Sigard's Musings

[Captain_Blood]

Welldale

Why are there no other children? Why are they so afraid of the dark they won't even venture outside of their holes to see their closest neighbors? When was this town actually founded?

I made it a point to speak with Mayor Dibble again soon. Apparently the town has only been here 5 years and was originally named Welldale. Six months ago a pair of hobbits passed through town. While they were here another hobbit was killed in an accident when a Tree fell on him. When the two hobbits absconded from town with several valuables all future arrivals started calling the town "Dead Hobbit Run." There has been an agreement to put-off having children until the town was more settled, how they intend to continue having a town with such a policy is beyond me. DeeDee was apparently already on the way when they settled here.

When I asked about why no one went out after dark it is apparently a hold over from their travels North. As they came here they had run-ins with kobolds, an orc, and other natural predators like wolves. He confirmed that nothing has happened in town since they moved here, but Teddy did disappear near dusk when he went to the river. I now wondered where Pansy typically "communed" with nature, where she was the night the apple trees grew, and if she knew where Teddy typically went to draw water from the stream?

Pardue and I returned to Biff's burrow to collect Bruno, as he has a good rapport with Pansy. He was able to determine the answer to my questions. I'm wondering if we might not find another mossy patch in the orchard or near the stream where Teddy drew water. The orchard is close enough that Pansy's request for the tree's to grow could have been heard from the well, but the stream is a quarter mile away. We made the trek and found several spots where the hobbits had been gathering water lately. Valdrok was also able to find tracks of a creature he believed to be an ettercap. According to Valdrok it is a man sized, carnivorous monster with paralytic poison that commonly works with giant spiders, and is known to set traps. We spent some more time looking around for large game tracks to see if we could pinpoint how long this monster had been prowling about. Our best guess from the combination of tracks is about 4 weeks.

During the search we also came across humanoid remains the size of a hobbit. The bones had been clearly gnawed on. We surmised it was Teddy, and asked Bruno what hobbit customs were regarding the dead. He informed me that burial was common and suggested we contact Pansy to handle the details. It was getting quite late and we didn't want to run into the beast in the dark. We gathered some water, and Bruno led the way back to town looking out for any traps while I watched for signs of spider silk glistening in the fading light.

When we got back to town I immediately informed Dibble of the signs we had found near the creek and encouraged him to warn the townsfolk away from the stream. He agreed and braved the dark to inform everyone. Pansy was in the Orchard preparing to "commune" with nature. I withdrew to Biff's hold to attempt to make an item I have been pondering for sometime. I thought it might help Bruno, Valdrok, and Pardue since they were planning to guard Pansy overnight in the Orchard, Unfortunately my experiment failed! I must investigate the possibility further. For now I must rest and prepare for tomorrow.

I awoke and began studying my books. I prepared a special spell today as I intended to have DeeDee search for Puck, but my thoughts were interrupted by the shouting of a hobbit man. I informed the others of what was going on and soon discovered it was Pansy's husband shouting for Pansy. Apparently she had fled the house in the morning convinced she was changing into a monster. Valdrok was able to find her quickly, but she was no longer herself. She mid transformation into some kind of insectoid. As the transformation continued we could think of nothing to do for her. Her pain was clearly extreme, and eventually Pardue opted to put her out of her misery. It was a sobering act that made all of us question ourselves. We spent the day providing Pansy with burial and funeral. Afterward I approached Dibble and proposed using DeeDee to find Puck. I was hesitant and so was he, but he ultimately agreed. I promised that Bruno would shadow her and we would shadow Bruno so that we would be able to respond quickly if any trouble arose.

Ultimately DeeDee found nothing, but as we were watching her I began to feel and hear things. Valdrok was with me and swore up and down nothing was around. I could not shake the feeling and moved out into the open. Valdrok was certain nothing was around and, indeed, my feelings did not match the facts. I finally forced myself to ignore these feelings long enough to approach the well and send DeeDee home. I felt overwhelming dread that something would attack me from the well, but nothing was there. No matter where I turned the feeling morphed and moved. I asked Pardue to detect evil and resorted to giving Bruno a piggy back ride in an effort to calm my nerves that I would be attacked from behind.

