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• DARK MEMOIRS -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFs_OwWkFA0&t=99s (lullaby)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfdCsxrtGy4&t=570s (in general)

-Chapter 1: Genesis -

• 1 -

To those whom set eyes upon this book know these are the events that have led up to my eventual demise. This is to be my life summed up for anyone who wishes to know the monstrosity before I became such. My earliest memories were when I was a young boy, maybe only a few years old.

I would always count on my mother. She was the one who took care of me for most of my adolescent life. My father was a Nord by blood, had lived high in the bladed mountain range with his people. Mother told me that he denied his heritage to join the military. I guess in some strange way this was his way of making a difference in life. But mother paid no heed to such happenings. But yes my life as a young boy… It was a warm spring day in the city of Durastia, lush grasses I played in, it all seems like a distant memory. The sweet warmth of mother’s fur, the loving touch I felt.

I was a bit of an odd child. I was always the one that was allowed to play after all the other children had already gone home. For the longest time I wondered as to why father did not want me to play with the other children. When I grew older I began to realize just why, mother was my playmate. She was the one who taught me the ways of the old gods. That they truly existed, she was a cleric by trade, and the local physician just outside of town. We always had soldiers coming in and out of our home, usually

being patched up by her. Mostly because of carelessness, or because of sheer stupidity. Sometimes they would meet with father to discuss orders.

Father in his own way I guess tried to show me his affection, when I was old enough to hold a sword he took me outside and tried to show me just how to swing it. I was in perfect honesty afraid of him. His all around demeanor and the air around him made me nervous. It made me stiff to walk. When I would talk to my mother about it she always defended him, saying that he loves me just as much as he does her. I believed her; blindly I believed her. It was the day that I turned seven that I began to realize this feeling of love is nothing more than a weak facade. His feelings toward me grew virulence from me the more I grew and began to look like him, a twisted little spawn of him.

Eventually the stench of cheap booze seemed to linger in the house. Night upon night became a fight between the two, falling asleep to the sounds of anger and disdain. Mother always had her assumptions that father had been having an affair. But never did she bring it up. Fearing

of my hearing of it. Most days if he came home early he would try to “toughen me up” by usually “sparring” with me with wooden or dull iron swords. His strokes were calculated and unforgiving, sometimes even enough to break bones. I was truly fearful that one of these days he-

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-would be the one to end my life so short. The last time I ever remember sparring with him I remember mother had to intervene. She feared that he would do something he would regret. Some days I wish that he did… The beatings during sparring only made my dislike turn into anger.

Mother was always there though...She would bandage me where it was needed and would hold onto me tight...Singing lullabies to help quell the tears and the pain. The thought that always ran through my head when I was young...”Why doesn’t papa love me? Why does father

hate me so...Why does he call me such horrible things...What did I ever do to deserve it?” I always found myself wondering these things. When I finally was able to sneak off from the prying eyes of mother, and when father was on patrol I fled into the city. Wearing a sheet that mother had hung to dry the day before, I used it to cover myself up so father may not recognize me. It’d be a lashing for sure if he knew I had left…

I went to play with the other children, and I finally felt like...I belonged. They let me join in their merriment and their hide and seek. It was like I felt something had been missing was returned to me, a feeling of joy. For the very first time. I felt joy… As pathetic as that sounds…Every chance I got I would come back to play with them. But like all dreams they eventually die… One day when I was on my way to play with the children one of the kids decided it would be clever to yank my hood.

When they saw the disfigured half breed that I am, they were repulsed. Repulsed by the fact I was different. Some ran away, some even had the gall to grab sticks and to strike me! Some even threw stones at me. It was that point that I learned that I was different. That I was considered a freak by normal standards...When I returned home to mother covered in cuts and bruises, my face wet with tears.

She could only cry... As if for some reason this were her fault! She was the one who took pity...Probably because of the fact she regretted laying with a man and diluting her own proud bloodline. I was a mistake. Nothing more...

The following day was a day that even at the age I am… Has been burned in my brain. I remember it so crisp as if it happened moments ago. It was on the day of the festival of the gods... Mother was preparing the home for the incoming infirm, as well as our shrine for the gods so that we may say thank you. One of the guards from father’s barracks came by to drop off orders to father. When mother heard him say that, she was for obvious reason concerned; because he’d been out since the night before. Mother...Avarial...Forgive me, but your trust in such a swine was truly this family’s undoing.

It was a warm evening, I had been at home helping mother prepare for the ceremony. I do not know what brought this on from mother but...Something inside her. Perhaps instinct made-

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-her do what any real parent would do if they knew their child was in danger. Her words still ring inside my head…

“Uldrach, you need to hide. There isn’t any time to argue this, you have to get out of sight!” Mother embraced me tightly before she shoved me underneath the bed that I rested my head upon for so many years.

Moments later the door had burst open, father was drunk once again. He said things. His loud sluggish words Many things that even in the state of numbness toward him I felt still cut me like a rusted blade. Each cut leaving a festering wound that would just never fully heal... “Where is that freak.” is the most common thing that came out of his slurring mouth. Words that even in the state of numbness toward him I felt still cut me like a rusted blade… Each cut leaving a festering wound that would just never fully heal.

Mother would do her best to try and pacify him, until eventually he finally broke. He spilled his guts. The stupid fool told her about his affair. If he had just left than perhaps things would have turned out-no, who am I kidding they would have been vastly different! I would not be writing down my life as I do now. Mother finally broke...The pain in her voice was too much for my heart to bear. She gave her entire life to this man. Only for him to do such terrible things; and with a bar wench nonetheless. A lowly bar wench he found in his travels as a soldier!

Mother’s tears were so very real, giving up being aristocracy, even being an heiress as a duchess of the kingdom of Etraesea… She stepped down and turned her back on her entire family to be with this pitiful excuse of a human!

Just the thought of it makes my stomach churn...I heard the sound of his iron gauntlet make contact with flesh, a yelp from mother when she hit the ground. She scrambled to her feet, summoning up her strength and courage to back him into the living room, finally telling him just how she felt about it all. But in the end it was something that would be the end all. I could not see it all happen... Sounds of iron hitting flesh, breaking bones, the crying, the screams of agony. They still chill my very soul to this day...When the silence hit and the sounds went from dry to moist and spongy, that’s when mother...Her body lay there pooling.

The room was silent aside from the labored breathing of the bastard who left her in such a twisted contortion of her former self. The coward dropped the iron and fled the house. I think for a brief moment, he felt genuine regret. Regret for leaving a child alone in life, regret for hurting the woman he spent so many years caring for and dare I even say, loving.

I was so young...I went up to my mother...I held her head in my lap as she would with me, crying so hard, singing those same lullabies that she would sing to me, hoping she would wake up. Praying to the gods that she would be okay. Three long days. The longest three days of my life. When the town guard finally came to check on us since Holngrim had not shown up for duty in several days.

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They sent the guards to make sure everything was alright. They came in to a boy cradling his mother’s mutilated head in his lap, kneeling on the wooden floor, clothes caked in blood...The stench of death and decay had sank in. I kept praying, in denial that this could happen to someone as pure as the freshly fallen snow itself...

The local guards. I recall some of the words that they slung around, words that stuck out like adoption… Freak… Psychotic break... My mind grows weary… I believe I will have more to write soon. For now I must pause, So much can only be processed at once.

-Chapter 2: Apoplexy-

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It has been a few hours since I’ve last written in this. I don’t intend to stop until every last word is down on paper. One day the world will see just what it’s prejudice has done, that when you hear those words so often you truly begin to believe you are the monster the world says you are.

It was when the guards took me into custody that I learned what people truly thought about people like me. We were on the way to the barracks. A guard on each side of me, as if I were some kind of common criminal, even an animal on display. The people would stop and look at me in disgust. The ratty clothes, soaked in mother’s blood. Oh the rumors they spread... When we arrived at the barracks I was grateful to be alone with the two gentleman that escorted me. Trying their hardest to fight their nature, doing what a soldier is truly supposed to do in crisis. Protect the ones that needed protecting. I wish I could recall their names. “We can’t let him just leave.” “He’s seen way too much.” Are some of the things they’d continue to bounce back and forth, as if I didn’t grasp the concept of the human tongue.

Just because I stayed silent does not mean I do not understand.. “We can’t send him to the orphanage. He would live out his days there...Think of the boy’s feelings!” Yes, what shreds of feelings were left. Sitting in that hovel honestly put me through more than I think I could have ever imagined.

Then I heard them come up with the genius plan. “What about the arch mage? She usually takes on special cases like this.”

Sadly to my knowledge this woman was nothing more than a public figure looking to better her standings with the guild and with the kingdom itself. Doing a “favor” by caring for the rapscallions that slip through the cracks of society. I remember she was a fairly young looking woman, an elf no less. One of the many in the tower. When she came to get me she was dressed so proper it was disgusting. Arryn was her name, a noble woman nonetheless. Her nose was so turned upright that she could pierce-

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-the heavens themselves. The guards didn’t even so much as ask any questions about her reasons for wanting me. They pawned me off happy to be rid of this problem once and for all.

The moment that lithe almost skeletal like hand grabbed my wrist, I can still feel those nails digging into my skin...“I’ll watch over the boy. He’ll be fine in my more than capable hands.” I shudder to think about it. Not a day passed in the “Care” of that she-devil that I did not think about my mother’s loving embrace. She laid out the first ground rules.. “You are my property. You are here because you’re unfit for society. Blessed you are to have a home under my watch, should you break my rules you will suffer the consequences.” With any types of rules if they’re broken there would be a consequence.

Her idea of consequences were horrific putting it tamely. Looking back at that stone tower makes me wish all the more I had just leveled it entirely. The bricks when I was busy scrubbing I would count them...Try to keep my mind off the tasks given, maybe keep my mind away from the things that started to crawl through my head, things from the darkest recesses of my heart.

By the time that bed time finally came, my knees would be bloodied, my fingers the same. From all the scrubbing sweeping, sometimes even make us pick the ingredients from the greenhouse for the potions she would create. Night time was the worst, I would wake up screaming in the middle of the night, sometimes sobbing uncontrollably. Often reliving the horrific moments,

“I should have saved her… I could have stopped him.” Many times were what would spill from my mouth. Only to get me into hot water with the arch mage. The wizards of the tower all knew what she did to us, but not a damned one was brave enough to defy her word...Cowards, punishment was the thing that made things so hard. She was always coming up with, unique punishments for the children that were under her care. If it wasn’t picking Mandragora for her, it was testing her experimental salves. Should you have been exceptionally bad, daresay defiant. She would chain us up and fling her spells. Like we were her practice dummies! I mean...What ever did we do to deserve such abhorrent treatment!

There were days that she would sometimes grab the whip and just rip into me till I passed out from the pain. Other days she would splash experimental salves and potions against my bare flesh. When she was feeling vindictive for any reason she would practice those spells, Fire lash,

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Acid splash, Frostburn... She would come up with these stupid names for her new spells, and then she would have the nerve to use us as her guinea pigs!

Days turned to weeks, turned to months as I suffered under her “Care”. Not a day went by though that I didn’t think about vengeance. Thinking of ways that I would eventually make her pay for what she did to me and the others. Poisons, stabbing her over and over in the chest till the handle broke off the blade, feeding her to her beasts, Tearing the limbs, it was all I ever thought about anymore. The only way I could describe it is like a dark fog had set in my mind. Things that once kept the storms at bay had long since set sail for new horizons.

It was my fourth year in living with the wretched woman. Oh the irony of it all. If words could be fattening this would be a feast indeed. Arryn had been arch-mage for many years, and as her colleagues knew about her she was openly against necromancy in any sense of the word. If you were a reformed evil doer or anything of the like she would have you sent to the gallows or even worse. Considering she knew she had the king and the captain of the guard in her pocket.

She knew they overlooked her blatant abuse. Because they knew she had political power, how foolish this woman was. She took one of the boys down to the basement for “corrections” The ones that were exceptions were brought even further.

I swallowed my fear and snuck in behind her.. Down the stone stairwell spiraled, so dimly lit I couldn’t see the warped hands in front of my very eyes. The familiar stench came flooding back through my nostrils, a smell that had become almost, nostalgic for me. Flickering lights below I saw, when my feet touched the dirt once again.

I crept into the corner of the room, she dragged the poor boy over to what looked like a fairly ordinary table. Stained in a dark hue, the stench of iron was undeniable in the air. The candles in the room made several objects glimmer on another table within arm’s reach. She dragged his body which seemed almost lifeless to the table and tied him down tightly.

When I saw this I almost couldn’t believe my own eyes, she pulled out a book, well actually two books... But the book in question was, not like anything my eyes had ever seen before. It was blackened as if it were covered in ash. There were symbols etched into the cover. She grabbed a tool from the table, a curved edge and spoke in a language that when I was a boy knew not what it was. When I saw her just so effortlessly plunge into the boy’s chest cavity, the anguish, the gutteral sounds. It all came flooding back. I scampered out as quickly as I could! I knew if I was caught I would be as good as dead myself…

-8-

It was strange, ever since the events that transpired when I was younger, I felt as if a void had filled my body. Emotions didn’t feel correct anymore, it felt like someone stole my emotions from me. When people would try to interact with me, I was so cold and even came off as uncaring at times. Heheh...Considering the circumstances I guess this is normal.

Seeing that book only made me curious for knowledge. I worked hard, tirelessly even. when She gave me free time I would spend every moment in the tower’s library, searching for the meaning behind the book and any kind of knowledge I could get my hands on. I read books on people. Trying to emulate these emotions I myself couldn’t feel any longer. Hoping it would somehow fill the void inside. In entirety I spent three long years under that witch’s thumb… Before I was able to get a chance to exact my escape...Three long years I waited for her to slip up. Just once, today was the day and I could feel it coming.

I waited patiently, showing just a little bit of defiance at first. Hoping she was feeling up to a challenge. I was playing an incredibly dangerous game, a game in which my life truly was on the line. When she grabbed me by the face I made the grave decision which changed my life entirely. when I decided to take my life into my own hands. When she grabbed me by the face I knew that was my chance...I spat in her face! The damned woman deserved so much more! I should have bit that high class nose of hers off and spit it in her face.

She didn’t seem phased by it. She was shocked by my move, but she smiled. This, sinister like smile something that seemed to just ooze an aura of unease. I knew I should be afraid, or at least worried. But nothing came to me. I just stared blankly at her. Those cold words she spoke.. “Come with me child. I have some place special for children like you.” She brought me down to the first floor of the tower, obviously I resisted. Even if it was in the fact of a poor charade.

I remember she pulled a barrel out of a corner and stepped hard on a loose stone, Part of the wall moved away and a stairwell that seemed to lead to what felt to be the depths of the underworld itself. The further we walked the darker it got. Lit by a single candle, the revelation was coming.

“This is my study child. Do you like it?” I could feel my heart begin to race. She took her candle and lit several others, those black candles were like the readying of the stage.

Calling upon false gods and prophets, to guide her blade and to strike true. “I call upon you Cusbris God of sin, the great balance of life and death.” I mean by the gods. She donned a-

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-special robe, it flickered in the candle light. A wine color robe as if to hide the splatter of blood in it’s threading.

What serendipity it was! She turned her back on me during the ritual. I think she knew I was a special case, knowing that I would not run. Hence why I had been not sedated or strapped down. But I don’t think she knew the true intention that would guide me.

Every second seemed to drag on for what felt like hours. Even though I could not feel the terror inside me, I knew the extent of our little cat and mouse game. I slipped over to the table beside her grabbing a razor like instrument. Hiding it between the brim of my pants and my back, I backed a few steps back. Her gaze turning toward me pulling out that book, When I finally spoke up.

“That book, It’s a necromancer’s codex...Isn’t it?” Her face twisted and contorted as if she herself were possessed by a demon

“How would the council think of you if they saw this?” I was trying. So hard, I wanted her to touch my face one more time, I wanted her to get close... It was like fate smiled upon me. By the gods! If the old gods were watching this they must have really had good reason for what transpired! She as if by some unforeseen force flew. She didn’t stomp over to me, or walk. It was like she glided on water. Lifting me up effortlessly.

I remember that feeling, it was like the life was being slowly drawn from me. My vision growing blurry, my hands holding onto hers trying to keep my head from dropping. That same glint from last time, that curved blade, the one that claimed so many lives.

I knew it was my time, it was now or never. Dropping my hands I let my body limp just enough to slip a hand behind my waist band pulling the blade and sticking it in her neck! Oh what a rush it was! The, the feeling of being whole! Seeing the glistening red running down the handle of the blade as she dropped me to the ground. I don’t know if it was shock of what happened or the pain. But..It was just...Exquisite. The struggling look in her eyes, as her face twisted from triumph to anger, gripping the knife from her neck doing her best to hold the wound shut. My hands trembled, I had nothing in hand anymore, I had to think quickly. I looked around the room seeing in the pooling blood below that ceremonial blade she used before.

“She must have dropped it.” It was my only chance, when she tried coming toward me I kept that blood crusted table between us. Arms length away, swinging at her frantically. I knew

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she was desperate… Her swings were getting sluggish. Though I hate to admit that she cut my already scarred face with that disgusting blade, but I guess that is ancient history as well.

I slipped under the table grabbing the blade soaked in blood. Gripping it tight, it was slick, like it had been slathered in oil. I slid trying to stand back up, getting a stab in the shoulder blade, right between. I remember that pain, it was unfathomable. But it gave me my moment! It was my only chance at this. I took both hands and hooked her on one side of her hip and I ripped as hard as I could! One hand on the handle while the other was on the dull end pushing it. The choking sounds the devil made were like music. Her body stopped as her innards… Spilled. They plopped on the ground the intestine, just poured from her..

She dropped like a ton of bricks.. I knew there would be repercussions to my actions but.. I don’t think people will really notice a ruthless dictator’s disappearance, but a respected individual.

How would I ever get out of here alive? In my panic I took the blade with me, but. Something about the book… The necromancer’s codex. It was calling to me, like a voice inside my head telling me that if I don’t take it with me than I may as well have died on that table. It was a compulsion. Something that made me feel… Desire, lust. It was a rush of feelings that I’ve yet to be able to describe.

I snatched the book and I ran up those stairs as fast as I could. There was no way that I could talk my way out of anything. So When I got to that entrance, I just ran. As far as my feet would take me, heheh. I remember one of the wizards try to stop me, asking me what happened and why I was soaked in blood. I shoved him as hard as I could, leaving a couple bloody hand prints on his pretty gray robes knocking him to the floor. I went to the only place I could think of. The one place I knew. Home.

