Note/L10N/The_Soul_of_Ilithiel/2.3/Books/AAWbookIlithielAshkanderNotes?
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As ordered, I created a copy of the old notes we discovered two days ago. The parchment they were written on seems to be of good quality. Nevertheless the pages tend to fall apart on touch. I took great care when examining them and did my best to decipher as much as possible. Despite my efforts, only fragments of what appears to be a kind of personal chronicle could be copied.
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It seems this chronicle was originally written by a mage named Ashkander Xul'Xaran, who happened to live in Fort Facian at some unspecified time before the fort fell to ruins.
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I humbly recommend further investigations to be undertaken in an attempt to verify the existence of this mage and judge the validity of the events he reports.
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Colovius, second scribe
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... have done it! I unlocked the book! After all these days full of failed attempts, I finally found the key to unlock Nimbrathil's grand book of soul lore! Music! Of course! I should have known that right from the start. After all I did study every known aspect of his life, didn't I?
<P>It took quite a long time to figure out the right sounds and tune, but that doesn't matter now. I have succeeded where so many others failed! I am so excited! I have already ordered the guards to acquire a couple of lesser souls. I need to start experimenting immediately! Now I shall learn powers far out of reach of most ...
<HR>
... progressing slower than I expected. There is so much to consider and take care of! Proper treatment of souls is an extremely complex matter. Anything that goes beyond simple recharging of magic items or the creation of these boring day-to-day enchantments needs great caution.
<BR>I really have to improve the apparatus! I won't achieve much with what I have right know. If only I had access to something like the Soul Forge Nimbrathil describes! Ah - no use to dream of ... lost now, so I ...
<HR>
... again many days have passed. I was simply too busy - and too excited - to write even a short entry. I made some good progress! I was extremely fascinated by Nimbrathil's study on magical barriers. He describes procedures that I believe will enable me to make a captured soul exert spiritual force that should hinder - maybe even block - movement. That would be incredible! Thinking of all the possible use one could make of such ...
<HR>
... very frustrating. I have wasted so many souls. The guards are already grumpy, having to venture longer each day to capture new souls. There's some muttering about me being crazy and just wasting the Lord's treasures. Ah - I don't care what they think! None of them! I will succeed! I will have something to show to Lord Annarion on his return!
<P>If only I knew what's wrong! I followed the procedures described to the very detail. What am I missing? I am so tired. I need some ...
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... the petty soul I used was utterly consumed. The force created lasted only a few moments and there certainly was a kind of destructive aspect too. The apparatus is severely damaged. It will take quite some time - and gold - to repair it.
<P>I must improve my current procedure. Time to do some more studying of the book, I guess. Well, I have to wait for the replacement parts anyway. It is not really such a ...
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... the apparatus was still intact. This proofs my theory about calculating the extend of the destructive area. I still hope I will be able to limit the effect further, if not avoid it completely. There might also be scenarios to benefit from the destructive effect created, but for now I will focus on stabilising the force field and trying to make it last longer. I still do not dare to experiment with some greater souls, as I am not sure how the effects will scale and ...
<HR>
... is very promising! This time I was using a soul gem containing the soul of an undead. At least that's what we were told when buying it. This soul is stronger than those I used before. I was hesitant to use it, but the effect scaled as expected and obviously the measurements taken to improve control of the procedure work out nicely.
<P>Additionally, using the soul captured from the undead produced much stabler results. The force created was less fluctuant and lasted longer. Although an increase was to be expected from using greater souls than before, I did not think it would be that different. I will consult Nimbrathil's book again. Maybe he has an explanation for ...
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... is rather strange. The last sighting of undeads close to the fort was more than twenty years ago. But the guards' reports are consistent, with only minor variation in the number of skeletons destroyed.
<P>It makes me feel slightly uneasy. I have always despised necromancers and their dark arts. Well, actually everything related to undead. That's why I was so hesitant to use that soul. Dead things pretending to be alive! Makes me shiver to think of ...
<P>... also a positive aspect to it. The guards managed to capture some new undead souls and I can go on ...
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... received note of his return. If nothing delays his journey, Lord Annarion will be back by end of next week latest.
<P>This is great news! I have a lot to show to him, the Lord will be most satisfied. I can't wait to see him smile at me and to see that proud expression on his face again! May the others laugh and think I'm crazy, I will ...
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... what should have been cause for joy and celebration has turned into reason for sorrow and mourning. On his way home Lord Annarion was ambushed. Ambushed by undead! Already close to the fort! Not only skeletons but also more powerful creatures, which lesser men would not dare to fight. They were all destroyed, but at what cost! The Lord was hardly wounded at all, but Lady Elena fell! It makes my heart ache. Never shall we hear her merry laughter again, never see the bright light in her eyes when she makes fun of ...
