Avatari,

This eve I hath been called to a matter that I think doth bear mentioning, for the consequences of it are unknown to me. I shall be brief. Guardsman Sheriam Palmer did seek me out saying the prisoner held in Cove wished to speak to a member of the Church. I obliged, to discover that the prisoner did wish to confess her sins to our Lord prior to her trial.




The prisoner discussed much, and I did much doubt her sincerity at points, but such matters are not for me to judge, and His ultimate wisdom shall show justice one way or another in the end.



Guardsman Palmer did record the conversation, during which the prisoner confessed to the attack of which she is accused, among many other things I shall not tire ye with.



I hath not included Yewish or Covian army command in this report, as I do not wish to break the bond of Holy confession between the Church and confessor. However, that the prisoner permitted the presence of Guardsman Palmer who took notes, it is possible they will be aware. I did check with the Guardsman, and the confession was indeed recorded. I leave this matter in thy more knowledgeable hands.

I would add that I advised the prisoner to not resist her charges if she felt them fair and true, if she wishes her soul to be saved. I hope that she saw the wisdom in this, and will confess when the time comes and not resist her fate, whatever it may be.

Initiate Danaeyl

With the return of the Preceptor, and renewed alliances, I can drive my full energy into this most urgent scholarship without the crippling spectre of internal disruption. I expected his wrath for losing control of the flock as badly as I did, but he seemed pleased with my efforts. This is no small relief, and the Preceptor sees me ready to begin my trials soon.






For now, my preliminary readings in the libraries of the Northern Chapter and from what I have gathered in secrecy from Trinsic's libraries have been heavy, slow, and mostly unfruitful. I retread much ground over and over, confirming what we already know. One piece of information alone doth give me hope and cause despair in equal parts. It is already known that the undead can not truly die. Should they be struck down, they will, in time, be reanimated. In the face of such an enemy, what can man do? Art we doomed to inevitable entropy at the hands of a ceaseless enemy? Though the factual records indicate no answers, the bards tales sing darkly of souls sealed in the Well, placed into vessels again and again directly by the Guardian. An endless army. Whilst these are just fables, wisdom can oft be found in such places. If so, is it possible to devise a method to permanently destroy an undead?

My tutoring at Trinsic hath taught me well that with the right questions and the right methodology, no answer can elude the light of knowledge. To know the answer to this question, I must know more of an arisen skeleton's connection with permanent undeath, and ultimately its connection with the Well. My feeling in my gut is that these answers can not be found in dusty scripts, but that I must find their Necropolis, and make out with the information I seek. What foul secrets await me in the depths?

Ostendit tela partier.

Amendment: It occurs to me as I lay awake that the Yewish Inquisitor's abilities would be of great aid in identifying and procuring this information. I shalt seek him out with haste.


 

Garshinkle,

Thou hath done well in thy actions. Do not fear. Whilst this defacement is of deep concern, and heretics doth run wild, the likely perpetrators are known to us, and will soon be crushed for their transgressions against the Lord. They hath grown overconfident, and the pendulum doth swing against them. Stay strong, my Son.

P.S. Keep it secret, but I travel seeking knowledge of the undead menace in our lands. I shall return soon. Stay safe, chyld of the light.

Initiate Danaeyl

As the winds sweep gently over the forests in the near distance Danaeyl stands atop the balcony as the sun begins to set, casting a slow eye from their thick darkness to Cove and watching as people lock their shops for the day and go about their business. Sighing heavily he returns to a half completed diary entry and continues to write.

On Duty

Though it was not so long ago I lived a simple and relatively carefree life on the road, it seems as if it is a lifetime ago. I find myself wondering if I have made the right decision in staying here. Perhaps I was mistaken when I felt Avatar's hand on my shoulder as Sir Hugo emerged from between the streets as I took my leave. Though I begin to understand his uncompromising attitude, and try to steel my heart for what must be done, do we truly do His work in this place? I hath tried to reach the people here, but only a handful reach back. I feel hopelessness take me over. With the other Templars in the colonies and Hugo away, I know I do not have the strength to protect myself let alone others, and it is not clear that any wish for protection. Perhaps it is time that I return home at last. Despite all I have done, they would take me back, and I so long to collapse in their arms under the strain of my burden. I fear not for my own life, to die and be with You would be a blessing in this world of sin, but that I will fail You and those few who need me here. I once believed that bravery in the face of death was the epitome of Valour, but now I see that true courage lies in carrying on when hope has almost lost all meaning.

I ask thee,Avatar, why hath thee given me this weight to bear? I wish that thee had not, for you hath chosen someone with too much weakness in his heart, even in thy Divine wisdom.

The writing trails off, and begins again further down. A single drop of water stains the middle of the parchment.

