Character Name: Ramanon Vensk
Current Level: 20
XP to rech next level: 950,000
Updated Bio:
Dahl Ma’here (Translated: Darkness Within) - The Journal of Ramanon Vensk
Journal entry 1
I begin this journal now as I feel my life has only begun.
Yes, I have committed all manner of atrocities in the past. Who would have thought I’d end up like this, a silhouette of my former master, the Necromancer Martell de’Baunch. After his destruction of our village and the inhumane way he treated me when I was a child, one would think that I would have turned the other way. I new I should have, but in my captivity and service, I developed a skill to the art. He new it also, that is why I believe he did not allow me to die. And after his demise it was all I had left. First it began as a dabble, then a taste, before I new it I was dependant on it. But it wasn’t the art that lured me into hatred and distaste for others. It was the people themselves. A necromancer has no place among civilians. They made sure I was driven away. Fools! It only fuels my ambition to become stronger and allow the hatred to fester until a time when I will unleash my full wrath upon your pathetic souls. And now, after so many years, I find myself treading in my predecessors footsteps. I only hope I’m smarter than he, wiser and more discrete…. Yes…. discretion is the key.
Since that time fate has drawn me to others who follow the dark path, like a moth to an unholy flame. These are the Priestess Chanda and Marcus Perrin. It was a man named Nethro who claimed me as his catch. He was a pathetic individual who deserved his punishment from the Mad God, now my God, the Black Sun, Lord Corath. I have devoted all my time to the art and to his service. I feel myself changing with every foul ritual and dark blessing. I am getting colder and my body seems to be changing. Many months ago upon completing a Blood Sacrament I fell unconscious and woke two days after. The sacrifice has cost me my left arm. At first it began to turn purple as blood ceased to flow from my shoulder down. Then it began to rot. I remained inside to avoid the flies laying their lava on it, however, it wasn’t long till I saw the first cluster of maggots feasting on the dead flesh. That was an extreme test of my fortitude. To witness ones arm decomposing to parasites and the smell….oh how I remember that smell. I can’t remember how many times I threw up. It was agony, however once all flesh was striped from my bones I found that I still had use of the arm. Odd, but this was the process that had been prophesized and I accepted it. However the arm is serving as a useful tool for the necromantic arts. I am able to channel negative energy through it to paralyse certain creatures. The damn Giants and Ogres seem to be immune to the touch, however some humanoids have felt its icy chill.
I am excelling in most crafts. Together, Chanda, Marcus and I have developed the Arm of the Ram, a name which symbolises our Dark Lords taint. We have collected near 500,000 gold. Our ambition to use the gold to build a Temple on Mistone seems to be coming along quite well. I take glee at every sale. The fools don’t know that every gold spent is an extra brick for our malevolent Grace. Once we achieve this Temple we will then focus on attaining dominance in Mistone. Then we will attain dominance over Dregar and together with Arabel we shall be a force to combat the likes of Rofieren, Aeridin, Toran or any who oppose us. The Reign of the Dark Lord will be seen, his footsteps shall shake the foundations of the earth and his eye shall bring chaos and terror to all of Layonara. Sinthar will not have a chance.
Another stage of my past that concerns me is that the Drow have interest in me. Why? I simply don’t know. It was at a time whilst scouting the Silent Watch Mountains with a band of mercenaries. We came across a mass of shadow warriors that attacked on sight. The group fled but my curiosity forced me to push forward and examine this new entity. Well, it led to my demise. However that was when a shade came to me and spoke. It promised my life restored if I was to perform an act for them. I agreed. So shortly after being revived I bluffed the group and led them all back into the forest. Into a trap. They were all mercilessly slain. Their souls were taken. The next stage of this journey led me to a meeting with the Drow Shadow council, a plane of darkness. Here they gave me a new challenge. In return I was to be rewarded. And rewarded I was.
By using an item of their foul magic’s and my own illusion of deception I infiltrated the abode of Veldrin, a great Drow warrior and husband to Lalaith Valesh. The meeting went well and I witnessed the power of the Drow as their magic’s polluted his body and transformed him once gain into a warrior of the under dark. Before he left to join his brethren he forced an agreement on me. That I must speak to his wife and convey what had happened. In return he would give me her wedding band. A black ring that is needed to complete the Ritual of the Diadem. This ritual will give the Drow powers to successfully bring chaos and evil to the land. I agreed to aid them since they will be the focus of evil when chaos begins its reign on Layonara. This will give the Corathites space to conduct their own tactics. With luck the Drow will be slaughtered, but not after they inflict huge casualties on the land. I have no doubt that I am aiding a future enemy. That one day I myself will be in direct combat with the Drow. So if I can use the Drow against the so-called righteous, I might be able to weaken both sides and swoop in for the kill.