Pardue didn't detect anything wrong with us, but he did spot something over near the ruins. I forced my self to walk that direction. I'm not sure I could have done it without Bruno protecting my back and the mental math problems I used to focus my mind. As we got closer Pardue said the source of evil vanished and re-appeared a little further to the West. As we moved in that direction the source vanished again and my mind began to ease. I set Bruno down and reached out to grab a small rock. Suddenly I was overcome with the feeling that my arm was an insectile pincer! The feeling passed, but I knew something bad was happening and I wasn't going to let what happened to Pansy happen to me. I cast continual light on the pebble to cast out the darkness and steady myself.

As we moved back towards the well Bruno touched my leg and I could swear it broke the bone. I screamed in pain and reached for my leg only to find it whole and the pain illusory. Pardue said the evil presence had reappeared to the north. We conferred amongst ourselves and Bruno agreed to circle through the village and see if he could get eyes on the creature. As time passed another vision overtook me and I knew this thing had to die now! I immediately charged in the direction that Pardue had indicated and threw the light stone in the general vicinity of where it should have been. I think the throw was off, but it did reveal a hideous insect like creature. I shrieked at the light and I took advantage of the time to cast another new spell. My conjured coins streaked from my palms to strike the creature. I could see it writhe in pain as it ran off into the darkness.

Pardue could still detect it and cast his own magics to fight it. Bruno and Valdrok also closed in. I was able to retrieve my stone and throw it almost exactly on target as I could see Pardue's spell attacking the creature.
for a second time the creature fell once the strong light fell upon it. I was able to cast a second set of missiles, and a sling stone from Pardue finally felled it for good. As it collapsed I could finally feel the existential dread fall away.

We inspected the creature and saw it had tattered hobbit clothes. I suspect we have found Biff, and I'm sure this is not the only one of these creatures nearby. For now I'll take some revenge by urinating on it and taking its head for a chamber-pot. As we decamped to return to our burrow Pardue revealed another source of evil coming from the well and he revealed that he was now feeling paranoid. It seems our nights work is far from done.

[Necron 99]

Sounds like an awesome session was had, great recounting.

[Captain_Blood]

Tunnel Rats

We quickly decided the well was how we had to chase after these things. Valdrok was our man to investigate first with his dark vision. He was able to spot an island that could be used as a landing as long as we were willing to get a little wet. We fetched him a log to help with buoyancy.

I was the second to descend, and I discovered Valdrok standing next to what I could only assume to be Puck! He is a magnificent creature of many hues and colors. I introduced myself and in my mind I could hear his reply. He did rebuke me for putting DeeDee in danger for which I immediately apologized. I explained it was not something I wanted to do, but deemed it necessary by the situation. Puck stated that he should not have left. Apparently he had been gone for the last 4 weeks, but DeeDee's calling and searching had brought him back. During that time the Meanlocks had moved in as well as the Ettercap. Puck had also stiffened one of our ropes with his magic, and he revealed to me that his magic was powered by gems. Of which he said he had a limited supply.

Puck revealed the identity of the meanlocks, that they were upstream to the west, and that there were 3 of them remaining. I took the chance to swim up stream from the island with another rope to anchor in a small inlet tunnel for the rest of the party. Along the way I asked Bruno to retrieve the two gems from our party chest incase we needed it.

Quickly everyone joined us and we made our way westward looking for an entrance to the meanlock burrows. The only entrance we found was stuffed with what I can only assume was waste. The stench was awful. We hand no way to dig out the small passage, but I though to ask Puck if he had any ability to help. He was able to widen the passage with magic. Thanks to Pucks digging, Valdroks sight, and my light, we were able to quickly locate the meanlocks in a dead end burrow. I dropped the light coin down on them and followed up with a quick color spray spell. The combination managed to knock two of the creatures out. The third and closest resisted but Valdrok was able to engage it. I quickly moved to eliminate one of the unconcious vermin while Valdrok, Puck, Pardue, and Iolo managed to dispatch the first. With those two dead Valdork was able to quickly dispatch the final one.

We quicly left the burrow, and when we returned to the island we found Puck, visible again, relaxing. Not only does the creature turn invisible when he moves, or as he wants to I assume, but he remains so even when attacking. I again expressed my gratitude for his help and stated that only the Ettercap remained to deal with. He informed me the Ettercap would now leave on his own, and he again stated he should never have left. He had made the hobbits too dependent upon him. I expressed that was true, but the only solution was to moderate his aid. Regardless that would be his choice.

