise. Thus, I begrudgingly complied.

The first two rounds, I did not serve my best purpose. I allowed the other side to win. I did not wish to expend the favor of the divines on the vile creature I had been tasked with healing. My captors grew wise to my machinations, though, and put Mister Exo's life on my shoulders if I did not play their games. I told them I would acquiesce if Mister Exo would be released. Approval seemed to be the answer, and the last match I gave it my all. I kept my drow partner alive despite the terrible summons that were called to attack us.

We were victorious, but my triumph in this test was simply another defeat. Two Devas had been slain by wickedness, and lay in heaps at my feet. My sorrow was unfathomable; my determination to see their sacrifice not done in vain swelled. When it came time to see one of us released, I once more stepped forth to take Mister Exo's place in collar. They agreed to release him to the Surface, but only as a corpse.

Seeing their blades glowing with the evil and dripping with vile energies, I bade them let me see to the safety of Mister Exordius?s soul instead. Amidst their jeers, the leader stepped forth to watch my actions. I begged Mister Exo?s forgiveness, knowing that he would not recall what transpired in the coming moments. The burden of my duty pressed down upon my heart and soul, weighing my resolve. But, I...did what had to be done for the good of the man's soul, for the best chance of his return without taint of evil.

I drew breath and murmured a cleansing prayer of his person, then blessed the blade that was going to take his life. With a quick motion, I dispatched Mister Exo with my own holy sword, continuing the quiet prayers as his soul passed to the Fugue and his blood streamed onto my boots in the ashen earth. The stunned silence from the captors behind me was enough to solidify my choice.

But, they were not done their treachery yet. In order to have his corpse returned to the Surface, they wanted more of me. More blood. When I refused, they threatened to give Mister Exo?s corpse to be defiled and eaten in the darkest corners of the depths, or....worse. And so, I....gave what was demanded to see him returned. This left me in a weakened state and I was barely able to stand on my feet. But, still, they dragged me through the streets and had me fitted with a collar.

I received word from Sir Aerdrick and Lord Khara'gos while in this state, asking after my health and stating the betrayal of my captors towards Mister Exordius's remains. They allowed me to send one wisp, which I did to the former. I informed him that is was a trap, that they intended to use me as bait to lure an army of Surfaces into the depths to be slain. That they were ready and waiting. I pleaded for him to stay away, to not come for me.

Then, I was led to the depths of the city and held in the heart of a place called the Arcanum. Within, they set to questioning me on all manner of topics: who my allies were, what my place was on the Surface, what my pins represented, and then about the lich and Rune. This went on for many, many hours. They sought to instill hopelessness by calling attention to my shame, using their spies in Cordor to report on the city's apathy at my capture, and by questioning the semantics of my faith. I was informed that the ransom set was five million gold coins.

Finally, they offered me a proposition: to work with them and see the worst evils of Andunor felled. To be their shield while they culled wickedness worse than theirs, to heal them so they did not fall. If I agreed, they would set me free, without death. Naturally, I refused. They did not seem interested in killing me, however, and instead opted to throw me in a cell to consider their proposal. Thus, we marched to a manor in a place called the Table, where I was left in the dank and dismal cage for a pair of days until Commander Xalden brokered a trade. A million coins for one Watchknight, mostly unscathed. The ransom was made at the Trade Post in the Shadow Plane.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Observations:
Upon seeing me clamped and unable to flee, they doffed their disguises and a few revealed their names. All wore black garb with hoods and cloaks of the same shade. A few were mages.These are whom my captors were:

-Cassiel, a slave to a drowess named Ilyaelaana.
-A vampire elf the others called Joemoe, but I do not think that is his true name. I saw his face.
-A male drow that called himself Szorn
-A male drow named Kalanerin
-A male orog
-A female slave

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Penned with mine own hand to the best of my recollection, Watchknight Alis.

       Day 2, Month 11 (Uktar), 179 AR
       Alis Dionadair        

26/7/179 :: Kathryn Eldren's Coronation (Attendees & Details)

Title
----------------------
Kathryn Eldren's Coronation
Attendees and Details

Date
----------------------
Day 26, Month 7, 179 AR

Known Attendees
----------------------
Ichor Reem
 Demographic: Male Human
 Associations:
   - Unknown
 Description:
   - An old human in a brown coat.
   - Seemingly a meek man, introduced himself as a 'quiet faithful of the Great Lord'.
 Notes:
   - Few seemed to know him. He sat next to Yarah, but he had to be introduced to Kathryn.

Umbranox
 Demographic: Female Human
 Titles:
   - Retainer of House Eldren
 Associations:
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
   - House Eldren
 Description:
   - Sporting the regalia of the temple.
   - Wears armor and a hood with a helmet.
 Notes:
   - Assisted with guard duty alongside Leo and an unidentifiable man in regalia armor.

Kathryn Eldren
 Demographic: Female Human
 Titles:
   - Envoy of the Minmir Church of Bane
   - Baroness of Minmir (Recent)
 Associations:
   - House Eldren
   - Niece of Jennifer Eldren, Queen of Cordor
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
   - Sister to Ysabelle Eldren
 Description:
   - Pale skin
   - Pale hair, white or pale blonde
   - Wears her family symbol, the Chauteau.
   - A brand of the symbol of Bane on her right shoulderblade [26/7/179].
 Notes:
   - Was declared Baroness of Minmir by the Minmir Church of Bane [26/7/179].

