Journal of the Dark Priestess

[Aragon]

*The journal is a normal sized book bound in a thick grayish-black leather hide.  The handwriting is suprisingly neat and tidy swoops and curls.*

"All things must have a beginning, and so to does this tale.  Needing to scout the neighbooring continent of Rilara for supplies, I secured passage to the town of Point Harbor.  I had only barely gotten there when the most remarkable event transpired that I still cannot quite believe myself.  One moment I was walking toward the gates and the next thing I knew I was seized upon by an icy hand that froze me to the bone.  A swirling vortex of screams and tormented souls encircled me driving me to my knees.  And then as quickly as the vortex came it was gone, but a voice rang in my mind.  It was a voice of a thousand screams of tortured souls yet is was crystal clear to discern.  The voice called to me, 'My Dark Priestess, your deeds have found favor in my sight.  You have furthered my cause in the puny village of Hlint.  You have sought to bring more to my cause.  I am well pleased in you thus far, do not fail me, I have high aspirations and plans for you.'  

Then the vortex encircled me once more.  It was then that the guard approached wanting to question me.  My lord bade me flee as the guard turned her back.  I turned and ran with all the speed I could muster barely managing to flee the city gates before the guard caught me.  Once safe in the nearby forest I was able to exclaim my praises to the Dark God.  He once more came to me sealing his words upon my very soul with the blessing of his inky darkness.  I could feel it creep and crawl over my flesh.  A dark ray of blackness shone down upon me and all was as before.

I shall treasure this day always, the 12th day of the 7th month.  Lord Corath has called me to his bidding and I shall not fail him."

[Aragon]

"Once again my lord Corath has spoken to me.  This time it seems his council is for those followers of the faith.  He spoke against the brashness of brandishing sheilds of faith in the open.  His message was one of being less conspicuous with the actions of his followers.  He spoke against Galerevin, the dark bard.  The very earth shook beneath my feet when he found out about the bard's traterous actions.  But what can one who breaks the blood oath expect.  I must soon speak to Nethro and pass this message to him and our other followers.  I feel the time growing for a mighty step foward in our progress.  My lord Corath give me the strength to bring his will upon these insolent worms of Hlint."

[Aragon]

"Interestingly, enough upon journeying to Point Harbor with Marcus Perrin, we found ourselves in the middle of an interesting circumstance.  A rather nasty mephit was setting blaze to the crafting houses.  This is another crafting house attacked.  It wasn't long before a large group of adventurers came to help save the crafting houses.  We dispatched the creature and set to putting out the blaze.  Minor damages to the crafting houses were sustained.  I followed the party into the forest of Dinein to soon be approached by the prior master of the mephit.  Seems that he lost control over the pet but his bond with the creature was strong enough to help him locate the beast.  The man, Windwalker, was soon surrounded by the group and talk soon escalated into the man paying for the crimes of his creature.  Perhaps it had something do to with his affiliation with Pyrotechon, but the group soon became a mob bent on forcing their will upon this man.  Though no fault could be found in him.  

It was then that an idea came to my mind, if I helped this man escape he could be quite useful in progressing the plans of Corath.  I whispered the plan to Marcus.  I back away from the mob enough to remain out of most peoples eyesight.  I then used Lord Corath's inky darkness to conceal the location of the mage of Pyrotechon.  Marcus cast invisibility upon us and we all fled from the linch mob.  

These would be heros are too anxious to disperse judgment yet they forget the very laws they swear by.  Why their precious Rofirein decrees all to be innocent until proven of their guilt.  Yet this man was guilty to them before the matter had been brought to the aurthorities.  Such hypocrites!

Thus far I have convinced those who have challenged disapperance at the same time as the mage that it was for the best.  Little do they know who freed the mage and the plans I have for their pathetic town."

[Aragon]

*this page is full of illustrations, glyphs, and summoning phrases*

"Stones to bones, life to death, raise to me one without a breath." -- Animate Dead

"Dogs of war, Hounds of fright, Aid me in my unholy fight." -- Summoning a Shadow Mastiff

"Shadows of darkness, Watchers of all, come to me from off the wall." -- Summoning Shadow

Corath's Punishment
-------------------
1 Vial Blood of an innocent
1 Vial Black Ink
1 Hair from the victim
1 Item of the victim

The ink must first be consecrated by the priestess of Corath, blessed with his unholy hand.  The hair is first bound around the victim's item.  Symbolizing the bands of death that will close in on the victim.  The unholy ink is then slowly poured over the items.  Symbolizing the black sackcloth of Corath that comes for us all.  The vial of blood is then pured over the blackened items.  Symbolizing the blood that will be spilt.  Finally, the items are cast into the flames of the altar.  Symbolizing the agonies and pains the victim will endure.  Note to caster --- this curse is extremely taxing on the caster and should not be used casually.

