Loose threads What IS the Twilight Archive? Is there a way to rid it of it's living rot that pushes us away? What can we do to cure those who come from there unwell? What is happening with Raket, are they well? What / Where was the Red Room that we experienced? What makes the Bodaks?
Participants Aznyss Theras Vaelindra Cielo Lafley Maple Karcaw Abraham Dolvameg Eleanore
Locations The Twilight Archive
Short summary:
Our party answered rumors of a mysterious location known as the Twilight Archive, a place said to contain impossible knowledge and quite possibly far more than just books. After unsettling warnings in First Landing and Roanokae Camp, we pressed onward despite repeated evidence that the Twilight Archive was not a place those who went returned whole from. We survived encounters with those already touched by whatever influence surrounds the Archive, reached its threshold, and plundered it for the knowledge I did seek.
-Aznyss Theras
Full Report
I formed an expedition after hearing rumors of the Twilight Archive alongside Karcaw, Lafley Maple, Vaelindra Cielo, Abraham Dolvameg and Eleanore, after a public sermon by a one Father Phosuvious that left us all scratching our heads about what this place could hold. I had been searching for a means to find my own way in this New World since the events on that damned burning island, and this seemed like a great place to start. The man's behavior was.....unsettling to say the least, but he spoke so excitedly of the place, I think we were all a good bit excited to learn more.
Before our departure, the Father had singled out Eleanore, insisting the Archive could somehow......allow her to see her.......god once more? It was an odd interaction and one that left us all wondering if this man knew more then he was letting on. He refused to elaborate, and only insisted we seek the truth ourselves.
Our journey brought us to the Iron Front, to Roanokae Camp where we met with a Catfolk named Ajan. She warned us that nearly everyone who ventured to this place either failed to return, or came back changed beyond recognition. To emphasize her warning, she showed us a survivor. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: I really need to learn the tongue of those who live in this land. Several times now I've been lost without a translator.)
What we saw there after laying eyes on the man in the tent was something I barely am able to explain well enough. Or at least, in a way that allows it to make sense. We had stepped into the tent, but there was no tent. Instead, a crimson room lit by a single candle. It felt so alien, and the heart wrenching feeling that something had gone terribly wrong. I had experienced strange visions in the past, but this one felt different.......it felt.....I don't wish to revisit it. I cannot.
Despite Ajan's warnings, we decided to push forward, she insisted we look for Raket who had left shortly before this day, but hasn't reported back at all. They were worried, understandably. Shortly afterward, an afflicted Orc bust through the gates of the camp in obvious trouble. Unfortunately requiring our intervention, we stepped in, and even through efforts to not kill the man....they succumbed to their anguish. I wish I could say I distinguished myself in this battle, but ever since seeing that room.....my nerves got the better of me. Sometimes I wonder if this is truly my path. If all of this is to help me find my own way, maybe it's not with bow and arrow after all. I'll need to think on that.
After their passing, the creature changed to that of darkness, a Bodak we would learn. We fought through it and won, but at what cost? We were given directions to where the Twilight Archives were meant to be, and made haste. The closer we came to its location, the more reality itself seemed uncertain. The Archives itself cloak themselves in invisible camouflage- you'll need to either push through the barrier, or find some way to make it reveal itself. We've learned how to open the door, but it may not be safe.
As we entered, we were gripped with a deep fear of this place. We met a man who had refused to introduce himself who provided us protection through three amulets. We passed these out to the group the best we could, and it seemed like those who wore them were able to stave off the frightening feeling of the Archives itself. They told us how to leave if we needed, how to exist in this place, but warned us not to stay long. The same warnings that Ajan gave.
There was a crow inside, watching us. Abraham told us it was some kind of Nosoi, it followed us everywhere we went until we found Raket at last. He was being guarded by some blood-hunting creature. Be careful if you traverse these halls, even the weaker monsters may prey upon your frightened state here. We fought the best we could, enduring blow after blow from this thing that pursued us relentlessly. I was able to destroy the Nosoi, and Eleanore made the final strike against the Thing. Raket seemed shaken, but once we got them out of the Archives, and placed an amulet around their neck, they were able to tell us what happened at least. The Twilight Archives almost claimed another victim. This unspeakable dread, the Archives being a living being that works to expel those inside it like an infection....is that what created the Bodaks? That requires investigating.
We left alive, with our minds in one piece which feels like a good enough win for me. Whatever lies within those halls is neither ordinary history or forgotten magic. Guard your mind, guard your hearts and be ready for a fight within yourself just as much as those that may assault you. I cannot stop thinking about that red room with the candle. It seemed to be waiting for someone.
I can really only hope it's not waiting for me.
-Aznyss Theras