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... was put to rest in the lower chambers. It was a touching ceremony and I was not the only man to weep. The Lord is crushed, his shoulders bent as if he was carrying a great weight. I tried to distract him, told him about my experiments, the achievements I made and the big potential I see in this work. He showed only mild, interest. No wonder, he loved Lady Elena more than his own life. We all miss her sorely.
<P>When I explained how I used filled soul gems to create the force, Lord Annarion told me about the journey they had made and the great treasure he discovered. He told me about a strange soul gem he brought home and the powerful soul captured within. He claimed this soul was still sentient and communicating with him.
<P>I never heard about something like this. I just can't believe ...
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... a big step ahead. The force is now practically completely stable and my calculations about the destructive effect seem to be fully accurate. I managed to further increase the duration. It lasted nearly ten hours! This is incredible! If only I could get hold of some greater souls of undead.
<P>Maybe I could even create a permanent ...
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... another attack by undead! Lord Annarion led the guard against them. His weapon was blazing with fire and lightning and in a terrible rage he destroyed a great number of the enemies. There was little left for the guards.
<P>Nevertheless some of them had enough wits to remember my need for more souls. They captured half a dozen! One of them is from a ghostly apparition - at least that's what the fighter capturing it claims.
<P>I am eager to put this soul to use, but first I need to talk to Lord Annarion. When he went to the gates, he seemed to carry his favoured mace, the one he used to call his "fist".
<P>That weapon might be a masterpiece but for sure it is not enchanted. Still the skeletons the Lord attacked were engulfed in crackling flames! What hidden power was our Lord wielding? This is most ...
<HR>
... five days he refused to talk to me. Today he decided to allow me to join him in his study. I was shocked to behold him! His face was ashen, his strong shoulders slumped, his whole figure bent. When I asked him if he was sick, he just smiled his sad smile and quickly changed the matter, answering my questions about the fight with the undead six days ago.
<P>He explained he wasn't using any magic himself. He told me those flames and lightning were the doing of this strange soul he acquired on his journey. He said that "Ilithiel" had the power to "possess" any weapon and "she" was able to discover an enemy's weaknesses and use magic most effective against that particular enemy.
<P>A sentient, female, captured soul named Ilithiel, able to enchant any weapon and exploit others' weaknesses against magic! This is unheard of! Souls are just raw power! We use them to feed our weapons and magical devices!
<P>I have grave concern about my Lord's well being. He is not only physically in bad shape, he is also suffering spiritually and his mind is ...
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... according to the servants, our Lord spends most of the day down below at Lady Elena's sarcophagus. He barely eats anything and I guess he doesn't sleep much.
<P>Oh, how I wish I could do something for him! Maybe if I make some more progress I could rekindle his interest in my experiments and at least distract him a little bit from all his sorrows. <P>Back to work then!
<HR>
... using the soul of the ghost or whatever that creature was. For three days now the force is stable and lasting. It forms a nearly impenetrable barrier. I had to use all my strength just to push a small stick through it. The destructive effect is also much stronger. If it was exposed to the effect long enough, a smaller animal would surely die. I am not going to test this, though. That would be a very painful death and an extremely cruel thing to do.
<P>I think I should now ask Lord Annarion to examine my experiment. It is close to being useful. Perhaps we could create a barrier at the gates? Ah, I'm getting carried away, but still ...
<HR>
... he looked even worse. It made me very sad to see him like this. But when I showed him my experiment and explained the procedures described by Nimbrathil and the adjustments I made, a reflection of my own excitement started to glitter in his eyes. His smile was a little less sad.
<P>We discussed a couple of hours, disputing how to put my work to practical use and about captured souls in general. I had grown too bold perhaps and ventured to express my doubts about this sentient soul he was keeping. He wasn't angry, just looked at me knowingly and calmly suggested to see for myself. He offered to lend it to me, so I could ...
<HR>
... the most impressive soul gem I ever saw. For a long time I could only stare at it in amazement. It is nearly twice the size of a grand soul gem. The gem itself is dark as night, but it has a slowly pulsating, red-purple glow. Shimmering, small, cloud like, purple wisps emit from it and slowly sink to the ground, vanishing before they reach it.
<P>The gem is much heavier than any other I ever held in my hands. It is warm to the touch, the warmth growing and lessening in sync with the glow. This gem is intimidating. It must be intimidating for anyone who knows more about soul gems than just how to recharge a weapon. What great skill must be necessary to create such a gem! There is none I know of who could do this. Maybe Nimbrathil could. He sure was a true master of this art, and he had that Soul Forge. I wonder ...
<HR>
... slept very uneasy last night. I must have had bad dreams. This is unusual for me. I can't remember what I dreamed, but looking at the mess my bed is now, it must have made me struggle wildly. I am still very tired and my head aches. I don't think I will achieve much today. Perhaps I ...