[Aragon]

*** Entry recounting my first CDQ (Thanks Calem) ***

There is a great difference between being taught and learning for oneself.  This distinction is becoming clearer in my mind.  Names and places swirl through my mind and I struggle to keep them straight.  Much has transpired, so much so that I hasten to record it here before the events slip from me.  It is one thing to be raised to belief in a dogma, and another to have that belief turned to a knowledge.  A knowledge with lasting effects.

While in the attitude of prayer this day, I went about my normal means.  Was the prayer or the fasting or was the timing right ... I can not say, but the events of this night will linger embeded with lessons learned.  I was half way through my prayer when the crypt turned drastically colder.  The low light of the fire darkened and a specticale of great white light issued forth from the altar.  Before me in the air about a foot above the altar floated a great white skull bathed in an auro of darkness that seemed to issue from it.  I collapsed to the floor not daring to look upon this servant of the Dark Sun.  It spoke with a voice like an icy dagger that with each word stung me to my very soul.  Darkness swelled around me paralyzing my frame.  

"Who dares envoke the Lord of Chaos, who dares call upon his name?"
"A most humble servant of thee my lord."
"You!  You dare call upon me asking for what you are unworthy to ask of!  You know nothing of what you ask, you are blind in you ignorance."
As he spoke these words I was surrounded by a flash of white light and my vision was taken from me for a time.
"You are unworth because you lack an understanding, you lack a knowledge of what once was."
"Speak my master, thy servant will obey."
"Get you up and seek out the Dark One, you will find him near the village your people call Krandor."
"Yes my lord."
"You will learn the pain and suffering of the Mad One.  Until then to remind you of your unworthiness let the icy hand sting your bossum with his icy burning.  Do not fail young one."

With that he dissappeared into a swirling vortex of darkness.  The darkness that held me prisoner collapsed upon me.  The vortex drained from me all strength that I had causing me to collapse at the base of the altar.  I don't know how long I layed there upon the cold grey stone of the crypt.  It must have been hours before I regained consiousness and even longer before I was able to drag myself from the sanctum.

The journey to Krandor was a blur.  Thoughts swirled through my head as I stumbled along the familiar road.  Somehow I made it to the outskirts of Krandor.  I was about to enter in the village when from the shadows emerged a man.

"I would not venture further into the village with the taint of the Dark One upon me."
"Y..you know who I am?"
"I suspect you are the one who has called from amongst the heart of our enemies.  Come follow me."
He lead me deeper into the forest to a cliff where a foutain of water sprang forth.
"We had not recieved a call for several months.  And from the village of Hlint even longer.  Why have you called?"
"I wish to be taught at the hand of our lord."
"Taught?  Oh no ... our lord does not teach his servants, they learn through pain and much suffering both to them and our enemies."

His name was Ezekiel.  He went on to explain that behind the waterfall once was an entrance to the underdark.  He spoke of the drow as allies, and the power of the underdark.  He spoke of days long ago and the might that our lord once held on this land.  He spoke of the Forsaken Temple of Corath and how the strongholds of Lord Corath were toppled to followers of the Golden Dragon.  Ezekeil recounted the legend of Arakanor Lightbane, greatest champion of Corath, and his might.  He told of how the great temple was destroyed and the imprisoned Celestrial released, the great disease that our church ones used against the nation of Mistone.  The wonderous tales he told of the might and power of Lord Corath.  But all came to an end at the destruction of the temple.  He told me that if I was to truely follow the path of Corath I must know what transpired before that the folly might not be repeated.  He asked of my dedication and my intents.  Inorder to meet my designs, Ezekiel said we should meet soon at the gates of Storan's tomb, there he would take me to the ruins of the Forsaken Temple.

Having journeyed to the gates of Storan before I soon arrived to find Ezekiel waiting.  
"Storan was once a great ally to our cause.  Still he walks in his curse.  He guards the path that leads to the temple, but not all ways into the temple are known."

After a brief climb up the mountain he showed me the path that would lead to a hidden entrance known only by a few.  I followed his directions and came upon some dark, cobweb encased stairs that led down into the temple.  The destruction that must have occured when the magics of the temple failed are beyond believe.  After a few minutes I managed to free a gate from the rubble and slip past it.  Skeletal remains crushed under massive stones littered the floor.  The next room was completely demolished.  It appeared as if the roof had collapsed and the floor had opened to swallow the temple up.  Amongst the rubble I caught a glipse of metal.  Upon approaching I found it was the remains of a fellow priest of Corath.  He clutched an old holy symbol and a book.  The writing and the glyphs on both are beyond me thus far, I shall have to research them a bit.  One thing is for sure the holy symbol radiants with the power that once was herein.