Ysabelle Eldren
 Demographic: Female Human
 Titles:
 Associations:
   - House Eldren
   - Kathryn Eldren's Sister
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
 Description:
   - Short, dark hair.
   - Pale skin.
   - Often wears the family symbol, the Chauteau.
   - Dextrous frame.
   - Wore a gold, black, and teal dress; typical colors of Eldren.
 Notes:
   - Tailor.

Julia Highburrows
 Demographic: Female Halfling
 Titles:
   - High Priestess of the Minmir Church of Bane
 Associations:
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
 Description:
   - Blonde hair
   - Typically wearing black and green armor with the symbol of Bane on her cloak.
 Notes:
   - Anointed Kathryn as Baroness at the ceremony, branding her with a symbol of Bane.

Leo Nightheart
 Demographic: Male Human
 Titles:
   - Captain of the Eldren House
   - Black Sword
 Associations:
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
   - Retainer of House Eldren
 Description:
   - Wears armor and a hood with a helmet.
   - Wears Eldren colors.
   - Flirtatiously personality.
 Notes:
   - Ex-blackguard, or so he claims.
   - Assisted with guard duty alongside Umbranox and an unidentifiable man in regalia armor.

Yarah
 Demographic: Female Human
 Associations:
   - House Eldren
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
 Description:
   - Symbols of Oghma.
   - Wore a burgundy dress.
   - Brown hair.
   - Carried herself quite servile.
   - Nervous personality.
 Notes:
   - Was serving drinks and food to attendees.
   - Could be a servant of House Eldren.

Adenious Craftlace
 Demographic: Female Human
 Titles:
   - None or unknown.
 Associations:
   - House Eldren
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
   - Sencliff
 Description:
   - White or light blonde hair.
   - Wearing a brown coat and leathers.
   - Carries a book on her back.
   - Wields a simple staff.
 Notes:
   - Owner of Novelty Necromancy in Guldorand
   - Could be a Sencliff pirate. She lingered near others of the pirate settlement during the congregation.

El'avar Alihesan
 Demographic: Sun Elf, Male
 Titles/Aliases:
   - Dread Pirate Drakul
 Associations:
   - Sencliff
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
 Description:
   - Sun elf with blonde hair.
   - Wears blue attire.
   - Dread Pirate tattoos.
 Notes:
   - There was mention of Banite faithful of Sencliff being brought into the Church, so he possibly a Banite himself.
   - Kathryn and he introduced one another at the start. Likely not previously an associate.

Lilah Sigers
 Demographic: Human Female
 Titles:
   - Priestess of Bane
   - Dread Pirate of Sencliff
 Associations:
   - Sencliff
   - The Minmir Church of Bane
 Description:
   - Sandy-brown hair.
   - A staff with a swirling capstone.
   - Wears a symbol of Bane.

Vulan Aeon
 Demographic: Human Male
 Titles:
   - None or unknown.
 Associations:
   - Retainer of House Eldren
   - A sun elf female who wears black and green and a skull mask.
 Description:
   - Black hair worn in a bound ponytail.
   - Often wears House Eldren colors.
   - Appears very charismatic.

Other Attendees
---------------------
- A human woman in green and black gambeson and hooded helmet, who assisted Julia Highburrows in the ceremony.
- A man who has been seen around Cordor here and there, with a green-capped staff and dark clothing. Was seen singing briefly.
- A man in full green and black regalia who guarded the inside door alongside Leo. Disappeared before the ceremony began, but returned half way through.
- A sun elf in Eldren colors and a lower jawbone mask, features covered. Had a Cooshie pet.
- A man in green and black armor, cloak of Bane, a gilded horned skull staff, tower shield, and a helmet crested with four upright horns. Seemed to be someone important.
- A half-elf woman with dark hair and silver robes. Did not seem heavily involved with the temple, but appeared associated heavily with Sencliff.

Overview of Events
---------------------
I walked up the hills to the gates of the Temple. Standing there were two women in full regalia; a human woman in armor, and a blonde halfling who proclaimed herself the High Priestess of the temple. Julia Highburrows. I was accepted in after displaying my invitation and, upon passing through the second door (which will only open to those who are faithful to Bane) was greeted by two men in full green and black regalia who said I was early, and to make myself comfortable. I took a seat at the table and waited.

After a time, others entered and we were lead down into the temple proper; an expansive congregation suited for ceremonies. Tables had been set with appetizers and drinks, and such were offered by a servant woman in burgundy clothing named Yarah. When the ceremony began, the two in the front were Julia Highburrows and the human woman in green and black gambeson and hooded helmet.

During the ceremony, an elf of Myon was observed to be spying on the Church from the hills. They were flushed out and forced to flee, and Myon appeared to react negatively towards this conclusion after the ceremony had ended. Vaeryll and Kathryn had a back-and-forth of messengers, before a meeting was finally arranged in Guldorand for diplomatic de-escalation.

Notes
----------------------
See [26/7/179 :: Kathryn Eldren's Coronation (Transcription)] for details on the ceremony.