I was more than ready to be above ground again, and quickly made my departure. I will never understand dwarves' desire to live beneath the earth.

The next day after I had refreshed myself I found Puck had revealed himself to the hobbit villagers. I took the chance to speak with Diddle, and he asked me which way our group would be heading. I told him I didn't know yet, and that it would be up to the group. He asked if we would be willing to escort all the villagers South. Puck had told him to leave for the South because of a gathering orcish horde. I told him it would be possible, but we would need some kind of compensation. Valdrok made a noise that indicated he wanted to speak with me about that topic so I excused myself from Diddle saying that since he was a friend I would do my best to convince my companions.

Valdrok had the idea that these hobbits would be well suited for running an Inn for travelers. It's true they don't have many other skills, but their cooking is good and they have some skills in caring for an apple orchard. This made me think of Krytos and his freehold. After discussing it over some more we came up with the idea to escort the hobbits all the way to the freehold with the idea of having them setup an way-stop there. We would take a 25% ownership stake, 5% each, as our fee. Since we have a good relationship with Krytos, and he could use the extra hands I think this will work. It also gives Krytos the ability to host more travelers without letting them inside his walls.

I also spoke with Puck who was hanging around with DeeDee. I asked him about the Orc horde he had warned the villagers about. He said it was already greater than Ten Thousand warriors with more coming. He doesn't believe the treaty between Pitmerden and the Orcs will hold. This is because the horde is not united under a single orc chief, but an entity named "Fayton." When I asked about who or what Fayton is, Puck revealed him to be an older human man.

I informed Puck that we had come to an arrangement to escort the hobbits South to Krytos Freehold. Puck offered us a diamond now instead of taking an ownership stake, but I turned him down. The potential upside to owning a stake in a, potentially very, profitable inn and tavern are too much to pass up. Who knew the Dwarf had such a head for business ideas. Puck took my denial in stride and asked when we would be leaving. I told him it would take some time for the hobbits to gather their things and get things ready. They had no transport available beyond our own wagon so it was going to be a long slow journey. To make sure we had enough time to pack up essentials we wouldn't leave until the morning.

The following morning once everyone was gathered Puck, in a stunning display of magical prowess, created a wagon, draft animals, and some supplies for each hobbit family! I've only heard of such powers whispered about before, but I now I know it is fact. I must discover this secret! For now I will limit myself to making some more light stones to assist our journey. I have given the first one I made to Bruno as a gift. He saved my life once already, and I was only able to fight off the dread of the meanlocks through his agreement to guard my back. It is an inadequate token of gratitude, but one I hope he values nonetheless.

Thanks to Puck's magics we are able to travel swfitly, and he has agreed to stay with us as far as Pitmereden. Once there we will need to inform the Duke of the gathering Horde and the existence of Fayton. For now though we will guard against the dangers of the wilds while escorting the small folk to safer environs. I can only hope that we avoid encounters similar to that damn cat. The Ogre was preferreable.

[Captain_Blood]

Dead Hobbits Walking

We are on the road South. Returning the way we came, Hamaslati, will be the first town we cross. I've been successful in creating an item that alternates a light and darkness effect. It's not much larger than a sliver coin, so flipping it has quite interesting effects. I've also created two more light stones for use around our campsites. They should also help us in in traveling earlier and later in the day. It will hopefully help us shed a day or two off the total journey.

I'm now experimenting with creating a rod with a darkness effect on one end and a light effect on the other. My experiments have shown me that the overlapping area of the two spells is unaffected by the outer edges of the respective radii have either the darkness or light effect. Placing an orb on each end of a rod roughly an arm's span in length will allow me to selectively apply the most advantageous affect at will, while we remain unaffected. Creating an encasing for the rod that allows for easy access will be the hard part, for now I plan to wrap in leather and secure it to the wagon within easy reach of the driver.

The trip to Hamaslahti was uneventful. Hamaslahti itself had a very busy inn. Valdrok, Iolo, and Bruno opted to investigate. Pardue and I remained to keep the hobbits moving forward. Stopping here was the more comfortable option, but if we kept moving we might be able to shave a day off the journey to the City of Fire. Valdrok and Bruno determined from another adventuring company that the road ahead of us was clear and patrolled. We shouldn't have any trouble.

