The following is a translated article of the Vollachian Times that was never published.
Lir-Kuhos Fankhuvrihr
The Vollachian Times, 1371
There are many beings within the world of many different origins. Interamnia, by which is the only name that this supposed being is known by, seeme to be one of otherworldly origin.
There is little documentation about this being, with the only source of information coming from an underground newspaper, the writer of which is under an alias of 'Het Varen' The information that is presented in said writings is found far and few between amongst the general public, however in certain circles, the newspaper acts as an insight into the corruption and deception of our kingdom.
Vollachia has long been hailed as both a prideful and powerful state since the dawn of its creation, but the knowledge shared within said publication points towards the integrity and unity of the kingdom worsening by the day. The articles speak of creatures known as 'Mindflayers' manipulating the wealthy and powerful to do their bidding, which is said to prohibit the use of all magic. It is even said that King Drizen II, who has an upcoming speech regarding a new law, has fallen to these creatures.
However, that is not what this is attempting to focus on. While one can dismiss the articles as ramblings of a schizophrenic man, there is a consistency among the madness that makes me question the authenticity of his claims. Mentioned earlier, the consistency is known as 'Interamnia.'
There have been scattered instances in recent history of people being miraculously cured and healed. In opposition, there has also been an almost equal number of instances where a charred corpse was found, reportedly found by witnesses after hearing a lightning strike. Lichtenberg figures and white feathers were consistently found at nearly every scene, but no trace of a culprit was ever found. Oddly, there were also a few accounts which reported black fluids and writhing appendages, however the consistency of these claims undermine it's validity.
The only clue that points towards the culprit is eyewitness testimonies, who consistently report, when asked to describe their surroundings prior to the lightning strike, seeing an unordinary-looking individual with white hair, golden eyes, adorned in a white and gold cloak. Coincidentally, when asked to report how they were healed of otherwise incurable ailments, the individuals consistently reported having a gap in the memory, only awakening to find a feather in their pocket.
Going back to 'Het Veran's' publication, the being named 'Interamnia' is frequently mentioned within the articles, with descriptions of him and his actions almost perfectly aligning with the individual I have uncovered through my research. The author asserts that Interamnia is a 'beacon of justice and morality.' While not specific, it describes him as an angelic being who 'draws his power through his practice in the virtue of temperance.' It recounts his vigilantism against forces of evil as well as his charity to those in pain and suffering. The being seems to share a close connection to 'Het Veran,' and is said to meet with him regularly, albeit the specifics not mentioned.
However, the thing that concerns me is the newest publication that I managed to get in my possession. It describes how 'the time of change' is approaching and how 'Interamnia will be the one to take out the duties in representation of all that is good and virtuous.' I am uncertain about the meaning of this, but one thing has been made clear to me - one should not take the knowledge shared within these articles lightly. I am at the edge of believing the writings, but only time will reveal the complete truth.
Note: Only seven days after the publication, word that King Drizen II was assassinated spread like wildfire across the state. Two days prior to this, records show that the author of this article ‘died a sudden and tragic death’ after he was apparently trampled by a horse and carriage. His family reports that ‘He will be missed and loved.’
A Documentation of Drizen II's Death
On the evening of January 7th, King Drizen II had just returned from delivering a controversial public speech in the city’s square regarding the newfound movement to slowly disarm and ban the use of magic within towns and cities under the Vollachian jurisdiction. However, considering several other kingdoms had begun similar plans beforehand, many were aware that Vollachia was soon to come next. Guards stationed in the King’s Palace located in the capital of Vollachia were alerted to the sounds of a struggle emanating from the King’s living quarters shortly after the king had retreated to his quarters for the night.
Gathering a small band of Royal Guards, the men rushed to investigate the origin of the noise. Upon turning a corner leading into the entrance of the King’s bedroom, the men heard the shattering of glass and spotted a hooded assailant vaulting out of a window, leading into the palace garden below. Preoccupied by the sight, the men failed to notice a writhing, black tentacle next to Drizen’s body. This was only later recalled by a maid of the palace who was present at the scene. This claim was immediately dismissed and never gained any momentum.
Searches were immediately conducted to find the perpetrator, but nothing noteworthy ever turned up. That was until a shop owner near the Royal Palace reported seeing a suspicious looking individual with heterochromatic eyes, messy black hair, and outlandish clothes soaked in streaks of blood. An artist was promptly brought to the witness, and a sketch of the culprit was produced:
The city was put into a state of high alert, with security and surveillance increased tenfold. Checkpoints at city gates required citizens to present documentation of their identity as well as be subjected to searches. Posters detailing the sketch of the perpetrator were pinned up on every surface of the city. A few days later, on a chilly morning, reports of violence breaking out at one of the city gates was brought to the attention of authorities. Rushing to the scene, a group of guards witnessed a chaotic sight. People were scrambling for safety, shouts and cries emanated from all directions, and in the midst of it all, a mess of blood, charred remains, and feathers was found. To this day, the incident is, not officially, but frequently tied to the assasination of King Drizen II. The culprit has never been identified and the questions surrounding the incidents remain unanswered.
Note: Author of work is unknown. Various rumors reported the last traces of the suspect being present at a tavern known as ‘The White Raven,’ in town named ‘Sterwyke’ outside the capital, but said claims are unproven and otherwise considered false.