Dear Journal,
It would technically be inaccurate to say that I awoke yesterday morning, but something did. I have never felt so invigorated. I can hear him everywhere! His song blows in the breeze. His encouraging whispers echo in the settling stone walls. We are close. I can feel the mental assault of the Tear. The foul aura, even this close, pales in comparison to my burst of determination and focus.
After we gathered ourselves, Alyana stepped cautiously into the hallway where she stumbled upon three patrolling demons. She led them into the hallway outside our resting place, giving us the advantage. Here, the brave Diogi held them at bay while we pelted them with a barrage of arrows and magic. All was going well until we were flaked by two molten behemoths in an adjacent room. Luckily our raving mad sorcerer and his unpredictable orb transformed one of the beasts into a harmless sheep. Thanks to this improbable act, and a nearby pit, we were able to quell the beasts.
Alyana investigated another nearby hallway which led to a series of chambers covered in rancid flesh. A hulking, zombified monstrosity lurked within one of these chambers, stuffing his maw with the strewn chunks of meat. She wisely lured him into a narrow hallway, where his vain attempt to spawn a gang of meaty mutations were easily dealt with. Our positioning was perfect. After he was dealt a considerable amount of damage, he retreated back into his chambers, where we chased him down and slew him.
Among the bloody mess, we found a leather helm which made us all very uncomfortable until, interestingly enough, it was placed upon Without's head. I find it ironic that one ominous entity can be neutralized by another.
Exploring further, we entered a crypt which seemed to predate our surroundings. The others wished to investigate the contents of sarcophagi that lined the walls. In the largest of these containers laid a skeletal figure clutching a large gem. The cobwebs and layers of untouched dust should have been warning enough. In a place crawling with enemy forces, this room must have been avoided for a reason.
As Alyana ripped the gem from the brittle, icy fingers, the skeleton quickly sat up. It cackled maniacally and threatened our lives. Its spirit manifested itself, along with several ghostly accomplices, intent on punishing us for our trespassing. We fell back to a more strategic position as Talos held the line, leaving him in a dangerous position. Soon they were upon them. Although I had suffered several devestating blow during the day, and was collateral damage for Without's damned orb again, I urged Talos to surrender his position to me. He focused his energy, and transported himself to my position as I appeared in his.
Now it was I who was in the precarious position. Though I was in dire straits, I had no reason for concern. The spark of divine lives within me, guiding my every move. I reminded these undead bastards of the power of Corellon Larethian, filling the room with scorching, radiant energy which tore away at their ghostly forms. At the reactive swipe of the first spirit to gather themselves, I pulled my cape around my body and instantly found myself behind the front line, among my allies. The ghosts did not last much longer.
I was now closer to unconsciousness than before, and my friends were just as weary. Barely able to stand, I dragged myself behind the others to a nearby room, where we scattered the bones from the crypt upon the floor of the two hallways which were the only entrances.
I was aroused from a deep mediation by the careless stumble over these bones, and the audible curses of a patrolling trio of Teiflings. Instantly, I was on my feet, firing my magic down the hallway as the others were shaken from their sleep. I knew we had to hold them at our entrance to maintain the advantage, so I consulted the ancient arcane powers to conjure a vengeful, shimmering blade to hold the front line. This tactic proved critical to our swift and effortless victory.
It was now vital that we rest, and luckily, we were able to recharge our bodies and minds.
The others are now stirring, and we will soon be on our way. I look forward to my next entry, Journal, for I know it will be the record of our taking this stronghold from Malachi and destroying the evil Tear. Wish us luck, Journal, and may Corellon's blessings shine down on us during this coming battle. Today, Malachi will taste the vengeance of the gods.