I returned to the surface and once again spoke with Ezekiel.  He instructed me that the path would be wraught with perils, persecution and possible death should knowledge spread forth of my plans.  He complimented me for my insights into the temple and bade me seek out further knowledge at the hands of Rufus Coldfinger.  The path is clearer, I shall not fail.

[Aragon]

It didn't take too much research to discover where Rufus Coldfinger makes his home.  Most people are quite polar in their feelings toward him.  It was by chance I happened upon him while checking the notes posted on the bulletin board in Llast.  Indeed Plenarius was not wrong in his assumptions that Rufus and I should meet.  We have many things in common, chief among them is our devotion to the Dark Sun.  Rufus was most interested to learn that our cult had been established in the heart of the enemy.  I showed the book to Rufus hoping he could decipher the text, but he said the text was foreign to him as well.  He did mention having "friends" that might be capable of such translation.  Rufus has an apprentice that is a drow.  I was most interested to learn that this drow has been contacted to infiltrate our cult.  Seems he is to be the chief spy.  Oh the irony ... do they think that we are not connected?  Or perhaps they think of us as a scattered and broken people.  Rufus was quite concerned that our cult have a safe location to meet and conduct business.  He has graciously given a large common room to temporarily conduct the sacred rituals within.  He has charged me with decorating it as a proper temple should be.  This first meeting of the dark alliance has been most rewarding.  The seeds of darkness are growing and soon they will be ripe to harvest.

[Aragon]

The cermonial room is nearly complete, only a few minor things remain until it can be used for our unholy designs.  The dedication of the temple will need to transpire before we can truely use it.  

The great seeds of my plans are beginning to grow.  Each day I feel the darkness growing, surely my enemies must feel it as well.  Even as I speak the followers are flocking to the evil power.  Our numbers are swelling with devout followers.  I have yet to hear from those who would inflitrate my cult.  

I met another drow recently, by his very demeanor I could tell he was not like the normal surface dwelling drow I have met of late.  The hate and evilness eminated from his countenance.  How very delightfully refreshing when so many around Hlint refuse to look to the darkness.  He is a devout of Baraeron Ca'duz.  Herein lies another tier of the Dark Alliance.  Through this dark elf and several others we will reestablish the old alliance which once existed.  Togethor we will unite our strength and devour as he put it "the unworthy".

[Aragon]

I now record the ceremony as given to me by the hand of Lord Corath.

Initiates Ordeal
****************
 
The initiates are first blindfolded by the escort and brought into the ceremonial chamber when summoned by the priestess.  They are led single file bound on their right wrist with a woven rope made from the hair of the deceased.  The escort stops the initiates outside of the circle of skulls.

Priestess: “Who are these unworthy that stand before the altar of the Dark Sun?”
The escort: “Seekers of the White Skull.”
Priestess: “Ye who are unworthy, kneel before the altar of the Mad God.  Ye come before this altar seeking that which is forbidden.  Do ye desire to walk the path of the dead, forsaking the light for darkness, willing to submit to the icy hand and his torment? (Response)  
Priestess: “Remove their blindfolds.  As you were once blinded to the world around you, your eyes are now opened to the darkness.  Hear now the words I speak unto you and harken well for Lord Corath does not accept nor does he tolerate failure.  Once sealed a follower of Corath one does not easily turn their backs upon the Dark Sun.  To forsake the fail is to accept eternal pain and torture at his hands.  So choose you now to walk in the light of the Dark Sun for there is no turning back.”

Priestess: “He who is keeper of the legions come forth and do thy task.”
Keeper of the Legions: “I am the Keeper of the Legions, Master and Commander of the forces of Lord Corath.  Heed my words.  To be a follower of the Dark Sun is know pain.  Pain inflicted upon you as well as your enemies.  Suffering, persecution and death are common amongst the followers of the Dark Sun.”

The general will then walk behind the kneeling initiates and with his sword cut their garments off their backs revealing their bare backs.  

KotL: “Even as I rent these garments from you, may you be rent by the mad god should you forsake the oaths you take this unholy night.  That you may never forget these oaths.” Takes out a cat of nine tails and lashes their backs with it three times. “The suffering of the followers of the Dark Sun,” * strikes initiates back * “Persecutions of the followers of the Mad god,” * strikes initiates back * “And the death rendered by the followers of the Keeper of the Dead.” * strikes initiates back then returns to his seat on the council. *

Priestess then steps back to the altar.  “You have now tasted but a small part of what you will taste as a follower of Lord Corath.  That you may be cleansed of all that you once were * casts dispel magic *, that your soul may be purged and reborn a new * casts negative energy * and that you may never forget to who you are bound * casts doom *.  Bring forth the robes of the unholy. * The Oathmaker then comes forward and places the robes on the initiates. *  "Read to them the oath."

