The following text is written in Draconic.
These are the personal thoughts and experiences of Vildosiik. However, the power it could summon seems boundless.
Entry #1
An apprentice of mine recently discovered an interesting rune in a cavern to the south. It is like nothing I've seen in my years researching the powers of the past. I believe it contains an immense amount of power, but I can't be certain for what purpose it serves. I'll need to spend some time deciphering this. It could be quite valuable to us.
Entry #2
I've spent the last several weeks working tirelessly to decipher this ancient rune. It's just as I suspected it is some kind of power source. However, using it seems to pose a great risk of harm to the body.
Entry #3
I have made a breakthrough! While the rune would destroy any mortal that tried to harness its power, I believe that the rune possesses the power to pierce a hole in The Celestial Seal and draw power directly from the Void Force, and then in turn I should be able to survive using the rune with the void energy. This discovery is monumental! If I can learn to tap into this power, I can wield the might of which the world has never seen!
Entry #4
My research has come to a critical juncture. I figured out the runes summon what I can only think of as a sentient being. The problem is activating them would require the work of a powerful necromancer. I taught myself the proper incantations, so now it comes down to this decisive moment!
Entry #5
The clan leaders heard of my experiment... and what went wrong. It's my fault what happened to Gythenag, my loyal apprentice... but we can't stop now! I've sacrificed so much for this project, and I know that I'm on the precipice of greatness! I created one last experiment, a test ritual that would only require four assistants... and a few unfortunate slaves. The clan leaders disapproved of my proposal, but I will not let them stop me when I am so close!
Entry #6
The clan leaders heard of what I was planning, and before I could bring together everything I needed they had me arrested. I was brought before Tamahan herself for my judgment. Before I was taken to her, my new apprentice, Aru, suggested I plead insanity and swear away my studies of the arcane... foolish Kobold!
Entry #7
Exile was not the punishment I had expected, but it seems Tamahan respected my pursuits. We need to use every ounce of power to fend off the invaders from Candara. I was also pleased to find Yilri and Erjath waiting for me as we left.
Entry #8
I made a friend of an enemy today. We were traveling when we were ambushed by Candaran soldiers, but thankfully my knowledge of their war customs allowed for us to surrender without being harmed... I don't count Aru. They were led by a nobleman known as Harald Weiß. He was surprised by my respect for their culture and engaged with me, telling many fascinating stories.
Entry #9
I decided to take a gamble. I know Humans generally despise necromancy, but this man seemed more level-headed than most. I told him of my research and why I had been separated from my clan along with my apprentices. I offered him a deal with an outstretched hand: I would assist his army in carving out a chunk of territory to the south by fighting against the Willowalker Elves, a thorn in my clan's side for ages, giving him a large claim of the lands, and in return, he would help me complete my research and perhaps once that was done he could be the "saints" of this war that bring it to a truce. After a moment of silence, a moment of agony followed as he cut off my arm. Thankfully, Harald did not order my execution after my offer, but it certainly feels like he now plans to let us rot behind bars anyway.
Entry #10
Much time has passed, and the situation has changed. Harald released us from our prison today and agreed to go with the plan I mentioned to him months ago, under the condition that he be one of the casters of the ritual so that he truly knows what he is doing, and so that he can stop it if he changes his mind about heading down this dark path. I agreed.
Entry #11
I understand now necromancers get so addicted to this power. It's strange how freeing it feels to have two arms once again. The battlefield is the perfect training ground to perfect my knowledge of necromancy and improve the chances of success in this ritual. I also find it easier to watch the traitorous humans fight one another rather than my brethren. We only need one last thing to ensure the ritual goes smoothly... dear Gythenag's body will be of use once more...
Entry #12
We finally have everything required to complete the ritual... the only thing now is to make sure Aru doesn't muck the whole thing up. It's a shame I couldn't exchange one last conversation with the clan leaders before the fruits of my labor prove their fears were meaningless. If we're lucky, perhaps we will inherit the same lifespans as the elves we captured, although I suppose that won't be too important to me since I will certainly be able to claim the Rite of Ascension after this succeeds.