Heheheh… The bastards. Even to this day it disgusts me to know just how they left this place; MY HOME! They could have had the decency to at least have buried mother properly… Her fetid rotted corpse lay there, the floorboards soaked up the rotted fluid body. I’ll admit, this is something at the time I guess may have been just a little strange even for me but; I took mother’s skull. I do suppose in any sense this would be seen as… Deranged.

I gathered my things, and I burned the house to the ground. From that moment forth. I ended my former life, and began it as a completely new person. I will have more for you soon. I

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fear slumber may come for me soon, my days are coming and there is still much more for me to tell.

Chapter 3: Nihil

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Hello again dearest words scrawled upon this paper. It’s another day and another hour closer.. When I last left off I had just burned my house.. Mother safely in my knapsack, I set out to the farthest city I could. All I had on me was a knife, a book, mother, and a new set of clothes. Life was going to be incredibly hard from this point on...I didn’t know how I was going to survive all by myself.

Considering most people were already terrified before the scarring, I lived off the wildlife for the time I traveled. Not once did I stop thinking about my revenge.. Father would learn just how grown up his loving son has become. My first town I stopped at was a week out from Durastia. It was a kingdom by the name of Kreniel. In my youth this had to be a truly beautiful place! It was full of magic! It practically sang it, the towers on the walls hummed with the power. It’s where diversity honestly stemmed, and gave me a temporary home.

Though I must say this; even through the time I left home and came to Kreniel, after the slaughter of Arryn...I didn’t feel better… There was no reprieve for me. No filling of the void, it was only in the moment that when I disemboweled the wretch that I felt any kind of emotion. I kept replaying it over and over in my head. Hoping to find something inside that might tell me why this is happening. I lived outside the walls of the city by day, and scavenged by night. Going through garbage, scraps. ANYTHING I could get my little hands on. Heh...I must have been so pale. Coming of age to be an adult soon enough and yet I can barely survive... It was a clergy that found me, and took me in...The damned fool, fed me, clothed me, even tried to teach me the ways of the new gods. That there are consequences in life for everyone’s actions.

Marius was his name. I remember him fondly even; he didn’t look like your typical priest. Very aristocratic look to him, for someone who was so pious. Every day in order for me to stay with him in the brotherhood. I had to attend sermon, and prayer service. Never had I seen so many idiots in my life… Constantly droning like INSECTS.

Same prayers day in and day out. To gods that do not CARE whether they live or die. I was, I guess very protective of what little possessions I had. Not a soul could touch them. I mean if they saw a bloody knife and a skull in there they would surely call the town guard. Life was fairly normal for me for a short while. About as normal as life of a broken child can be. When I finally felt comfortable with myself I tried venturing further into the city. Unfortunately even though this city was one of magic and diversity, people don’t understand the word “Tolerance”. I remember going to the book store, in hopes to quell my desire for knowledge. When a few local-

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-ruffian children came up to me, when I left the store; knocking me over face first in the dirt. I knew it was all them… I even tried to just ignore it; then the slinging of words... “Freak. Half breed. Monster.”

It’s been a very touchy couple words for me, They… Did something. Something I could not forgive. The name calling was something I could forgive. It was something I had lived with my entire life. But they stole my possessions. THEY TOOK MY BAG! THEY RIFLED THROUGH MY THINGS! I felt so violated! They took my BOOK, and they took mother from me! This! THIS was unacceptable!

When they picked up her head and just dropped her! Like she was a sullied piece of rubbish! I flew into a bloody rage! Snatching the black book from their grasp and the look they got was indescribable. I was sure the rapscallion would soil himself. When I saw the boy run off, unfortunately it only made the others more belligerent, kicking me in ribs, my face anything they could hit and do so hard. I was fortunate that they did not hurt precious mother...

I gathered my things and returned back to the monastery. It was a strange compulsion I felt. It was as if I hungered. A pain in my abdomen, very dull aching feeling. I felt, as if I needed this book. It was like I could not let it out of my sight. Not a soul. Could touch it. But, I wasn’t able to read it, it was in a language to me at the time was indiscernible. I couldn’t let that stop me though. Though through my studies with father Marius I learned of these “new gods.” Or as I know as the false gods. I learned about an interesting fellow by the name of Cusbris. Apparently the incarnation of death and sin itself... I must say I was intrigued by this. Perhaps more than I honestly should have been.

It had been a solid four months I’d lived with father Marius and his monastery. They had given me an allowance amazingly. Thinking that I would spend it on frivolous things I sought bigger and better. I bought my first spell book, filled with spells that were perfect for even the most dimwitted! It was the only thing I had ever given myself. I still remember the very first spell I learned, it was a pyrotechnics spell. A quick flash of fire. Gods did I love to practice. It always felt, so natural. Mother’s teachings of the old ways, the spell work. It was all finally coming together. The language began to come clearer with the more I read from my book the more the codex started to make sense.

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Before I would go to bed. I would speak with mother. Perhaps out of loneliness… Part of me knew she was gone, but part of me felt like she was still with me. I feel as if I was coming undone at the seams. I would dream about things. Awful things, ripping my father’s throat out watching him gasp for air. Removing his jaw with a knife before stuffing my hand down his gullet… Sometimes to people that didn’t even deserve it… Terrible things; gutting women, hanging those boys with their intestines..I always wake up in a pool of my own sweat with trembling hands. It was almost as if it were a rush.

Talk around town started swirling about the “monster in the monastery.” While father Marius would do his best to shield them from me it was only a matter of time before it would eventually trickle in. Those things always do. Those damned words. No...What hurt the most was when Father Marius confronted me… He let it be until I went to sleep, watching me. Listening, waiting for me to just drop my guard even for a second… I was a fool to have trusted the man. I went to bed...Leaving my bag out, as opposed to my usual clutchings. I was stupid to have let my guard down.. The very next day he threw the book at me. Both figuratively and literally. I was excommunicated from the church effective immediately…

Left outside in the oncoming rain..., alone with my thoughts… I sought shelter in the mausoleum. Fog rolling in back through my mind. The miasma..It was if this hatred inside poisoned me, slowly consuming me. The book. The book was the only thing that was consistent. If I was to take anything from this. It would be that this book had some strange hold over me. At night hearing these strange whisperings. That night is when HE came to me. A dark voice from the shadows.

“What’s wrong my child?” It beckoned me.

Of course I was unsure what to say to a disembodied voice. Had I finally lost it?

“You’re hurting. I can see it in you… It truly is painful to see someone as young as you so very much alone out there.” I could practically hear the grin in their words.

“I can give you what you so desire my child. I ask nothing from you but a favor which I am sure you would be happy to oblige.”

I covered my ears trying to block out the words. But no matter how hard I tried. They rang through my very soul.

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“I understand your deepest desires and I can help make those dreams a reality. All you have to do is do something for me… That pious priest that did this to you? He deserves the same pain so much more… What do you say?” The voice asked, a hand reaching out from the darkness in a gesture of faith.

Even if I wanted to I could not change history. But I could certainly make history,I would change this world for the better. Whether they liked it or not. I don’t remember much but when I shook that umbral hand once. It all started to make sense... The man disappeared from the shadows with a dark laugh.

I had opened my book feeling this strong desire to test this stranger’s request. It was if the words were translated into a common tongue. I don’t know if it was just my time of desperation finally coming to fruition, or if it was by the gods themselves! But they gave me my chance!

I took the book and I snuck far out into the woods. The book asked for a blood sacrifice to the deity. I created a circle, placing the book in the middle of the circle, and lit my fire for light. Rain was coming soon, so I had to make this ceremony as quick as I could. Using my smudge of charcoal I drew out the symbols and runes required. Taking the blade from my pack. And placed mother as my witness to my ascension. Calling upon the power of Cusbris. I slit my palms, squeezing them hard into the middle of the circle. Chanting and praying with all the intention I could muster.

“Grant me the power to change the world!” I shouted so that the heavens could hear me! And like that, it was if the earth itself had opened up for me, like all the years of pain, and misery I suffered through! Were finally worth something.

My heart and soul felt a burning feeling. A voice echoed through me.

“Child born in blood. I am the one you called out to in the darkness. I will grant you your boon when our deal has been completed.” At this point I was desperate. I took his request with not a single question asked. I took the book that seemed to have absorbed the blood..It was if a demon itself had quenched it’s thirst.

When I picked up the book again it was as if I had somehow attained an understanding of things I had never fathomed before! The voice told me to head to the cemetery inside the walls. There are gifts inside waiting for my task, and what gifts they were. I went walking-

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-through the city. Holding onto my book, so tightly I could feel my very pulse inside of it… The rain started to pour, body drenched to the very bone as I marched on. The townsfolk were closing up shop and heading into their homes. Unbeknownst to the terror that would soon shake them… When I came to the cemetery I saw the mausoleum, it was a small building with maybe four bodies inside of it. On a pewter altar was a wine red robe, a curved blade, and some light armor for over or underneath. The blade was a beautiful stone, obsidian blade, as if carved from the heated forges of the nine hells itself. When I picked it up, I could feel my vengeance was at hand.

When I came out of the mausoleum; wearing the ceremonial robes, the shoulder padding. I felt; as if I were reborn! I walked into the cemetery and out to the monastery. My heart beat so feverishly, walking back into that place I called home. I walked in out of the rain, hood up and, hoping my guise will give me the advantage. I walked down the aisle and up to the statue of Asora and began to pray the chant that father Marius taught me. There was always at least one person in the monastery in case of weary travelers. Usually the father himself. And such was my luck no less. Father Marius came up beside me to pray and asked me:

“That prayer, is one to send one’s soul to peace. To whom may I help you pray for?” I paused.

“Why father; The prayer is for you. One of your own sheep whom strayed so far... I’ve come to pray for you.” It was if a chilling silence hung overhead. He stopped his words and stumbled back.

“Uldrach my boy, what are you doing here?” I stood from the altar and I pulled down the hood, staring at him with a visceral look in my eyes. I felt like; a wolf on the hunt. Cornering my prey once and for all.

That feeling returned as well. The feeling I got when I was facing against Arryn. Thrill, expectant pain. I knew the codger wouldn’t fight back. Quickly I brandished the umbral blade, quickly rushing the priest into the wall of the monastery. A sickening plunger sound as the blade stuck. It felt cathartic. Like the fog was lifting. Clarity coming back once again, I walked over to the altar and I grabbed a silver chalice. Father Marius was stuck it would appear. Bound by something in the blade itself. Seeing how he would try to relieve the pressure of the blade struck into his abdomen. Dark red blood seeping down the handle like garnets.

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“This is for the better father. I’m here to make the world a better place… And it shall start with you and those who have chosen to spurn me.” When it was full. I placed it down and ripped the blade from his chest, filleting the old man. Cutting his robes off.

Leaving his body open for all to see. I hung him from a chandelier that illuminated the room. The muscle stripped carefully from his arms and peeled back like sleeves on a long shirt. His chest cavity wide open, several organs missing. Even his genitals were removed. His blood; I bathed in as it trickled down from the ceiling above like rain.

“I do this in the name of the lord of Vengeance. Grant me thy boon oh malicious one.” I just said over and over again. A voice that felt like it thundered through the building.

“Excellent work, oh child born in blood. You have desecrated this pinnacle in my name and sent that soul to a life of everlasting pain. I owe you what I have promised. Know that you are bound to me as my servant. I grant you the vast knowledge of the dark artes. Go forth, and change this world.” When this happened I. Was lifted into the air. I was beside father Marius. The pain I endured, it felt as if my body was expanding to the point of bursting.

My head hurt… But it felt as if an expanse of time was opened within my mind. All this knowledge. With it I could do anything I wanted with.

I think this is a point I can finally put my pen down once again. I feel this will be enough for the time being. There are people coming for me and I fear my next entry will be far more taxing..Until I write again old friend.

Chapter 4: Domine

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Hello my faithful, it’s so nice to see you again. Heheheh, I jest. I know whomever is reading these entries has either found my diaries after my possible demise, or I have done the impossible and brought this realm into an age of peace. As my last entry spoke of, I was in the monastery given my boon. The opportunity to change the world was in my grasp. But the biggest issues at hand were simple. I was young, I didn’t have any experience, and I didn’t know the world like most ever do.

I left as discreetly as I could, the less suspicion I could draw the better. I fled the city and made my way into the forests, I must have traveled for what felt like hours till I felt safe in there. With the knowledge given to me by Cusbris, I was able to erect my first sanctuary. I made a grotto in the woods. I can’t say I was more proud than that moment, when that mound of earth raised into the air and opened for me.

I began to start preparations for many things; I sat my books down, mother’s head on a pedestal, over the period of a couple of days I had found myself setting it up for my own experiments. People in the town of Kreniel began to start mysteriously disappearing, usually in the middle of the night without so much as a word to their families. Some coming here, others into undisclosed places. I did not want anyone following and getting any ideas. Some people I held in my grotto for several days just to test the strength of these new found abilities. Given my body was weak I was only able to hold power over them for about a day’s time before they were able to break the dominion. By the time dominion would be close to breaking I would take them to a stone slab and I would make them lay there, and the obsidian blade would be my instrument in which I would snuff out the flame of their lives.

I would start at the top of the chest roughly where the ribs begin to connect. Stabbing down I would break the rib cage apart, but then again when I first started I was incredibly novice when I did this. It was incredibly fascinating how people came in the same species but such varying shapes and sizes.

I wanted so very badly to learn just how they worked. How the bodies functioned. I knew to become better at what I do I would need a real profession. I would don the guise of a physician! It would be perfect, who else is better to tend to the wounded and the easily swayed. I-

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-began using these studies for the better. Letting it quell the coming fog. Eventually my murderous intentions became more fine tuned and focused more on those that I could feel a tenebrous bond.It’s funny; the more I worked on the bodies, the more precise my incisions became. When people stuck their nose too close I would chop it off quick. People would eventually come sniffing around my home and after so many bodies having to be burned, or even buried. With doing so I have been able to learn about the necromantic artes as well as the bonding of puppet and puppet master.

It was when people started to disappear when they started to get suspicious of me. I mean. Finding their loved ones out in the forests dead would be an interesting way to find them. But their loved ones weren’t just dead. Oh quite the contrary, I was a zealous young boy with tenacity that matched tenfold. Using my cadavers as my dummies to practice reviving the dead, it was truly inspired if you ask me.

At first the bodies were incredibly rigid with movement, all the moaning and groaning would be enough to drive anyone absolutely insane! Thankfully the dead roamed out in the forests of Kreniel; the only thing that made this more comical was the fact that they saw the forests as the problem! It was a stroke of luck! Surely the gods tipped the tables in my favor! For the monastery to see this blasphemous display, and for them to see it as a curse befallen their pitiful kingdom.

Over time my power began to slowly grow, as did my paranoia though.. In with it I began to worry about them finally catching on, when that started happening I would pick up my pieces and would leave for another town. Small towns were the easiest to pick off. But not so good for practice. Instead I put these places to good use, donning more; Friendly robes, guising as a wandering medicine man. Oh how simple these people were. Asking about their local flora and fauna made it so simple to create deadly poisons as I traveled.

Paralytic, neurotoxin, necrotizing, even hallucinogenic. But it was all for better needs later. I also made salves that helped those in need. After all one can’t always be the blade of vengeance. To win those hearts of the ones that so deserve it you must also be the shield to protect those who cannot defend themselves. It’s the people of these small villages that would show such great reverence for me. Bringing medicines to help them, in trade for supplies on my journey.

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It felt wonderful to actually feel accepted. Is this what happiness feels like..? It’d been so long since I felt a genuine smile cross my lips. Perhaps there is hope for me yet; I came to the small little hamlet of Witherspire, a place with no walls and barely any protection from any elements be it roving bandits or otherwise. It was troubling, considering the offering they gave me with such little I had to give. But they could tell; I don’t know how but it felt like they could see right through my facade. I wasn’t sure if it was just my paranoia or if they truly were out to end my life.

I took a walk outside the village, and what do my eyes see? It was a recent scene of a battle. Surely an altercation between a caravan and bandits. But no less there were several lain corpses on the roadside.

Something tugged at me when I checked the wreckage, it was a small family. Husband, wife, and a little boy. Father had his throat slit and looked as if he had bled out watching his family suffer. The mother had what looked to be multiple stab wounds in her abdomen; the child… Was burned alive from what it seemed. Charred remains of what looked like an oxen as well as discarded wood boards charred up. Rage. Pure unbridled rage welled up inside of me, innocent people hurting, innocent slaughtered.

Maybe it was the fact I was seeing a reflection of myself in this. My own life before everything that transpired. I felt as if I needed to do something, it was unfair. It was unjust that the little one had to befall a fate like that which he did not deserve! It gave me resolve to continue my pilgrimage. Though I must say through my travels I met some interesting people. But the most interesting person I met in my travels had to be a fool by the name of Ricard. The idiot I met in the city Kal Dorul. A dwarven city, the filthy little fetcher decided to try and pick my pocket. Of all the people to pilfer from. In the end he truly paid the price, I hunted him; like the prey he was cornered the rat.

It’s proven to be a very useful tool; fear. Because the wretch told me about something that honestly changed my outlook on him entirely. At first I didn’t believe him because he was begging for his life. But… It was a staff of immense power. Said to have been forged by the gods themselves. Of course such stories were said to be bullocks. “Staff of the Tenebrae” It was a fabled piece that was broken in the god wars in ancient times. Said to have been wielded by Cybelle the God of the arcane, but the immense power of the weapon was too much even for him. So he gave the staff to Kacmus; with which he used his hammer and anvil to break the staff into pieces and scattered them across Terra IV.

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When this was told to me, it surely piqued my inquisitive nature. I could not let such a thing go to I mean if I was to become the catalyst to change this world I needed something to channel such raw power. With this knowledge I let the fool go; there was no point in spilling the blood of a common crook. I had much bigger fish to fry. Turning my sights on the archives in Kal Dorul, which at the time were the second largest in all of Terra IV, the largest being beneath the sea of ghosts. I locked myself away inside the archives for what felt like an eternity. Reading through book upon book. It was never enough, it felt as if the deeper I dug the further away it seemed to get.