       Day 26, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 179 AR
       Anonymous        

26/7/179 :: Eldren Coronation (Transcript)

Title
----------------------
Kathryn Eldren's Coronation, Transcription

Date
----------------------
Day 26, Month 7, 179 AR

Transcription of Ceremony
----------------------
Julia Highburrows: "Kathryn Eldren of Minmir, Enter."

[Kathryn and Ysabelle Eldren walked down the center between the pews, before the both of them stopped in front of Julia Highburrows.]

J.H: "Kathryn Eldren, you wish to become one of the faithful serving within the church, as well as to affirm your right as Baroness, is this correct?"

Kathryn Eldren: "I do."

J.H: "Step forward and kneel before myself and the throne of Bane."

[K.E. knelt as commanded. Julia nodded to her respectfully, looked at the throne of Bane for a moment, and then focused on K.E. again.]

J.H: "The Oath of the Lord is a sacred one, sworn to Bane in service of his faith, if you wish to become one of his faithful within these halls, repeat after myself, an oath in his name."

[J.H. motioned to an open flame on her right and nodded to the woman in green and black gambeson, who moved to the brazier.]

J.H: "I swear to serve in HIS name, to abide by the will of Bane, to abide by the will of the faith, to protect the secrets and knowledge belonging to HIM,, to not betray those of his faith within these sacred halls."

K.E: "I swear to serve in HIS name, to abide by the will of Bane, to abide by the will of the faith, to protect the secrets and knowledge belonging to HIM,, to not betray those of his faith within these sacred halls."

J.H: "I swear to spread his word far and wide, to spread the holy word and rightful fear of Bane to this land and the lands beyond. To bring aid to HIS faith and to serve Bane  now, and every day forward in life and in death."

K.E: "I swear to spread his word far and wide, to spread the holy word and rightful fear of Bane to this land and the lands beyond. To bring aid to HIS faith and to serve Bane now, and every day forward in life and in death."

[A message arrived for one of the knights, positioned at the back of the room. It said: "Leo. I am on my way. I will be at th ecastle doors soon." Unsigned.]

[The woman in the green and black gambeson drew a hot iron from the brazier, and placed it in J.H's hand with a bow of her head. J.H. held the brand off to the side at first.]

J.H: "Present where you wish the mark of Bane to be placed, it will mark you as one of his, a faithful of Bane in both word and action."

[K.E. exposed her right shoulder blade. It seemed like she was trembling. J.H. pressed the brand upon the presented spot and burned the iron imprint into place. The woman in the green and black gambeson received the spent branding iron again and returned it to the flames, before moving back to her original position. K.E. did not cry out in pain when she was branded. Y.E. was motioned to by J.H., who produced a flask of what was likely blessed water, pouring it on the wound left behind on K.E. Her pain seemed alleviated.]

J.H: "Kathryn Eldren, you seek to have your title Baroness within the lands of Minmir to be acknowledged by the faith and those present for this ceremony, by virtue of your families marriage ties to Manfried noble family of Minmir. The Minmir church of Bane acknowledges your title."

[J.H. motioned towards Y.E. and then to the woman in green and black gambeson. Y.E. took a white fur cloak, seemingly a mantle of station, and laid it atop Kathryn's shoulders. The woman in black and green gambeson placed a coronet atop Kathryn's, and then bowed her head. J.H. raised her hands, gathered energy within them, and bestowed a blessing upon the crown, Kathryn, and the cloak while speaking quiet prayers.]

J.H: "Kathryn Eldren, do you swear to oversee the land you are given charge over, to bring order, stability, and control over the land to your utmost. If you do so swear in the name of Bane, then rise now as a faithful of the church and as Baroness Kathryn Eldren."

[Kathryn stood.]

K.H: "I do so swear. In Bane's name."

J.H: "As High Priestess of the faith of bane within this land, I present you Kathryn Eldren, Baroness of these lands of Minmir, vested as its new Guardian."

[Kathryn spread her hands in the air.]

K.E: "Praise Bane."

[Many others in the room joined in the chant and the ceremony was concluded.]

       Day 3, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 179 AR
       Anonymous        

12/09/179 AR - URGENT: Hunt Notice for Aigyr

This creature Aigyr has plotted to contract the assassin's guild's services in slaying our Coronal.

Aigyr is a shifter of shapes, and while it most often assumes the form of a small wyrmling, it is known to also pass for a kobold or drider.

Slay this creature whithersoever it is found. Disregard the common law of the walls it hides behind.

Seldarine Bless,

       Day 12, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Anorfilien Galanodel        

Dossier: Temple of Lolth - 03/09/179

Imperatrix (Dread Chancellor of the Devil's Table; Owner of the Temple): Faeris Orthae

Yath'Tallar (High Priestess): Maystra (note: Maystra is human. She can be identified by the spider brooch on her hair.)

Yathrin (Reverend Mother - Priestess): Ahlysaaria

Killian-Commander: Quave Abbylan (note: fat drow, monastic.)

Killian: Shyrnissra Xun'viir (note: suspected relations to Maystra)

Note: the Temple of Lolth, under the leadership of Orthae and Maystra, is of the Frethian Faith. Frethians are Lolthites allied to the Nine - diabolists.