While they were inside a "fancy as shit" carriage rolled into town. There was no heraldry, but it was clearly a noble. There was a driver and a guard riding on the outside. The driver helped an old noble exit the carriage near the inn. He is gaunt and walked with cane. Aside from his presence there at all nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I returned to shepherding my charges.

Valdrok, also informed of the party he got the information from. They are apparently sponsored by the noble and are head west over the mountains. I doubt anything good will come of it. More than likely they'll return with some god awful thing I'll have to destroy in the near future.

Our journey to the City of Fire was uneventful. I was able to successfully create my rod of light and darkness, and I can see now a three dimensional cross with darkness stones on the cardinals and a light stone in the center should create an empty sphere of darkness that could shield us from all sides. It will and excellent improvement. For now I will turn my efforts to a shielded lantern powered by a stone. I've spoken with Valdrok about it and he is quite interested in the idea.

Puck has decided to leave us, the roads here are well patrolled and the hobbits should be safe. After passing our warning of the horde through the guards to the City of Fire, they informed Valdrok that he should be very careful in Pitmerden. Apparently Duke Gatlin has been assassinated, and by a dwarf! We all find that highly dubious, but I don't personally find it impossible. Though it stinks more of the politics of Thyasia to me. Stoking racial tensions seems to be a trick they would play.

We decided that only Iolo, Pardue, and I should be the only ones to enter Pitmerden based on the latest news and our last visit. The three of us made a trip on horse back to Pitmerden. Elvivian is apparently in charge these days, and was not available at his house. I wrote him a message detailing the threat of the Orc horde, and proceeded to restock supplies from the markets. The next morning we returned to the City of Fire and our friends.

The following morning we departed for Lockinge. We should have plenty of settlements between here and Krytos going forward. Our future stops should be Far Water, Garen's Well, Clare View Pointe, Blackdown Stronghold, Teglis Keep, and then the free holds. As we move South we hear rumors that Elvivien is pulling troops away from the East and the Orc and back to Pitmerden. I sense hard days ahead.

At Clare View Point we visited Valdrok's home! His wife, Fromis, cooked us all an excellent meal. Valdrok and Fromis exchanged news and made contingency plans. I withdrew after dinner to give the couple privacy, and to keep an eye on our hobbits while continuing my research.

As we approached Blackdown Stronghold, we found another settlement similar to the City of Fire. It seems almost everything is inside the mountian, though an impressive inn and some warehouses were to be found on the surface. My latest creation is a staff like object. About half way up the staff is a stone of darkness, as well as at the top of the staff. Between the two is a stone of continual light. On slightly offset crossbeams are 4 more stones of darkness. The result will hopefully be a sphere of darkness at roughly 60 ft, but no obfuscation inside the sphere.

My final construction allowed for the crossbars to be quickly removed for storage and it was clear the result was what I was after. An eggshell of darkness should be quite useful and several situations. The ability to selectively open holes in the eggshell is also helpful.

While I was working on the Eggshell, Valdrok perused the markets. He found two books written in Takkeronian. On named The Songs of Hollow Reach, I had him purchase for me. The second we agreed to exchange our gold bar for the cash to acquire once Valdrok told us of the drawing of Kal-Sik-Fal on the cover. Upon seeing it I saw it was titled, The Binding of Kal-Sik-Fal. I'm sure this book will just rock me to sleep in the near future.

The next day we departed and arrived at Teglis Keep. It was clear the keep was operating on a skeleton crew. We left another of the letters I've been writing warning about the Orcs. I hope someone will pay attention to it. For now, I'm beginning to wonder if Elvivien isn't working against the greater good. We camped outside the walls, and the next day we departed for Krytos freehold. We should arrive in 3 more days, and I have two new books to read.

As we passed through the northern most freehold that had been destroyed we noticed that no one had come out to take care of the dead and destruction we reported on our way northward. Disappointed we stopped and realzied that it was now too late to do anything for the deceased. Pardue began a payer as it was all we could do. Immediately a sinkhole in the center of the destroyed freehold opened up and shook the ground! We can't go down now as we need to ensure the safety of the small folk. For now we continue on to Krytos. We will return to investigate this soon.