At last! I had found a clue to where the pieces were! The first piece was out in the bladed desert, another was in Vulos Mire. The gem was locked away in a necropolis in the underdark. What a strange place to put it. And the last and final piece was rested somewhere lost by time itself. My hunt had begun, all the while I decided to work on my power. Not once did I forget my ambitions, to find the man that put me in this place; Unfortunately time was certainly against me.

I ventured from town to town. Following rumors, every day, every week, down to every month. My time slipped, and so did his. Time prattled on, my adolescence had disappeared as quickly as it came. With my age bodies did pile up. A reputation began to follow with me as I traveled. Known by some as the black dog, I would leave a swathe of death in my wake. It’s strange, during my travels it felt as if my minor fears about paranoia began to lessen, as my power grew; it was like I was born to be this. To grow into my prowess; to be able to seek vengeance for mother’s birth right, and to wash my hands of this taint.

Heheheh, and after ten years, TEN LONG YEARS of searching, I was able to find this filthy wretch. I had grown into a man; a man that would bring forth divine judgment upon the man who stole my life as well as mother’s! Holngrim… Your time was at hand and I am the Harbinger of Judgment. He was holed up in a city by the name Krothage. It was a military based city. And the first place I started my conquest. Scoping out the city for several days. Watching the guards coming in and out of the barracks. Like clockwork; every five hours the guards rotated, and every hour there was a patrol through the city. I could barely contain myself. The wretch had climbed the ranks, became this so called “Hero” of these people. When all he truly was, was a maggot about to be exterminated.

I gathered my courage and I ventured out, calling on forces I haven’t dared touch. My victory had to be assured, I started my silent assault with my puppet strings. Taking innocent people and corralling them like lambs for the slaughter. Some released as “sleepers” to attack-

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-the innocent when provoked. Simple things and words to provoke, chaos is truly an ally in this. Calling it a mental illness; then for the others, in ways committing suicide, some throwing themselves in a fire. Others taking the sword off a guard and stabbing themselves; reaching their hand into their wound and would write messages onto the walls. Even some that would disembowel themselves and hang themselves by their own entrails.

The only thing they would whisper is “Judgment calls. I am the instrument of divine justice.” The screams of terror made it so much easier, even the casualties from their deaths and such made for excellent thralls for the beginning phases. The sun had nearly fallen from the skies, I began conjuring the dead, reviving the recently deceased and then onward my onslaught began.

When a small militia was erected I began. Wine red robes with an aura that outstretched, the fear they were stricken with was delicious. I could smell the terror; Using the dark arts I’d been blessed with I bolstered my creatures and used them as my distraction to summon a force far more befitting for the destruction of Krothage. Just outside of the gates of Krothage stood a twenty foot hound-shaped creature, It’s body completely comprised of rotting corpses. My time was at hand; when that creature burst through those wooden gates with such ease, and a look of ravenous hunger in it’s soulless dead eyes. It lowered itself to its master, caressing it’s fetid cheek I pulled down my hood.

The onslaught of the local guard ensued, masses of dead began to out grow the living. Undead themselves began to outweigh the opposing. Hours passed as the fires began to fade. The Charnel hound had grown almost double in size from the consumption of dead bodies. I walked through the darkened streets. Nightfall making it that much easier for us. The duke had holed up in the castle, as did my prey. It was like a symphony taking place; the crescendo at hand it just took that final push. The dead began to smash against the waning door. The hound smashing against it.

“It’s only a matter of time father...” Was all I said. The feeling was like nothing I’d ever felt in my life! When that door was breached I made my way through the wreckage, pulling free my obsidian knife Arrows flung, one striking my arm, blood? My blood? This was far from acceptable. His immolation proved to be a worthy punishment. His body dropping from the balcony, crumpling over in screams of pain. The foolish guards overwhelmed by the sea of undead that began to swarm the castle walls. I made my way deeper into the castle. The foolish duke defending his throne and crown as if his life was worth it.

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I found him cowering on his throne with whom to defend him. Holngrim. I looked to him with a look of pure hatred, yet; I couldn’t help but smile. The feeling of completion was the best way I can describe it.

“I am the ghost from your past, you were a fool to leave anyone alive for what you’ve done.” The Nord looked puzzled at first, then the gears in his primitive brain began to start turning.

“The freak you left behind, has grown up and now shall complete the vicious circle once and for all. You will feel the pain I felt over these years.” The old codger drew his weapon and came after me. So close he came with that blade, thrusting it when I stopped those legs of his. I was arrogant and didn’t see a reason to move. Leaving a cut along my face, his blade whetted with my blood.

“You’ve tasted the blood of my family for the last time Holngrim. Now it is time that I sate mine!” Taking my blade and thrusting it into that space where the elbow meets the forearm giving a hard yank. The fool dropped his blade in a cry of agony. I would certainly feel the same if my arm was dangling by a thread. His tears of pain were masked by the “resolution” He so felt.

It was lies, it had to have been. I took my blade sliced down his side and ripped his chest plate off. Slicing horizontal across his stomach I watched the red start to flow. Dropping my knife on the ground I plunged my hand into his chest cavity. I could feel his heartbeat slowing the harder I squeezed. The look of sheer pain and terror in his eyes as they slowly turned to gray… It was so very satisfying.

As I walked over to the throne of the Duke; I at this point was soaked in the blood of a man that deserved to have his life’s flame snuffed. The Duke threw the crown at my feet grovelling to be spared. After all at this point there was no reason not to take the throne. But, I did what I had to; kicking the crown back at him.

“I don’t need your title, nor do I want it. You are to swear your fealty to your new messiah. From this day forth, if I am to call upon your forces you shall come at my beckon!”

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I demanded his loyalty. Duke Vitigus was his name. Gerung Vitigus. The maggot swore his life and his kingdom to me. It was a strong foothold for my conquest; and if I was to continue as I have I am going to need to stay as safe as possible. Perhaps then I would be able to seek these artifacts with a proper place to hold them.. Or at least a place I can decimate should they continue such disruptions.

This will conclude my entry today, I have more legions to command.

Chapter 5: Subjugation

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Hello old friend, it has been a little while hasn’t it? I have made very little progress in my search for the blasted staff. It’s the only catalyst stopping my victory from being a complete domination. But this is not about that, this is about my life. A documentation to show people just who I am and how I became the great and powerful messiah I am. When I last left off I was in Krothage, stepping down as duke of this country and became the vizier of the kingdom. The puppet master pulling the strings so to speak, heheh.

It was a bold move indeed, but one that certainly worked in my favor. I set scouts out to search for the artifacts. It was with very little results I got back; The few scouts that returned brought some interesting treasures back to say the least. A mask, A cape, and a mysterious black gem. Out of the seventy five scouts I sent. Only three made it back to Krothage alive. That gem was strange to say the least, I will have to study it further to see what it is.

The mask itself is a very intriguing piece indeed; upon inspection it looked to be an ivory mask, devoid of any nicks, slivers missing or scrapes on it. Peculiar it was indeed, inside of it seemed to shimmer like a pearl. More studies will have to be done on this piece before I tested it myself. As for the cape it was plain to see the cape itself had properties to absorb light around it, almost as if to hide one in plain sight. What a treasure it was! It would have been much more useful in my youth, but I guess we all have prices we must pay.

I must also say, Emulating human emotions is much harder than I had expected, being as rigid as I am. I’ve been watching the people in the keep for the past several months or so and I think I am getting better at it. My smile is less intimidating, my movements look far more normal. I think I am finally camouflaging properly. On a side note as well, the people of this keep have finally come to accept my presence. I am loathed, as expected; but I am to be a fair ruler.

So it was with a heavy sigh I set off on my journey once again, taking flight this time. On the back of a gryphon, out to the bladed deserts, in search of the first piece of the staff. It was locked away beneath an ancient city that went by the name Gul-Tanoth. Shifting sands hiding beautiful secrets indeed. Buildings constructed out of the carapaces and shells of ancient beasts; said to have inhabited these deserts. When asking about the artifact the people of the city-

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-became very distant and even verbally and physically aggressive with me. Shooing me from their shops, calling me a “devil” Only when I went and visited some of the dig sites. One in particular was fairly interesting, it was as if they made a trial for pilgrims. Martel and Cybelle the gods of the sun and moon, husband and wife; often times I wondered what it’d be like if I would ever have someone who I would be able to call my wife. Someone whom would bear my lineage. To be able to look past my disfigurement and my flaws and show me what I’ve longed for.

The trials in the grounds were subpar at best. It would appear my intellect since my boon increased more than I had expected. Things that would trip up a normal person were mere child’s play for me. Yet it was so very dull. Going through the trials I found myself with the first piece of the staff. It was the strangest feeling, I felt; raw power. It made me lustful for more; I NEEDED more. To hold something of such immense power and for it only to be a small fraction of it made me believe there is honestly more to this piece than meets the eye.

When I returned to Krothage I resumed my studies on the treasures I had acquired; making my first attempts with the mask. When I placed it over my face; I felt a rush through my body as if the frost of Ilyianth had coursed through my veins, it held fast to the contours of my face. What was most peculiar of it was my hearing was cut out entirely, when I looked at myself, I could see a strange energy flowing around me. Though it was strange, the people around me had very docile energies, blues whites; mine fluctuated between a red-violet and just, red. I wondered what it honestly means, I will have to study its effects further.

As for the black gem it’s properties are absolutely phenomenal! It’s of no element I have seen before, when I touch it. It’s as if I could feel the pain and suffering of countless lives. I will have to be incredibly careful with this, and bring forth test subjects to truly realize the full extent of this.

It’s been a couple weeks since my return and it would appear there has been someone asking about me, I at first dismissed it out of necessity. But when she came to me as if I was just another person on the street, not grovelling she was a fair haired young woman. Looking to be just coming into womanhood even, larger hips and a proportional size, showing she was certainly from an upper class home, she seemed most interested in my life. Human by birth she seemed very peculiar from the others. A months time had passed and I had tried my best to ignore the woman’s advances. I had gone this long without a single person beside me. Not a soul, the only one always near was mother.

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I opened up today old friend, her name was Raine, she had long flowing dark brown hair; honestly I don’t know what it is I am supposed to feel. But she seems to respond to my emulations just fine. Perhaps I will not be alone any longer.

It has been several months with Raine coming to see me every couple of days. And my studies have seemed to have dwindled in the meantime. I did not wish to show them to her in fear they would terrify her, but she seems almost eager to see my work. My mind is seeming to work against me with this. She seems to accept me for what I am, and wishes to see what I do. But I know it will only end in misery if I do. Perhaps if I sleep on it this may help my decision.

It is with a very heavy sigh I come to you old friend to tell that I have given her the permission to observe. I pray this will not change her feelings; I must say there is a warmth I feel inside, I am almost afraid to say what it is in fear that I am wrong. Perhaps there is humanity for me after all. I brought her into my undercroft where I perform my experiments. She was not as horrified as I had thought. She was engrossed on the bodies I worked on; even with the artifacts. She was almost; too intrigued by the artifact I had retrieved. I will have to keep a close eye on this one.

It’s been several days since I opened up to her showing my works. But it seems like she’s not changed with me. I can see that my paranoia was something that was just in my head; I should really think about these things, but. The voice that claws away at me still tells me otherwise, I grow weary of this. I can feel my own sanity slowly slipping through my fingers. A remarkable discovery I’ve made with this mask. I lay in my bed wearing it and I dozed off, when I slept; it was if I was astral projecting. Able to immerse myself into other’s dreams. Truly a remarkable find, I will have to tinker with it more when I have the time.

It is today that I write this entry with a heavy heart. I followed up on my paranoia, It started to eat away at me one night. I saw a mysterious figure in my corridors skulking about. Being the inquisitive creature I am I decided I would follow the person. The closer I got, the more this strange feeling grew in my stomach. Was this what worry was? All the time I tracked my shadow my suspicions grew stronger, the voice growing louder. No longer just whispers, but screaming, scratching clawing! Dragging along my psyche; they went into my under croft. My Charnel house, my sanctuary! There were no people allowed down there. I feared the worst… Knowing that I will have to handle this, I walked down the stairs to the sanctuary. A figure was rifling through my things. A shadowy figure was rifling through my books.

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Naturally I confronted the being, and with such swiftness the figure attacked me! No regard for their own life, swinging a dagger at me violently. I foolishly came unarmed not expecting such a violent outburst and had to fend off the attacker with what I had. Giving a hard spectral push into a table the assassin let out a very feminine sounding grunt of pain.

“I’ve had enough of this charade!” I exclaimed, taking a surgical knife throwing it at the assailant. As quick the reflexes I nicked their face, it was far from what I desired and it just made me all the more angry… I could feel the dark fog beginning to set in; I didn’t want to lose my control.

I chanted a spell of ice, lunging a spear of ice into the assassin’s center of mass. The person lay on the ground, my work place in disarray, tools scattered on the floor, papers everywhere, struck with spatter of blood. The frosted lance broken at the tip still lodged in the assassin’s chest. Trying to pull it through, even with her blood slowly pooling underneath her tenacity was admirable. I walked over to her to rip the veil from her face; part of me didn’t want to… But part of me knew it was necessary. I removed the mask from the assailant to see that the person I opened up to; the person I didn’t feel so deranged around. Was nothing more than a spy, a person sent to gather as much info on my research as they could and if given the opportunity to eradicate me from this plane of existence.

I thought I had no feelings, Tears welling up. I could feel it; I could feel pain, as if it was the only feeling I was destined to feel. A mixture between sorrow and rage just took over.

She used her last breaths to tell me about why she did this; about how her brother was one of the victims of Krothage, and that the Brotherhood of Light would stop me at any cost. The Brotherhood of Light; why this was the first I’d ever heard of such a thing. It would appear my advances for a better world would be thwarted so quickly? I think not! I pulled the lance free from her chest. When her heart finally stopped I had a most insidious plot hatch inside that enigmatic brain of mine. I worked tirelessly through the night and through the day, not a soul saw me for a good three days working on my revenge for what these wretches had done.

When I was done, I stitched her up I was able to bring her back to life again, not even just a shambling dead corpse but with realism to her! It was like a beautiful symphony playing watching this masterpiece come to life the way it did. Asking it questions making sure it’s information was correct, it was beautiful; my puppet was complete, I redressed her in proper-

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-clothing. The intriguing part about it was, I was able to tap into fragments of memories. The spell weaving done for the puppeteering opened up a means to use pieces of memories floating around still inside of the victim’s mind. I was lucky enough to catch a pass code. What it was I don’t know if I will ever be certain. When I was watching through my puppet’s eyes when she returned to her informant she was off in another town, not knowing just where it was but she met with someone and I believe they were talking in code. Because they conversation made no sense. Sitting in a tavern... I took over; “This is a message to your brethren. To the Brotherhood. Know that I will not be toppled so easily, not like your informant.”

When the words stopped green runes pulsated over the body. I turned the puppet into a booby trap; bursting into fetid chunks of corpse in the room; but also releasing a deadly toxin through the tavern. Those who survived certainly felt the rabid bite of the infamous “Black Dog”.

That is about all I can tell you for now my old friend… I have much to do. Until later my friend, I have more in store; this much I promise.

Chapter 6: Rancor

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I have returned once again friend, you who always listens to me tirelessly. The one whom will always care about me unconditionally. With you here who needs others? But that is besides the point. In my rage and paranoia I have come across many things in my life. Pain, suffering, misery. Deep rooted feelings that will never go away, and will always haunt my dreams. I have found that when I wear the Mask of the Oneiromancer as I have come to calling it, when I sleep and it seems to stop me from actually dreaming. Sometimes I find myself wandering into others dreams, to see what real dreams are supposed to look like, not these terrors that disturb my nights so ritualistically.

It’s funny, the mask itself has become like a second skin for me, using it to conceal myself from the world; as well as able to finally rest. Sometimes I think to myself what eternal rest would feel like, if there is something waiting for me in the afterlife. Or if I am just cursed to forever live nothingness. In my thoughts for this it gave me the process to think of a way to possibly extend my life beyond natural years. Much time passed in my life playing a terrible game of cat and mouse with this “Brotherhood of Light” that has been doing these proxy battles with me, they knew where I was. Yet they shrouded themselves in mystery.

I would journey forth, taking my belongings and moving from country to country in search of the proper devices I would require. Unfortunately the only means that I had found thus far for eternal life is to become a lich. And to become one would have to be a last resort; and if I did none must find my phylactery. I would have to think of an ingenious way to conceal it if I were to become a lich, but it would be an absolute last resort. Sadly through my travels the name of “Black Dog” had become such an infamous name, people would avoid me in the streets. Some called me “The messiah” others “Black Dog” it was certainly interesting to see some actually knew of my work and even supported it. Encouraging me to continue my divine workings.

Settling in the city of Lura a city that held my next piece for my conquest. Where it was though was a completely different matter. Of course the clergy of the place were silent to the monster I was proclaimed to be, perhaps the Lord and Lady of the castle shall be more-

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-Compliant should I give the right incentives. I made my way to the keep and I asked the squire to speak with the Lord of the castle. I waited patiently, it was only a small matter of time before the Squire returned with his majesty to speak terms. His majesty spoke to me privately, all that were in the room were himself, his wife, and his most trusted guard.

I offered him a treaty, asking him for allegiance to me. His majesty took a grave offense to such a thing; taking it as “insulting”. Why must people learn things the hard way? So I

would go out of my way to explain to him that he has two options.

“My first option I leave on the table for you is this: You will rule your kingdom under my watch, you will lay down your blades to me to be used as an extension of my will. Any resources in the kingdom will be readily available at my command. Or you will have the second option: Anyone who is not willing to bow before me will be executed; and any left standing after my swathe of death will be cut down where they stand. And become my thralls. In undeath you will serve under me as my servants. The choice is yours My Lord.”

The tension in the room was so strong it could be cut by the guard’s blade. I was almost certain he would try to. Thankfully for both our sake her majesty stopped the brute. The Lord was certainly getting on in years.

“I can see you’re getting older, and with no heir to the throne this place will be thrown to the wolves your majesty. But if you had someone like myself here, someone to protect your lineage you wouldn’t have to worry about that ever again.” What I desired was not dominance, I wanted the world to come together as one. Think about a world where all countries did not have power or dominance over each other. All their people living in harmony, no more war, destruction; a world that is free from it’s shackles! The world that I have seen with my own two eyes is one of nothing but: Bigotry, hatred, impious nature, perversion! It is a cesspool of which will be it’s unraveling. Brother killing brother, madness that ensues.

