Isolde lead the way to the tower, though it would not have been hard to find. The tower rises above any foliage but even if it did not the smell emanating from within the tower acts as a putrid beacon.



We made our way through a warren of narrow hallways filled with demons and rotting corpses. Floor by floor we descended further into the dungeon, the horrid smell reaching noxious levels.

At the climax of the dungeon we were ambushed by the reanimated corpse of the countess and a party of corrupted rogue sisters. We tried to make our escape but she sealed the exits with flame, so we fought. I held them off the best I could while Isolde assaulted them arrows. When the melee was over, we stood victorious.

We examined the battlefield for anything of value and from underneath a corpse I discovered a small stone with strange markings. Was the legend true?



Encouraged by my findings, I searched the room further and discovered more stones with unusual symbols.

As we further scavenged the cellar for stones, from the hands of a demon, an item of remarkable quality fell onto the blood-soaked stone.



Are the demons of hell capable of such fine craftsmanship or had it been taken from slain warrior? Perhaps the rogues will have a use for this blade.

As our looting came to a close we were rewarded once more for our efforts. More of the countess' treasures; stones and an enchanted shield.



With our bags overflowing, and our minds full of questions regarding the stones, we returned to the camp for answers.



We showed our findings to Akara and sought her wisdom, after a moment of shock, she hurried us towards Cain who she said would be able to answer our queries better than she.

Cain, with childlike glee, told us that the stones we collected were indeed runes. Similar to the druidic runes I am accustomed to, their purpose is to be embedded within a weapon or piece of armor to provide it with magical properties greatly increasing its effectiveness. He had believed the runes to be lost to time.

Unfamiliar with these particular runes, I pried into Cains knowledge. He shared with me a book filled with the lore of runes, and recipes to craft powerful pieces of equipment called "Rune Words". The book spoke of the origins of runes, created by both angel and demon to aid them in their eternal conflict. It would appear the countess had managed to collect many of these runes unbeknownst to their true purpose.

Cain also informed us the powerful items we had found within the tower could very well have been collected from past generations of man, even as far back as the ancients themselves. According to Horadim lore, demons and angels alike have held influence over Sanctuary since its creation and many powerful items could have fallen into their possession throughout history.

All of this is quite overwhelming, I need time to collect my thoughts.

After a night of trying to process what Cain had told me, I still couldn't make sense of it all.

However, idle thought will not help us take back the Monestary for the sisters. We must take action before the web of Andariel's corruption grows larger, and traps more prey.

I have asked Charsi to craft me some special wares.



A chest piece, fit with two sockets to embed runes within.



And similarly an axe with two sockets.

I shall use these to attempt runework.

With guidance from Cain and Charsi, I was able to forge these two "Rune Words". According the Cain's book, which contains the recipes to craft these items, the chest armor is known as "Stealth" and the axe "Steel".

When I donned the Rune Words I could feel their energy flowing through me, granting me their boons. Cain's book tells the truth, these items are powerful...

This post was edited by Kenorwox on Mar 17 2018 10:07pm

With our newly found potency, Isolde and I began our march towards the Monastery gate. Before we reached our destination, night had fallen; we took shelter in this abandoned cabin.

I took the first watch. I kept busy by flipping through the pages of a book on the local flora and their uses that I had found on a shelf inside the cabin. It's hard to imagine this area filled with so much life and color compared to barren wasteland it is now.

During Isolde's watch, our temporary camp was approached by a pair of demons. I awoke to the commotion, but by the time I had risen to my feet Isolde had finished them off.

As dawn emerged, we once again set our sights toward the Monastery.

As we drew closer, we were assaulted by these nasty creatures of corruption. We noticed one of them seemed to be carrying something, and the rest were protecting it. They tried to flee after we slew several of them but we hunted them down.



This small club was deceptively heavy and, like the blade we found within the tower, it is well crafted. I wonder what those flying demons were doing with it?

This post was edited by Kenorwox on Mar 18 2018 05:19pm

Finally, after a treacherous journey, we found ourselves at the Monastery gate. I fear it will only grow more difficult from here on.



The fountain continues to flow. Its splashing water the only sound breaking the eerie silence of the courtyard.

Isolde lead the way to the barracks, that is where Charsi thought the malice would be.

The barracks was dark...and quiet, but our senses were on alert. As we crept our way through the empty halls of the barracks, we eventually found ourselves before the forge room.

We prepared ourselves for battle, controlling our adrenaline. On the count of three, as silent as possible, we would crack open the door; 3...2...1...

The malice! But where are the demons? Would they leave such a powerful tool unguarded? Surely it's a trap...?

We cracked the door further, alert, pushing evermore forward...but nothing. The room is empty but for the malice and a dim forge. We approached the Horadric tool and grabbed it, it seems our worry was for naught. It truly was just that easy.

No...what's that? Laughter...bone chilling laughter, deep and demonic; but from where?! The corner! Lurking in the shadows...waiting...

"I SHALL MAKE WEAPONS FROM YOUR BONES!"



Before we could react he...no it...was upon us. I took the first blow, but managed to stay upright barely as Isolde took its flank. The demon was massive, taller than any man. My fangs latched to its arm and my claws to its torso. It shook me about violently with ease. I just have to hold a little longer, and Isolde will finish him. But I could not, it broke my grapple. It charged for Isolde, but that was a mistake...I POUNCED! My teeth and claws tearing into its back and neck. With a final act of demon strength it swung for Isolde, CRACK its fist met the wall, Isolde had dodged the attack. Its energy is drained, its will broken...The fight is over.



The Horadric malice is ours.

This post was edited by Kenorwox on Mar 18 2018 07:59pm

Malus*

woops

This post was edited by Kenorwox on Mar 18 2018 08:34pm