[Captain_Blood]

To Krytos and back to the Hellmouth(Missed Session)

I spent a lot of time translating and studying the books acquired by Valdrok at the City of Fire. It will take quite some time to digest it all as the writing is clearly by someone who spoke Takkeronian natively! I know the title is "The Binding of Kal-sik-fal" and what I have translated is disturbing, but I need to contain my thoughts until I have a full understanding.

The trip remaining distance to Krytos passed uneventfully. Krytos expressed some concern regarding food stores for Winter with all the hobbits to feed, but we pointed out that they were arriving with several oxen. Slaughtering a few of them will be more than enough to make up for the difference. The extra wagons will also be of use.

We also told the story of the hole which had opened at the destroyed freehold to the North. Tarin immediately asked us to investigate further and instructed his second daughter, Llelewyn to accompany us. She is a ranger of some skill and her knowledge of the local terrain will be helpful.

For now I will continue my work on the book, as it's contents tell a story that is both revealing and disturbing.

We have returned to what I can only describe as a hole to hell. Unholy screams issue forth from below and the walls are literally bleeding! We cannot see much from the top, but we can see that the orignal manor house still stands. My companions have decided to set up camp there and search it thuroughly. I am almost done with my translation of the book. I'm including my notes here.

The Binding of Ka-Sik-Fal has five chapters titled "The Shadow Beneath the Light", "The Corruption Spreads", "The Last Circle", "The Making of the Seal," "The Watchful Silence". It is a fragmentary and cryptic tome. It is incomplete, with missing pages and sections where the Takkeronian hexographic symbols have become blurred and indecipherable. It is a puzzle that, once pieced together over time, provides a somewhat clear historical account of the Takkeronians.

With a thorough reading and several re-readings, a history of the downfall of the Takkeronian Empire can be pieced together. It goes a little something like this:

What modern scholars simply refer to as the Takkeronian Empire once stood as a beacon of peace, knowledge, tranquility in a time long before humans, elves, dwarves and the other civilized races walked the world. It is not presented in the text as a single empire, however, but more like a Confederacy of hundreds of Takkeronian settlements spread across the entire continent, with the densest populations west of what are referred to as the Peaks of Serenity (the description of which clearly matches what modern geographers call the Grey Peaks). There was no conflict among the Takkeronians, and no evil walked in the world. They tamed dragons for fun, created fields of flowering plants and bushes for sport to see who could create the most amazing work of beauty, and valued family above all other things.

Despite their absolute mastery of a system of magic that blended the arcane with the spiritual and the mental (arcane, divine and psionic) that allowed them to create works the like of which haven't been seen since their disappearance from the world, they lived simply. Most lived in simple cottages miles from city centers, deeply connected to the land itself. They built impressive transportation networks, bridges connected bluffs and peaks miles apart that rose a thousand feet high, stabilized something they called the underdark to make rapid transit across the continent, connecting far flung settlements to one another, and to the "heart" of the people, a location which is not detailed in any useful way.

All of this changed with the arrival of Ka-Sik-Fal, which fell from the sky without warning, a burning sphere of molten rock that devastated parts of the people's heart. Ka-Sik-Fal was a force so ancient and malevolent that it defied even the Takkeronian's understanding. It embodied corruption, a twisted primal force that fed on the slightest weakness of the heart. It's initial impact was nothing more than a whisper on the wind, a presence that seemed to infect the hearts and minds of those who came into contact with it. What began as subtle murmurs of doubt, jealousy, and anger soon grew into full-blown madness. Ka-Sik-Fal slowly poisoned the minds of the Takkeronian people, turning their once serene hearts into vessels of greed, envy, and hatred. It even reached into the hearts and minds of the "risen Takkeronians", which the people worshipped similarly to how the civilized races worship deities.

As the malevolent influence spread, the once peaceful, harmonious Takkeronian culture began to turn on itself. Factions emerged, with each vying for power and dominance over their rivals. The tranquility that once defined their society was shattered, replaced by strife and war. The magics that had once been used to heal and protect were twisted into weapons of mass destruction, used in reckless battles that ravaged the people and the land. Entire cities were torn apart as the Takkeronians, blinded by the influence of Ka-Sik-Fal, waged brutal wars against one another.

Because Ka-Sik-Fal's influence reached into the minds of the people, and their "risen" divine beings -- two sources of their integrated magic -- it spread into the very fabric of their magic. Even a Takkeronian still unaffected by Ka-Sik-Fal's influence would eventually be touched when using their innate magical abilities, as it drew in part on the divine energies of corrupted "deities". The magic of even the purest hearted Takkeronian would be corrupted in some way.