His majesty made a wise choice to side with me, to avert a crisis like what befell Krothage. It would serve as my foothold until the spell I can master is complete. Perhaps it were time I start building my own stronghold. Bring the dead forth… Perhaps even raise one from the depths. But I would need a place to raise it. I’ve got a place. Perhaps when my time is right I shall return to my roots. But right now my biggest obstacle was to find out just whom the leaders of the “Brotherhood of light” were. They were becoming quite the thorn in my side… If I was to-

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-make any progress in finding these artifacts I would have to make sure they know just what they are dealing with. I already gave them their little booby trap out of the corpse of their spy.

On that note I need to scry, start observing my kingdoms more properly, perhaps even setting up a means to communicate with them should I have need. I conversed with the king and in hopes to bargain for the next piece of the staff of Tenebrae. When I promised his family and his kingdom’s protection he was far more malleable. But with regret he didn’t seem to want to give it up. All good things come in time, speaking of time. I wasted none getting my crystals ready to scry; placing them all around the castle. Small gems maybe about the size of a gold piece tucked away in places so that I may keep a vigilant eye in the keep. Mother, when you look down upon me; I hope you are proud of me. I hope that one day we will meet again and you will tell me so.

My words these days can be quite bitter I’ve noticed, but these tiresome proxies of cat and mouse make me tired of it. I will put a stop to this once and for all, once I attain all pieces of the staff.

When I have it then all of my desires can come to fruition; no spell would be too much for my body to handle. It’s catalytic properties make its use limitless! Time passed as I worked down the lord to finally give in and give the piece to me, promising it’s worth much more in my hands and that harm would not befall the lovely little kingdom so long as I have anything to say about it.

Two pieces, at long last I have two pieces! All that was left was the head and the gem. And the gem would be the easiest to track down but possibly the hardest to attain, considering the fact it was down in the necropolis. Ahh Norchia, the famed sanctuary for the undead that actually were given sentient life, instead of living out their misery as howling groaning ravenous creatures. Such is life when you can actually escape the shackles of your overseer, but for some that dominion isn’t so easy to break from.

I would certainly turn that dead city upside down. I made with great haste to the under dark, riding by many means, by ship, carriage, and even by horseback. Ships can be such a trifling mode of transportation, the way they rock back and forth; the uncertainty of the weather.

How people cram together in these just to move from one point to another truly baffles me. But I guess it really cannot be helped in some situations. Soon after several days of travel I-

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-found myself on what appeared to be a ravaged island. Devoid of any kind of life it would seem. Venturing into the wasteland there was an opening like a maw of a great beast from the earth. I walked cautiously into the depths of Terra, holding close the pieces I had in my bag, I trudged forth. It was dark, to an obvious extent but the travels beneath the crust were absolutely breathtaking.

Considering the Drow do not take kindly to other species, and to reach the necropolis I would have to pass through the Underdark. My travels through here were marvelous, the architecture of the entire under path just to the under city was fascinating, the rock formations, the rivers of magma that trickled made it excruciatingly warm but I trudged forward. Come to think of it, the Drow would be indeed a powerful ally, but to side with my cause would be near impossible. Perhaps I shall touch back upon it when I have gained better footing.

As I slowly approached the Underdark city it was as if time itself had built it. Beautiful use of the stalagmites to help support and build a wall around the kingdom. I was hoping I would be able to skirt around the city but was intercepted by several Drow scouts and brought into the city for questioning. It’s not every day they see an outsider and I certainly would not try anything funny, not in the position I was in.

They brought me into a large temple, beautiful shades of purple hues everywhere, even the torches had that hint to them. I think that was what honestly their eyes were most accustomed to. Considering they live in eternal darkness. I was thrown in front of a Matron, female elves all around me, and clear as day my figure showing that I was for one male. For two not a full blooded human. I called upon the mercy of the Drow; in hopes they would let me off with a pardon if I were to tell them where I was heading, hiding no secrets.

The high priestess whom spoke was adorned in a beautiful robe, nothing of which I have ever seen in my life. Vibrant colors of purple. Long bladed shoulderpads, gray on her head dress that much resembled that of an arachnid’s web, a stare from which only could be thought of as disgust. She was very much the epitome of Matriarchy; aside from their Matron I would say. Hoping I could use my diplomatic skills to overcome my lack of emotion and give her an offer that might entice her enough to let me go at least.

“Your grace, forgive my intrusion but I come in peace. Acting upon personal desire as well as a mission by the divine graces themselves. I have come to seek a gem which is nestled in the city of Norchia.” Holding my face to the floor showing fealty to the ruthless tribe.

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It was as if saying such a word. “Norchia” brought such disdain. Being lashed for speaking of the taboo. It was as if a serpent had sunk its teeth into my back. Grunts of anguish were all I could muster.

Not knowing it was a taboo word; but that was the price I would pay for ignorance. “Forgive me, have I spoke out of turn?” I would ask, awaiting her response.

“What gem is this you seek, and why travel into forbidden territories.” It would appear talking about the Necropolis was a very touchy subject to the Drow. It had seemed they had been at war with the undead for quite the few years. Norchia being their main stronghold, perhaps it’d be wise to help give the Drow exactly what they want. Perhaps in exchange for what I desire even.

“Your grace, if I may speak.” Obviously trying to make sure to follow custom as well as play on ego.

“I may just be able to service your great empire in unimaginable ways. You see… I made a very unique pact with the deity of vengeance, a god upon the surface realm known as Cusbris. His vengeance flows through my body. With it I was given the gift of arcane knowledge. Combined with my years of necromantic skills I believe I may have the power your people need to finally push this in your favor.” I knew if I could just get them to trust me, even just a sliver. I would be able to finish this once and for all. Once again I was whipped for my insolent behavior, getting ahead of myself. But I implored.

“Please, if you do not believe me let me prove it. I can bring forth an army that would rival yours in power. Not as numerous but certainly worthy to fight along your sisters. My hounds, my soldiers do not feel pain, they do not fear. They will march on even if they lose a body part. No need for healing no need to mourn.”

I could see the cogs moving as she thought about it.

“You can even keep me under guard, I give you my word as an emissary.” Shri Dorl was her name; the silent warrior. When one of her initiates spoke her name, even to outwardly and very boldly I may add; speak in my favor.

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“Grace, please allow this maggot this opportunity. If it means even one life is spared.” I honestly believe it was the sway of her fellow sister that gave me such an opportunity. Because they let me stand back up from a grovelling stance and gave me the chance to speak.

“I will need to see any information you have about the stronghold and I will need access to a bone yard. I don’t care if it is of just corpses or if it’s your own cemeteries I need bones and bodies. As many as you can give. The high priestess moved me out of the city and into a mire; a disgusting place smelling of putrid bodies. It was the perfect place to start. I stuck my arms elbow deep in a putrid sludge pushing as much of my own energy into that deathly unhallowed ground.

It was an exhausting task but a large radial energy circle enveloped the area, bringing forth the living dead pulling themselves out of the sludge, be they skeletal, or just rotting. To my dismay I was even able to bring forth not just one but three hounds! The gears of war were set into motion, I staggered to my feet, being helped up by the Drow. Shri Dorl was actually proud looking from what I could gather. It was not made verbal but in my mind I knew she was glad to see this.

My candle seems to have near run out of wick, so I shall continue this compelling tale soon enough, until then my faithful friend. I shall see you when the day has risen once again.

Chapter 7: Knell

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Hello again, I have found some extra candles lying about in my keep, perhaps I should keep an oil lamp in the study. I hear they last a lot longer than a regular candle, plus if a gust of wind blows through it won’t extinguish it immediately. But again I digress; I seem more often these days to get just a little too distracted.

Ah yes where I had last left off I had amassed an army befitting the high priestess of the Drow as I had promised. Though bringing forth a legion of revenants was no simple task even for one as adept as I had become. Shri Dorl amazingly had come to my aid, helping me off the ground.

“They need your aid, and if you die because you were arrogant than you were never of any good to us. Now get up and get moving!” I know in her own way she was trying to tell me “I believe in you. Don’t give up without a fight.”

I don’t quite understand these rallying cries but I trudged forward. Not much farther behind me was a militia of Shri’s finest.

“We take Norchia! Leave none behind. We will eradicate the scum from this existence once and for all!” I have not seen a woman fight a true fight aside from Raine, but this will surely be an entertaining endeavor. The army marched forth into the tunnels of the underdark. Onward we pressed until we came across a large scale city, made of pale stone. It was if Norchia was actually levitating; not very high off the ground, luminescent green seemed to light up the cryptic city. Before we even were able to step foot near this city several shattering quakes hit the ground before us. Five either very brave or very foolish undead Dragoons cratered the ground in defense of the city. Shri spoke to the warriors she brought.

“Send for the ballista! We need catapults as well! We’re breaking that wall!” Three of her militia stormed off, all the while the Dragoons had their hands full with the undead. I must admit this much, they were a lot more powerful than I had given credit.

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They spoke a fascinating language, when I heard it sound like growls and raspy groans. But there was so much more complexity to it than that. But there is plenty of time to discuss the logic of Gutteral later. The waves of the dead were beginning to tire out the sentient warriors but it would appear they were only there to help weed out the masses. They were smarter than predicted. I would have to rely on far more than just simple numbers to tip this in favor. Since the catapults were not here to help break the walls I had to call forth power just as strong if not more so than what I had prior to the summoning spell. I knew I didn’t have enough in me spell wise to cast a meteoric spell, but when you’re in a pinch there were ways around such things.

I think even to this day this was probably my biggest mistake. I slit my palm with my obsidian blade. Offering my blood to the god of sin to grant me the strength to thwart my foes.

“Cusbris! I call upon thee in my time of need, grant me thy power that I may slaughter these innocents in your name!” To my luck and dismay, the blade charged a bloody red color, pulsating in my hand. I could hear that voice in my head once again..

“Use us, were are here at your disposal. Cast your spell my lord, we are your loyal beings, ready to give our very essence in your name.” The voices every moment grew louder. Was this truth? Or was I going insane? I had no choice but to follow it blindly; I brandished the blade like it was a catalyst casting my spell. When I did I could hear an agonized wail when clouds began to appear in the skies of the Underdark. Fiery balls of stone began to pelt the Necropolis. The comets rained from the sky crushing buildings, with such came the collapse of the walls around the green glowing city, buildings finally caving under the structural damage and breaking down the walls of the fortified metropolis.

Shri Dorl had such a look of great triumph on her face, it was sickening to see. I knew what I needed was here, and knew the only way I would ever get into this place was to side with the elves. The revenant crawled over the bodies of the dragoons, all the while the guards of the city and military began their march over the crumbling walls. It was certainly a good feeling, watching my soldiers crawl tirelessly into that city and slaughter all whom opposed their weapons. I fear I was getting a sick pleasure out of these conquests. But any who stand against a just cause must be shown the error of their ways; and some must be put to the blade to tow the line I’m afraid. It was strange, a lot of the dead down here seemed to have completely stopped decaying, it was if they were caught in a metabolic time loop of sorts. Perhaps in my raiding of the city I will learn more.

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My the city was expansive, the hounds towered through the city streets destroying as they went, devouring the dead as they found them, only making their size grow with every corpse they found. I myself climbed my way atop one of my foul beasts and walked through. They had built shrines, temples, a whole city full of nothing but necrotic rotting corpses. Given sentient life by some narcissistic deity, giving the dead free will! It was as if to spit in the eye of another; well… There is no room in my world for such heresy. We made our trudge to the heart of the city and we found a massive temple of all things. It levitated much like the metropolis Norchia did. How they got in was even more bizarre, as if by some sort of strange magic the steps themselves float with it.

I got off the Charnel Hound and let it loose upon the city; free to continue quelling it’s ravenous hunger. I walked up the stairs up to the temple looking upon the statues of their so called “God” A mummified being wearing a tattered cowl, in one hand was a short staff; and in the other a balance. Markings on his head were unclear to me, Vecna was the name scrawled into the stone. Bringer of knowledge and lord of the undead. Nothing would stop my mission, undead priests stepped forward to protect their temple wielding crosiers and twisted knives. Fire would easily suffice to burn these impious beings.

I don’t know if it was my beckoning with the gods, but when I cast my pillar of flames they were a black as they come. Shades of black and gray flames shot up from the temple grounds beginning to melt the stone itself into molten rock! It was splendid to see watching it turn one of the wretched undead into a pile of cinder was just so satisfying. The others saw this display of black magic and were from the looks of it horrified. But that did not stop them, they defended their god with the zealousness I would expect of any radical.

One by one each were cut down, burnt or impaled be it through arcane means or through sheer physical force. Though it was growing tiring… I feared I was reaching my very limits from the spellcasting. Even with the dark god’s assistance. I couldn’t take much more; I staggered my way into the temple, it was darkly lit with green and purple flames encapsulated by these odd looking spherical torch holders.

Inside the temple it was… Eerily silent. The onslaught going on outside made me curious as to why this place that would be sanctuary for so many refugees has gone to become so silent. In the temple there were broken pews as well as a large scale statue of Vecna Something was different about this one though. I approached the statue studying it intently, the language on the plaque was written as if it was in half gutteral. I was stupid, I let scholarly desires cloud my-

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-better judgment. When I was reading I was ambushed by a crafty undead that had hidden away in the temple. Waiting for someone like myself or one of the other soldiers to trounce through.

A throwing knife pierced my hand and with it threw me entirely off balance when it struck. I was stumbling on the ground; no spells to count on and I felt a strong burning in my hand; venom on the blade was quickly sapping my strength. I felt all I could truly do is back up. The wretched beast came forth from the shadows, he was wrapped up in belted leather. His mouth was covered in gauze, as if he was bandaged in life. Perhaps had told confidential information, a spy if you will.

His eyes were a cold dead stare, I feared my pride would be my reason for not returning from this expedition. In my blurred confusion I heard something hit the ground, a body. Cold blood draining and touched at my feet and legs. Followed by an unfamiliar voice.

“Get up male, the priestess would have my head if she knew I let you die out here, or even let you out of my sight. Get your sorry self up and get what you need. We have to make our way to the keep.”

I examined the statue of Vecna, there was a strange gem in his offertory scale. It was like a sunburst, a beautiful amber color gem about the size of my palm little points across the surface of the gem. It was breathtaking to see this gem; it was like nothing I’d ever seen before. The tremendous power this tiny little gem held was unimaginable! I could only imagine what would happen when all the pieces of the staff were finally brought together once again. I cannot fathom just what immense strength could bring a god to their knees.

I quickly pocketed the gem and hurried out of the temple with the guard; making our way back down, the streets were littered with bodies of the dead be they revenant or sentient. Even fallen sisters of the Drow were found dead in the streets. It was a battle that's bloodshed would be talked about through history. By the time we had made our way into the keep Shri Dorl was locked in a fight with a large skeletal figure, he sported a crown of thorns on his skull, a long decrepit white beard hung from the barely hanging skin, the priestess blade to blade with him; speaking in their tongue even.

It was intense to say the least. When I tried to help, I was met by the blades of her sisters.

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“This is priestess Dorl’s fight. If you intervene she will be dishonored.” I had to sit back and watch as this woman of such prowess took on this hulking skeleton that was certainly double her size, swinging a two-handed sword. I certainly feared the woman only had agility to rely on at this point. The battle seemed to continue on for what felt like an eternity. Between her slashing at his legs she finally was able to catch a lucky break. The break being literal, when she finally was able to snap through the lord’s Fibula causing him to buckle under his own weight. The high priestess deftly took advantage of the situation and darted climbing up his back and plunging her blade down into his skull. The skeleton king dropped down onto the floor of the main hall with a hard quaking thud, the crown of thorns she plucked from his head raising it up high. Drow blood trickling down her arm as she and her sisters rallied in victory.

As I stood there and watched as their commander took down the colossal beast. I began to wonder how things would turn out once she was finished with her rally.

“Human. You have brought great honor to my people, for that you have my deepest gratitude. This deed will not go unrewarded. If it is military strength you desire, our blades are yours to command.” She tipped her head in gratitude “I will see to it that your next visit shall be fairly more respected.”

I ventured my way out from the Underdark. It was exhausting, considering the vast amount of energy that I expended for those self-righteous Drow. Perhaps I will rest up when I leave the underdark. I don’t know if I will be able to trudge forth for the next few days; perhaps a little rest will do me some good.

It had taken me at least three long days to get near the surface world. I can at last see the burning daylight from the caverns. I cannot wait to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin once again. My time down here had been enlightening but at the same time most trying.

Adjusting to the sunlight was a difficult task, I will certainly say that. It was terribly blinding, but the words I heard as I left, took that warmth straight from my body.

“Well if it isn’t the Black Dog himself. I’ve been waiting a long time to finally meet you face to face.” I shielded my eyes when the blade of a broadhead sliced my cheek.

“Take another step and your life is forfeit. What were you doing in the Underdark?” So many questions from someone I had never met.

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“Surely you have me mistaken for someone else...” Trying to bargain with the man.

“Nice try, but we’ve been tracking your footsteps for quite some time. You got careless on your journey. The pieces of the Staff of Tenebrae. Hand them over.”

Surely he jested, thinking I would just hand over my legacy so easily? “I don’t have them on me. Do you honestly think I would be as foolish to just leave them on my person?” I tried to deflect, my vision slowly starting to come back; there was an elf standing before me, as well as a few soldiers. What to do, in order to make a stealthy escape...

“I am known as Navarre the Swift. I am one of the Triad of the Brotherhood of Light.” What a foolish thing to say… It would be his downfall no doubt.

“So you’re the ones who’ve been trying to stop my holy mission? You’re the beasts that have been trying to thwart a world finally at peace? Do you feel no shame in stopping global peace when it is finally at hand?” The elf just stood there and laughed at me, as if I was a mad man!

“You’re a rabid dog that needs to be put down.” He motioned the soldiers to detain. I did not move, nor did I resist. I knew their search would be fruitless.

“Found something sir!” My eyes widened as they pulled forth a red gem from my bag.

“Well...It would appear we’ve caught you red handed after all.” It looked like it was all over.

The soldier took the gem to the elf; I dropped my face to the ground, hoping my grin wouldn’t be seen… The elf took the gem in hand holding it up to the sunlight.

“This can’t be the right gem.” Dropping it in the sands beneath his feet. “Where is the real sun stone.” He asked grabbing my face, yanking me up to look him in the eye. As I stared back at him with that cold listless stare I said.

“It’s beneath you.” Shoving me back frustrated.