Recent Activity: Battle at Minmir, Desecration of the Lye (see appropriate reports).

       Day 4, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Melyanna        

23/08/179 - Yath'Tallar Maystra

Human female cleric clad skantily and bearing spider motifs upon her staff and apparel. She dons a brooch that is similarly shaped like a spider. She is the Yath'Tallar - High Priestess of the Temple of Lolth and a high priority target. She has been responsible for repeated Lolthite incursions into our lands, an assault upon the Radiant Heart in Minmir and the desecration of the Ley's altars.

       Day 23, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 179 AR
       Melyanna        

Person of Interest - Vahl

An underdarker Earth Genasi. Fighter. Relations to Shyrnissra Xun'viir (nature of which unknown). Is in political conflict (alongside Shyrnissra) with Francesca Visconti, vampiress, of the Arcanum. Prominent position in the Sharps. Possible ties to the Legion.

       Day 7, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Melyanna        

Dossier: House Xun'viir - 04/09/179

Shyrnissra Xun'viir: Presumably High-Ranker. Captain of the Dreadnaught (presumed). Possible ties to Maystra, of the Temple of Lolth.

Saslae Xun'viir: Presumably High-Ranker. Is known for her good eyes. Is deeply rooted in Andunor and a senior member of its leadership.

Mourndaal Xun'viir: Status and rank unknown.

House Colours: Red and Yellow.

Important: House Xun'viir is presumably of the Frethian Faith, and is linked to the Temple of Lolth. They are the Temple's sponsors and overseers, such being held into place by Maystra and Faeris Orthae.

       Day 4, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Melyanna        

Dossier: Greyport - 04/09/179

Governor: Khorin Cinderstone, the duergar merchant known to sell his wares across Guldorand and Cordor.

Known to work with the Sharps and the Table to make ends meet. Seeks to make Greyport prosper again, is an enemy on that basis.

Possible connections with houses Xun'viir, Zauviir and clan Shadowclaw.

       Day 4, Month 9 (Eleint), 179 AR
       Melyanna        

Black Ooze (Creation Parasite) Analysis, by Doctor Providence

This paper will present all the available forms of analysis onto a substance that shall, from now on, be referred to as Creation Parasite. This substance has been concocted by Victoria Helbrecht.

+++ NATURE of the SUBSTANCE +++
The Creation Parasite is not a poison. Like the name suggests, the substance is a semi-sentient entity. It is unclear whether it is capable of complex thought, if it merely acts on instinct, or if it just has natural proclivities (such as fungi, that effectively expand over vast areas with no real thought or instinct).

If left unchecked and unsealed, the substance is capable of motion (albeit limited). It has the capacity to extend vaguely prehensile tendrils, or to propel itself forwards.

The nature of the substance is of Abyssal origin, which grants it some predictable weaknesses that are not, however, capable of inherently destroying it. They can, however, slow the substance down in its movement or effects on a victim.

Specifically: axiomatic and celestial infusions can slow the substance; temperatre below the living threshold can slow the substance; massive amounts of positive energy can slow the parasitic infestation.

+++ SYMPTOMS of PARASITISM +++
The Creation Parasite attempts to latch onto the first victim it perceives. The limited framework of laboratory analysis did not allow to test how the parasite "perceives", however it is theorized it does so by virtue of life-sense: this is a trait common to specters or wraiths.

Once the parasite attaches to a host, it injects itself into the bloodstream by any way it can find (eyes, ears, mouth, wounds...) starting to produce symptoms at an alarmingly fast rate. The Abyssal nature of the parasite makes it so that no single infection is ever akin to another. Tested symptoms include the following.

+++ Cold symptoms.
+++ Internal hemorrage.
+++ Mental breakdowns.
+++ Bursts of violence.
+++ Organ collapse.
+++ Blindness/deafness/loss of senses.

These are, in this context, the minor symptoms.

What the parasite is mainly designed to do, is to force a fundamental change onto the host.

The Creation Parasite is blessed, or otherwise anointed, by the power of the Prince of Undeath whose name shall not be written, Lord of the 333rd Layer of the Abyss.

Such blessing has been used by the parasite's creator in conjuction with a deep knowledge of the Rules of Creation to subvert Creation's very own design. The parasite will attempt to mutate the bearer into an undead servant of the Demon Lord. This will happen without explicit deth or necromancy incantation cast: it will happen merely by an attempt of the parasite to "rewrite" the nature of the infected host.

Fortunately enough, it seems that Creation itself is in open contrast with this effect, which causes the parasite's mutation to slowly revert back, returning the host to its original form.

This, however, often leaves the host completely devastated on the mental and spiritual front. The effect on this on the Soul are hard to calculate, but most likely sufficient to permanently damage the host's very own essence.

+++DESTROYING the SUBSTANCE+++
At this point in history there is no way of healing one infected by the Creation Parasite. The only caveat seems to be that the parasite does not seem interested in infecting anything that is not at least 50% organic in nature (which allowed me to experiment on the parasite in relative safety).

The parasite also seems less interested in attaching itself to creature that are not spiritually, but physically embodying sanctity and holyness. Do note, LESS INTERESTED, not UNINTERESTED: it will latch onto celestial-blooded creatures in absence of other viable hosts.

