Log 11

I can hardly believe it. This newfound power, it's miraculous. I could feel myself growing stronger before, but actually experiencing it in battle is something else entirely. I can shrug off blows that should have been grievous wounds, and survive wounds that should have killed me outright, and all this from a couple moments spent focusing on these runes.

So this is the power of the Tarnished. I'm beginning to understand just how it is that we are expected to face off against demigods.

That reminds me, amongst the treasure I looted from those ruins was a greatsword used by those soldiers. I'd always wanted to try wielding one of these, but I always found them too heavy to use alongside my shield. Perhaps that can change now.

Even so, it's clear that the path ahead is a steep one. My first attempt at passing the gate was cut short when a gruesome giant descended on me. It seems I grew a bit too comfortable with my newfound strength. But now the road is clear, I'll need to go out and gather more runes, slay stronger foes, and grow in strength until I am equal to the challenges of these lands.

Log 12

It seems this place is full of surprises.

I returned to Kale to stock up on supplies, and I came across a strange woman. With blue skin, a second spectral visage, and four arms, it was almost a relief when she introduced herself as a witch by the name of Renna. At least it helped to explain her odd appearance.

It seems she was acquainted with Torrent's former master, and passed a gift to me on from them. Though who this master was, neither the witch nor Melina seemed inclined to explain. The witch gave me a bell, which she claimed could summon spirits to aid me in battle from spectral ash. I tried it out, and a trio of wolves heeded my call to aid me. This will surely be a great boon, though the thought of disturbing the repose of the dead does strike me as improper.

Later, I spoke with Melina once again. She spoke to me about the Sites of Lost Grace, and directed me towards Castle Stormveil. Upon further prodding, she confessed to me that despite playing the role, she is no true Finger Maiden. She says that she is in search of her "purpose" given to her by her mother within the Erdtree, and that she is "burned and bodiless". Mysteries surround my new companion, though at least this explains how she seems to come and go with the air as she pleases.

Nevertheless, I assured her I did not begrudge her the lack of guidance. In truth, she's done a fine job of guiding me so far. And besides, I find it rather fitting. A ghost playing the part of a maiden, alongside a vagabond playing the part of a knight. What a pair we make. The fates do love their jests, don't they?

It seems the rays of grace are pointing me on the right path. I've gathered more runes and grown stronger, I can almost lift that greatsword in one arm now while I hold my shield in the other, but that giant is still a threat. Though perhaps atop Torrent I need not defeat him at all.

Log 13

Thanks to Torrent, I was able to ride past the blockade, and made my way up to the Stormhills. This place has certainly earned its name, with these unceasing winds. Though I'll admit, the raining wolves are rather odd weather, even by the standards of these strange lands.

Beside the road I found an old shack, inhabited by a travelling woman. Judging by her attire, she must have been of noble birth. Why one such as her would be stripped of her grace is beyond me. It seems she came here accompanied by a company of warriors, only for them to be "grafted", their limbs removed and attached to some "spider." I'm not quite certain what it is she's speaking of, but when I recall that grotesquerie that ambushed me outside the chapel, it paints a gruesome picture. It seems she's too frightened to go and join her fellows in being given to that thing.

I can't blame her for that, but I couldn't find it in me to reassure her, a craven like myself has no right to comfort my fellow cowards. All I can do is offer her my thanks and go on my way, and pray we both find our paths.

The girl gave me a gift, new spirit ashes with which to summon some kind of strange jellyfish. The girl said that the spirit looked fondly on me, but if they have anything to say to me I haven't heard it. Perhaps she's simply lost her mind to fear.

After parting ways with the girl, I continued upwards along the road and came across another blockade, heavily defended. There was no giant to bar my path this time, but those crossbowmen and that ballista nearly spelled the death of me. Still, I emerged victorious, and now I rest at a site of grace in a tunnel that heads towards the castle. I'll stay here for the time being and then begin my assault on the castle in the morning.

Log 14

Margit, the Fell Omen.

I heard stories of him as I journeyed here to the Lands Between. A hideous creature who appeared during the Shattering, striking down champions and blackguards alike. They said that he stalked the Lands Between in search of the Tarnished, hunting down champions and would-be heroes.

I can safely say the rumors did him no justice.

When I heard a regal voice addressing me from afar, I could scarcely believe it came from a towering devil such as he, and even with all my skills and newfound strength, I was completely outmatched. I expected him to fight like a lumbering beast akin to the giant I faced on the path here, but he moved with grace and agility that belied his monstrous appearance and size. What's more, this accursed creature could somehow summon golden weapons of holy light, and wielded that massive cane like a veteran swordsman. No matter how many times I returned to challenge him, he cut me down as if it were childsplay.

It's clear now that if I am to make my way past him, or even hope to lay claim to the shards of the Elden Ring, I will need to grow much, much stronger. I'm turning back now, to explore the rest of Limgrave in search of treasures, runes, and experience. Whatever aid I can find in these lands, it's clear I'm going to need it if I'm to stand before this beast.

I think I'll start by investigating the leads that Kale gave me.

-Accolon of Elis