“This gem is nothing but a fraud! It is clearly a counterfeit! He picked it up off the ground pulling us over to a large stone formation and held it up. “If it were REAL it wouldn’t be this red!” When he said that, I took a deep breath; the fool took the gem and slammed it against-

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-the rock formations. Releasing an acrid gray smoke. The soldiers and elf began to choke on the smog that clouded the area.

It was my only chance to do this… I dropped a single gem of an amber like color on the ground and pushed over my captive and fled as quickly as I could. I took a cowards way out… But it was the only way I could ensure I would find the other members of the Brotherhood. So there are three of them, three pillars trying to destroy my plans. This shall be easy enough, my objects were safely hidden a chest on the ethereal plane. The gemstone he stole from me was a trap I had made prior to my escape. Should anyone with any magic training or sight of magical objects would see that the gem was teeming with power. Thankfully it was enough power to fool that buffoon. Though unfortunately I cannot rest; I haven’t had a moment to do so. Fearing they would be hot on my trail. I have to return to my keep before I am found, or at least a city in which I can take refuge and plot my next move.

It has been four days since my close encounter with Navarre. I had come to a little city by the name of Westcliff. It was a small little encampment that was beside a Mire. I let my bones rest in their camp for a very short while, least till I could recover some of my power. I would not be able to do my magical workings until I fully recovered. It was painful, but I was able to finally rest properly.

I had been hearing in the encampment about a mysterious witch that goes by the name of “Baba” I don’t know if it is hogwash or a true sorceress that lives in these woods. But I intend to find out. It is said that Baba knows the past, and future; but will only tell those whom she deems worthy. Perhaps this witch may have something for me if I pay her a visit.

I began my journey into the Mire; the stench of the swamp was repugnant, a stench only comparable to the smell of rotting corpses. On my journey through the brush I began to notice it was certainly a treacherous path, dart traps being laid out everywhere I could imagine. Even more ingenious was the point of they didn’t look like traps, they were sneakily disguised as these statues that look like crones. Like a woman wrapped in a shawl. Whomever made these traps truly didn’t want anyone to leave this place.

I’ve come across a lake, a disgusting green colored lake that surely harbored many foul creatures within it. Thankfully people had gotten this far and left an old rickety boat with a stick to help paddle, it leaked a bit; but it was still floating. I wearily stepped foot into the boat, fearing my weight would be too much for it. Though it sank down and took a small pooling of water it-

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-stayed afloat; making my way through the lake. The stick made it to the bottom of the lake, at least so I thought; until it pushed through, it would appear there were still rotting corpses beneath the waters, bloated corpses every so often coming to the surface. What was most intriguing was the fact that the corpses looked so preserved. As if something in the gases or the water were keeping them from completely decomposing.

I made my way to the end of the lake getting out of the boat and began to walk the path, it was odd, because there was a small village in the mire… From what I could see it was still fairly lively. I made my way across the ways and into the village, but much to my dismay it was quite the opposite. The warm colors of the fire was burning bodies in piles. The bodies that weren’t burnt looked as if they were skinned, their faces were ripped off and the birds seemed to just be running rampant in the village. The birds stayed where they were when I began my trek through the village but; they froze when they saw me. Staring at me as if they knew something I didn’t.

I walked deeper into the village only to find a hut with, even to this day I cannot say it without disbelief. It was a hut roosted in what looked to be a leg of a fowl. Outside of this strange hovel was a rope ladder up to it. By the gods I truly hope this isn’t going to be an odd experience in my travels... I warily climbed the ladder of this strange home and was greeted by an old woman inside the hut.

She was decrepit. “You have come seeking Baba’s magic have you not? They always come, what does Baba get out of helping the strange one?” Quick and to the point the crone was. So I simply told her.

“I seek magic to bring the pieces of the Staff of Tenebrae. I need the final piece and I need to reforge it.”

The old bat hit me with her cane with a hollow crack sound. “Baba knows what you want! Baba sees all.” She spoke in response. “Baba can give strange one what he desires most, but must do something in return for Baba.” What on earth could this old hag want from me in return? This was surely going to be something of great gravity considering it was a forging of a weapon of the gods.

“Baba needs you to fetch. Fetch like a good little boy! Ohoho yes fetch! Fetch!” The woman was clearly out of her mind.

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“I’m not a boy, what is it you need me to fetch?”

I cannot believe that I had asked such a thing. “Baba requires a skull, must have the skull to complete ceremony! Fetch boy fetch the skull. A skull found deeper in the woods. Special grotto holds them, fetch and Baba will do as the strange one asks.” I can’t believe I had been reduced to an errand boy for this old crone. But to achieve this power I had to fetch...

I departed the hut and began my way through the village when an unkindness of ravens sat in my way. My tries to shoo them away were unfruitful, but what was strange was they didn’t budge at all. Usually birds are more skittish in the face of oncoming danger. These ravens weren’t any normal creatures I soon learned. When they formed into a slender young looking woman. Long ebony hair, yellow eyes, and a cloak draped of feathers on her back, she wore a strange dress that itself looked like it was constructed out of cloth and feathers of birds. “You are trespassing into my territory boy.”

Again with this ‘boy’ thing… When would they realize I am more than just an adolescent? “I am no boy.” I was able to speak out before I was cut off again.

“Silence! What business do you have in my kingdom?” I was stopped almost entirely out of worry. Could this be what has happened to this village?

“I come seeking knowledge from a witch. I must retrieve ingredients sought in the Mire.” The woman stared at me as if I was lower than the grime beneath her feet.

I don’t know if it was that she saw something in me, or if my power was strong enough to actually sway the powerful sorceress.

“Get ye gone, should I find you snooping in my keep thou will meet an untimely fate!” Just as quickly as she arrived she transformed back into the ravens and flew off. I was grateful for the moment of respite; this journey was becoming quite a tiresome one indeed. I ventured deep into the forests searching for this blasted grotto, when I was met with a hole of sorts in the treetops, letting sunlight break through into a little sanctum. The moss was lush and green, the water looked pure, and in the little domain was an entrance down into the grotto. I balanced my way over the rocks in the water and guided myself into the grotto.

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Inside the sanctum was a small puddle if you will; it was a small body of water. Barely enough to wet the bottoms of your feet. In the water was a pedestal with a bloodied skull resting on it. It was eerily quiet in the cavern but it was a feeling of serenity to this day I have only ever felt that one time. I plucked the skull from the grotto and began to walk my way back out. I should have spent longer in such a beautiful sanctuary. When I returned from inside the grotto I was hit with the stench of the mire almost immediately. Trudging my feet back to the hut of Baba.

I had to be cautious with the bone, I did not know whom or what might have wanted this, or what power it held. Oh how degrading it was to have to play fetch, but it was so close. I could almost taste it…

“Give the skull to Baba! Give to Baba like a good boy!” Before I could even react the old hag snatched the skull from my grasp and began to cackle. What I had done may have been a very dangerous move on my part, having rolled the dice like I did. Thankfully the dice were in my favor; the woman circled about with the skull humming to herself.

“You owe me some answers Baba. I have done as you’ve asked now grant what I have asked.”

I was more than impatient with the woman; I should have taken better care to have been respectful. For that slew of words got me hit once again with that accursed cane of hers.

“Patience child, always in such a rush to your grave.” She said to me.

“My grave?” Of all things why would it be my grave, does this mean my conquest would lead me to an imminent death?

“Yes, yes. Death awaits you child, you are a harbinger of death and destruction. Your duty in this life is to bring the world’s people together for a common goal. And in that goal leads your imminent demise.” That hag’s laugh was a hoarse cackle. Scratchy sounding yet conniving with every word she spoke.

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“You seek the Staff of Tenebrae. The final piece is right under your nose, it is in the town that you were born in. When you have all the pieces of the staff, bring them back to Baba. I will bring you to the forge in which you may reforge the instrument of your destruction.”

At this point I was in disbelief in what this decrepit old hag had to say. To call me the harbinger of death seemed just a little much.

“So my destiny in this life is to die for a noble cause of others?” I asked flabbergasted.

“Yes child! You were born in blood to bring this planet to a new era of peace.” I just, saw red when I heard such bullocks. It was unheard of! The nerve of this woman to say that my life’s meaning was to die! I would not take this lying down!

“See here hag, you may think you see the future for what it is, but your prediction is wrong. I WILL succeed, and you will see me; in my moment of triumph and will cower before me! ALL WILL SEE!” I stormed my way out of her hut so quickly that I nearly fell from the ladder.

When I got back to my feet on solid ground once more I took my leave of this befouled swamp and set my sights for other places.

I grow tired, I shall come back to you soon oh faithful friend of mine. I still have much more to tell you before my time is up.

Chapter 8: Genocide

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Hello old friend, it is I; once again here to tell you all about my life as close to it’s happenings as I can give you. I went with the oil lamp like I thought I should, it has turned out to be a better investment than I would have imagined. But that is beyond the point of what I am here for.

When I had last left off I had learned about that hag’s prediction. It was a poor one at best, a cruel trick from a dying old woman trying to get the best of me. On my way back I couldn’t help my thought process. I had spent at least a week on my return thinking about my father and his demise. The reason behind his leaving mother behind was because he had found a woman that satisfied his carnal desires better than she; but this woman, who was she? Did he sire children with this woman? If there was his seed sown across this earth it must be eradicated along with him. I would not allow any others by the name of Solomon...Not by his creation.

When I had this in my head it seemed like there was no stopping me. Heheheh… I guess I truly lived up to the name “Black Dog” When I sunk my teeth I did not let go. Grusea was the city, it was a destitute city, barely seen on most world maps for the fact it was insignificant. And yet, it was within arm’s reach of Durastia. Father’s mistress was so very close. I could almost taste it.

When I returned to Krothage I rested up in my bed before taking up another task so quickly; the artifact was not going anywhere. Bringing forth a chest from the ethereal plane. The items safe and sound I lay there in my room staring up at my ceiling for what felt like weeks before I made any actual plans. Sometimes I would plot what I would say to her, or even if she would accept a half breed like myself into her family. Sometimes I even fantasized about what it would be like to just give this all up and try to reintegrate into society.

They were all very foolish thoughts indeed; but they chased away the fears that ensued in my nights before sleep. The nights away from the kingdom I had no mask to cease the night terrors, sometimes they would become so bad I would wake up afraid I was dead already. Dreams of my demise swirled through my head, worries of people burning me at the stake, father ending my life so many years ago. I would wake up choked up as if I had been strangled in my sleep.

After a good rest finally I was ready to make my march, the family that I was robbed of was to hear the death knell, and it would be I who rung it. I traveled to the city of Grusea, the city was beautiful to say the least, the color of the foliage was a beautiful bronze color this time-

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-of year and certainly attracted more to join the town’s commerce. By the time I made it into town it was near dusk, so I had taken shelter in a local inn. Clouds coming into the skies bringing darkness all the sooner.

I sat in the bar for a good four or five hours of the night listening to the droning and prattling of the local folk which began to grow ever so aggravating, then it just hit me. Like a single pin dropping in a silent room.

“You hear about what happened to Holngrim?” a voice chimed,

“Yeah a real shame about what happened. Heard he got killed in guarding a castle, his poor wife’s been taking it real hard.”

“Who Miriel? I’ve got a shoulder for her to cry on. And a pillow to lie on too!” The man guffawed at such a cruel and low-brow joke. Truly the patrons of the bar were troglodytes. I listened for a little while longer before I took my leave upstairs, placing my vice upon my face before letting the void take me as I slumbered. Morning came once again and off I went upon my journey. Searching the town for the mysterious Miriel these ‘gentlemen’ spoke of, there were several inns throughout Grusea, as well as a brothel.

I shudder at the thought, but I do suppose the lecher possibly just paid visits over at the whorehouse to find his ‘comfort’ I started my search in the inn called “The Brass Handle” asking the barkeep about a woman by the name Miriel. The filthy man spat in my face! Of all the disgusting habits! What ever was it that I had done to merit such disgraceful behavior!?

Much to my disgust, as well as regret; She did not work in such an establishment, it was apparently a bar made for a special type of gentleman. Apparently I was certainly not welcome here… So I went back to the inn that slept at, going into the bar and spoke to the barkeep, asking about the woman. And not to my surprise she was not a barmaid there either. That dirty wretch had been sleeping with a whore, all this time. The barkeep was at least, kind enough to give me some information about the woman so I knew where to find her.

I begrudgingly made my way over to the red light district in Grusea, the women walked the streets with no inclination to hide their shame. Scantily dressed trying to draw forth men’s inner darkest desires. It was enough to make one sick to their stomach. As I approached the-

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-brothel I noticed the sign, “The Cat’s Cradle” was the name, it was all just; ugh. I ventured inside, the place reeked of cheap booze and pheromones.

I approached the gentleman behind the table and asked for her by name. A pretty penny it cost me just to get a name to the face. I went up to the room requested and the place was covered with lace and silk, as if to disguise the fact that these women were here for the money as well as the men are here to fill the hole in their hearts when they leave their wives behind.

She stepped into the room, fair long red hair, green eyes, cleavage that certainly seemed to spill over. She sauntered over to me, trying to apparently seduce me; seeing the look of hesitation in her eyes told me she was far from enticed by what she saw.

“I did not come here for escapades of a sexual nature. The woman was both a mixture of relief and confused.

“Alright then what the hell do you want, cause you’ve got a half hour.” Such crude manners...Was this truly the woman that he laid with?

“I am here to ask you a few questions, about your late husband Holngrim. You ARE his wife yes?” The woman’s face turned to a scowl hearing those words.

“Look if you’re asking me to rethink my decision on leaving this place because of what happened to him than you’ve got another thing coming pal.”

“Oh no, quite the contrary. See; I’m a son of his. I came in search of my roots to see if I had any others I may call my family.” The woman’s scowl softened. It was strange, she pulled me into her chest. I was not sure if it was out of trying to comfort me, or if she was truly trying to suffocate me. I could hear her sniffling as I tried to pull myself free of her bosom.

“My poor Holngrim… He was a great man. If you are who you say you are, come by tonight by the house. And I will tell you all about your father. I reluctantly agreed talking to this woman, my ulterior hopefully would still be guised under the falsehood of a son reaching out to family in a time of grieving.

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Nightfall came almost as quickly as the morning did, and I headed to the home of Miriel, knocking on the door twice; before I was let into the abode. It wasn’t a very large home but it was certainly large enough for a family to live in.

“Forgive the mess, I have not had the time to clean the place as you know.” I paid no heed, though seeing how the décor of her house was so vastly different than what he had.

“I would have the children join us but I’m afraid only one has actually stayed in town at the moment. If you are here tomorrow I am sure he would love to meet you.” That rapscallion had others! He had a second family, who’s to say mother wasn’t the one on the side at this point! Just the thought was enough to make my blood boil!

“My daughter Elizabethe should be home any minute, you’re welcome to speak to her as well.” She paused a moment,

“So you said you’re a son of Holngrim’s. I would love to know a little more about you, considering you’re a child of my husband.” At this point I had to figure out a way to sidestep without discrediting my motives. It was astounding she’d not questioned just where I had come from. Or the troubles of her late husband’s escapades.

“He’d met a woman a while back that happened to be my mother, he was touring with the imperial army and I guess one night became little old me.” It was incredibly difficult to try and bring forth any kind of sympathy for that man or that family for that matter…

“When I was old enough to venture off I came in search for him in hopes I would find out more about who I am. But I only recently learned of his untimely demise.”

As we conversed her daughter came through the door, rather abruptly. “Mother who’s the freak?” There it was again… That accursed word.

“Elizabethe watch your tongue! This is our guest and your brother you’re talking to!” The girl had such a look of disdain on her face, it was as if she could see through my motives.

“By the way Curtis will be home tomorrow morning. He’s apparently here for a couple of days. Him and his stupid little clergy finally caught a break apparently.”

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Miriel tried to dismiss the girl. “Don’t pay attention to her…” It was rather hard to ignore her to be frank.

“And as for you Elizabethe your brother is doing incredibly important things with his life!” Miriel argued with her daughter for another ten minutes or so before I stood to leave. The mother so graciously taking me by the wrist tugging me back.

“Oh no please! Feel free to stay, Curtis will not be home till tomorrow, and we have a spare bed. It’s the least I can do for how you were treated earlier.” As much as I would have loved to just get rid of the two I had to wait. Least till they fell asleep. I sat down once again as she prattled on, the daughter brought over a glass of wine as if to help me unwind from my journey.

I was a fool to have accepted it but at the time I really had nothing more to do. One glass would not hurt. I took a sip from the glass and it was almost a metallic taste, perhaps the grapes fermented for too long.

“Forgive me but I must be heading to bed. It has been a long journey.” The mother was so accommodating bringing me over to her son’s bedroom, the room was very bland, a few holy figures hung from his bed, I didn’t really see much of an impression in this room besides the fact of a few ratty books and his figures for Asora. Nothing would prepare me for what I had went through. I lay upon the bed letting my eyes grow so very heavy. The mask not with me, I began to dream, feeling this heaviness on my chest and on my body.

Had I come full circle so easily? Would these peasants be my unraveling? My eyes shot open to see there was someone straddling me. Of all people Elizabethe was atop of me. But why would she be sitting like this.

“Hello dear brother.” Her voice was sickening, as if it oozed with obsession. My limbs felt heavy but not unmovable.

“I know just who you are, I’ve been hearing about your conquest for quite some time dearest brother. Forgive my rudeness earlier oh great messiah… I know in my heart you will surely free me from this hell.” This hell? This woman was truly mad!

“What did you give me? Why did you drug me?” I was able to escape my lips.

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“It was just a little homemade concoction of household plants as well as a special little metal called Mercury. Or quicksilver.”

The wench poisoned me! I was careless; and it may just have been my undoing.

“Don’t you want a pure lineage? Think of it; children to carry out your duties in life.” She pressed down against me. It was all too strange even for myself. But I had to buy myself time, long enough to figure out my escape plan…

“A pure lineage would be a lovely thing to have, should I fall in combat I would have my sons or even my daughters to carry out the will of their father.”

It was as if she got such a thrill out of the thought. “Yes; make me your vessel. Let me bare your young, take me from this place.”

In the moment it happened I was finally able to motion my fingers to, reach into a pocket beneath her I pulled forth a cactus needle. Pricking her with a cactus needle, one which was dipped in a paralytic venom from an arachnid in the Underdark.