Sinthar however will be the only contingent to ruin my plans. I must race to become powerful enough to meet his hordes. We must be strong enough to succeed against him. Otherwise all these plans are useless.
So I completed Veldrin’s task. I must say the kitten Lalaith has a nasty scratch. I am left with a scar across my neck. Lucky actually that she didn’t manage to go any deeper with that blade. But it was worth it to see her heart broken….pathetic elf.
The drow have rewarded me appropriately. The prize was a scroll of Wail of the Banshee. A gift that I feel is appropriate as there can be no price attached to knowledge. I am now waiting for Veldrin to appear with the ring. Once I return that I hope to attain more arcane knowledge from them. However, it worries me that they can share such powerful magic’s so easily. She referred to it as a Cantrip. I have much to learn it seems.
Journal entry 2
An interesting day it has been. I found Tamera, our new dark sister, in a peculiar circumstance within Shoufal. She, the druid Faile and the goblin Bilviki were in a struggle against the children of Grannoch. Apparently the children had chosen Tamera and Faile to be sacrifices to appease their Gods. With some effort I intervened and managed to free Tamera and replace her with Biliviki. The goblin is of no consequence nor is the druid. Upon reaching Fort Velensk an earth servant appeared to us and produced a riddle. Something of a Black Hand. That this Black Hand was on the move and it would be a race to find it. It also referred to us as the black hearts. I assume that connotation refers to us Corathites. I must look into this.
Journal entry 3
Well it is true. It has come to my knowledge that there is an artefact called the Black Hand. It is an item of immense negative power and was created by a Corath Dread Lord of old named Zarcksan. He almost conquered the world but was destroyed by Dwarves and Giants. Upon his demise they eventually had his hand buried in the High forest where it was to be guarded by the druids. Well it seems the druids have failed their duties and it is now unearthed. We do not know where it is or who have it. This I must make my number one priority. None deserve the hand more than servants of the Mad God.
Journal entry 4
I now have a new dilemma. An entity of great power has emerged to Layonara. He has appeared to me through magic and his servants. His name is Krentorithin, his symbol a Jester. The man has an interest for me. I do not know why. I feel he wants my allegiance to him. He mentioned that all the Gods will perish under his power. That Corath will also be a target. He also told me some important news. That the Black Hand is on the move and is on a ship heading to Xantril. He both intrigues me and confuses me. I must think about this. All of a sudden there seems to be no time. I must leave to Xantril at once.
Journal entry 5
I was with a band of adventurers this day, looking for clues to the Black Hand. None seem to know what I do, though there are more clues to be found on Mistone that convey the artefacts history. One thing that has been irritating me is Eldarwen’s relationship with me. Why on earth does she seek my friendship? Why aid me? Chanda does not trust her and neither should I, thought it has proved to be useful to have her on my side. Perhaps she thinks I’m on her side?
Journal entry 6
I have the Black Hand. One would think I should be rejoicing however it is having the opposite effect. The hand has laid new troubles to mind. Before the quest I was painfully greeted by one of Krentorithin’s servants. The man gutted me to near death within Scamps Mug. As I lay on the floor trying to hold my intestines within he gave me an important word. He told me the hand must be destroyed, and that if the Lucinite Eldarwen tries to thwart me doing so, she will be assassinated, together with all who travel with her. I do not deny his power. He also mentioned that the Hand cannot be used, that it is hindering his advancement to Layonara and that if Zarcksan is united with the hand he will be a power that will consume our Dark Lord.
I must make sure this does not happen.
So then, our adventure leads us to the unholy Grace’s temple in Arabel. The Hand was in his possession and the dissention within the temple ranks lead to a great battle. After the battle part of our group fled outside the temple for another matter. My pupil Agustus and I stayed with and probed further. I managed to unlock the necromantic wards that lead to Zarcksans chamber. There I confronted the great man…now a lich. We spoke briefly together and in many ways we were alike. He also sensed it, since he could see through me and into my mind. But at that point I knew this man must be destroyed. That his interest was not in the same interests of our Dark Lord. And battle ensued.
Now there is something I can live to describe that makes all my past injuries look like paper cuts. With bad targeting, Eldarwen cast an implosion which consumed both Zarcksan and myself. Imagine your whole body being crushed and compacted within an instance. Bones breaking in thousands of pieces, organs pressed like mahogany scrolls, and flesh pushed in from all angles. It was the most excruciating pain I have felt in my life. Even though it only lasted an instant it seemed to go for eternity. However I was raised and we managed to take the Hand. It seemed that I was the best choice to carry it so that is how it remained. I must study this artefact.
Journal entry 7
Again Eldarwen pushes her friendship on me. We had a long chat today and she disclosed much of her history and her plans for the future. I believed some, and took the rest as face value. One thing that I find interesting is the way she is handling the Grey Circle and others who would love to witness my demise. She is protecting me indirectly. I do not know why though I don’t really care. Still I have my suspicions. Time will tell.