Oathmaker: “I swear my loyalty and my very soul to the Keeper of the Dead, to be sealed up as one of his unholy followers, to walk the path of the dead.  I swear my loyalty to the cult, that its members and I are now brothers and sisters in the faith of the Dark One, knowing that should I fail them, the cult, or the Dark Sun my life is forfeit and my soul damned.  This I swear by my blood.”

Initiates respond.

Priestess:  “So spoken so bound.”

Priestess then approaches the initiate and with the ceremonial dagger cuts the rope upon the persons’ wrist.  Taking them by the hand and leading them into the circle of skulls.  She then takes the ceremonial dagger and cuts a band in the initiate’s right bicep placing the scar.  "Thus your oath is sealed with your blood, bound with this reminder of what you have sworn.  Do not fail!"

Priestess: “I now release you from the bonds you once knew and seal your soul to Lord Corath, Keeper of the Dead, the White Skull."

The initiates are then each given a black hood to hide their identities from the world around them.  They are instructed that at a later time they are deemed worthy they will receive their skulls and be accepted as a member of the council.  Until then their every action is being watched.

*** Draft version to be read over and revised when I get a chance ***
*** Disclaimer – I am not satanic nor does this ceremony seek to belittle, harass or offend anyone.  If this ceremony offends you, then my apologies.  This is an RP ceremony to enhance the game experience. ***

[Aragon]

I am still recovering from the events of yesterday.  

A man from Krandor came to Hlint looking for help.  He claimed that an evil red fog was spreading forth from the crypts and killing all that came in contact with it.  The wretched band of would be heros assembled and I followed along with them so that I could see this fog for myself.  A red fog from a crypt is right up my alley.  We arrived at Krandor to find exactly what the man had claimed the fog.  Only he left out the most delightful part of the fog ... its power.

I could feel the power of the fog, the hatred ... the negative energy that it emited.  It called to me and gave me strength.  The fog surrounded me and it and I were as one.  There was no doubt this was a design of Corath.  Just to witness his power released upon this town was a specticle to behold.  The terror and fear that it caused the townspeople and those who I accompanied.  

I just laughed as they issued their threats against me.  From the fog came forth undead creatures of remarkable power.  I watched as they attacked without mercy upon the party of heros.  Finally it was Plenarius that rallied the heros and plunged deep into the crypt.  I remained behind on the surface to witness the destruction and chaos that the fog would cause.  I watched as the people succumbed to vapors and slipped from this realm of mortallity.  I could feel the energy grow within me with each victim the fog claimed.

I felt the lifeforce drained from several of the party members and I heard a shriek of laughter as even the they fell.  I watched as the ghost pirate entered the fog and was immediately overcome.  

Then it happened, a felt a sudden surge and the power was gone.  It pulled on my lifeforce and took back what it had once given to me.  I collapsed under the pain.  I do not know how long I was unconcious.  The next thing I remember is looking up to see the face of an elven woman.  She had used her magic to revive me from my near death state.  While the heros that only nearly escaped mocked my demise, and boasted of their own strength I pulled myself up and staggered back to the temple.  What they don't know is that I was able to capture a sample of the fog .... Rufus will know how to best use this to our advantage.

[Aragon]

"Bonds that once were,
Darkness again shall stir.
Alliances from the past,
Restored to us at last.
Harken to the shadow's call,
Death speaks its voice to all."

These words haunt my dreams.  I lie awake at night pondering them, I am consumed but their implications.  I have sent forth the black letters.  The plans of the Dark Sun have been set in motion.  I must remember to thank Marcus for the clever magics he used on the letters.

[Aragon]

It has been accomplished, two more have joined the ever growing ranks of the unholy.  They are now sealed as followers of Lord Corath.  Their souls eternally bound to thier new god.  I beheld as they took their blood oath how the powers of darkness sealed them and engraved upon thier very souls the darkness that is his.  The darkness surrounded the Circle of Skulls and all present were filled with his unholy grace.

The names of those added this day:
                            Sargon Blackdagger, first apprentice of Rufus Coldfinger
                            Marcus Perrin

The Dark Alliance has once more come forth.  The will of Lord Corath and Lord Baraeon Ca'duz to reestablish the great and dark alliance of our two peoples has been accomplished.  This night is the beginning of darkness for the people of this world.  Our power will grow and there is none to stop us.  I will not list all those who attended this meeting, it is not prudent to name those who are allied with us.  