Her eyes were able to move and to watch everything that was happening. But her screams of agony would fall upon deaf ears I am afraid.

I waited as I was finally able to pull myself free of her heavy motionless body above me. Laying her down upon her brother’s bed.

Taking my obsidian blade I cut down her side of her clothing, it was something I took a strange pride in doing, watching as the look of absolute terror was in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Don’t you wish to be part of the greater good? I mean… father took off on me, I see it’s only fair if we even the playing field. The girl laying there could only watch and listen to this terrible tale.

“Do you have any idea why I sought your mother out? It wasn’t because ‘daddy’ passed away and that I wanted family. It was so that I could slaughter any part of his existence entirely from the face-

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-of this forsaken rock.” I leaned over her staring her down, eye to eye. “Though we share the same blood pulsing through our veins you are not fit to bare a child worthy of an heir.”

“My mother, was murdered. In cold blood by your precious father. They sent me to hell! A little boy to a fate worse than the nine hells! Waiting only for the day he would be able to exact his revenge. That accident that happened was me. I’m the one that killed your father, my father. I am the bringer of death. The knell tolls at my call.” I uttered.

My blade raised to her face hovering over her eye; oh how easily it sliced her retina. Between the tears streaming down her expressionless face or the gelatinous vitreous spilling through the slit in the eye, mixing with a tinge of red. It was certainly entertaining, the stream of tears just not stopping. Before I took the blade and popped it from her socket. Holding the lacerated orb in hand. Giving it a good firm tug out of her head before I splattered it onto the wall.

But I was not going to stop there, why should I? Taking the knife I trailed down the wench’s body leaving a very minimal cut along the skin before reaching just above her legs.

“If it is children you so desire perhaps feeling the very organs that give life ripped from you will show you that there is no hope.”

I cut with such dexterous precision just below her stomach and peeled back her skin, the muscle until her carefully guarded organs say there soaked in blood, ripping the very organ right out of her body, I placed it in a jar, setting it upon his nightstand. Though I have had my fun; Slicing up the poor girl’s body and peeled away the two sides of her chest. Slicing along the muscle pulling it up from the bone leaving a bloody carcass in his bed. But I was not done yet.

Oh no; I cut her tongue out of her mouth and removed the other eye, stuffing the eye down her throat.

Now that I cleared the fog in my mind I have to strike the whore while she herself slept. It would be a quick in and out, Slinking through the hallway to the other bedrooms, finding the occupied one. The woman slept soundly. Giving her the same courtesy I gagged the woman. With bloodied rags ripped from my own robes. Muffling her screams giving her a slice across her eyes and one across the throat.

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“Rest in the cradle of the damned, whore...” Were the last words slipped from my mouth before the woman was nailed to the wall. My clothes had absorbed so much of their blood I hadn’t even thought about it. Considering it was a wine red robe, I took my knife stabbing into her side leaving a slightly agape wound, reaching my hand into it and began to defile the room. Cutting her insides from the corpse and strewn them across the room. A picture perfect sight for her dearest son to see.

I waited for what felt like an eternity for that fool to come home, when I finally heard the creaking of the door as he entered, he was a spitting image of him… But I could not let him see me, not just yet.

I hid in a corner just beside the inside of the kitchen area, iron like footsteps pattered through the house, hearing that sound of anguish when he saw sister dearest split apart, followed by the sound of a blade unsheathing. He stamped into his mother’s room, I could hear the tears, the anger that ensued. It was simply divine, creeping through from the corner I walked closer.

“They bled like the pigs they are...” No sooner did the words escape my lips did his blade swing. Falling backwards, I almost didn’t make it in time. Nothing standing between myself and the business end of his broadsword.

A man stood before me short brown hair, brown eyes… That look in his eyes was one I knew all too well. It was a look of someone who had everything taken from him.

“Foul beast...You will pay for this desecration of these once hallowed grounds. “I know who you are, Black Dog. I will be the one to put you down, and the Brotherhood will have completed their mission once and for all.” I backed up from the blade and scrambled to my feet.

“So you’re one of the dogs that have been nipping at my heels? You disgusting creatures are a disgrace to your god!”

The rugged man swung his blade smashing a cupboard. “Enough! Any last words before you are sent to the depths from which you’ve come?” The man spoke with such conviction in his voice.

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Was this what fear was supposed to feel like? The worry of whether or not you’re purpose has come and you will no longer be needed in this world? The man looked at me with an expression that could be described as blind rage. But what he held on his person was truly fortuitous.

“If you want the staff you will have to face me for it. Not here mongrel, but somewhere without people. Meet me in the fields of Durastia by sundown. Or I will hunt you down and I will slay you like the rabid beast you are...”

It was a trap no less. The man pulled forth the crest. The bloody piece I required to craft the staff. Truly a sick game the gods have made to stop me… They were mocking me! All of them!

“Very well. I will play your game, but when you’re laying in a pool of your own blood praying to your god for your life I will give you a swift death that you may speak with him directly.”

The knight laughed, mockingly, looking at me as if I was playing a game. It was perfect. I would be able to finally kill two birds with one stone; Gain the piece I require, and even kill that fetcher from the Brotherhood of Light.

I exited the cottage never once taking my eyes off of him, it was invigorating! I never thought my heart could beat like this. Perhaps the feeling of cheating death would bring me that much closer to becoming a normal being. I made haste to the fields of Durastia, the filthy bastard chose a place so very familiar to me. A spot where scorch marks still killed the grass.

“I was expecting you to actually flee. I guess the desire for this piece was greater than your own cowardice.” The gall this man had to call me of all people a coward.

“I’m going to enjoy taking that piece from you. And when I do I’m going to raise you as my personal thrall.” I was more than eager to get this started. Throwing my knapsack aside I held up my hand, it was as if this wellspring of dark energy pulsed through my veins. Springing forth from the darkness came a long bone blade, it was as if it came from a demon itself. Long and wide bone, sharp jagged edge on one side; while the other side was sharpened thin like a razor. At the end of it looked as if there were an eye socket.

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This blade rivaled my size; yet it felt strangely light. As if it were hollow, Curtis brandished his blade, chanting a hymn, his blade shone an incandescent light from his sword.

“You’re not the only one with a few tricks up their sleeve necromancer!” Without as much as another word the knight lunged forward taking another side swing at me, the bone blade catching it in the ‘teeth’ holding it back if only barely. The strike seemed to barrier with the blade.

Strike upon strike being met with each other. I may not have fought much in my fights but I never let my senses dull, not for a single day. With every swing he took a counter swing would be made to either parry the blade or to strike him down.

“What’s the matter beast, getting tired?” The boastful wretch; though it was true, my stamina was not even close to his. I channeled the energy through the blade and stabbed it into the grounds pushing as much of my own negative energy through the blade and into the ground. Grass began to wither and the earth began to dessicate. “Dry up oh earth, may death come swift to my enemies. Grant me the strength to fell this misled acolyte of Asora!”

Pulling free the blade I jumped back raising it high with both hands slamming it down against the ground, letting a wave of energy fly from the blade. Such an intriguing power! To be able to channel power through your instruments. The knight tumbled out of the way, the energy leaving a fair size divot in the ground where it pushed through.

“Foul monster…!” The land around him was desolate, dead, and barely a place for a holy warrior.

“Give it up, hand over the staff piece; and perhaps I will spare your life.” It was as if my time of triumph was at hand. Before I could even finish my sentence the wretch charged me! Before I would even be able to block he knocked me to the earth. He knelt over my body his sword and mine lain on the ground. Winding back he proceeded to punch me, over, and over. My mouth my jaw; before he eventually took out a knife from his boot and jammed it down into my right hand.

The surging pain from that accursed knife through my palm! It was like someone took a searing hot orange blade from the fires and shoved it through my hand.

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“This is where your reign of terror ends.” He said near out of breath it seemed. He began his chanting of his blasted hymn praying to his deity, all the while I shouted to obstruct his. In the meantime I slipped my hand beneath me and pulled out my own knife and stabbed it into his shoulder, I could feel it sink deep into him, right past the plating and just barely between bone. It was a good hit, all I would have to do is sacrifice the blade and I can ruin that arm. I yanked hard on that knife lodged in my hand pulling it free from the ground shoving him off of me as quickly as I could, scrambling to my feet.

We were both exhausted at this point, wounded and about ready to collapse. I pulled the blade from my hand staring at the gaped hole in it, rushing him hobbling I reached for the knife in his shoulder. But with no avail. The grip on that hand was crushing. I had to think fast… I took my opposite hand and grabbed his face, burning a spell to cast burning hands. The sound of searing flesh was so very satisfying. Given the knight pulled back and relinquished me, leaving a very pretty mark on his disfigured face.

“You bastard!” He turned his head left and right as if he was confused. “What did you do to me you monster! Show yourself!” He knelt down looking for his blade.

“A curse I say...” He kept mumbling, it would appear that the searing spell scorched his retinas, causing blindness. Oh how fortuitous indeed!

“This isn’t over Necromancer!” He proclaimed as I walked over to the blade kicking it aside and made my way back to him.

“You’re right. This isn’t over.” I told him. “You’re in no state to fight back.You’re pathetic.” I pulled my knife from his shoulder and kicked him to the ground, leaving my foot plant on his chest.

“Go back to your Brotherhood and tell them their time is up. That I have attained the pieces necessary to bring forth the Staff of Tenebrae. Be gone!” I was prideful, I was especially foolish to let him go. I walked over to the backpack, taking the jagged crest. It was as if the stars themselves had aligned! Giving me such a power was almost in and of itself enough to lose your mind!

Heheheheh the staff… The staff was finally mine! I will have finally achieved what I desired! Nothing would stop me! It’s strange enough...The voices have become not so much a-

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-burden but they have become one with me, they no longer stopped my actions but more guided them.

My thoughts of right and wrong were long since gone, I acted upon one motive, bring this world peace.

But that is something that shall be discussed another time. I believe this has quelled my desire of writing, until next we speak old friend. I have much to discuss next time.

Chapter 9: Ire

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At long last, I had finally achieved it, I had done the unthinkable! I had gotten all the pieces of the staff. It had taken me such a very long time, but my plans were finally coming to fruition! I would show that old hag just that this prophecy of hers was nothing but a bunch of hogwash! I hold all the pieces in hand, I just need to locate a spell to recall myself to that location once again. Traveling by foot by any means at this point is incredibly dangerous…

I spent days searching through my texts I had collected over the years in search of an anchor spell. After about a week of searching I had finally found it! I brought myself over to the witch’s hovel out by Westcliff, there were disgusting scarecrows all strewn through the walking path, faces of villagers peeled off and strung upon poles. I walked up to her home and the old hag… She was certainly not old anymore I can say.

She had long waist length black hair very smooth complexion. It was as if her looks were merely an illusion.

“Where is Baba?” I asked. The woman cackled holding onto her gnarled staff with a smile.

“Foolish boy, I am Baba! And you have come wielding the power of old. You have given Baba what Baba wants; now Baba will give the boy his destiny.” The woman stamped her foot twice on the ground and stamped her staff thrice. When she did a bluish black vortex opened in her home.

“In you must go, there isn’t much time!” The woman shoved me through following along. when I fell from the vortex I was in a desolate land. It was like sandstone cliff sides; off in the distance looked to be endless shifting sands, slowly eroding and covering ancient ruins of castle and-

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-small spires of stone sticking up from the sands, walls looking as if they fell apart once upon a time ago.

“This is the place you will find the forge necessary to reform the staff. But be aware, there are perils stopping anyone from forging this forbidden artifact. Having the pieces is but only the first trial.” I turned back to speak to the woman but she was gone just as quickly as she came.

I did not fear these trials, I must move forward. I came up through the cliff sides and hopped along the treacherous footings to reach a floating island, it was certainly a place brimming with ancient magic.

For such a place to still exist is unfathomable, it was as if it was lost by time itself. I came up to what looked like an ancient offertory. The inside of the bowl was dusty and looked as if it was encrusted with blood.

“To open the door life must be spilled for the lives of countless.” Rang through my head.

“How exactly am I to spill life for countless lives...” I had to think for a moment, the bowl had an inscription on it stating.

“those who seek enlightenment are often blinded by their sins, to reach enlightenment one must stay true.” I ran my finger along the edge of the cup, the rim was sharp as a razor’s edge; leaving a slice down my fingertip. A small trickle of blood running down the offertory. Seeming to react to the blood I took the palm of my hand and placed it onto the rim.

Shutting my eyes I dragged it firm along the full circle of the offering bowl, the blood draining into the bowl leaving a small pool of crimson at the bottom of it. As it reached a certain point-

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the blood drained from the bowl and dipped into the crevices of the floor, creating a pattern in the ground beneath me.

Red flashing up out of the ground a pathway was opened. Down a spiral stairway I went, my palm still bloodied I did my best to patch up the wound with my spell work. It closed the wound but it left me rather dizzy from the blood loss. I descended into the formation and the atmosphere began to grow hotter around me, I could feel the moisture from my body starting to dry up. It finally came down to a large room where there was an anvil, as well as a colossal forge built into the wall itself.

Beside the forge was an old decrepit corpse of a man. Hammer in hand, shackled to the wall but able to reach the forge and all the pieces it needed. Upon closer inspection the hammer was inscribed with ancient runes, the hammer was heavily worn; as if it had been forged with for ages.

The shriveled corpse of the man looked as if he had a broad build in life, I moved over to face him looking into his surprisingly well preserved face. I took my hand and lifting his straggly bearded, lifeless face. Surprisingly the blood on my hands was absorbed by the corpse’s face, like water to a sponge. I could feel a suction like feeling on my hand as it’s dry skin became a little more malleable. I pulled my hand back hurriedly and looked at the creature, with a large inhale a pale glow emanated from the man’s eyes.

“Thank ye lad...It’d been near a millenia since I had a drop.”

Just what was this man… And what was he doing here?

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“My name is Kacmus. Lord o’ the forge, and patron o’ Dwarves and Orc alike.” A god. Left in this realm to rot forevermore? This seems far too strange…

“You’re the lord of the forge, why have you been locked away in this forsaken land.” I asked him teeming with curiosity.

“Yer’ gonna get yerself in a lot of trouble lad. Meddlin’ in the affairs of the gods and what not.” He lifted the heavy hammer in his hand. “I was the one they had forge the original staff. I chose to defy Marta. Givin’ her husband the staff. I knew it was a bad idea, the damn thing wasn’t meant to be wielded. It requires a catalyst. It’s meant to channel power not wield it! The stupid codger didn’t understand that!”

“Got me thrown into this god fersaken pit forevermore. Look at me! I’m skin an bone! If ye hadn’t come along when ye did I might not have lasted another millennium. You’ve my gratitude lad. My forge is yers to use.” To think the gods themselves would exile their kin.

“Is there any way to free you from these chains?” Kacmus shook his head.

“Only the power of a god can truly break these chains. Besides I ave nowhere to go lad. I’ve got maybe one more forging in me, give me your staff… I’ll make it shine bright just as it did long ago.” He sounded very lethargic when he spoke.

I wasted no time handing over the pieces to the deity. His decrepit hands still held strong to that hammer. Heating up the pieces one by one reforging the staff, walking over to his mighty anvil hammering out each piece connecting the staff together as a whole.

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It felt as if it were hours had passed watching the master craftsman doing what he did best. Like watching a seamstress creating the perfect gown for a princess on her wedding day. He placed the jagged staff into a vat of water to quench the pieces, the sheer power that emanated in this room was astounding.

“There’s but one more thing ye must do fer me lad...I dun want to be forgin blades in this realm anymore. The staff needs an energy source to work lad. Use mine, I know what yer plannin; and I know ye’ve got good intention. But just know sometimes the best of intentions puts ye in the worst of trouble.” The god laughed hoarsely. I pulled the staff from the water holding it in hand.

It was as if the staff itself was leeching the very life from me as I held it. “Why? Why give your life up to someone you’ve only just met?” I asked him.

“I’ve lived for many millennia, I’ve done more with my life than a puny mortal like yerself could ever imagine! I dun want to be forgin weapons for wars, forgin weapons is all I know. If I’m gonna be forgin I want it to be out of want not out of necessity. An in case ye haven’t noticed, this place is a bit of a dump.” His words rang through my head like a belfry bell.

“What do I do?” I asked the old god.

“I need ye to take the end of it. An jam it into my heart; that way the very soul will entrap in the staff, fuelin it’s power. That’s why there’s the point at the end. Think of it like a catch for life force.” I took the staff in hand and pointed the butt end of it toward him.

“Go on an do it already! Before I change my mind!” My hands shook but tightened around the pole, as I charged into him slamming it-

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-into his chest. When it made that sickening sound of penetrating flesh the staff began to react. Veins through the staff glowed red all the way up to the hook of the staff. Magnificent, simply magnificent it was! Kacmus’s body shriveled and crumpled over on the ground. His heavy chains lay with him, it was truly a noble sacrifice for a god. To grant his boon to someone such as myself, was unheard of.

“Baba! I have what I need, return me home once again!” I shouted through the forge, in hopes the old woman had not fooled me, no sooner did I call out did that voice ring in my head.

“Baba hears! No need to shout for me!” The old hag pulled herself from the vortex once again. “So I see you have fulfilled your duties in this realm. Now you must fulfill your purpose in the realm of Terra child… Baba will bring you to where you must be.” The two of us walked into the swirling blue vortex and I found myself in a desolate scenery.

It was a barren cliff side, the sun was setting… A truly perfect place to which I could begin my true conquest. I look to the cliffs and opposite was shifting sands, out from the shifting sands looked like there was a pedestal; waiting for something to be placed upon it.

“Baba must be going now, this is time when Baba leaves, Baba doesn’t wish to be part of this war. Baba is only the overseer of the thread of fate.” Walking off into a blue vortex once again. Fleeing the scene that was about to unfurl.

I held the staff in hand. There are no words for the immense power I feel holding it! It was as if nothing could stop me, as if I had the power of the gods themselves! I hurried myself over to the pedestal. The sands of the bladed desert whipped around me, obscuring my vision but that would not stop me. Not while I was so close! I made my way up the stairs to the slightly closed out area when I heard a vexatious sound… Those blasted fools had heard of my return!

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How long it had been since I had left I do not know, but it would appear Kurt had certainly recovered from his wounds.

`“Uldrach! You have gone too far! We will stop your madness once and for all!” The fools; they stood before me in defiance. As if their power would be enough to stop one second to the gods themselves!

