The Recollections of Another Arisen

These are the first 10 pages of The Monument of Remembrance, The pages can be found in various places in Bitterblack Isle

Page 01
“I have wandered lost in this damnable maze for…it must be a year now, yet have found no hope of escape…

At times, a voice unknown to me seems to resound in the back of my mind, but my own daily fight for survival has left me with scant energy for pondering such mysteries…

From here on I shall strive to make a record of my journeys, if only in brief. Perhaps a journal of my thoughts might bring some small comfort —to me, or to any who would follow… ---Arthacos”

Page 02
“I have encountered many fellow wanderers in this queer place… There are endeavors for which I would entreat their aid, yet any attempt to join my cause with theirs has been futile.

The others are oft preoccupied with matters of their own. Some regard me with hostility, while others slink away with nary a word… Indeed, many seem to have parted ways with their own reason

Perhaps it is to be expected among those in such harsh environs, but with each rejection my pangs of solitude take on a sharper edge…”

Page 03
“He lashed out at me like a wounded animal, malice clear in his bloodshot eyes. I have finally managed to calm him, somehow, and he told me his tale.

He spoke of losing his heart to a dragon, so that he might avenge himself against the noble responsible for his daughter’s death…

But when I suggested a union he would not hear of it. Instead he vanished back into the labyrinth’s depths from which he came. I have not seen him since…”

Page 04
“…a women of scant few years. She said she was Arisen, too, and in search of armaments from some prophecy or legend.

She had a composure far beyond her years, and her manner gave me hope of fellowship. But she refused my invitation flatly, calling the duty hers to achieve alone.

Maybe she had some fear of me? She, too, I have not seen or heard of since. Perhaps she found the items she sought? Or perhaps something else found her first.”

Page 05
“All the folk I have met in this labyrinth, without exception, are acquainted of a dragon. They are all Arisen.

“Tis curious indeed to meet so many with a destiny so like my own… Have we all been led here? Who would design – or gain from – such a ruse? What could await us at its end?

Questions I must ponder, but another day; I mustn’t let it distract me from the task I have sworn to complete…”

Page 06
“I am weary from toil and impatience both, and still the whispers continue…

I have steeled myself for a hard journey, but ne’er did I anticipate an ordeal such as this… One might think I’d grow accustomed to the isolation, having long since lost my attendant pawn, but it only grows harder to bear. There are riftstones here, but they are all broken, and I shan’t expect to see them mended. Now my only companion is that strange voice…”

Page 07
“That voice… It speaks e’er within me, growing louder by the day, frustrating any attempt to ignore it. Even keeping hold of my own thoughts has become a struggle…

Is this some omen of impending death? Clearly it is not the voice of my dragon steward…

Its monologue is incessant, its word clear and crisp, but I cannot grasp their meaning. Perhaps strangest of all is how little I’m bothered by hearing it of late…”

Page 08
“Could this voice be attempting to instruct me how to proceed? Might it enlighten me about the darkness in which I’ve been sealed?

But I must not forget! I have a duty to perform. A duty… But what!?

Ah, ‘tis impossible to gather my thoughts! What was the duty I pledged myself to? What was it that once I believed!?”

Page 09
“…will record it here in case I should ever forget again: I am Arisen. Tis my duty sworn to bring everlasting peace to my homeland by making an officering of untainted souls‘ – one thousand human sacrifices – but as of yet I have fallen short of my obligation.

I sear again I will honor my promise to the dragon and receive its boon. I will locate and deliver the souls required, even in the depths of this dark place.”

Page 10
“I had only to listen…

What was once only fog is now as a spring day to my eyes…

What was once only noise, now as a song to my ears…

It whispers the answers before I need even ask questions…

I must continue the sacrifices

And so come the Arisen to this place, like salmon climbing down a great, dark stream…

They aid not in life, but in death… their blood fulfilling my promise and my duty…

...I had only to listen”

Trivia

 * Its highly possible that Arthacos was infact Death himself.