The land itself began to wither and die as the Takkeronians' magic turned against it. Great cataclysms shook the land as the Takkeronians, driven by madness, unleashed unimaginable powers upon each other. Entire mountains crumbled, forests turned to ash in the blink of an eye, and the skies darkened permanently as if mourning the fall of a once-great civilization.

In the final days of the Takkeronians, when all hope seemed lost, the last remnants of the Takkeronian leaders -- the greatest mages and scholars -- gathered in secrecy at the heart of the people. They knew that the only way to halt the destruction of the world was to imprison Ka-Sik-Fal itself. They could not destroy a thing, a force, but perhaps they could contain it. The ritual they devised was a desperate one, required the combined efforts of the greatest remaining minds, the most powerful weavers, and the most devout hearts. They worked tirelessly, sacrificing themselves in the process, to form a great seal that would bind Ka-Sik-Fal beneath the earth, trapping it for all eternity.

The ritual succeeded, but not without great cost. The final spell shattered the people's heart, leaving it in ruins. The great cities fell soon after, and the people scattered, their once-unified civilization lost to the ages. The seal, however, was strong and Ka-Sik-Fal was bound and unable to escape.

The damage had already been done, though. The corruption had already sown into the hearts of the Takkeronians could not be easily undone. The survivors of the empire lived on, but they were forever changed, haunted by the memory of their former glory and the catastrophe of their fall from grace. The corruption had left scars on their civilization, and the wounds were too deep to heal. They never recovered. Most fell into despair and wasted away at the thought of what they had done to themselves.

Ka-Sik-Fal still slumbers beneath the place of the people's heart, its influence still alive, though dormant. The seal that keeps it bound is strong, but not unbreakable. Over time, the force has regained some of its strength, reaching out through cracks and whispers to those braving the Takkeronian wastelands, corrupting those it can touch through recovered artifacts and magics, sowing discord where it can. It is patient, waiting for the day when the seal weakens, and it can once again rise to complete the work it began. The Takkeronians may be gone, but Ka-Sik-Fal's influence still lingers in the shadows, and those shadows are spreading.

An ancient barrier erected along the Peaks of Serenity holds, intended to contain these shadows, to protect the last peaceful lands from the corruption left behind after the Takkeronians' fall. While the barrier is intact, it is not foolproof. Pieces and parts of the great barrier will eventually begin to fail, allowing passage into and out of the Takkeronian wastes, and as it weakens the shadowed tentacles of Ka-Sik-Fal, bound into the artifacts and magics left behind by the Takkeronians, will begin to reach out beyond the barrier. The time will come when Ka-Sik-Fal's darkness will spill forth once again and undo all that remains of the world.

Chapter 1 describes in veiled language the appearance of Ka-Sik-Fal within the heart of the people, referring to it as "the presence", "the slumbering hunger", or "the poison beneath the blossom". The chapter attributes the sudden decay of peace and harmony among the Takkeronians to the subtle corrupting influence sown by this force. It never calls Ka-Sik-Fal a god, demon, or spirit, instead describing it as something older than the world itself, a "rootless shadow".

"It came not with storm, nor fire, nor sword, but with silence it stepped into the garden. The roots drank deep, the branches whispered, and the bloom turned to ash."

Chapter 2 details how the Takkeronians, once tranquil, fell into routines of suspicion, lust for power, and finally open warfare. It speaks of wars waged with magic never meant for war, and of the Severing of the Three Crowns, a civil war that shattered the "empire" into a warring city-states. It mentions that Ka-Sik-Fal does not speak but instead "moves upon the winds and shadows", and "finds cracks in the hearts of the people."

"Brother wove against brother, sister raised flame against sister. Not by hunger nor envy born, but by the breathless song that none could name."

Chapter 3 describes how a small council of surviving Takkeronians called The Last Circle attempted to resist the influence. Through costly rites they unconvered the truth: Ka-Sik-Fal could not be slain, only sealed. This chapter is the most damaged and incomplete, missing critical instructions and details of the rituals.

"Seven stood where seven fell, their hearts bound not to triumph but to stillness. In weeping did they fashion the Seal, in silence did they give it life."

