Log 35
I decided to venture back towards the Stormhills. I stopped by Sir Bernahl's shack to speak with him for a while, and continue my tutelage under him. He is truly worthy to carry the title of Knight, both in skill and in valor. He seemed impressed by my growth, and his praise honors me. I have others to thank for my strength, both the many gracious guides and teachers I've come across, and Melina for giving me the strength of runes.
Venturing through the forest again didn't turn up much beyond more raining wolves, but at the edge of it I came across a massive colosseum. When I moved to investigate, I found myself ambushed by another Tarnished. I tried to tell him that I meant no harm, but he was in no mood to speak. That massive hammer he carried nearly smashed my shield to pieces, but I was able to gain the upper hand with a well-timed counterattack, and then cut him down before he could recover.
When I returned to Sir Bernahl to ask about the incident, he informed me that what I'd encountered was most likely a Recusant; vile heretical Tarnished who hunt their own kind. How repugnant! We Tarnished are already outcasts, spurned by the world and thrown into a hopeless battle, why then would these beasts turn their blades upon their own kind?
The trinket that brigand dropped is called a talisman, a magical charm made to strengthen the wearer, according to Sir Bernahl. How curious, I'll have to keep an eye out for more of these throughout my travels.
Log 36
I made my way to the Saintsbridge at the edge of the Stormhills, and found it guarded by another of those pumpkin-headed brutes. I dispatched him more easily than his fellow atop Torrent's back, but before I could cross the bridge, something stopped me. I heard someone calling for help in the distance, and rushed to their aid.
It took me a while to find the source of the voice, but after some searching I found that it came from atop the clifftop overlooking the bridge. I was not prepared for the source, however. At first I wasn't sure it was where the sound was even coming from, but right before my eyes was a talking jar! With two long arms made of stone on its sides. It seems he'd gotten himself stuck in a hole, and needed my help getting out. For a while I expected it to be some sort of illusion that would be dispelled, like when that demi-human boy was turned into a tree. But no, he really was just a living, talking jar. He (it?) seemed like a jolly fellow, at least. He introduced himself as the "Iron Fist Alexander", and while I find his claims of being a warrior somewhat hard to swallow, I suppose it's not any more unbelievable than a living jar…
Log 37
Exploring along the opposite clifftops besides the bridge, I stumbled upon what seemed to be ruined statues. Imagine my surprise when one of them came to life! The thing seemed to have flames coursing through it like blood through my veins. At first its colossal size had me at a loss, but fighting those trolls has taught me well. I focused on the legs, and it tumbled down soon after. Still, the fact that it was surrounded by what seems like dozens of its broken down brethren has me worried about how often I may encounter these things…
Log 38
When I crossed the Saintsbridge, I met another of Kale's fellow merchants, this one playing a rather soothing melody. But just past him, I found more of those shambling living skeletons. I was prepared this time, however, and as soon as I cut them down, I made sure to stamp out and crush their bones so that they couldn't return, that seemed to put an end to them.
Just past that infested graveyard however, I came across something else. A man wearing the most peculiarly beautiful suit of armor I think I've ever seen. He introduced himself as D, a holy warrior hunting these creatures in the name of the Golden Order. He also taught me that these things are apparently called "Those Who Live in Death", and warned me to turn away. Apparently, a nearby village has been infested with these things, but…
If I have been called here to mend the Elden Ring and return order to these lands, then should destroying these things and laying their souls to rest not also be part of my duties? Perhaps I am simply drawn by the challenge, traces of my old chivalric honor pushing me forwards. Whatever the case, I shall investigate.
That reminds me, back at the Third Church, I came across another of those treasure-hoarding scarabs, and upon killing it, I gained the knowledge of a skill to harness holy energies through a blade. I wonder if this might serve me well here…
Log 39
I don't know what I was expecting when D mentioned a "Mariner" but it certainly wasn't… whatever it is I just killed. A skeleton rowing a spectral boat is certainly odd, but if I'm being honest I don't even think it's the oddest thing I've seen since I arrived here, and when faced with my holy blade, it fell easily enough. It was almost disappointing. Still, D seemed pleased with my achievement, and made me an offer. Apparently he's been working with someone called the "Beast Clergyman" to weed out these strange roots that seem to give life to Those Who Live in Death, and he offered to introduce me to him, and "gain the strength of beasts." I'm not sure what this means, but I saw no reason to refuse, so he showed me the location of a gateway (right behind the third church) that will teleport me to him.
While investigating the village, I found it strewn with corpses, both unmoving and moving… Still, much like the rest of these lands, the place was clearly abandoned and ruined long ago, so I suppose I can at least take solace that whoever lived here did not die to these things. Even so, the appearance of those twisted plants infesting the village makes me shudder…
At the edge of the village I spotted a stairway, blocked by some strange gate. I asked D about it, and he advised me to use one of these strange sword-shaped stones to open it. Behind it I spotted another underground cellar, this one home to a multitude of turtles. I didn't want to disturb them, so I simply grabbed the talisman held there, and left them in peace.
The day's events have left me rather tired, so I think I will investigate the matter of the gateway in the morning, for now, I return to the Roundtable.
-Accolon of Elis
So I kinda forgot to post these on here after I posted them to Ao3, sorry about that.