She also mentioned to me that during the battle in Arabel a black dagger, coated with poison targeted her. It hit Ozy instead. The dagger had a picture of the Jester upon its hilt. I suspect Dirk Driss was the assailant. She will never find him, though I shed some insight and warned her not to interfere.
Journal entry 8
Something is happening to me. Ever since I was revived within the Temple and have had this artefact in my possession I have been feeling unwell. I have been having mood swings, and my eyes are becoming increasingly sensitive to light. Also I have noticed wounds are taking longer to heal.
Also I am having violent nightmares. The Hand has strangling me or is tearing my heart out. Each time I awake in a cold sweat and check the box where I keep the Hand. It is always within and the wards remain in-tact. It is becoming a burden.
Journal entry 9
I now understand why the Hand must be destroyed. Dirk Driss contacted me within the shadows of Karthy. The man I truly believe is not entirely human. He killed a human with lightning precision, dissected the being like a surgeon and took some of the organs. Later he feasted on a Heart. He cannot be human.
We had a long discussion. Apparently Ozy will be in grave danger. Not that I really care. But it was interesting to discover what will happen to him. The poison from the dagger will consume him. He will then fall into a sort of comatose state. What then happens I found amazing. Krenorithin uses these bodies to fuel great power into his servants. That is why Dirk Driss is so powerful. The prey must contain power of their own to be any use. I feel then Ozy was a good target. Eldarwen will be a better one. I wonder if she will suffer the same fate.
Anyway Dirk showed me why the hand must be destroyed. It required my death and a journey through a city of the dead to discover why. That is where I met the essence of Zarcksan and new that while the hand is around, he is still a very much alive and a deadly threat.
Anyway I had to make a Soul Oath to Krentorithin that I am bound. It is better I do not write anything further in case this journal happens to get into the wrong hands….
Journal Entry 10
Long has it been since I’ve placed a quill onto these pages. Where do I begin to recount the space between? I’ll start with Eldarwen.
Finally I have broken the relationship with Eldarwen much to my relief. I requested that a Paladin Matilda be exiled from the order. I asked this on behalf of Chanda to aid her plans which I find most clever and devious. Eldarwen replied rather childishly. Rather than act as a wise priestess of Lucinda she acted like a stubborn infant, overzealous with high expectations of herself. Her companions acted much the same way. None of them even questioned my motives. Ha! Pathetic! I guess I should be pleased to know that should ever my path conflict against them that I’ll be dealing with feeble minded egotistical fools. Unfortunately I could not fulfil Chanda’s request, however, the meeting turned out as a success never-the-less.
The Hand is continuing to burden me. It is also breaching my magical wards to affect those around me. On numerous occasions I have had adventurers seeking to claim it from me. Some of them even comrades of mine. On one such occasion near Pranzis the hand consumed me and laid me to waste where Faile prized the box from my being. I snapped from the trance once the Hand left my possession and sought to reclaim it from her. Using her shifting abilities and observing my pursuit, she changed into a Kobold and disappeared from sight. Anger consumed me. My threatening words were not enough to cease her games so I then set the surrounding terrain ablaze with fire and lightning in an effort to accent my fury and even kill her. The cat and mouse game lead us into the courtyard of Pranzis where I finally managed to capture the woman and reclaim the Black Hand. Immediately the burden returned but none should carry it other than I.
Journal Entry 11
Chanda, Tathonalu and I accompanied Rufus on his quest to the Black Wizards. Here I was beset by the most powerful being my eyes have witnessed. A Black Sun, avatar of our unholy grace and beacon of absolute darkness. His mere presence heralded reverence. I fell to my knees and it took effort to raise my eyes and glance at the being in awe. However when his glare passed over me I felt the need to look to the ground once more. The sheer magnitude of him. I am impressed.
Journal entry 12
Something is definitely changing within. The Black Hand is the cause for that I’m certain. I’ve started hearing whispers randomly. Too soft to be comprehended but they are there regardless. I noticed that they happen to be concentrated around areas with many dead such as grave yards, the Broken Forest and Dark Wood. Is it that they are speaking to me? Or am I on my journey to undeath? Either way I find this to be interesting. I must study it.
Journal entry 13
I had a most interesting meeting today. Sipher, a high Priest of Corath beckoned my attendance in Arabel. Once there I was greeted by him and his elaborate plans to bring more funds to the Temple. Also he portrayed his plans to ferret out traitors in the organisation. He introduced me to a man named Rith whom would be supplying the funds. It took some time but I realized that Rith was actually Dirk Driss disguised. Sipher is a fool! He enlisted the aid of a spy for Krentorithin. And here I reside, bound by a soul oath not to mention anything. The frustration!