<HR>
... these dreams again. I believe this time there was also a strange voice whispering in my mind. Whispering of dreadful things. I still can't remember the dreams, but I know they were horrible.
<P>I am so tired! If only I could get one night's good rest. I don't think I will continue to experiment with that strange soul gem today. I will do some more studying of Nimbrathil's book. Maybe I can find a clue ...
<HR>
... cracked the code of one of those sections, I was not able to read up to now. This made me unexpectedly discovered more sinister parts of the book. They deal with capturing human souls! So it is true! It is possible not only to capture the souls of animals and of the strange creatures roaming the wilderness, but someone cruel enough could also capture a human soul! It makes me sick just to think about it. I am not sure whether Nimbrathil did practice such dark arts or just did theoretical work. I will study this in more detail, but not now. I need to get out, get some fresh air and ...
<HR>
... that strange, whispering voice again. Someone cruel, whispering of pain and torment. I do not know what this is about. Is some powerful mage threatening me? But why? I have always treated others with respect. Even those who I thought were wasting time doing useless studies. I never thought to treat them differently, because I believed everyone may choose their own way. And for sure many of them view my work on discovering new appliances for captured souls as being a fool's spleen with little ...
<HR>
... could not discover anything that makes me think Nimbrathil did capture human souls himself. It seems he just found a theoretical way how to undertake such a foul deed. He definitively was able to create those black soul gems needed, though.
<P>I really wish that voice would stop. I can hardly concentrate, everything takes much more effort and time. I am so tired, I am craving for sleep. I'll try one of those potions. That should ...
<HR>
... am convinced the gem is the source of that dreadful voice. Oh yes, now I believe there is a sentient soul captured in it. A cruel, hateful spirit bent on slowly ruining me. It must have managed to somehow link to my mind and threatens me, whispering to me, whispering of endless torment and unbearable pain.
<P>Does it do the same to Lord Annarion? I am sure it does. No wonder he looks worse every day! I need to talk to him. He must listed, we must get rid of this thing!
<HR>
I talked to Lord Annarion. He seemed upset, but not about that evil spirit. He did not believe me! He told me I do not understand what this was about, told me Ilithiel had saved his life more than once! He requested I return the gem immediately.
<P>Is there nothing I can do? The Lord looks awful. He is terribly thin, his skin pale and his eyes sunken. There must be ...
<HR>
... don't have this devilish soul gem close to me any more, I was able to sleep. Praise the gods! The headache is nearly gone and my appetite has returned.
<P>I think I am able to return to my studies today. I will find a way to destroy this thing, I will find a way to prove to Lord Annarion that ...
<HR>
... another attack by undead. It was a terrible fight. Two guards died and it is a miracle Lord Annarion is still alive. His shield broke and multiple heavy blows pierced his armour. He was badly wounded when we brought him into the fort, but those blows looked lethal. He must have prepared some healing magic before joining the battle.
<P>I do not know what that might have been, but my knowledge about healing is limited to preparing the usual salves and potions. We cared for the Lord's wounds, applied healing salves and made him drink a brew that quickly put him to sleep. He should be well again soon.
<P>The guards captured the soul of what they called a "wraith". It seems to be a grand soul.
<HR>
... using a grand soul can't be compared to anything else. It is a whole different world! I was able to move the soul gem containing the wraith from the apparatus to a much simpler device, without breaking the barrier. The barrier itself can't be penetrated at all. I used a heavy crossbow, shooting bolts at it. They were deflected just like hitting a massive wall!
<P>The destructive effect is much stronger too. I believe it would kill me in short time, so I am extremely careful when dealing with the active gem.
<P>Additional studies of Nimbrathil's book make me think I could adjust the barrier to not appear close to the gem, but some distance away. This still needs to be tested. I probably should move to the lower chambers, so no one gets hurt by accident. I am not sure yet about how to control the barrier's displacement, so better not take the risk to cause ...
<HR>
... now that the new chamber is finished, I can move my equipment down there and pick up the experiments again. People think I'm crazy, wanting to work close to the sarcophagus, but I don't care. It is the safest place, a good distance away from any living. They should be thankful I care about not hurting anyone.
<HR>
... works as intended. I can now choose the direction and range of the displacement. I can also define the orientation of the destructive effect. Well, to a certain extend at least.
<P>It makes me proud to think of what I accomplished. I wish Lord Annarion could share this success, but he is still not well. The wounds have healed and he should be fine. It must be that evil spirit pestering him. We really should move it away from him, put it in the farthest ...
<HR>
... last night Lord Annarion died. This is a grave loss to all of us. They say he died out of sorrow. They say he didn't want to live without his beloved wife, Lady Elena. They say those wounds weakened his will enough so he finally let go.