Something must needs be done about the upstart Lieutenant of Llast.  He is too nosy and will soon become a hidernace to our work.  Should he continue to prod his nose into my affairs I will be forced to cut it from his curious face.

Upon the conclusion of the initiation we were visited by a man dressed in a black robe.  I saw how Rufus bowed in his pressence.  A priestess of Corath cowers to no mortal entity.  I have come to understand that this man was one of the Black Wizards.  His words I did find of some interest, "We have felt the darkness you have called upon this day and we approve of your undertakings, we will be watching you."  If this man was indeed of the Black Wizards we have a powerful ally in our fight.

[Aragon]

As I walked from Llast towards Hlint, I was stopped this day by a man in black.  He commanded me to tell him the location of Rufus Coldfinger.  When I told him I knew not where he was he commanded that I bring him myself to Xantril to meet with the Black Wizards.  Xantril, why would they want Rufus to come to Xantril ... and why am I to accompany him?  He told me it would be painful should I fail to deliver Rufus as obliged.  Pain ... what can he know of pain?  I must find Rufus and tell him what has happened.

******

The fog has returned, this time my lord has choosen the pitiful people of Hlint as his target.  The red creeping fog issued from the crypts and poisoned the wells.  The chaos of the town was overwelming... I felt the evil power of my lord passed us and reigned his unholy blessings down upon the people.  Shortly I was greeted by a frantic Nethro and excited Marcus.  They spoke each at the same time until I had a headache.  I took them back to the temple and soon realized the implications of thier actions and the actions of our lord.  It was then that I felt a chill and an inky darkness passed once more over the temple.  I commanded them to take their places around the circle, they obeyed, but Marcus stepped through the circle.  I would later learn, ... painfully of this infraction.  Lord Corath demands exactness, and strict obedience in his rituals.

I felt Lord Corath pass near me, I was consumed in his wreath of dark flames and was compelled to offer sacrifice in his unholy name.  It was then that 13 rats came to the ring of the circle of skulls and submitted themselves as a sacrifice.  They were layed upon the altar and consecrated with the blood of three followers.  When the proper ceremony was completed the altar was consumed with flames.  Lord Corath had accepted our offering.  

The building then shook violently and all strength was taken from my frame.  I collapsed on the floor to the horror of Nethro.  I could hear his voice as if calling to me down a long hallway, yet the darkness beckoned to me and I followed.  I stepped forth through a doorway and gazed upon the world below me.  A great red fog was creeping its way across the continents, riding on top of the fog was a great white skull wreathed in dark flames.  I then saw the sun rise yet it gave forth no light.  The sun shown darkness and the whole world was covered in a viel.  The viel rained forth a plague upon the land.  Black spots filled with puss that oozed forth I saw upon all the people.  There was none but those who bore the mark of the skull who escaped the plague.  The vision faded and I found myself awake but lacking strength to move.  Nethro was there calling for me to not leave.

A voice spoke into my mind and demanded my attention.  He spoke of pain should I fail to uphold the ceremonies as prescribed.  He commanded that those who are his chosen vessels demand respect from thier followers.  I have had to correct Marcus twice now ... should I have to a third time he will feel the wrath of priestess of Corath.  I will not tolerate those who trangress.  I have payed for his insolence and misdeeds, I will not pay for them again.

*****

Afterwards, when I had slightly recovered, Nethro wished to speak with me.  He took me aside and confessed his feelings for me.  I did not know what to say.  Perhaps he took my silence as a negative and asked if he should leave.  Leave?  I do not think I could continue with the calling to which I am ascribed without his strength to uphold me.  He spoke of love .... what is love?  Foreign at best it is to one such as myself.  But I can not bare the thought that Nethro not be near me.  He offered me a ring adorned with a black oynx as a promise of what we may become togethor.  I told him that my devotion unto Lord Corath would ever come first.  He sayed he expected nothing less from me, and would be content with any space in my heart left for him.  With those words I accepted his ring.  I do not know what love is .... but I think Nethro can show this to me.  Surely Lord Corath will approve the union of two devout followers, uniting thier strengths and becoming as one.  The potential and the power we promise unto him is sure to please.