Then as we were in discussion we were spontaneously greeted by a Black Sun. Twice in the same week I have been overwhelmed with our unholy Avatar. Is this coincidence or providence? That I do not know. What I do know is that I fear the Avatar knows my plans. He approached only me. He read my mind. I know it. I was certain death would greet me. He knew I was walking a thin line between Corath & Krentorithin. However he let it pass with only a few serious words.
Journal Entry 14
Today marks a day where my mind is clear with a single purpose. To seek and destroy Dirk Driss.
I journeyed this day into the Realms of the dead. There I met the Avatar of Krentorithin, a huge Pit Fiend of immense power. I was given the opportunity to join him and become powerful. However, as we were speaking a Black Sun also appeared on this unearthly plane. I thought I was doomed. To my surprise the Black Sun was pleased. I had led him to Krentorithins Avatar which he seemed to think was a plan of mine. Better to let sleeping dogs lie, but a twist of fate like this is all that I needed to make my decision.
I turned to the Pit Fiend and refused his proposal. His anger erupted only to be thwarted by that of the Black Sun. I was a worm between two stones. The argument about my fate went on and on. In the end, Krento’s Avatar left angered. The Black Sun turned to me and gave me three missions. The first was to kill the source of Dirks power. Second was to destroy the Black Hand and third was to kill Dirk Driss himself. Once these were completed the essence of Krentorithin will disappear from Layonara. Overall though I got the feeling the Black Sun was pleased with me. I dare not fail his tasks.
So immediately I travelled to Karthy, to a place where I learned Dirk received his powers. There I found a man who was trapped within a pentagon. He could not leave it, but from within his powers were endless. Battle ensued. It took all my memorized spells, scrolls, wands and summons to battle this mage. It wasn’t until I used the Black Hand itself upon the Pentagon that his power reservoir was destroyed, and thus he as well. The sad reality is that had I accepted Krentorithin’s bargain I may have been granted such a fate. I am such a fool! I deserve not to be so fortunate.
To have endless power within the locked confines of a small space. I shiver at the thought.
So now with Dirk Driss’s power line severed I need to locate the man. I also need to destroy this Black Hand. Then my missions are accomplished.
Journal Entry 16
My search to the destruction of the Black Hand has led me to the High Forest into the druid grove. There we parleyed with the high druids and Rhizome for the Key to the Crystal door. Apparently this door is a secret passage where a land of harmony exists. Many creatures and beings exist within the land and the druids were reluctant to aid us. The theory is absolute Chaos will meet absolute Harmony. The Black Hand surely will be destroyed.
After ascertaining the repercussions the Hand will deliver to Layonara they agreed that the chance to destroy the Hand was worth the risk. The Key was given to Faile, and now we will use this device to locate the door.
Finally I am so near to being rid of this burden. I only hope I can hold onto sanity before this is through.
Journal entry 17
Tamera perished this day at my feet within a cave on Rilara. A group of greater water elementals converged on us and she fell to their drowining attack. I had my Golem pick her body up and carry it to Leilon where I set her within a sarcophagus. Perhaps our Dark Lord will raise her as undead to serve endlessly.
Journal Entry 18
I have received word from Chanda that we are investigating building the Temple in the Sword Rust Mountains. I ventured up to the Gnoll Fort and found it absolutely perfect. Since then I have doubled my efforts amassing gold to fund its construction. Once again the Arm of the Ram is open for business.
Journal Entry 19
Rumours of Dirk have now been circulating that he seeks my head. He has attacked Chanda and even tried to persuade her to betray me. Its become personal for him. I find it amusing that the man I seek is seeking me, yet we cannot cross paths. This cat-and-mouse game must come to a halt soon. I simply must have his head. Rather I’d like to capture him and execute him in front of the Black Sun in our Temple.
Journal Entry 20
We have now collected just under 700,000 gold. We have the destination but we do not have the builders or a quote. This I believe could be a problem. Who on Layonara would build a Temple to Corath on Mistone?
I wonder….perhaps the Druegar may? I must consult with Darthon to speak with his underground kin. They have no love for the inhabitants of Mistone and the dwarves are the best masons on the land. This may work yet…
//Along with the quests and missions outlined above I was involved with the following earth changing series:
Scrolls of Melizephie
The Weird
Plus a collection of numerous minor quests ranging from magical beer to the spiders of Baraeon Ca'duz.///
Future endeavours (what could happen in future):
Quest to achieve undeath
Learn to speak with the dead
Complete the Temple as discussed on the Corath forums
Build a crypt/Mausoleum on Dregar
//I request that Dezza GM's the ECDQ. He knows Ramanon inside and out and our timezones match.///
Cheers,
Polak76