In this dark hour I take solace in the tales I find in these Church records. They are filled with tales of heroism in the face of trials greater than mine, too numerous to count. Yet whilst these tales bring me warmth, they also reveal my own inadequacy. Nonetheless, I shall hold a candle against the encroaching darkness as all manner of evil shadows corner me. Should my mortal form be swept away by the relentless march of evil, I pray that thee understand and forgive my shortcomings and welcome me in thy Holy arms. I will not abandon my post, as those who came before me did not. I will strive to emulate their Valour and honour their memory - and continue their legacy. If there is only one soul that can be saved in this dark place, I will not leave them to the Guardian, who hath chosen this place to begin a revival of undeath. Is this why thy hath placed me on this path? All else is secondary to this eternal threat, and I will stand against the tide alone if I must, though I know I shall be carried away by the currents.

Semper fidelis.
 


 

[Ankhs]

Reading the letter anxiously, but with no way of sending a Raven without a specific location, nor in time, Danaeyl treads down the stairs of the Church with a candle in hand. The dim light illuminates his creased features, distorted from their youthfulness by trial and worry. He approaches the soft braziers casting gentle light through the Chapel and kneels in silent prayer.

Lord. Please give me the strength and knowledge to defeat this vile uprising by the Guardian's children, and keep Garshinkle from their vile grip, whatever their intention may be. Ankhs

Finding the letter in the Church after a fitful night reflecting on the remarks of the undead, Danaeyl slices it open gently with a letter knife amidst reams of dusty scripts with archaic drawings of undead on them.

Reading the letter passively, he places it in a box entitled 'evidence' on top of some other letters and slowly locks it and begins penning a reply.

Guardsman,

Wolves do not change their colours overnight, and thy false contrition doth not move me. It is too late for the consequences of thy actions, given the public nature of thy outburst, but His forgiveness knows no limit to those who reach out with sincerity in their heart. I sense much of the Guardian's influence in thy hectic soul, but it is not too late to wrest thyself from his wicked grasp.

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

He absent minded summons a messenger as he ponders the many ancient scrolls with tired and worried eyes.

For the attention of all charged with the protection of Cove,

As ye hath surely discussed with him already, Garshinkle and I lost the hunt in his misguided but courageous actions. Thankfully he was able to see the folly of his nonetheless brave actions at the last moment.







We made our way alone to the end of the desert where we were unable to rejoin the hunt for it had passed through a moongate of unknown destination. Garshinkle faced his inner turmoil.






We resolved to head back to Cove for no other options were available and Garshinkle was bleeding. He expressed fear that the undead may assault us on our course.





His fears were vindicated as we neared Cove, and I confess my own eagerness to deal a blow to the fiends took over my mind.



To bring us to the centrepiece of my report, our undead assailant did speak words of deep concern, and they resonate in my mind in this late hour.








We kept the creature at bay but it seemed to not even wish to attack in earnest, just mock and goad us.








As the creature took his flight, and given Garshinkle's injuries, I made the call we should return. Though if I speak the truth, I felt the creatures power radiating as if it sucked all light from the atmosphere surrounding it- to make chase was the furthest action from my mind. How hollow my former bravado in Yew felt in that moment...I hath dealt with some undead in my time, but these are of a different nature.

If I may make a small suggestion, given these troubling words I would ask Garshinkle is not sent on any errands alone beyond Cove proper until the threat is abated. I intend to delve into the ancient Church texts to learn as much as possible about this elevated threat to Cove.

Virtus unita fortiori.

Initiate Danaeyl

Preceptor

I write with news of the greatest gravity.

In fact, there is much news I need to share, particularly regarding information of the increase in undead activity. However, pressing as that issue may be, I was attacked in the plain vision by the Guardsman wytch we previously shared correspondence over - Ilyana Drachen. Multiple bystanders bore witness, and one other who went, according to a citizen, by the name of 'Mischief' did also (to a far lesser extent) assault my personage.

I will be detailed due to the gravity of the crime. However our encounter began as I discussed (yet another matter of urgency) the presence of necromantic scrolls in Cove with the bartender Carolin Argon. (She brought these scrolls to me willingly as she wisely thought it Church interest and should be noted as a faithful and fearful Avatarian, may He watch over her).











I include close detail of this exchange, for it reminded me that despite the loudness of our Lords detractors, we fight in the name of those oppressed by their vile sin against great odds. At this moment, my true purpose for writing began - Ilyana interrupted our conversation to wrongfully order me to stow my blade, which I ignored and reassured the citizen of her welfare.




Despite lowering myself before these knaves to avoid conflict for the barkeep safe, they did move to block my exit, even upon request that they move. I accordingly was left with no choice but to take action to secure my safe exit and reach out to her commanders and thyself. I have since been unable to locate a single member of command, as the hour be late.





Alas, as I left amidst her endless array of insults, she saw fit to strike at me with magic - not once, but twice - as thee feared.





I sought out her superiors, but the wretch attacked me again once I turned my back.