[Aragon]

The Ritual of Blood
*****
This ritual is used to invoke the blessings of Lord Corath before a battle, to give praise after a victory, or as a sign of devotion.  The Ritual of Blood should not be confused with the Ritual of Sacrifice.  The Ritual of Blood is a sign of praise and respect to Lord Corath, while the later ritual is used to call upon the power of Lord Corath for darker deeds.  As in all ceremonies of the Mad God, a Priestess of High Priestess officiates and leads the followers in the ritual.  The ritual begins with the Priestess taking her place at the edge of the Circle of Skulls, any council members present will take their places around the circle, all other followers will kneel in their appointed places.  The Priestess will then lead the followers in appealing to Lord Corath in prayer.  Upon completion of the prayer she will step into the Circle of Skulls and begin the Ritual of Blood.  The Priestess calls for the blood to be brought forth.  The appointed follower then brings the offering to the edge of the Circle of Skulls and hands it to the Priestess.  She then places the offering of blood upon the altar.  The Ritual must be performed while the blood of the offering is still warm.  She then calls for the first follower to come forth.  The Priestess rolls up the right sleeve of the follower and takes his right hand and pricks the finger of the follower with the ceremonial dagger.  She then milks the finger allowing the blood to drip onto the offering.  The process is repeated for a second follower.  The Priestess then uses the dagger on herself and drips her blood upon the offering.  She repeats the following words; “By the blood of three with invoke thee, with this blood let us satisfy thee.”  The Priestess then kneels in the center of the Circle of Skulls and offers a prayer of dedication.

Appropriate Offerings
*****
An appropriate offering to Lord Corath is always blood of a creature killed at the hands of His followers.  The offering will be 13 of these creatures, killed within the last hour.  The blood must be warm within the creature.  The larger the volume of blood offered the greater the blessings given by Lord Corath.

Ritual of Sacrifice
*****
One of the most unholy rituals of the church of Corath.  Used to summon forth the power of Lord Corath.  This is only performed by a High Priestess and then only in rare circumstance where great power is needed.  This ceremony is most often used to summon greater demons of the Abyss, or in preparing a soul for lichdom.  The sacrifice used for this Ritual is a virgin of human or elven descent.  The sacrifice is tied down upon the altar face up.  It is important that the sacrifice be of good health and a vessel of purity.  The High Priestess will perform a ceremonial cleansing of herself before beginning the Ritual.  She then begins the ceremony in the normal fashion by appealing for the blessings of Lord Corath.  All members of the council must be present for this ceremony to take place.  The High Priestess then enters into the Circle of Skulls and begins the Ritual of Sacrifice.  The clothes are first cut from the sacrifice using the ceremonial dagger.  Next using the blade the High Priestess will cut a line from the breastbone to the navel of the sacrifice.  The sacrifice is then eviscerated, but left alive.  The evisceration must be done in such a manner to inflict maximum pain while keeping the sacrifice alive.  She then speaks the words, “We commit this virgin most fare and pure to your honor mighty one, feast upon her pain and suffering.  Follow her screams, and her pleads for death to this thy unholy temple.”  She then takes the dagger and cuts the trachea of the sacrifice so they cannot breathe, yet remain alive.  The High Priestess then reaches into the cavity of the sacrifice and pulls the heart of the victim from their chest.  If this ceremony is used in preparation of Lichdom, they who are to become a Lich is then called to Altar and bade to take a bite of the heart of the sacrifice.  Otherwise the High Priestess will hold it in her hand and with her other hand pierce the heart, and her own hand with the ceremonial dagger, pushing the dagger through until it protrudes from the back of her hand so that her blood and the sacrifices become one.  She then removes the blade and slices the jugular of the victim ending their live.  With the blade still dripping with the blood of the sacrifice she holds the dagger high over her head and speaks these words, “This sacrifice we commend to thee, Bless this unholy act and hear our plea.  This blood is a symbol of our devotion, grant us our desires.”  The High Priestess will then ask for what is wanted of Lord Corath.

Upon conclusion, all the organs are then gathered and placed in special jars, similar to those used in mummification, and given along with the corpse to the Oathmaker for raising the creature to undeath.

****
This one is for Cattery -- more to your liking?

[Aragon]

The dreams continue.  What purpose do they hold ... some power has awakened and speaks to me.  These visions, preminisions of what will soon come to pass.  This time I saw the skull more clearly,  the fog seemed to eminate from it, and I could see that within the dark sockets of its eyes were glowing green gems.  The gems were mulitfacited and resembled emeralds.  As the skull faded from my view, from the fog came a shadowy figure of a man.  The man was clad from head to toe in black robes.  As he came nearer to me, he raised his head to look at me.  I could see the green glow of his eyes under the hood.  He raised his hand to point at me and the robes fell back from off his hand to reveal his skeletal form.  He hissed forth the following words, "Xantril".  Then the vision faded and I returned to my senses.  I must get to Rufus and see my task through.

[Aragon]

It seems of late that a few select groups have taken notice of the cult.  The only one that concerns me is Aeridin.  Four times he sent his minions to vanquish us in the caverns of ice.  Yet these attempts were in vain.  I am most impressed with the development of this Belecthor Saeras.  He shows great potential, perhaps he will someday rival Nethro for a place at my right hand.  *stops writing a moment and chuckles*  I should like to see him challenge Nethro ... it would be a most entertaining contest.  

