Shadows rising in the South

*the parchment is stained with water at places blurring the text.*


393 Years, in the 6th Month of Arhat the Fire Lion, in the Year of the Bronze Wyvern.

I have left the Isles in all haste, word having reached the Isles via the last boat to dock here. As my last scroll, written nearly a year ago to this date, suggests, the foul perversion of the natural order is a plague upon us all. This threat has increased dramatically in recent weeks, something I have noticed through unusual activity in the constellation known as the Triquetra.

However, my fears were not confirmed until the courier arrived yesterday, bearing word that Shard was under repeated attack by hordes of undead led by a foul Adan’f necromancer. I travel now to Therengia seeking more information, as the Paladins and Clerics of the Keep there have long defied the undeath plaguing the realms.

I shall write more as I meet with the residents of Therenborough.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

6th Month of Arhat the Fire Lion.

The month now draws to a close and I have more disturbing information to write.

I arrived safely in Riverhaven and immediately sought travel farther west to reach Langenfirth. Having crossed the Lake, I began my travels north, and there I ran into undeath. The roads were contested by the undead. Fortunately such beings fell quickly beneath my hammer, and I was met by my old friend Tygor upon the road. He and I joined forces and fought through to the keep. Along the way we met several other travelers who were also fighting this menace. One was a lass I met long ago in Ratha, Redeth.

Arriving at the gates, Tygor and I found the militia had been called to arms and the keep isolated by raised drawbridge. At this point I took my leave to seek Solantir, for he was sure to know any activities that had occurred while I traveled.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

6th Month of Arhat the Fire Lion.

Southwards to Shard I now travel. The threat is darkest there, though persistent rumors occur that the necromancer Xerasyth will bring his armies northward to the River Crossing, and perhaps to Riverhaven or Therengia. No more seems to have yet come from the undead armies that assaulted Therenborough while I was journeying there. I believe it was a feint to keep aid from traveling south.

Furthermore, word has reached the northern areas that Xerasyth, who was once a Adan’f is now a Skra’Mur. What dark arts could do such a thing are beyond my knowing, or desire to understand. Learning such a path will only lead to madness and decay.

I met with Solantir, and he told me that he spent time with the Paladins in their Keep learning from them and assisting them in some small manner during the attack. He said that it seemed Riverhaven fell under attack around the same time as Therenborough was attacked, but the details had not yet reached that far north. The militias in the area took the threat very seriously and it is why I travel south. I must see firsthand what is occurring and aid in what ways I might. If nothing else I must reach Forfhedar and talk with whomever I may, as it alone of the provinces I have yet to hear any word from. I worry that the Dragon Priests may have closed the passage overland through Raven’s Point, yet I must attempt to get through.

If word reaches there before I do, I must attempt to meet with and rally the dwarves against this threat. Such an army may help oppose any move by the Necromancers to strike father north, or at least delay them.

Kertigen protect those who fight this menace.

Signed by my hand.

Kraggur of the Tribes.