<P>Those fools! I know better! I know what was preying on his mind, gnawing, shattering his weakened will. I shall stop this! I found no way to destroy that hideous soul gem. Fine! So it shall be locked up not to harm anyone else. It shall be locked up with seals no one can break, locked up until the earth itself falls apart!
<HR>
... talked them into building a separate tomb for Lord Annarion and putting the soul gem at rest together with him. No one really did object to the latter, as most of them feel uneasy only looking upon it. The real argument was about separating the resting places of Lord Annarion and Lady Elena. I told them, the room I used for my experiments and that now should become the tomb was quite close to Lady Elena's sarcophagus. I told them Lord Annarion deserved the noble tomb I had designed. Who could argue about that?
<HR>
... finished the remaining work on the tomb. I have most of the things I need to set up the barriers. The four soul gems with grand undead souls I ordered should arrive within a few days. I asked for wraith souls as I have experience with these and do not want to take unnecessary risk.
<P>Two of the servants have left Facian. They fear the undead will be attacking again and with Lord Annarion gone, they ...
<HR>
Today we moved the remains of Lord Annarion to the new tomb. I put the accursed soul gem on the sarcophagus. There it lies now, with its slowly, steadily pulsating, noisome glow.
<P>When I carried the gem down to the chambers I felt something groping for my mind. I am still shivering. I fear that mental link is established again, stronger than it was before. I must raise the barriers as soon as possible, so no one comes close to this thing ever again.
<HR>
... dreams have come back. I still shudder thinking about it. I keep telling myself that this is not my doing. There is no such darkness in me. I could not even imagine such cruelty exists. How can I dream about such horrors? It is like sharing the dreadful vision of some sick and twisted mind.
<P>Is this another attempt to corrode my will? The gem is down in the lower chambers, how can that daemonic thing still torture me with these nightmarish dreams? Can it really reach that far?
<HR>
... that dream again. In the dream I once more endured the same endless torment. I pleaded to stop, to show mercy, but it went on and on. Then a red-hot anger seized me and I cried out I won't surrender, whatever they would do to me. I would keep my secret.
<P>What secret is this? Who is torturing me?
<P>Today the four soul gems with wraith souls captured were delivered. I will start to set up the first barrier immediately. I don't think I will be able to create more than one each day. I really need to be careful and adjust them properly. This takes time. When they are set up, I will activate all barriers at once. That means four more nights of horrid dreams to endure. I hope I have enough strength for this.
<HR>
... all four barriers are set up. Today I will activate them. After that I will leave the fort. I can't stand this dreams any longer. I must get away. I am going down now to finish the prison.
<P>I can hardly write. The blood in my veins burns like fire. I already took a potion to strengthen my health, otherwise I would have collapsed. I was too close to the tomb. That thing must have sensed what I was doing. The moment I activated the seals, a terrible force lashed out at me. It felt like every single bone in my body would explode. My mind was stormed with memories of betrayal and of endless torture. It was like those nightmares come true.
<P>How can that be? Why did this feel like memories?
<P>I need to study Nimbrathil's book again. There are still some sections using different encoding. I have to decipher these. I need to know all he knew.
<HR>
... is true! Everything Lord Annarion told me is true! Nimbrathil's report is plain, his description explicit about this. She did not invade my dreams to corrode my mind. It were her memories I shared when sleeping, when my mind was unoccupied and open to the frail link between us! Her memories of being tortured endlessly by those who wanted her powers. It was not me, but her pleading for mercy. It was her challenging those who slowly destroyed her body and then bound her to the charred, broken remains of her beauty. Bound her to keep her from death, denying her that last chance of escape, so they could go on tormenting her mind.
<P>I just lacked the strength of will to protect myself from sharing her memories! I lacked the strength and the empathy to stop her from drifting away, stop her from reliving these horrors. What have I done! With Lord Annarion slowly succumbing to his own sorrow, there was no other! I should have known! I should have helped her, anchored her, stopping her from drifting away. Instead I locked her up, having only dead corpses as company! I have to go down to her.
<HR>
... got as close to the tomb as possible. The barrier nearly killed me and I had to back up. I tried to talk to her, but the link between us is simply not strong enough for this.
<P>Anyway I stayed for a long time and it seemed her pain was easing slightly. Maybe she felt there was a friendly mind near her.
<HR>
... cracked the last code. Now I have read every single page of Nimbrathil's book. I do not claim to understand everything he wrote, but I understand there is nothing more to help me undo the barriers. It is up to me to find a way.
<HR>
... probably be my last entry. I am going down to Ilithiel and try to break the seals. I do not think I will succeed. Maybe I can at least weaken them, so someone stronger and wiser than I am might finally bring the barriers down.
<P>I warned the others to stay away from the lower chambers. Most have fled the fort anyway. I gathered all the healing potions we have left. Time to go.
<BR>May the gods have mercy.
<P>
Ashkander Xul'Xaran
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