Chapter 4 provides a fragmented account of the construction of the Great Seal, described poetically as "the stone that does not break, the star that does not fall, the gate that does not open." It notes that the seal required more than just magic; it required the willing sacrifice of entire bloodlines, suggesting that the Last Circle wove their own life force and that of their descendants into the seal. It mentions the Peaks of Serenity as the boundary of the sealed region, though without direct naming.

"Stone and star, blood and breath, bound with threads unseen. The gate is shut, the path is lost, but the dreamer dreams yet."

Chapter 5 reiterates that Ka-Sik-Fal was imprisoned, but never destroyed, and warns that "the sleeper dreams and drinks deeply still." It alludes the the possibility that Ka-Sik-Fal would regain the strength to reach beyond the Seal, corrupting distant hearts like seeds carried on the wind. The chapter ends with a rather ominous statement: "And when the wind carries the forgotten songs and the moon and eye align, the Sleeper shall stir again."

"When the crescent cradles the eye, and the wind bears the forgotten song, Shall the Sleeper stir, and with stirring, devour the roots and the bough alike."

[Captain_Blood]

Descent into the Hellmouth

I suspect Ka-sik-fal, if only for the existence of these undead, but the bleeding walls, tormented screams and other horrors that exist down here all but confirm it. The walls also have several cells, some open, some still occupied by zombies. After a quick discussion we resolve to burn the incarcerated zombies as we pass. This place is a horror that I cannot truly describe in words.

As we approach a cross cavern free zombies approach Valdrok. Our party was able to dispose of them easily. My sling accounted for the destroyed head of one of them. I also advised Bruno and Iolo to start sharpening stakes. The idiotic zombies will walk into any thing so a group of pungi sticks should help thin ranks of anymore that might appear.

During our fortification of the hellmouth entrance Valdrok caught sight of the creature that fears the light. It is clearly some kind of undead, but moves quickly. For now our light sources keep it at bay, but who's to say what will happen in this cursed place. We've found a door with the symbol of Ka-sik-fal on it confirming my fears, and when Bruno uttered a curse against it our magic light sources dimmed for a short time. Clearly whatever conduit that exists here for Kal-sik-fal's power it has had a lot of time to corrupt the area. We also saw what I can only describe as an anus that separates the hell hole from a tunnel that seems to lead back to the manor house. If so our camp is not as secure as we thought.

At one point Valdrok attempted to converse with one of the caged zombies that appeared to be acting differently. They asked me my opinion of what we should do, and I said we should burn it immediately. I cannot trust anything down here. I'm already hearing disturbing voices and everything is so corrupted that nothing good can come from any of this. The parallels to what I have been reading have thankfully served as warning that I will heed.

Suddnely the foul zombie began to sing and I immediately clapped my hands over my ears and began humming. Shortly afterwards all the other remaining zombies did the same thing. I again made sure I couldn't hear any of it. None of my compainions seemed affected, but better safe than sorry. As the song ended every zombie disentegrated into a sludge that is now dripping out of the cages and mixing with the blood of the walls and floor.

We agreed that we should retreat from the entrance, keep watch and check the manor house where our camp is located. We also agreed that Llelewyn should ride for Krytos and bring back reinforcements. It will take time, but we need help on this one.

During the inspection of the manor house cellar Bruno and Vaddrok discoved a flagstone beneath a crate with the sigil of Kal-sik-fal. They also brought to me a magical scroll and and another scroll that turned out to be a journal. According to it, Darien, the adult son of the freeholder had become corrupted. Attempts to cleanse him failed and ended in the death of priest. The lord could not bring himself to kill his son, so he resolved to imprison him in the caverns beneath the manor. These were all events from 17 years ago, and the current manor is only 23 years old. The journal revealed the existence of a secret alcove inside the library that contains the key Darien's prison.

We found the alcove in the library behind a trapped bookshelf. My caution insured we would not be injured by the trap, but when it was sprung it was clear that someone had been there already as the trap was out of ammunition. Inside the alcove was an empty small box. It's clear that someone or something has already released Darien from his prison, and it's clear he has made it his place of power. I wonder if the fast creature we saw is Darien, or worse some sick servant of his. My suspicions that Ka-sik-fal has had a lot of time to corrupt this area is clearly correct. I fear he's had over 20 years to prepare this Hellmouth, and it is growing exponentially. If we don't find a way to stop it, it will grow to consume the entire area in only a few months!