This suggests me that there exists a possibility for a preventive cure to be deployed, something that makes the parasite fundamentally incapable of latching itself onto any that receives the cure.

Research is currently ongoing.

+++PREVENTING INFECTION+++
Please do follow these guidelines.

+++ Do not touch the Creation Parasite.
+++ Do not breathe air in the vicinity of the Creation Parasite.
+++ If you see the creation Parasite, a brisk jog should be sufficient to run away from it.
+++ Cover your mouths and ears in the vicinity of the Creation Parasite.
+++ If you are infected, submerge the area of attachment in ice, contact a Cleric of great power, and ask for continual injection of positive energy. Subsequently, please contact the Cordor Academy so that you may be assisted or, at least, so that you by your infection may assist posterity by virtue of research.
+++ If it is impossible to submerge the latched area in ice or to invest it with negative energy, consider amputation if the area is a limb or an otherwise non-vital body part.

       Day 8, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 179 AR
       Providence             

Interview with Snorri Wordsmith - 7 Nightal 178 AR

"Well, when the Twisted Rune started reaving our sacred sites a year ago now, I was then the high sonnlinor - think of it like a bishop from your culture, I wager. It fell to me to discern portent and prophecy."

"And, to understand the stars and what they tell us. Through the sequence in which our ancient wards began to fall, leaving us vulnerable, I discerned a time from a forgot(ten) astral calendar that spoke of a holy day."

"From that, and on this holy day, I took a fragment of a storied crystal that had been darkened by the Twisted Rune. I spoke some ancient words, given to me by the monks of the Ruhn Monastery...and I saw the Other Side, what legend said these crystals held."

"The metaphysics of it are still mysterious to me. If they weren't, I'm not sure my mind could have handled what I saw. But I spoke the stone as my brother, and my mind's eye was taken to some Other Place. Darkened it was, a cave."

Though my feet were touching a floor of stone, I could see them not. Though I held torch high to see, the shadows dampened the light. And, I saw a portal, but not a portal out. A portal in, from another place still. Somewhere of deep, unfathomable evil. Somewhere of such deadly maliignancy as to lose matter altogether. But as I approached the portal, determined to do what I could to shut it, the void from within blinked, as if caught off guard. And, it closed. I was left in utter darkness."

"I turned to find other means of escape, and I saw it there, a silhouette, though it had no form. Darkened eyes higher still than the tallest timber. A Nightwalker, I think it might have been, though I cannot be sure. And, I stepped back, but tripped over a rock. I was doomed."

"I closed my eyes to say a final prayer to the Creator, and opened them to find myself in a cave fresh with driven snow. It was filled with light, though there was no possible source of this light."

"I looked around, and saw a cloud form from wind and snow. The cloud spoke to me, as if in the voice of thousand, but in my native tongue. Its presence was otherworldly, but I understood it."

"It said that it was the Voice under the Mountain. The souls of all dwarves who have fallen on the mountain, in the exile from Umbrick over two hundred years ago."

"It said that it resided in the crystals, and from the crystals, they sang their unearthly song and guided the dwarves to what would become Brogendenstein. They said that the Twisted Rune had long been trying to corrupt the Voice, to corrupt them. And they had done all they could to prevent it but they were tired. They said if they fell to darkness, Brogendenstein will fall under a dark age, and the lich that did it would achieve something close to godhood. They said that we must go to the source, the caves known to as the Voice, and their crystals. From there, the sickness must be exercised, or darkness we would know."

"Of course, history had it differently. We went, and we communed with the crystals. And with the greatest army the isle had ever seen, we defeated the forces of the Twisted Rune, and destroyed Jarkaresh's phylactery."

Does the name Nightfall mean anything to you?

"Yes, I understand that they are suspected to be a member of the Reformed Void Cult, was it? That bunch of nihilists out at Shadow Wharftown."

Is that so? Could you give me your recollection of her?

"I don't know anything about her, sorry. She was part of a list I heard of Void Cult suspects. That's the extent of my knowledge."

Do you have any recollections of the Twisted Rune's prior infiltration of the Radiant Heart on the Isle, as well as anywhere else?

"I know who you could seek out."

Who would that be?

"Sedaene Lamott. Or...maybe Spell Grey. Both are very well versed in Twisted Rune histories, much more than I am."

Do you have anything else you believe may be of use to me, Regent?

"No, I think that is all. I think that must conclude our interview, for now. It seems the incidents are piling up. I do wish you luck, Inquisitor, and don't be a stranger."

I swear upon my faith and service to Kossuth that the above written is exactly as it was relayed to me, on the date appended. Inquisitor

       Day 7, Month 12 (Nightal), 178 AR
       Caratacus Barbatus        

Report of a murder by Thomas Castemount

25th day of Eleint, One hundred and seventy eight AR.

As I was bringing a bound, secured, unarmed, and for all purposes helpless prisoner to the jailer, the individual known to me as Thomas Castemount approached with a warded weapon, and in some sort of gesture of intimidation to myself, for capturing cultist, slew my prisoner out of hand as they told me "Stop that." He then proceeded on with his companions.

Was the cultist evil? Yes.