*****

Marcus and I met with a wandering man named Xander.  He spoke as if he was a devout of the dark path, yet his understanding and his use of words leads me to believe differently.  I sense something different about him.  He spoke of having similar visions that I have had.  But what perplexes me most is how he found out about the meeting in Hlint.  I believe there is a mole in our midsts.  I must watch and wait ... this mole will reveal himself in due time.  This Xander is merely the informant that will lead me to the source of the leak.  When I find this .. person ... they will wish they never heard the name of Chanda.  I will unleash eternal torment down upon them ... they will call to me for their death but death will not hear them.  I will not be played for a fool.  I know to whom the mole reports, I just now need to find the middleman.

*****

A second visit from the man in black has compelled me to once again find Rufus and drag him if I must to Xantril.  I wonder if these visions I am having have anything to do with this black robed man.  Another vision I had will in the attitude of prayer last night.  This time I could hear the words that before I could not.  The creature in black said, "Bring me more souls".  Prehaps it is time for two more souls join our flock ....

[Aragon]

Milara ... so he has returned.  I still find it hard to believe that Ramanon had know idea with whom he spoke.  But it was no accident nor coincidence that Milara revealed himself to Ramanon.  He was meant to bring the news of Milara's return to me.  This news brings togethor many parts of the puzzle that have troubled my mind of late.  Greatest of which was the man in my dreams.  I know now him to be Milara, the visions foretold his coming.  Now I must decide how to use this information to our benefit.  This is a great boon to my cause, for while Quin and his pitiful army worries about what I am doing they will be totally blinded to the coming of Milara.  He will crush them under his feet, there is none that will be able to stop him.

Yet, Albert has raised an interesting concept to me thoughts.  It seems that Quin, Plenarius, and Celgar have made a folly that must be capitalized upon.  When the battle does come we will strike at them where it will cause them the most pain, the most suffering, and the most chaos.  And while in their state of confusion they will become easy prey, for there souls will be crushed leaving only their physical forms to deal with.  

Albert was able to reconfirm some thoughts that have been upon my mind of late, but I still think that I shall speak with Ozy at the first available oppurtunity.

[Aragon]

Even as I write this my blood still boils in anger.  He has jeopardized all that I have worked for, all that I have strived to build.  His mouth flaps as a sheet in the wind.  He will learn to control his tongue and I shall be his instructor.  The insolent fool, not only did he threaten the entire city but he risked the life of two other members of the cult.  This is twice he has failed me ... there will not be a third time.  I have sent Marcus and Kit to find him that I may extract the punishment demanded by Lord Corath.

****

He has been found and the justice of Lord Corath has been met.  Yet the suffering he has endured this day is nothing in comparrison to that which he will receive by our lord should he fail once more.  His flesh has paid for his wagging tongue and his severed arm will serve to remind him of the cost for his transgression.  My whip bit into his flesh creating its mark upon his back.  The rage I felt as I beat upon Nethro was quite consuming.   The sound of his pain, filled the chamber, and incited more rage into me.  He shall not forget the folly of angering a priestess of Corath.

It appears Lord Corath is appeased in this for the altar did accept the offering of flesh, devouring the arm and filling the chamber with the smell of death.  Marcus, Wmeky, and Kit were all in attendance ... it is my hope that the image of what Nethro has endured is emblazed into their minds.  For thus is the consequence of failing Lord Corath.  Failure is not tolerated, failure will be punished.

[Aragon]

Things are progressing very well with the young drow.  She has now learned to speak the human language.  Kit has done well in this task.  I spoke late into the night with Anayama, discerning the depth of her desires.  I see much potential in this young one.  But will she be choosen by Lord Corath, the seeds are within her, she can become quite powerful and indeed a strong binding of the alliance.  She will stand beside me as we wreck havoc and chaos upon this land.  The key will be fostering the hatred she has for her former allies .... Aeridinites.

Why do I keep that blundering fool around?  Even in his attempts to please he fails.  Perhaps not fail .... but definatly confuse the issues.  I thought I understood the message he delivered to me, but when I spoke on this matter to Serenity it seems his lack of understanding of the issues muttled the message.  Yet I have heard that he desires to now sit upon my lefthand ... we shall see.  What I was able to understand from his blubbering was that an event of epic porpotions is coming, the moon will be bathed in blood for six days, in which time the Concordant Powers of Good must perform three tasks to prevent Blood from increasing his power.  This must coincide with the urgency of Rufus' meeting.  Perhaps the Black Wizards are "Those" necromancers to which Serenity refered.