I accordingly tried to arrest her and take her to the barracks, which she resisted as her doltish companion did enjoin the assault.



Alas, she returned to threaten me once more as I discovered the Barracks empty.




The wytch is still at large. Cove is no longer safe for the faithful whilst this wytch roams free.

Hac virtute regno pax partur.

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

Dear Tingleith,

Whilst thy offer is kind, and intentions pure, I require no escort to handle the likes of these dim-witted miscreants.

Avatar watch over thee,

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

An extended sheet of parchment is attached to the preceding notice, written in uncharacteristically scrawled and rushed handwriting

A MOST INGLORIOUS UPDATE

Shortly after sending my report to warn the fair citizens of Cove from the sanctuary of the New Haven shrine, the heathens did return once more for reasons that are best known to their own warped minds. This time their braggartish attitude, no doubt diminished by this Holy space, was less evident.







Despite their blithering cowardice when confronted with but a glimmer of Avatar's light, their brazen approach signals excessive confidence on their part and I strongly emphasise that citizens should seek Guardsmen protection should they plan to spend any time in New Haven.

The writing becomes neater gradually

Even fiends such as these are not beyond our Lords forgiveness, should they wish to seek it, but nay, they prefer to wallow in their own spiritual filth.



Our parting was acrimonious.



Let this be an example of the relative safety of Cove in a Godless age. Deo juvente.

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

Public Noticeboard

Citizens and Guardsmen,

A simple warning: if ye take to New Haven to conduct thy activities, be aware that Vesperian thugs doth loiter with ill intent. Needless to say upon my arrival I was immediately accosted by a trio of Godless rapscallions.



Violent as is their incurable nature, things quickly descended into incivility.



Such occurrence is no doubt to be expected, yet things moved from that of prideful posturing to outright heresy and slanderous lies against the Church.





Though my sword hilt tightened in my grip, I managed to maintain my composure.





In time, these heathens shall learn the error of their ways, when it is too late for them to save their soiled souls. For now, be careful that ye do not fall into their destructive path.

Domine dirige nos.

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

Thy presence is an honour to my humble pilgrimage, good Commander. May thy piety in leadership illuminate the path of Virtue to all.

Initiate Danaeyl

A public notice

To all faithful Covians,

I am to embark on a pilgrimage in respect of the Principle of Truth.

I extend an open invitation to enjoin me to any who wish to remind themselves that when fighting sin one takes care to not become a sinner thyself. For no matter how low the enemies of the Good may stoop their crooked backs, and wax their serpentine tongues, in the false belief it advantages them, we faithful stand ever upright with our faces in the light. And in the end, the shining brightness of Honesty shall sharply illuminate their desperate inadequacy. 

Details to follow. I give thee advanced warning to reflect on thy transgressions and prepare to bare thy naked soul before your Lord with sincere regret at a most Holy site, and thus be washed clean.

In via virtuti nulla est via.

Initiate Danaeyl

Discovering the letter, Danaeyl reads it and smiles slightly at the style and content, replying on the spot. Such local letters fell well into his initiate remit as mostly busywork, but he also preferred that Sir Hugo's first impression of the young recruit was not irretrievably tarnished by his initial naivety, or worse.

Dear Garshinkel,

I do not believe we have yet met. One's first encounter with such evil creatures is liable to leave one shaken. Whilst no doubt visceral, your encounter is but a passing glimpse of the depth of danger we face. I am surprised nobody has told you that it falls to the Guardsmen to keep the immediate vicinity patrolled and protected? The business of the Church need not concern you, nor is it open to question in such a manner.

That said, you strike me as a sincere man not out to make trouble. So, should you find it reassuring: without the protection of Avatar, and the Church's embodiment of His will, the relative safety of Cove would be a lost dream. While it may seem as if danger lurks around every corner, sanctuary would be a word without meaning without His presence. Your assailant is as a flickering shadow in a vast cavern of blackness, thousands more and worse await in the deep dark, and only the eternal flame keeps them at bay. Perhaps you should visit the Chapel to light a candle against the darkness of your own, should you come across this dark villain and his ilk again. You would be most welcome.

P.S. It is spelled 'tribute'.

Signed
Initiate Danaeyl

The letter arrives whilst Danaeyl undertakes his morning duties. He smiles and enters the Chapel, reading as he walks. His expression darkens. Pacing up the stairs, he quickly draws a quill and parchment from the desk.

Captain Raiden,

I tire of such regular and poorly concealed threats! If you fail to see what is at stake and your role in it then perhaps you...


Pondering the next words, his momentarily sharp features relax as he regains his composure. He sighs and thinks to himself 'Avatar's tests come in many forms.' Pushing his hair out his face, he crumples up the letter and draws a fresh sheet of parchment.

Dear Captain Raiden,

In time you will see the truth. When that time comes I simply ask that you recall this correspondence.

Signed
Danaeyl