Was he deserving of treatment under Cordor law, once he was detained, and helpless? Yes.

Did Thomas, choose, to slay a bound prisoner, out of hand? Yes.

More so was it done as an act which had no relation to the prisoner, but simply as a form of the most viscous manner of egotism? Incredibly so.

There is no way about this. Thomas Castemount, in this instance, chose to engage in a murder under any reading of the Cordor laws with this regard. Why my bringing cultists to the jailer, to interrogate, and see to their justice under Cordor law, is of some issue, I cannot say.

I can say this, this murder, for the sheer exercise of power and bloodlust, is a dark stain on his character and should be taken into careful consideration when dealing with him in any capacity going forward.

       Day 25, Month 9 (Eleint), 178 AR
       Dethos Black'Oak        

Overheard Conversation

I overheard your son muttering to his friend. Forgive my suspicious nature, but what I heard brought some concern to me. His words were, if not exactly, very close to the following:

"If that's how Thomas thinks, that's fine. He doesn't know what we did before we came here, and doesn't know what we intend to do while we're here."

If you would like me to pursue this line of investigation, I can do so with discretion.

May Kossuth's flames light your path and guide you on your journey, even in the darkest of hours,

Inquisitor

       Day 14, Month 11 (Uktar), 178 AR
       Caratacus Barbatus        

Report: Attack on Andunor - 17/11/178

**Verbal accounts of Caratacus Barbatus who is said to have lead the attack. **

==Introduction==

Caratacus brought five companions, drawn from elven stock within Myon. He claims not to speak elven and therefore cannot pronounce their names. One of the names of the elves, I learned is Vaeril, assistant to the Lorekeeper of Myon. Caratacus confirmed to have fought alongside them previously against a vampire.

==Purpose of the attack==

The purpose of the journey to Andunor was to discover more about the heretical Kossuthan church in the Sharps and the Cult of the Shadow that Was. The elves were looking for members of the Twisted Runes.

==Details of the events==

They went down to Andunor after having scouted the Underdark for about a tenday, to discover more information about the Kossuthan Church of the Sharps and Tauoa the Tyrant. They came across the house of Irae and Lyann in the East Wheel and were seen trying to force the door by an Andunorian who fled to the Hub.

Lyann Reyer and Johnathan Rigsby were both said to have died in this attack. They captured three people and interrogated them. Two were slaves, an elven woman and a Fiendblooded. The third was a Svirfneblin.

Their interrogations were exhaustive but turned up little. None of them were able to provide insights into the information sought. As they prepared to leave the slaves escaped when the Fiendblooded sprung loose. The pair ran. They let the Svirfneblin go who claimed to have been caught in the middle.

       Day 17, Month 11 (Uktar), 178 AR
       Thomas Castemont        

Kohlingen-Nightfall Encounter, Pt. 2 - Post Ritual Research

POST RITUAL RESEARCH

Post-ritual research shows that she was encountered multiple times before by Thomas Castemont and the Azure Quill during the 175 AR Twisted Rune Crisis. The first encounter of her was when Thomas encountered a Netherese Sarcophagus deep within the ruins of Cordor Crypts. The sarcophagus was covered in Loross runes and required a password to open. A second expedition was mounted to the crypts to try to open this artifact, as it was believed at the time to be linked to the Minmir field experiments at that time that the Twisted Rune was carrying out. When the cordorian guard, Ayleese, began to translate the sarcophagus, Nightfall appeared as a shade to them with the same blood themes and the same color scheme of red. Nightfall warned them to stop touching the artifact and to stay away from it. She proceeded to beat them all to a bloody pulp and they were forced to retreat. At this interaction, Nightfall revealed to this group that she was a powerful mage, and it also revealed that the statues and words spoken by the statues were in Ancient Netherese, Loross. It was discovered at some point that within the Sarcophagus is an adamantine casting of some kind. It is currently believed that whatever is held within this Sarcophagus, was used to trap NightFall in the first place as it is the only thing she was so intent on protecting. She did mentioned to ?not seek her out? to this group and it was recorded in the report.

Furthermore, she was later encountered at a third expedition to Kohlingen by the same hunting party to learn of the Twisted Rune?s plans there concerning the Alhoon general, the minmir field experiences, and more. The party found a small room where a ritual circle was encircled by candles. They were unable to determine what this was used for, but on a shelf a book was found, bound in skin. This book is in possession of the Azure Quill and we are seeking them out in order to study it. It is most likely it contains details of how the Twisted Rune was able to enslave Nightfall in the first place.

In the report, it mentioned that the group continued to fight Rhantak?s apprentice and came across a new room where a fountain was in the middle of the room with three runes inscribed on it. Three mirrors were also against one wall and a desk there had significant amount of intelligence on it. The notes detailed incursions into the Cordor Crypts, how misinformed most were about Minmir, a competitor necromancer in the Arelith Forest, a security report mentioning adventurers being repelled twice from the Cordor crypts, and a mention of Thol?um - thought  to be the Alhoon working for the Twisted Rune. There was also mention of an appearance of an Inevitable and that the notions of the time loop in minmir were false from the start.