“Fools! You stand before your messiah! I have cast aside the accursed name of the one called Holngrim and bestowed my own! I am Astor! Son of Avarial Lacerda of the House Lacerda! I am the one that will bring this planet peace!”

“I am your lord, you will bow down to me. Defy your maker and give fealty to the one who shall bring forth a peace like no other!” I shouted to the very heavens in defiance of their god! With every word I spoke I stepped backward to the pedestal. “Watch as I unleash the true power of the gods!” I jammed the staff into the placement. When I did a flash of bright green energy shot forth from the ground beneath me.

I could feel myself ascending! Haha! I was ascending!! It finally has begun! The power surged through my body as the earth itself began to shift and take shape to my very will. The three tried to push forward and break the energy field that enveloped the staff and myself only to be jettisoned backward by a powerful force. The sands parted for me, turning to stone and bones began to rise from the sands below, the area began to shift and change. Below me the fools scampered off through the desert trying to escape the changing earth below them.

The very skies themselves were blotted out by my power! The clouds blackened and the skies darkened, a whole bloody kingdom was at my fingertips in the matter of moments. The castle rose up around me! Built of the stone, shell and bones, walls began to pull up around the-

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-castle, buildings sprang forth from the ground and manifest through the place. The whole keep seemed to float in the air! It was splendid. The placement where the staff sat was at the core of the building closed off by a powerful magic, it was high time that I begin my spread of pestilence upon this world.

Finally showing them who the true god was. Inside my walls of my citadel vast dead began to pull from the sands, both great and small. Creatures of all sizes coming back to life, my sanctuary was truly beautiful in all senses of the word. My first conquest was to be Gul-Tanoth. Reclaim the deserts in the name of my people, my forces will saturate the battlefields. There is not a single soul on this planet that can defy my power… In a matter of an hour’s time I had a fully built sanctuary, it’s defenses were growing stronger every passing minute, magical barriers; sentinels, guardians.

Certainly the most interesting was the ones that chose to follow me so willingly. Given safe haven within the walls of my home. It was strange, when I was within these walls I felt safe again. That feeling of relief washed over me as I once felt when I was young.

I began to test my strengths within the confines of these walls; it was as if my power when I was within the confines of my sanctuary. The ability to command armies of dead legions without any distress to my body. The ability to rain hell from the skies above with the wave of a hand, raising the earth to provide protection of myself.

I felt invincible. Not a damned soul could dare touch me now! I decided to set forth out into the world and start my march on the major kingdoms. But a being such as myself would require a vessel to carry me through. It would make the most sense for the Harbinger to come upon the wings of death itself. I called forth a creature from below, a rotting chimera suited my-

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travels just fine. A membrane like substance spread over it’s bony wings, black oozing from it’s maws. I climbed atop the creature’s back and followed forth with the trudging tireless army.

Our first city we came across was Gul-Tanoth the largest desert city in all of the Bladed Desert. The masses of undead burst through their sandstone gates with little efforts. The larger taking lead in the destruction of the walls. I with staff in hand took to the skies above watching overhead as the people of this underdeveloped city took refuge in their homes. Setting down in the city I began making my way through downtown. The screams of anguish from the slaughtered were like hymns of the choir. Soon, they would join me in peace once and for all.

“I come seeking the head of your fine town!” I called out to anyone that would dare to answer. “The three major houses!” Was all I heard from the fleeing people; fleeing from the jaws of the ravenous undead.

I stepped through town, over the bodies that have yet to turn until I found the three houses spoke of. The house of knights, House of Cards, and House of Magi. Taking the staff I blasted the first door open,

“Anyone home? I’m looking for your leader.” I hollered to them, the house of knights was near empty. A shame too, I was hoping there wouldn’t have to be a need to speak with the others. By the time I had finished investigating the great house, I was met by three people; a human, an elf and a gnome.

“We are the triad that run this city. Cease this senseless slaughter and surrender quietly.”

Me to surrender? They did not know just what they were dealing with.

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“Gentleman. Let me tell you how this shall go. You are to surrender your city to me, and to swear fealty to your new messiah. Those who defy my will shall be executed! And those who are executed are to be raised as thralls to serve under me henceforth! Make your decision, bow before your new lord.” I loved it; I loved the absolute power I have. The control over life and death itself. Part of me wants to see them defy my law! To turn them inside out, to rend the flesh from their bodies!

But to my disappointment they bowed to my will. But… That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t make example of them at least. There is no need for four people to run a single city. There is only need for myself. I took the human by the throat with a spectral hand slowly crushing his airway.

“Stop! We said we pledged our lives to you!” The elf pleaded.

“I know, and you must be conditioned to become worthy of this place, you are a foothold for my sanctuary. My people must be strong, where you are lacking. A sickening snap followed by a limp body dropped to the ground, looking at the two with a maddening smile.

“Come now, serve your messiah even in death. You have much purpose; prove yourselves worthy...” I held out my other hand, the gnome’s body stiffening, rigidly his hand began to pull forth a knife.

“Excellent my child, do my bidding, spill the elf’s blood. Only then will you truly be free of these bindings.

“Don’t do it Ormin!” The elf pulled his rod forth readying a spell.

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“What troubles you dear elf? Do you feel it? The beating of your heart? The fear that brings you that much closer to true life? Look upon my face and see what true judgment is!” The gnome springing forth stabbing him in the back, using his knife to pull himself up the elf’s body. Crimson staining the sands of the desert; the gnome slit the elves’ throat letting him bleed out like a sacrificial lamb. Only to turn the blade upon himself, jamming it into his gut. I remember so very fondly that smile he gave back to me as he disemboweled himself. I hung their mangled corpses on the entrance arch as a warning to any that dare defy my power.

My army occupied the desert city, there were many more cities to go. I have much work to do! I stepped up onto my beast like chariot. I knew this was a treacherous journey, no doubt the gods were already working against me in defiance of my power. Over the next several days on my travel through the continent I amassed yet again another army to follow forth. The plains were certainly a perfect place for a person like myself to find bodies, be they animal or otherwise. I also began to graft the dead together to create larger undead for destroying the fortifications easier. Becoming butchers as well as constructing catapults from bones and sinew to hurl boulders.

I returned to the city of Durastia, “Leave no one alive my children!” I commanded. Letting forth my hand forward, the catapults began to heave back to jettison the boulders into the wall. The undead pulled the levers unleashing the stones into the air smashing the walls of the city. Even the guard towers! How jubilant I was to finally exact my vengeance upon this wretched town. The dead continued their onslaught outside the city, the town guard holding off the horde.

I watched as my onslaught continued, the sounds of everyone’s screams seemed to dissipate; the sounds of fighting all disappeared. I could hear a choir singing a beautiful hymn. It was spectacular, the walls finally crumbled beneath its weight as the horde trudged through the-

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-broken walls and began to slaughter every living being they could find. I made my way to the castle with great haste, placing the staff on my back and summoning forth the blade I had once used against my own brother. I had unfinished business in this city, and I intended to fix that.

I know I went too far in this escapade. But this was my pinnacle, when people finally began to see me for more than just a freak! When the guards would come into my range, all it would take is a swing of the mighty blade, to either blast them back if they guarded; or they were split in two by the demonic strength of the blade itself. It’s jagged edges drenched in blood, never had I felt so focused in my life. I approached the castle met with the lord’s elite guards, I knew it wouldn’t be so easy to defeat; perhaps if I caged a few and took them on in lesser numbers it would be a smarter idea.

I scanned about the room seeing there were six of them beginning to surround me. A true test of my power indeed, pulling forth a bone cage from the earth trapping two of the soldiers behind thick finger like bones.

The men tried to break through the thick bone halting their attack only to come up fruitless, I took it upon myself to start with the other four, feeling quite daring. I gripped the blade with both hands charging head on with one of the guards, testing just how powerful it could be I channeled my energy into the blade once again. Hues of red and black swirled around the blade, I took a wide swing of the blade unleashing a wave of energy at the men knocking two of them over with the sheer power of the blast. I could not help but laugh at just how pitiful they looked taking on their savior; how absolutely foolish it was.

“Resist all you like, you will meet the same fate as your comrades.” Charging the one standing up, Stabbing right through the bloody shield! Magnificent! Simply perfect how-

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-deviously sharp the bone was. To be able to puncture such finely crafted steel, I lifted him slightly off the ground. His weight sinking him further on the blade, the jagged teeth on the blade cutting through his flesh leaving a sizeable pool of blood beneath the blade.

I flicked him from the blade letting his body curl upon the floor. It wouldn’t take much time for him to come back, by the time the two got back up I was ready again. Stabbing the sword into the ground letting a crack beneath open forth a geyser that blasted an acrid smoke like substance from the ground, it were as if it drained the water from their bodies, gripping their armor gasping for air, collapsing on the ground. I pulled up my robe covering my face walking away from them. Their previous friend freshly risen comrade looked at the two in the cage, still holding his blade in hand.

Slamming it against his shield thrice! “Go my child, bring them to your side once again, reunite with your brethren.” The smirk I had positively dripped like venom. It was all too perfect. I ventured further into the castle and found myself face to face with the lord of this dismal kingdom. I banished the blade and brought forth a more suiting blade, a long thin bone coming to what would look like fairly close to a needle point, the handle to it held together by sinew and leather like skin.

“I’ve waited a long time for this you old codger. You are the reason this all started. Your people are the reason the cogs of fate set into motion.”

Pointing the vicious blade at the man, he pulled his estoc from it’s sheath; it’s point staring me down. He wasted no time whatsoever to close that gap, lunging forward at me with such vile hatred. The bone blade almost seemed to react upon its own volition, parrying the lunge just barely enough to scrape across my face, leaving a long slice along the side of my head. His-

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-blade had a slight hue of red to it. “My point.” He smirked. The wretch treated this as if it was a game. If that is how he is I am sure I will take great pleasure in destroying him.

“I will take great pleasure in taking this throne from you. Just as your people took away my very life.” The gray haired man looked at me, throwing aside his ruffled shirt, his body showed he was still very much still physically fit. His hair though gray was short and slicked back, a bit of a thick mustache on his lip, and brown eyes that were hellbent on my eradication.

The man flung himself forth once again blade against blade; eye to eye. “Why fight what is coming old man? Why not relinquish the position and live out your life?”

The patriarch laughed jumping backward. “Ha! You truly are mad, Black Dog. Do you really think I would let a rabid beast like you take my home? To murder my people without any sort of punishment for what you’ve done!?” His blade he held it up horizontally and ran his hand over the blade, as it glowed brightly. “You’re not the only one who’s had ‘special training’. I was blessed by the gods themselves! This blade will be your very downfall Dark Seraph!” He swung the blade letting beams of concentrated light fling from it, the first one I barely escaped from. Leaving a large scorch mark down my arm, dropping my sword on the ground, I had to run. This did not bode well.

The mad man swung that blade violently; his life trulyt depended on it. Running, ducking, and rolling away. I had to get to my sword, my minions even when they came forth into the room one simple swipe of that beam and they were torched like moth’s in a campfire. I truly didn’t see much of a way to get out of this with any honor considering just how treacherous this had become. I pulled the staff from my back and created a small enclosure of energy around the man. Small enough he could not swing his pretty little blade. As I approached him I couldn’t help but smile.

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“Face it. You’ve lost. You fought valiantly, but your life is forfeit. But don’t worry, you’ll be ruling this place once more. You will be my very first Patriarchal puppet. Clenching my hand shrunk down the energy dome pulling the oxygen from the encasement.

So beautiful was the sight of the struggle. Striking and stabbing at the dome trying to free himself. The pitiful king suffocated within the encasement, laying on the ground; his heart though strong as an ox was not strong enough to take the trauma. I released the spell and walked over to him, his heart barely beating. Grabbing him by the throat and lifted him to his feet, squeezing the very last beats of his valiant heart. Dropping his lifeless corpse to the ground, his crown rolled away from his body. slowly I walked over picking up the crown and began to imbue the crown itself.

The color of the metal contorted to a more rust color, the base melded spike like points. Raising his body up, I dragged him over to his throne. Setting him back into his seat, I lodged the crown onto his head. The spikes stabbing into his head, blood drawing down his face, his brown eyes turning a milky blue color. His fingers grabbed the throne with an anguished howl.

“Call out to your people Cortahn. Tell them the war is over.” I could barely contain myself; such a victory, watching this old man having become my puppet. When my eyes closed I could see through his, as if going from my body into his. No strings, no messy anything. It was magnificent.

Cortahn slowly walked over to his window in his home, shouting out to those who may still live. “My people! Do not fear these creatures, they are here to bring about salvation! Embrace your death and become part of the solution!”

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I did not care, what happened from there; I have them under my thumb. Walking out of the castle I was met by a man.

“Well look who it is… It’s the freak; that kid that sent his mom to the loony bin. Don’t you remember me?” The stranger sounded oddly familiar. Though I hated that word. I humored this; if only for the moment.

“Truly bold words for someone who’s death is close at hand.” The man laughed.

“Trust me when I say this, you’re going to need more than just your dead friends to spread your word. Why not trust someone? I’ve seen you’ve grown into more of anything than any of the dead beats around here. You’re not just ruler of a country, but you’ve set your eyes on a much bigger prize! I know we’ve had some serious issues when we were kids. But know I meant no ill will behind it. We were just kids being kids.”

It was a dangerous gamble on my part, but at the same time he had a very valid point. “And just what could you possibly give to help the masses.” I simply put.

“Just think about this for a minute, you can easily kill me, there’s no getting around that. But if you want people to actually listen to you, you need people like me to help back you up. Otherwise you’re going to be ruler of a realm of dead people. I am a very persuasive person. I can talk to the masses, I’ve seen how the pastors and priests do it. I grew up to be a peddler, a purveyor of baubles and bangles for goodness sakes. I can talk, people will listen. And I’m not too shabby with a knife, catch my drift?”

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His voice aggravated me so… But I couldn’t turn down an offer like this. “Think not that you are my equal. I can easily dispatch you at any point should you turn down my orders. Are we clear on this? I have no patience for insubordination nor do I tolerate it. Hold this and report to me from each city. I expect results, lest you betray me I will find you. I own this planet… And not a damned soul can stop me!” The ratty man looked at me as if I was daft.

“Yeah. Look you can’t be doing that, you gotta make yourself look a little more, what’s the word. Diplomatic, if you go into places and just kill people you’re not gonna get anywhere!”

“Before I part where are the others. The ones that joined in your tomfoolery when we were younger.” The man looked at me,

“Well Harold was killed by your servants. Killed while fleeing I might add. Elizabeth was hung on a pike, as for Korbin he’s hiding somewhere in here. As for ol’ Abel here I’m glad to be of some use to you.”

I was quite surprised by just how compliant someone becomes when they know their life is on the line. “Bring me stragglers. I do not care if they’re weak, strong, young, old. I do not care. Bring me bodies. Dead or alive.” Abel looked at me as if I was insane.

“So let me get this straight. You want me to bring you bodies. Alive or dead.” It mattered not.

“Alive preferred, but dead if they’re intact.” I swear I could see the shiver go up his spine, to see fear struck with such simple words. Soon afterward I took my leave of this place. I had important plans to tend to, but considering how much it would take of-

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-me I returned to the citadel to rest up. With my staff in hand I was unstoppable; anything was within my grasp should I desire it bad enough.

I returned to the citadel and I took the mask placing it slowly over my face. As my thoughts began to dissipate, I stared at the blackness behind my eyelids. Why was I cursed to never feel things that normal people would? Why must I stare so hard just to try and emulate what they feel. Why they feel it. As I arose for another day I walked to my window to be greeted by the sun, yet the sun seemed to be filling the skies with a burnt orange color, the clouds in the skies were smoky colored much like smoke from a bonfire. It must be the winds of change happening through all of this. It was a wonderful day ahead of me, my gift awaited me below. I just knew it. I made haste down into the dungeons to find a worn out Abel with a barely alive gentleman on a wagon.

“It ain’t easy doin your work sir!” And yet I was slightly disappointed that he did so, especially in such a fast manner. I would have taken such pleasure in using him as my first test. A stocky built man severe head trauma. Surprisingly had survived the travels here. I did tell him alive or dead so I suppose he did do as asked.

I strapped the man to a stone slab in the dungeon, with thick cuts of leather. Down so hard there was no chance for him to believe if he woke up he may escape his fate.

“Come with me.” I motioned to Abel. “Since you’ve proven you can get the job done, get it done fast, and efficiently. I will accommodate your needs for this mission.” Walking us into a large pitted room that seemed to be full of nothing but bones, rotting bones, burnt bones, bones picked clean by creatures. I wove them together in creation of walking cages. Large scale to fit even a young giant inside and just as strong too. Sinew and tendons stretched over the bones to provide ample movement of the monstrosities.

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The man covered his nose in repulsion at the abhorrent stench that ensued. What I did not understand is what was so wretched about it? I suppose after working around it for so long you become scent blind to these things.

“I expect more, there is plenty of room for collection of dead and alive, you will have a means to link here now with this you will be anchored to the citadel henceforth. You will travel villages, to cities, to metropolis! I don’t care where you go, bring me as many as you can!” It was clear in Abel’s eyes that he saw the madness within me growing. My own threading was coming unraveled; mother everything I do, I do in hopes to show the world that criminals deserve to be punished.

“Begone! I have much work to do!” I cast him off to his task as I returned to my subject; listening to his labored breathing. His heart barely beating anymore. Bruises on his face showed he put up quite a fight before he went down. Touching his head there was serious indent into his skull showing he was most likely bleeding into his brain at this point. To put this poor soul out of his misery would be a merciful thing to do.

Hopefully with this new means to encapture I will get more lively guests… Nevertheless I got straight to work; pulling out several tools and stabbed the man square in the chest. The blood pooled beneath him and followed the divot in the stone into a pool down below, truly a clever function if you ask me, it makes for this work so much easier.

It was at this point I began to segment the body, piece by piece. Removing the arms at the sockets, same with his legs. Removing his head at the base of the spinal cord. Slowly I slit down his chest cavity, very little blood beginning to pool up since the stab wound had been rerouting a lot of it, as well as the arms and legs. The man was very lithe, not a lot of muscle mass or fat. Perhaps a peasant that was barely making ends meet. I pitied the soul, his body would be put to much better use in my hands than to live a life of mediocrity.