In the attic we found a chest. Inside were several documents and a pretty moonstone broach. The documents detailed more of Darien's childhood and his obsession with all things Takkeronian. Not unlike my own childhood that led me to learn the damned language. Thankfully that helped teach me caution, and my life since has only re-enforced that. For now I plan to continue researching this place. I will web the entrance to the hellmouth just before dark. It won't last long, but it might prevent an ambush early in the evening. I asked Pardue to cast detect magic to ensure the broach was not another Takkeronian artifact, and to scan the area nearby for other traces of magic. He found none, but it would not surprise me if Ka-sik-fal hid his corrupted objects in plain sight.

Overnight our light sources dimmed several times for increasing lengths of time. It always returned to full brightness, but the corruption is spreading. A quick measurement of the hellmouth shows that it continues to grow. I've calculated the growth to 5% per day. Preparatins are need to destroy this place. We've decided to use fire liberally, and my gelatin oil mixture will be useful. Since we are awaiting new troops I will spend the day making gelatin. There are plenty of bones to use, though I shudder to think of the source. I am sorry to those who died here before our arrival, but it is my hope that I will be able to use their sacrifice to bring peace to the area.

The goo that the zombies turned into yesterday after they sang has coalesced into something in the bottome of the hole. Valdork set it on fire and it immediately started screaming. His magical light sources dimmed to nothing for a terrifying moment, but once it had truly died his light returned. We may have dodged a problem, and I'm very glad it's dead. As the evening came Llelwyn returned with 15 men at arms and her brother. We will have them join us in camp, which we've moved away from the manor house and hellmouth. We're using my darkshell staff to conceal our camp from others. The watchmen patrol outside. I'll will web the entrance again tonight and tomorrow we will brave this hellhole again.

Llelwyn also brought me more info regarding Darien from her parents. He was apparently a genius as a child who was always chasing legends and rumors. He always wanted to cross the Grey Peaks. At 14 he ran away with a group of friends and apparently managed to cross the peaks. He found way-stones to guide him, passed beneath arches of great stone, camped near a silent frozen lake where they saw reflections that did not match their own faces. At the heart of the peaks, he came upon Hollowmark. A giant amphitheater with a giant well in the center. No birds sang and no animals roamed. He approached the well and spoke with it. He never spoke of it after but it was clear to his family after returned he had changed. Three years later he "died." Thanks to his father's journal we know the tale of his death is a lie. Wheter he lives still or has become an undead remains to be seen, but his story is yet to end. Boccob and the Old God's willing we will end it here tomorrow.

If we are successful then I think it is past time I send some letters home. My Sister, Sif, and her family remain in Heartcross; but I do not trust that Baron Morninwinds remains a steadfast lord. Tamsin Morningwinds has already told us how the nobles were gathering Takkeronian artifacts, and it's clear to me that the more that gather in one place the quicker corruption spreads. Elviven is a prime example. While I have no proof; I believe, without doubt, that he is responsible for the death of Duke Gatlin and the idiotic polices and discord that have flowed forth from Pitmerden. The destruction of his horde of artifacts is something that I must consider.

Krytos Freehold is a good place, and if we succed here, it will be one I'm able to help protect. I shall send money and instructions to, Sif, to bring her family North to Krytos, but to give Fortitude a wide berth at all costs. I shall inform her to bring Penny along as well if he can be found. I left him in the wind while we escaped Heartcross wtih Tamsin, and he deserved better. I shall dispatch a letter and some money to him as well, with instructions to seek out Sif and to serve her as he did me, faithfully and with bravery.

The world as we know it has changed. I fear we've already passed a point where great sacrifices must be made to contain Ka-sik-fal's corrupting influence. It's why I will descend into that horror hole again tomorrow. If l do not return let these words be my last will and testament. Ka-sik-fal is here, and only those who know their own mind and keep constance vigilance will be able to fight him. Destroy any Takkeronain artifacts this side of the Grey Peaks if you value your lives, but beware their destruction is not easy and they will fight you! To my sister, Sif, I leave all my worldly possessions, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to stop what is coming. My personal books have grown in power, and you will find them useful. Take care, practice the Seidr, follow the teachings of Volva, and always keep some light ready to guide your way.

Sigard Nyvol