This was all the report could glean pertaining to nightfall, and they did not know her name even at the time. It seems she has been a lingering evil that was unknown that the Twisted Rune has been trying to control... but cannot fully. Whatever the case, it is clear that by hijacking the ritual, she was able to release at least two of her seals. This, we intend to reseal.

Once Chancellor Ginny is spoken with, we plan to revisit the sarcophagus and obtain how Nightfall was sealed in the first place.

FURTHER HYPOTHESIS:

The Sarcophagus encountered in the Cordorian Crypt Predates most of the established Arelithian realm. In fact, it is possible that Myon was originally created by the Evermeet Colonists, Foundlings, who created myons Mythal may have been the ones to trap Nightfall initially. It is estimated that Nightfall may be as old as the original four archmages who created the mythal, and could be the possible reason why all of them mysteriously died. This is only suspicion, however. It is clear the Nightfall holds some void-cultist themes, and my personal theory is that she is a void cultist who was also a practitioner of the High Elven Art. Her power, age, and perceived ideology suggest this.

It's not unlike the People to simply seal away powerful evils that they, themselves, cannot purge. If she is truly immortal via some phylactery somehow, then I believe this is the most likely hypothesis as to her origin. I could be wrong, however.

If she were a void cultist, it could be that instead of it being Selune ritual that sealed her away, it may have been a Sehanine Moonbow ritual. The Lye Ansrivaar catacombs contain a powerful temple of Sehanine that is quite ancient, and could have been the site of her banishment or entrapment. Selune and Sehanine share enough similarities that they could be mistaken for one another. But we do not have enough evidence to prove this here.

All in all, it appears that we failed to secure a vision of the secret that Lord Darius Tristam wanted to keep hidden from the Twisted Rune. The Twisted Rune has displayed fear of nightfall, and it is clear they are unable to completely control her. Their outpost still is kept to search for the artifact. Furthermore, if Nightfall had been the 'artifact' that Kohlingen was keeping hidden, and the Twisted Rune had secured it... they would have used it for every incursion they have committed on the island since the Fall of Kohlingen, including the Crown of Horns crisis. The Crown of Horns was arguably more powerful than this Nightfall woman, and thus it would make no sense for them to not use all (especially immortal) means at their disposal to secure the Crown of Horns (A literal Netherese artifact touched and empowered by the former god of death, Myrkul).

It seems we missed our mark in recovering the location of the artifact. Regardless, we will continue to search for it after this issue has been handled.

       Day 27, Month 11 (Uktar), 178 AR
       Vaeryll Aistra        

Kohlingen Expedition-Nightfall Encounter, Pt. 1

Kohlingen Expedition: Encountering Nightfall, Pt. 1

*Myon Participants:*

+ Vaeril - Expedition Leader, Seer, Researcher
+ Anorfilien - Archer and scout
+ Galaeron - Druidic support
+ Mythanthar - Extra melee support
+ Vaeryll Aistra - Lorekeeper of Myon and Historian

*Members of the Crystal Song:*

+ Alis Dionadair - Leader of the Crystal Song (I assume, or at the very least one of the original founders)
+ Sedaene Lamott - Seer Support, Previous Azure Quill member
+ Laurene Pike - Selune Faithful, Melee support
+ Calli Dragoford - Curator of Cordor Museum, Researcher, and Melee Support

Expedition reasoning:

Most recently, the Archmage Datura Willowgrave disproved the widely accepted theory that the Twisted Rune used Earl Manfried's army to attack Kohlingen for the Light of Benwick. Several historical accounts, as noted by Willowgrave, conflict with claims that the Light was in Kohlingen. In fact, the records suggest that the light of Benwick never was in kohlingen and never left the Benwick Keep. Therefore, it was more than likely that whatever artifact or item that Lord Darius Tristam sought to protect by sinking the city and blowing the leylines was most likely scrubbed from historical documents on purpose. We have proof and historical evidence that Earl Manfried has altered multiple accounts in the past and even practiced scrubbing information from documents on the island.

During the Crown of Horn Crisis around AR 79, Kohlingen was mysteriously raised from the depths of the ocean by the now notorious organization the Twisted Rune. We know this because the reavers the Twisted Rune hired, which now make their home base in the raised island, spilled information about why they were hired and what they were to do to recover the Crown of Horns Artifact. After this crisis ended, the Twisted Rune continued to set up an outpost on the island of Kohlingen to presumably, per Willowgrave's assessment, keep searching for the long lost artifact that Lord Darius Tristam sought to protect from them.

It is noted that Lord Darius Tristam blew leylines and sacrificed an entire city, even though it was evacuated, in order to keep this artifact hidden.

Unfortunately, now the island is raised from its murky depths, and it is only a matter of time before this artifact of power is found by them. In light of the most recent Twisted Rune attack on Brogendenstein, the Fellowship of the Crystal Song and Vaeril wished to embark on a divination ritual in order to find this artifact, secure it, and get it as far away from the Twisted Rune as possible. If this was accomplished, it was thought that perhaps their outpost could be taken out and we could rid the island of this organization that has plagued Arelith since our early beginnings.