I believe I will be drawn by both sides to aid in their fight.  My oath to Lucinda in predicated upon the will of Lord Corath.  As Serenity put it, "Blood desires to dethrown all the gods, even though Corath is at the bottom of the list, he is still on the list."  I must pray upon this issue, this along with the upcoming initiation my mind is quite heavy.  Having a second Priestess to the Mad One will be of great worth to this cult.

[Aragon]

I felt something, dark and ominous moving nearby.  What it was I did not yet know but like the moth to the flame its presence drew me closer.  I walked along oblivious to all that was around me.  In fact, looking back now I do not think I even finished my conversation with Mong.  I must seek him out and finish the conversation; I believe it was of some importance … I digress.  It was as if I walked through Hlint with blinders on; past the temple of Illsare, through the barley field.  As I walked I could feel the darkness growing until I reached the well.  There stood Anayama, the dark energy was focused around her.

She spoke of just having helped a young injured girl, which puzzled me as to why she would do such a thing.  Yet my attention was diverted to the growing energy that I truly did not focus on her actions.  I kneeled to her level and removed her hood.  I grabbed her head and starred into her eyes.  I could feel the darkness within her calling to be freed.  I placed my hand upon her chest and began to chant, words that I have never before uttered, yea even words I do not now even comprehend.  Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming sensation of energy as the darkness closed in around us.  

We seemed to travel through time and space, where and when we arrived I do not know.  But our journey ended eventually on a pedestal surrounded by darkness.  Yet even to call it darkness is an understatement.  This place we had arrived at was devoid of light, it seemed to suck all light into it.  There was no sound, no light, and no time.  How long we remained in this place I know not.  We dared not venture from the platform.  To yell sounded like as a mere whisper.  There was nothing.

After what seemed like an eternity a glow seemed to near, the darkness seemed to repeal at his approach.  The being came forth and stood upon the platform.  He was dressed head to toe in armor of solid black, a blade that glowed with the energy of the damned was drawn at his side.  His voice seemed to pierce the void.  He demanded to know why Anayama was there, one as weak as she.  He then bade her take the blade that had appeared at her feet and thrust it into the chest of the most unworthy.  She then did something that defied all that I have taught her.  She thrust the blade into her own chest and fell to the platform lifeless.  The entity then said, “One who lacks confidence in themselves considering themselves inferior to others is an unworthy servant.”  He then vanished into the void.

Suddenly, there was a burst of light and a woman clothed in light, with wings of white appeared on the platform.  Before I could even stand to confront her I fell to the ground, I watched, as my corpse lay motionless upon the platform.  

I looked all about yet there was nothing but darkness around me.  Below me I could see that the celestial being had restored Anayama to life and was conversing, then they both disappeared.  I was left alone in the great expanse of void.  

The next thing I remember was a pulling sensation and the darkness was gone.  There I lay in a field outside of Hlint with a group of strangers looking at Anayama and I.  Anayama did not move, I was just starting to my feet when I saw Celgar standing over her corpse.  He began the incantation to restore her spirit to her frame, just as he finished and she began to breath once more a surge of darkness overcame him and he collapsed dead where he stood.  

The crowd that had now formed urged me to heal the man as Anayama fled towards Hlint.  Did they really think I would heal him?  The fools … let his corpse become the food of the maggots.  They tried to pressure me and even made threats against me.  The insolent fools.  A Priestess of Corath does not cower to them they are dross to me.  It was then that Plenarius came upon the scene and cast his restoration upon Celgar.  The light blinded my site.  It was only through the dark energy that I was able to stumble my way to the temple.  

There was no need to have Anayama explain her failure; it was all clear to me.  I could see what had transpired in her eyes.  She had failed because she did not know Lord Corath or his ways.  She looked hopeful to the faith of Lord Corath, while still holding to the ways of Aeridin.  She was not worthy of the mantle of priestess.  He doubts turned out to be her weakness and her downfall.  

I have counseled with Anayama.  She seems determined to prove her worth and someday take upon her the mantle.  We shall see. We shall see

[Aragon]

Who is the Soul Mother?  Regardless of who or what she really is, I do not think I would like to test the resolve of the High Mage.  To be consumed by the essence of the Soul Mother does not sound like a pleasurable experience.  As such both Rufus and I have expressed to the members of the alliance that they will all but disappear to the world above.  All emblems and tokens of the faith will no longer be blazened for the world to see.  And should any of my followers lose mastery of themselves or of any one of their bodily functions I will be there in a flash to bring said function into check.  If they can not control their tongues then I will keep it for them safe where I can control it.  The darkness grows, the hour nears for the dawning of the Dark Sun.  It is only a matter of time ...