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I tore his ribcage apart like you would with any type of shellfish cracking the exoskeleton. The cracking sounds echoed through the quiet dimly lit room. My hands eagerly plunging into the corpse, like a child would with a pile of leaves, jumping in with no fears. I began to pull forth his organs, weighing them, inspecting them, checking for anomalies. It was beautiful in it’s own way; how these flesh like bags work in unison to make this body function. All of this possible because of that puny head of his too. Without the central core this body would be just as useless as a skeleton. Well a skeleton not in the hands of any type of necromancer.

His heart was grazed at the left giving a wide slice through it, hence why his bleeding was so profuse. It would appear the heart cannot function without the brain and the brain cannot function without the heart. It would seem that in order for the whole body to work they are both necessary in order to survive. In basic necromancy the creature has to have lived; as for a zombie reanimation they need to have some semblance of a brain to live. Otherwise the synapse will not fire and generate life again. Zombies seem to be just a little more tiresome since they’re so frail… Same with skeletons.

But...What if I could construct something stronger; something that wouldn’t be taken down so easily. Perhaps if I splice animal parts with living beings…

That is something for another day though. I feel as if my time has been running terribly thin these days and I must prepare myself for the end of days. One of these days will be the undoing of one of us dear brother. I promise you, you’ll see father soon enough...Heheheheheh...

Epilogue: Full Circle

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Hello oh diary; it’s been...I don’t know how long it’s been since we’ve last spoken. I’ve been so busy with my studies I neglected you. Dear me I am so sorry. But onto what I have been doing. I have been going on with my experiments, the man would bring me many different types of people, big ones, small ones, females, males. Never children. Children are innocent… Pure. I began bringing forth parts of demons as well as animals from the wild. Tearing them apart and implanting them into the people to see reactions in the body. Some took well to the implantation; others rejected it almost immediately. The human body was a fascinating machine and it was my playground.

I began to get more creative with my monstrosities, giving them dagger like teeth, apex qualities, Making their nails and fingers exceptionally long and sharp precision to tear through their targets like tissue. It took me months upon months to create my first true creation. A beautiful child born of my umbral womb. Stone gray skin, eyes black and devoid, long dagger like fingers, and agility that was second to that of an assassin’s. He was perfect, he was my creation my child in a sense. Is this pride? That strange feeling of success?

Given the speed of his hands I bestowed upon him knowledge of the arcane. Giving him the power of illusion to further mesmerize his victims before they were cut down where they stood. It was not long before the dungeons were too small to house these beautiful miscreated monsters of mine. It wasn’t long before I set my sights on the city of Baroque. It was a new up and coming city in which the technology had long since surpassed most cities. In it’s small time in existence it was already beyond that of the city Kluoch. They had a perfect setting for this sort; and where else could one harbor such monstrosities without as much detection than beneath a city and within a spire within the city itself.

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My world was to become a beautiful one at that. Even if I have to kill every person in existence for it to come true. All will see the world for what it truly is. All will bow before me as their hero. Time prattled forward as four more of these beasts were created; a monk of great strength and skill, an archer with accuracy unsurpassed, a beast master that could heed the call of nature to do their bidding and an assassin, cold hearted and agile.

Five were given hold of the base of operations, deeming it the “Devil’s Laboratory”. Over the months the five have taken to it as their home, helping the spire to grow in size as well as to create more of their disfigured brethren.

My business was yet still unfinished, though the world bowed to my feet there were still people out there whom did so defy my will. It would be my duty to go to these countries and make sure they are to bow. My first place I would set off to would be the motherland of Ilyanth, the place where my mother was born. Where my birth rites were stolen from me from the bastard of a father I once knew.

High up in the mountains of Ilyanth was a kingdom by the name of Etraesea, that was to be my next stop. I made no waste in time to call forth a winged beast of burden to bring myself there with great haste.

Eight days of travel it took me to get there; seeing a birds eye view of these countries being deconstructed before my eyes and reverted back into primitive states was almost too much for me to take. The smell of burning wood and bodies up in the skies, the obscuring smoke was pitiable since it made difficult the sights. I eventually found myself high up on the mountains of Ilyanth, the frost was unbearable up here, at such high altitudes it was almost impossible to breathe.

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As I entered the castle walls I covered my head in shame to see the people of my ancestry. I knew they would spurn me were I to ask them outright. My gaze veering to both sides, muscular built canines, wielding sizeable poleaxes and blades. Their armor was like a thick leather, bolstered but moveable; probably in order to allow them to swing such colossal weapons with greater dexterity.

I was escorted to the throne by two royal guards; sitting upon the throne was a younger man, piercing yellow eyes… The resemblance of mother was certainly striking. Avarial you certainly had a strong bloodline, full of family that truly knew what loyalty was.

I approached the throne bowing before them as would any ambassador. “Just who comes before the courts, we did not lower our barriers, and only those whom are citizens of Etraesea are able to pass through.” The voice was pompous and surely pulled rank in this frigid castle.

For the sake of mother’s honor; for family traditions. I went about this in a more conventional sense. “Good Duke of Etraesea, I come in search of my roots, I am one known as Astor Lacerda. My mother was Avarial-” The man stopped my words.

“That name is forbidden in this country, she was exiled from this place for the dilution of our people as well as disobeying direct orders from her father. I am one known as Bazel. I am son of Avarial’s dear sister Yulia. Since your mother was exiled from this country my mother took her rightful place as Duchess. It wasn’t long before I was old enough to become the next Duke.” His voice was condescending Every word dripped with his ‘holier than thou’ attitude.

“Remove your cowl and show me your face boy. I wish to see whom I speak to.” Without so much as a second guess I pulled down my hood showing my lineage to the man before me. “Well, well, well... You’re the half breed that whore had spawned. Which now chooses to sully-

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-our name. How dare you show your face in these hallowed halls foul beast!” He sprang from that throne as if floating on air. His axe flung pulled from his back as he readied it.

“I’ll take great pleasure in eradicating you from this plane of existence half breed...”

It was at that point I learned that in order to negotiate I would have to negotiate with my life. Thinking on my feet I summoned forth an ethereal rapier.

“What do you hope to accomplish by ending my life? If the Brotherhood could not snuff me what makes you think you can?” Bazel seemed intent on destroying what was left of the cursed bloodline once known as ‘Solomon’.

That axe came out swinging just as quickly as it appeared, but my movements were just as swift. I would have to be; otherwise I’d have lost my head in that first swing.

When I moved out of the way I could feel the wind whisk by my body. He pulled back from his attack and stared down that edge at me.

“Do not tell me you are the one who has slung this world into a blight like this! You impudent mongrel! Do you have any idea what you have done to unbalance the world in such a way!?”

Though his words cut as sharp as his axe did; I didn’t feel any remorse for what has transpired. “And if I am that person?” I simply stated.

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“Dear cousin, I cannot fathom the stupidity that you have unleashed upon this world. You have unleashed a hell on this planet that will rip it asunder!” Bazel was all too busy prattling on about the state of this world; now of all times he calls me Cousin?

After all of what I have been through? When he knows me as the true messiah of this world? How pathetic.

“I suspect you don’t think I know any of this? You think I care what happens to this world? Not that it is any business to you. But I am fully aware of the consequences of this. I am going to bring this world to its knees and you. Are going to help me.”

Bazel seemed to think I was jesting! The poor fool laughed as if it were so. “Bazel, you are the closest thing I have to family. Most normal people go say you must help those whom are your family. If you are to do so I will honor my word in leaving your kingdom in peace. But you are to protect the citadel with your forces.” I held out my hand as a way to show my honesty in my words. The man looked at me apprehensively, placing his axe upon his back.

“I know what you’ve done in this world cousin. I know of all your wicked deeds. Though you are not a brother by direct lineage you are still part of this clan. You have in many ways proven your ferocity in battle. Even though you do not fight as we do you have proven you are just as fierce as even the strongest of our warriors.”

I looked at the man with bemusement. Just a few moments before he was wishing my death; but for me to hear he’s been following me like this? It is a strangely satisfying feeling knowing there are those who watch you from so very far. May even admire your work in some sense.

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“I think though your admiration is merely out of worry for what will become of your people.” I tried to explain to the simple man, only to get silenced once more. “No cousin. This is no simple fear; for centuries Etraesea has been looked down upon and hidden away with such feeble morals in means to show fealty to other countries. With a leader like yourself at our side nothing can stop us from growing stronger dear brother. In return for your assistance I will swear my troops to your cause henceforth. Any resources we have are yours to control. What say you?” He held out his hand so very sure of himself and his decisions.

Was he to be trusted? Could I trust anyone? Why should I trust him, the only thing telling me to do so is the simple fact he is my mother’s sister’s son. I had to take that leap of faith, something in my gut told me that the Brotherhood would be back one day soon for vengeance. I knew I must be prepared for anything. I grabbed his wrist in affirmation giving him a cold stare down.

“Know this, dare you cross blades with me; you will rue the day.” Letting go of him I looked about the throne room.

“How many troops do you have? How readily available are they?” I asked him without any hesitation. His words were just as quick as my own when I fired off the questions. “We have ten battalions and some of the finest airships in the entirety of Terra IV. No one will ever stand a chance against these beasts.”

Air ships; I wasn’t quite sure what strange technology this daft leader had but if it was enough to give me an advantage I would certainly not turn it away.

“Take me to these… Airships. If you would.” I asked most stoic. He and two of his royal guards escorted me into the docking bays of his kingdom. My eyes did so peer upon majesty-

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-unlike anything I had seen. Odors of sulfur was strong in the air as well as these strange gaseous bubbles held up ships in the air. How imaginative it was, and how simplistic a design even! Perhaps I shall take these designs later on and construct my own.

“They are equipped with specialized cannons only found in this kingdom, out engineer calls them Etherite cannons.”

Etherite cannons? Now what could that entail? “The Etherite cannons take a precious mineral stored deep within Terra and they put it to great use. The glory of the stuff is that it’s a malleable source it can be used for fuel as well as weaponry. It takes to the energies around it. If it’s dropped in a fire it will be charged with fire energy, if left dormant in it’s earthen home it’s an earth Etherite. If struck by lightning it’s electrically charged. The possibilities are endless m’lord!”

I looked to the eager gnomish engineer that seemed to work for my family and couldn’t help but crack a smirk.

“Can this material be turned into weaponry? Or even armors? I mean if it is as versatile as you say I am sure we can put it to even more uses.”

The gnome seemed disappointed; “We haven’t tested it that far yet M’lord, if you wish us to begin research we will do so.” He looked to my cousin in lineage, and he gave him the nod in confirmation. Moments later the man scrambled off into the dimly lit hangar.

“Come Dear Astor, was it? You must ride upon the wings of Natascha. She is our swiftest ship and by far our most deadly of them all.”

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To think I would be working with someone as snide and as underhanded as myself. I would have to keep an arm’s length at all times, never sleep fully; and most definitely never put the Oneiromancer’s mask on around him. Lest I lull into a false sense of security. He cannot be trusted, nor can anyone else for that matter; no matter what they say!

I stepped upon a rather sleek looking ship compared to the others in the hangar. It was made of a very light metal from what I could tell. Lighter than steel but sturdy enough to be able to hold a crew of men and still fly. This one here also didn’t have the bubble atop of it. Instead it seemed to have sails like a normal ship would as well as a strange means to keep this one afloat.

“Natascha is a state of the art aircraft. She has an energy based propulsion system as well as several propellers to keep her in the sky. The sails are there in order to cut down on fuel costs for use. She comes with a lower deck that you can drop ether bombs from above.”

Ether bombs, propellers, propulsion. So many words I’ve never had to use or hear in my life. So many things I truly did not care much about. But; If I was to remain ahead of it all I must remain in tune with everything around me. I could not be left behind. So I listened very carefully to his words and his reactions to everything happening.

We slowly pulled from the hangar and began to float off into the skies, the roar of the engines was near deafening. But that was the price to be paid for science I suppose. I held onto the railing of the ship as it flew through the skies with such ease, never had I traveled so quickly without the aid of teleportation! This was incredible! With these ships at my side the Brotherhood would be no match for my forces.

He showed me just how his bombs worked, watching barrels of this material be dropped upon sites, watching the cataclysmic reaction when it hit the surface. It was strong and it was-

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-brutish, but I feel it could certainly be refined. Perhaps dropping spells through it. Enchanted jars with curses or perhaps even worse. Maybe even dropping barrels of deadly toxins into river sources. It would make for a quicker genocide of the weak.

By the time he was finished demonstrating the power of his weaponry we had turned back and made our way back into port.

“I will hope to make great use of this vehicle soon, there are several countries that need to fall in line before my reign is supreme.” Bazel nodded almost too eagerly listening to my words.

“But of course dear cousin, use what you must. I am more than happy to assist a comrade in need.

It’s been a week now in the kingdom of Etraesea, and I feel; I feel like my mind is beginning to slip. Many of my thoughts are muddled with paranoia these days. I almost can’t even sleep at night because I fear someone will stick me in my slumber. I will only eat if someone tests it first. It’s getting to be a bit, out of hand if you will. I fear my grip on reality is slowly being gnawed at by these words in my head.

It was dawn once again, I had been readied to bid Bazel farewell, it was an interesting feeling to go back to my roots and to reconnect with my cousin.. I do suppose that is what he would be. A most powerful ally to have though is what I desired and exactly as I have attained. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months as the progress of making these once prosperous cities into wastelands continued to take place. Magic soon was strictly forbidden in this realm; eventually I began to listen to the words that were clawing away at my sanity. I began to scry;

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listening to the deranged thoughts of others all the while. So many people held such animosity for me. So many people loathed my very existence. Just as many others were even plotting my imminent demise. I cannot stand it anymore, something will be done.

After several days of planning I think I came up with a plan to suit such cowardly tactics from these bloody beings. Over time I had been studying this strange black crystal I had came across during my travels; I have taken to calling it a Pravum crystal, a corruption crystal. It seems to be a dominion crystal of sorts; not in the sense of a dominion rod but it’s the crystal that controls the other crystals and can detect them within the planet.

So far in my time I’ve been studying its effects on animals, it has interesting effects on the body itself, skin turns clammy and pale, eyes seem to rot out of the head and the host eventually becomes rabid. In rats small shards of the crystal form within their body and sprout on their back, their bodies twisting and contorting into something completely new and bizarre from what it once was. I will have to investigate this further with humanoids soon enough.

In my time as the rightful ruler of this planet I have sought fame, fortune, everything a normal person dreams of and wants. Yet all I desire is to know what happiness feels like again. What love is, what sadness is. Why? Why does this plague me so. What could I have done different to make my father love my mother and treat me differently?

Maybe if I wasn’t a miscreated being father would have actually loved me. Mother would not have to hide me from the world around us. Maybe then father would not have beaten her to the point of killing her right before my eyes. And this song, the accursed song my mother sung me as a boy still haunts my very soul. Such pain comes flooding back even just from a couple of notes played. Is this a sign that my time has come? To be toppled by such a beautifully sad song? Haunted by ghosts from my past. Sometimes I wonder when my demise finally comes, will I-

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-ever see mother again. With all the misdeeds I have done on this planet. All of these things will come to pass, as one day I will answer for everything that has happened.

Days turned to weeks and weeks into months as time seemed to trudge on. My research of these Pravum crystals has been most fruitful especially with humans. It would appear it creates a dementia in most, some have been seen to have flown into a rage at several weeks of exposure. After a few days the skin starts to darken and turn lichenous, the eyes eventually rot right from the host’s head and are replaced by these orbs of pink.

Soon through some form of gestation the skin turns black and inside of the body another crystal begins to grow. It’s truly fascinating that the body becomes a shell for the crystal, eventually the host can no longer move, as the bones crystalize, protruding through the black weakened skin the innards are eventually putrified and become a black sludge. The body becomes unstable when the crystal matures enough to plant into the ground and the body will degrade into the ground and either turn into a sludge and dissipate or into ashes and be scattered to the winds.

I had many hopes with these creatures but it would appear they are far too volatile to contain or even control. After a certain point there is no point in keeping them, at least perhaps I thought. It was so simple! Wrap these monstrosities with explosive runes around their bodies… Makeshift bombs, they hunt, they attack the unassuming.

Depending on what they were in life it apparently changed them entirely when they started their metamorphosis, cut throats would become skilled assassin like creatures, bandits would turn into berserked monsters that would slay anything that stood in their way. Half breeds or even giants for that matter turned into though less intelligent creatures their strength is unmatched.

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As the months passed the sun eventually began to blot from the skies, leaving the world in a perpetual darkness. Turning a sickly yellow-green color the sun seemed as if it has been drained of its entirety, I can feel it coming. The final moments I had wished for; for so very long, the end of the gods themselves. The end of all of humanity, I will reign as the harbinger of this world’s demise. Let this putrid world die in a torrent of fire rained forth from the skies above! All people deserve to die! For what they have done, what they plan to do!

This world is full of filth and disgusting people. I cannot fathom how these poor fools could live with themselves with how they treat each other!

Mother, Why does this song haunt me, why did you leave me behind like this! All these years I resented you for leaving me alone like this! I became second to the gods themselves only to be spurned even now from your love. Father hated me, you must have hated me too; to have left a young boy all alone in this cruel uncaring world.

Forgive me please mother. It is hard for your little boy to take this any longer. Even now I can hear them approaching, I can hear the darkness within slowly taking away what little wits I have left of me. I don’t know how much more my body can take.

As I write this I can hear the sounds of anger outside, these words are hurried I know but I cannot waste time anymore. I do not know how much time I have left before the Brotherhood will be upon me. In my life I had but one regret, and that is not taking a stand sooner upon my father. If I had done so when I was young mother would still be here. Mother… Where is Bazel! Where is my brother… Why must those I need always abandon me at my hour of need? This whole building shakes… It isn’t much longer before they breach the barriers.

Could this be what they called fear...Something I had not felt since I was but a boy. Why does it come to me now in my time where I must be composed? Is this what the people I have hurt felt before I snuffed out their lives? Such a dark yet, comforting feeling. It’s as if the darkness itself has come for me. I hope that one day people will look upon my doings and will-

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLxODXfKRP0 (the final pages~)

-change this world for the better. It is us whom are responsible for the life and well being of this planet.

They have come to the doors! I fear I have run out of time. Avarial… Bazel; forgive-

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The final words scrawled into the book seemed to be scratched away with a quill. As if in a hurried motion. Spatters of tear stains hold to this day inside the pages of these Dark Memoirs. Burnt and torn pages of a man’s life and dreams locked away forever more in these words...