What happened:

The expedition started out well. A boat was secured in Brog and all members of the Crystal Song fellowship, and Myonian elves made way to the island of Kohlingen. As mentioned before, this should have been just a simply divination ritual to locate a missing and possibly powerful artifact. It was planned to hand this artifact over to an authority of some kind to keep it once it was acquired, like Evermeet. We did expect some pushback from the Twisted Rune as we knew there was an outpost there and the Twisted Rune is notoriously known for planting spies in every settlements during the Crown of Horns Crisis. Effort and cautious steps were taken to keep the target of our expedition secret, and it seems that the Twisted Rune was not aware of our original purpose there.

However, upon arriving to the island, and entering the sea caves.. It was clear that they had noted our presence. We were greeted on the shores by a lich whose name was unknown. Later, we could come to learn that this lich was involved with the Crown of Horn Crisis and was largely responsible for the Twisted Rune's activities getting noticed on the is island. He did not give us his full name, but we know him as 'Rhantak Fazgh-'. I have identified this lich as Rhantak Fauzghan (See Twisted Rune 164 AR, Note recovered and written by the Lich Ophelia Darkheart on Hammer 25, 164 AR.).

Rhantak taunted us, as per usual when it comes to evil liches with nothing better to do with their unlife. It turns out this image of him was only an illusion. We pressed on inside the caves of the island. Immediately, we knew something was off. The typical sea-dragon spawn that lived in these caves were few and far inbetween. It appeared some pirate undead had taken out most of the sea-dragons before we arrived. We killed the undead and pressed on to the inner keep.

One again, Rhantak appeared to us and taunted us, noting that we had made it this far. As we made our way onto the main grounds of the keep, Rhantak summoned large goliath undead and other stronger forms of animation to deter us from our task. He continued through the gates and inside the keep after killing the undead spawn.

From this moment, it is believed that Rhantak had no idea what exactly we were there planning to do, suggesting that our presence was merely something he thought to toy with rather than actually expecting us.

We set up the divination circle and barricaded around Vaeril. A few more waves of undead found us but they were easily dispatched. It was noted that these last few waves were stronger than before.

As the divination ritual continued, it became clear that something had started to go wrong. I listened to Vaeril start whispering about how he was now seeing a chained up woman and muttered about her. At this time Sedaene suggested that as a seer, she could help support Vaeril's ritual and perhaps try to figure out why the heck he was seeing a chained up woman. I told her to do so and we continued to defend undead.

Soon, the waves of undead stopped abruptly and it became eerily quiet. In a moment, the lighting inside the keep turned dark red, the color of blood. And soon, we noticed blood pooling up through the floor... simply spawning into existence. I advised no one to touch the blood. My advice was further solidified when one of my summoned Eladrin companions was dragged through the blood as if it were a portal by a feminine, red hand.

At this point in the ritual, and from Vaeril's mutterings.. Sedane continued to feed us information of what Vaeril was seeing. She and Vaeril spoke of a vision of a woman beneath a full moon ona mountain, chained up. Shades reached out and grasped for them as they walked a path. She spoke of the woman being named Nightfall. It was clear something terrible had happened and our ritual was hijacked. Especially since the pools of blood began to multiply around the ritual.

Suddenly, Rhantak appeared once more and screamed "No no no! This can't happen! You Fools have no idea what you're dealing with." It is at this point that I knew. Rhantak was showing fear. Before any of us could do anything, his approached Vaeril and cast Stop Heart. As soon as he had appeared, his image left.. almost afraid of what would happen. Calli at this point cast Sustain to keep Vaeril's heart from stopping, and for good measure, I conducted a greater restoration spell on him.

Soon, we would all hear a female scream of rage. It sounded almost at a distance, but what was clear was that it was unbridled anger. Sedaene then asked "Are you the one in the sarcophagus?"

After this, we heard the same female voice speak now, "So. This is how it is to be? Fine. Half is better than none!"

We turned to Sedaene and asked what this voice meant but.. before we could get an answer, a red moon elven woman appeared before me. She had strange wings, and her skin glowed with a deep red color. An apparition appeared tethered to her shoulders, in a protective way. It appeared to be some sort of.. Shade. Undead rose with the shade and soon we were deep intop battle with this abomination. Whatever she was now, she was no longer a moon elf. We're unsure what exactly she is. But Post-ritual research has shown that she was apparently encountered once before by Thomas Castemont, and members of the Azure Quill in the Cordorian Crypts. However, she never fully manifested there, only the blood and her voice did.

It became clear that we could not touch this creature with sword or spell. It is immortal. Sedaene and the others had supposedly encountered Nightfall before, though I have not received any reports. But they seemed to recognize her name and warned us that this creature was immortal. We all agreed at this point to run.

Some of us nearly fell trying to escape. We all made it out to the shores where our boat was. Nightfall found us there, her image ready to kill us. She had chased us through the island all the way here. At this point, I decided to try and banish it. Before I could, Myanthanthar attempted to stall her by claiming that she had won and she should now gloat her plans as to why she was the way she was.. To his credit, it actually worked to stall her. In this moment, the Crystal Song member, Lauren began to recite a Selunite prayer in the celestial tongue. This actually worked in scaring the apparition off. It is suspected that paladins of Selune originally trapped this woman here in Kohlingen.

       Day 27, Month 11 (Uktar), 178 AR
       Vaeryll Aistra